Panama has long been a gem in Central America: from its busy days as a swashbuckling stronghold for pirates such as Capitan Morgan, to its time of evolution as an international banking center, the isthmus has set standards in the region for development. Dating back to its earliest years, Panama seems to have been destined for global eminence. 

Today’s real estate boom is stronger than ever, attracting investors from the United States, Canada, and Europe, who seek not only beautiful beaches, rich history, and a low cost of living, but also aspects of first world living in Central America. To many visiting Panama, its modern skyline and abundance of new high-end apartment projects are a pleasant surprise. The bay of Panama sits just off one of its main avenues, Avenida Balboa, named after the famed explorer who discovered the Pacific Ocean, Vasco Nunez Balboa.  

Because Panama has been blessed with the economic implications of the world’s greatest shortcut, the Panama Canal, its natural resources have been somewhat overlooked—leaving perhaps the most inviting opportunity for a thriving tourism sector in the continent. Its northern neighbor Costa Rica has set terrific standards and precedence in tourism and for many, Panama is fit to do the same. Panama’s several indigenous Indian tribes, stunningly pristine archipelagos, and secluded beaches have graced the covers of numerous travel magazines as well as served host to TV shows, movies, and commercials.    

Panama is so attractive to investors from elsewhere for several reasons. First, the use of the US Dollar ensures a steady economy as well as that all-too-important comfort factor. The "jubilado" or retiree status in Panama is among the best in the world, offering incoming retirees large-scale discounts on anything from an ice cream cone to a new SUV. The weather in Panama isn’t too difficult to deal with either, averaging around 80 degrees year round. Panama is working hard to outrun the stigma of Noriega which, while completely uprooted, can be a deterrent to some investors.  

Flights to Panama are becoming easier and easier to come by, more hubs popping up all over the USA and Europe. Many investors tend to be keen on vacations to Panama because even the country’s top all-inclusive resorts—situated on the warm sandy beach of Playa Blanca (only 1.5 hours outside the city)—charge under $100 per night. With golf courses bursting onto the scene, as well as high-end spas and luxury eco-lodges in even the most remote of areas, Panama seems poised, better than ever, to take the Central and South American development world by storm.