“Little by little, from why to why and from cause to effect...we came to the conviction that when a people decide to archive their liberation as a remedy for their ills, there is no component of force that can prevent it”
~ General Omar Torrijos Herrera
Key Takeaways
- A Culture of Active Living: Panama City's environment, including its parks, outdoor fitness stations, and community events, promotes an active lifestyle among its residents and expats.
- An Embracing Community: The city's strong sense of family, community gatherings, and the warm welcome from both locals and the expat community contribute to a cohesive and inclusive society.
- A Smaller Carbon Footprint: Living in Panama City allows for a sustainable lifestyle through condo living, a car-free lifestyle, and access to fresh, locally sourced food.
- Affordable Living: The cost of living in Panama City is lower compared to many U.S. cities, including affordable housing, utilities, transportation, and healthcare.
- Embracing Minimalism and Frugality: The lifestyle in Panama City encourages minimalism and sustainability, focusing on quality of life over material possessions.
Moving to Panama
Greetings from the vibrant heart of Latin America! I have for the most part put my professional life on hold for the last four months while my wife and I sold everything we owned, said our goodbyes, and moved to Panama. Now that we have settled in here, I want to share five compelling reasons we decided to relocate to Panama City.
As a couple we seek to live sustainable lives but ones rich with quality experiences and Panama is an excellent location to fulfill these desires. Some of the reasons that attracted us to move here were expected and others were pleasant surprises we discovered after moving here. So, let's dive in and explore the first of my top five reasons for choosing this fantastic place to live.
As individuals who enjoy staying active, we couldn't help but be fascinated by the health and wellness scene in this stunning city.
1. A Culture of Active Living in Panama City:
Daily Exercise Routines
In Panama City, a lot of Panamanians prioritize daily exercise. It's common to see people of all ages engaging in morning or evening walks and runs along the Cinta Costera (Coastal Beltway), a 26-hectare, 1.5-mile, picturesque waterfront boulevard consisting of the Avenida Balboa pedestrian bridges, artwork, and beautifully maintained greenway. Every Sunday the city closes two of the four lanes of Avenida Balboa for bicyclists from 6 am to noon.
We live right off Avenida Balboa and the first Sunday I witnessed this I couldn’t believe the city would close such a major thoroughfare.
The Cinta Costera has both walking/jogging and biking paths, but they can become much busier on the weekends so on Sundays the Avenida Balboas closure gives bicyclists a chance to open it up without worrying about hitting walkers and joggers.
Outdoor Workouts
The city is dotted with free-to-use outdoor fitness stations in parks. I have seen locals at all hours doing pull-ups, lunges, and other exercises while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful views. The city is bustling with parks, jogging trails, and outdoor fitness stations, encouraging residents to embrace the outdoors.
Panamanians have a deep-rooted culture of active living and health and fitness are definitely embraced in Panama City.
A Love for Traditional Sports
Soccer/Fotbol Enthusiasm (Whichever you want to to call it)
Soccer is more than just a sport in Panama; it's a way of life. The national stadium, Estadio Rommel Fernández, is a hub for passionate fans, and the city's parks are filled with impromptu games.
Baseball Dreams, Basketball Dunks & Volleyball Spikes
Baseball has a deep-rooted and passionate following in Panama with a rich history and a strong connection to the nation's identity.
The sport's popularity can be attributed to the success of Panamanian baseball players on the international stage, with stars like Mariano Rivera, Rod Carew, and Carlos Lee achieving remarkable careers in Major League Baseball.
Additionally, Panama City hosts various local leagues, tournaments, and enthusiastic fan bases that gather to play and support their favorite teams.
Basketball has steadily risen in popularity here, becoming a widely embraced sport with a passionate following.
Panama City boasts a thriving basketball scene, with numerous local leagues and clubs fostering talent at the grassroots level.
As the sport continues to grow, basketball courts are frequently buzzing with aspiring players of all ages, in the park next to our building there is a basketball court and games are played until 10 p.m. and I rarely see the court empty.
Volleyball enjoys a significant level of popularity, making it a prominent sport in the region. The National Volleyball Federation actively promotes the sport, organizing various tournaments and events that draw in enthusiastic participants and spectators.
Numerous beach volleyball competitions take place along Panama's stunning coastlines, captivating both locals and tourists alike.
An Active Social scene
Hiking Groups
Panama City offers various hiking opportunities in nearby rainforests and mountains. Joining hiking groups allows you to explore the breathtaking natural beauty while making friends who share your passion.
Dance Classes
Salsa, merengue, and reggaeton dance classes are widely available. Learning these lively dances isn't just fun; it's a fantastic way to meet locals and immerse yourself in the culture. This is something my wife and I are actively looking into but honestly, I kind of have two left feet so we will see.
Wellness Centers and Gyms
Panama City boasts a plethora of modern fitness centers and wellness spas offering a range of classes arranged from traditional weightlifting to TRX, spinning, paddle, pickleball, Yoga, Pilates, CrossFit, and HIIT – You name it, it’s here.
A Healthy Mixture
This city offers a vibrant blend of culture and activities that make it a haven for health and fitness enthusiasts. From embracing active living to participating in traditional sports, this city has it all.
The strong emphasis on outdoor activities, socializing through physical pursuits, and the availability of top-notch fitness centers make Panama City a fantastic place for those seeking a healthier lifestyle.
2. An Embracing community
Another fantastic reason why I decided to call Panama City is the incredible sense of family and community in this city is heartwarming and has truly won me over. Let's delve into the second of my top five reasons for making the move to Panama.
Strong Bonds
Multigenerational Living
In Panama, it's common for multiple generations to live together under one roof. Grandparents, parents, and children share their daily lives, providing a strong support system.
Unlike in the US, many of our Panamanian friends like spending time with their families and in many cases live with their relatives.
One of my doctors lived with his parents until they died, and he now lives in that same home and will likely raise his family there as well.
Vibrant Community Life
Local Festivals
Panama City comes alive with vibrant festivals and celebrations throughout the year. From Carnival to religious events, the whole community gathers to enjoy music, food, and cultural performances.
As mentioned previously we live next door to Urraca Park and they do not miss a chance to celebrate an occasion. Last weekend they had a big cancer awareness event with booths, clowns, music, dancing, and food.
In November Panamanians celebrate Fiesta Patria which encompasses five official holidays, adding vibrant cultural richness to the nation's calendar.
Alongside Separation Day and Independence Day, this celebratory extravaganza includes Flag Day, observed on November 4th, followed by Colon Day on November 5th, and culminating with the spirited commemoration of Los Santos Uprising Day on November 10th.
These special occasions collectively weave a tapestry of Panamanian history, culture, and national pride, inviting all to partake in the vibrant festivities that honor the country's heritage.
Neighborhood Gatherings
Neighbors often come together for spontaneous "parrilladas" (barbecues) or "fogatas" (bonfires), fostering a strong sense of camaraderie. We have been invited to a few of these and they have always been a blast, and no one cared how bad our Spanish is, they just wanted us to have fun.
Open-Arm Hospitality - Warm Welcomes
Panama's history as a cultural crossroads has led to an inclusive and accepting society. People from diverse backgrounds and walks of life coexist harmoniously.
When we learned about how hospitable Panamanians are we thought perhaps people were over-exaggerating, but we were quickly proven wrong. They are known for their warm and welcoming nature.
And as expats, we were pleasantly surprised by the friendly greetings and invitations to join local activities plus just the day-to-day willingness of Panamanians to help us find an email address, or order something at the deli.
Supportive Expat Communities - Expat Groups
Panama City has a thriving expat community with various social clubs and support groups. It's easy to connect with fellow expats and navigate the ins and outs of your new home.
There is no lack of ways to meet up with other native English-speaking expats. We personally attend a bimonthly coffee meet-up put on by an expat named Mike Kelly founder of Panama City Expats & Locals. It gives us a chance to comfortably speak in English while comparing notes with other expats.
Cultural Inclusivity
Panama City's sense of family and community is truly exceptional. The strong bonds, vibrant community life, open-arm hospitality, and support for expats create an environment where you feel like you belong.
It's a city where you can not only enjoy a close-knit family life but also become a valued part of a welcoming community.
3. A Smaller Carbon Footprint
At the core of most of my wife and mine conscience choices reflect our desire to live sustainability and a smaller carbon footprint.
Living in a condo, relying on walking and Uber for transportation, and enjoying cleaner, locally sourced food is helping us make a difference in our environmental impact. Let's explore the third of our top five reasons for making this eco-conscious move.
Condo Living and Reduced Energy Consumption
Living in a box in the sky is something I said I’d never do but eating crow doesn’t taste so bad.
The truth is apartments/condos have a smaller carbon footprint. Many condos in Panama City are designed with eco-friendly features, such as energy-efficient lighting, tankless insta-heat water heaters, and water-saving fixtures.
Condos are typically smaller in size than single-dwelling homes. This means they require less energy for heating, cooling, and lighting.
The reduced space also leads to less material consumption during construction and fewer resources needed for maintenance.
Car-Free Lifestyle
When we lived in the States, we took mass transit and walked to places a lot. However, we still drove our fair share, even though we owned a hybrid car driving was a hard habit to break.
Here in Panama City, we have gone completely carless and don’t see the need to own a car. The city's pedestrian-friendly infrastructure encourages walking as an eco-friendly commuting option.
Reduced Carbon Emissions
Panama City has an efficient and affordable public transportation system, including buses and the Metro. This makes it easy to get around without a car, the subway only costs 35 cents to ride. Such a deal!
Uber and ridesharing services are popular in Panama City. They not only offer convenient transportation but also help reduce the number of private cars on the road, lowering carbon emissions.
Access to Fresh, Locally Sourced Food
Farmers' Markets and an abundance of street vendors are dotted throughout Panama City. You can find a diverse array of fresh fruits and vegetables. Buying locally reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation.
With easy access to nutritious, locally sourced food, I've adopted cleaner eating habits, which have improved my health and sustainability.
By choosing Panama City as our new home, we've significantly reduced our carbon footprint.
Living in a condo, embracing a car-free lifestyle, and enjoying cleaner, locally sourced food have all contributed to a more sustainable and eco-conscious way of life. This not only benefits the environment but also enhances our overall quality of life.
4. The Affordable Living Cost of Living in Panama City
Panama offers an enticing combination of quality living and cost-effectiveness. From housing to everyday expenses, this city provides a budget-friendly lifestyle.
Cost of Housing
Affordable Rent: Renting a condo or apartment in Panama City is often significantly cheaper than in many major U.S. cities. This allows for comfortable living without breaking the bank.
Property Tax Benefits: Property taxes on real estate in Panama can be remarkably low, especially for new construction or recently renovated properties.
If a property qualifies the annual property tax rate is only 0.5% for properties valued from $120,001 to $250,000, while properties with values of $250,001 and above pay a rate of 0.7%.
Lower Utility Bills
Lower Electricity Costs: Panama the country's tropical climate means you'll use less energy for heating and you will most like never heat your home. Additionally, the government has subsidized electricity for qualifying residents.
Water and Gas: Water and gas expenses are also more affordable, making monthly utility bills reasonable.
Affordable Transportation
No Need for a Car: As mentioned earlier, Panama City's efficient public transportation and ridesharing services virtually eliminate the need for a car. This translates to significant savings on car payments, insurance, and fuel.
Cost of Dining and Entertainment
Affordable Dining: Panama City offers a wide range of dining options, from street vendors to upscale restaurants, catering to different budgets. Enjoying a delicious meal without overspending is the norm here.
Cultural Events: From theater performances to art exhibitions and music festivals, Panama City offers a rich cultural scene, often at a fraction of the cost of similar events in other countries or the U.S.
Healthcare Affordability
Health Insurance: Affordable health insurance premiums in Panama can be notably lower than those in other countries and the U.S. while still providing access to quality medical health care.
Medical Tourism: Many expats visit Panama for affordable, high-quality medical and dental procedures, saving a substantial amount compared to U.S. prices.
Show Me the Money
Panama City's affordability is a remarkable advantage for expats and locals alike. With cost-effective housing, utilities, transportation, dining, entertainment, and healthcare options, you can enjoy a
5. Embracing Minimalism and Frugality
This city has inspired us to live a more minimalistic and economical lifestyle. Embracing simplicity and financial mindfulness has been a transformative experience.
Smaller Living Spaces
Condo Living
Choosing to live in a condo or apartment in Panama City means embracing a more compact and efficient cost of living and space. This has encouraged us to downsize and declutter our life, if there isn’t room for it we don’t buy it.
Reduced Consumption
Conscious Shopping: The availability of local markets and smaller grocery stores has made me more aware of what we buy. We’ve learned to shop intentionally and avoid accumulating unnecessary items.
Less Stuff, More Experiences: Living with less stuff allows us to allocate resources to experiences and activities that bring more joy and fulfillment.
Sustainable Practices
Reduced Waste: A minimalistic approach goes hand-in-hand with reducing waste. We take up less space, we buy less stuff and of course, we recycle, and repurpose everything we can.
Eco-Friendly Transportation: Choosing to walk or use ridesharing services has not only saved money but also reduced our carbon footprints and is helping us stay healthier.
Focus on Quality of Life
Work-Life Balance
A thrifty lifestyle in Panama has allowed us to prioritize work-life balance and allocate time and resources to hobbies, fitness, and social connections.
Investing in Well-Being
The larger focus on minimalism has empowered us to invest in our well-being, whether through learning new skills, taking up hobbies, or seeking personal development.
Panama City's influence on embracing minimalism and frugality has been a life-changing experience.
Living in smaller spaces, reducing consumption, and practicing sustainability have not only contributed to financial savings but also enhanced our overall quality of life and well-being.
A Worthy Transition
In the heart of Central America, Panama City offers a unique blend of culture, health and wellness, affordability, and sustainability. Our decision to relocate here has been a life-changing journey, one that has enriched our lives in more ways than we could have imagined.
We are grateful for the warm embrace of this remarkable city and the wonderful people who call it home. Panama City is not just a destination; it's a place where dreams are realized, and lives are transformed.
Join us
Join us in our quest at blendedtribes.com to save the planet one Better Choice at a time.