Have you ever dreamed of escaping to a place where every day feels like a slice of paradise? If so, you’re about to discover why Boquete should be at the top of your list. Nestled in the highlands of Panama, this charming mountain town offers a lifestyle so unique …it’s almost too good to be true. Let’s count down the top 10 reasons why you should call Boquete home. Stay tuned to number one… because it could be life-changing.
Number 10 - Proximity to Panama City and the Beaches:
While Boquete feels like a tranquil escape, it’s still close to everything you need. A short drive takes you to David, Panama’s third-largest city. David’s airport connects you to Panama City and beyond. Even better, the stunning beaches of the Pacific Coast are just an hour and a half away. One weekend you’re hiking in the mountains, the next you’re soaking up the sun by the ocean. Boquete gives you the best of both worlds without the long commutes.
Number 9 - Safe and Peaceful Living
Boquete is known for its safety and serenity. Crime rates are low, and the locals are friendly, making it a place where you can relax and feel secure. A good friend of mine joked that the biggest risk in Boquete…. is getting too comfortable to ever leave. Imagine living somewhere where the most stressful part of your day is deciding which cafe to try next.
Number 8 - Access to Fresh and Healthy Food
The fertile volcanic soil in Boquete makes it a haven for fresh produce. The Tuesday morning market is a great opportunity to get everything from vibrant fruit and vegetables to artisanal cheeses and freshly baked breads. Imagine stocking your kitchen with ingredients straight from the source. An American friend of mine in her sixties told me she’s never eaten healthier in her life since moving to Boquete. You’ll not only taste the difference, but you’ll feel it too.
Number 7 - Outdoor Adventures
Boquete is an adventurer’s playground. From hiking to the peak of Volcán Barú to white-water rafting on the Chiriquí River, the opportunities for outdoor fun are endless. I’ll never forget the time a friend tried zip-lining here for the first time—her excitement was contagious, and she couldn’t stop talking about the thrill. If you’re looking for excitement, Boquete has it in spades.
Number 6 - Vibrant Expat Community
Moving to a new country can be intimidating, but Boquete’s expat community makes it easy to feel at home. From the weekly Tuesday Market to social clubs and language exchange groups, there’s always something happening. Here’s a little-know secret… It’s not unusual to make more new friends in your first month in Boquete than in five years back home. If you’re looking for connection, you’ll find it here. And to find out why connection is so important, watch this video next.
Number 5 - Affordable Cost of Living
Boquete offers an exceptional quality of life at a fraction of the cost compared to North America. Imagine living in a home with mountain views for less than you’d pay for a modest apartment in a major U.S. city. It’s not about cutting corners—it’s about upgrading your lifestyle while keeping more money in your pocket. To give you an example, let’s talk real numbers.
For about $350,000 you can purchase a brand new 2-bedroom condo at PINOALTO that has about 1,000 square feet. This project is currently under construction with an estimated completion date of late 2025. I love this project because it’s bursting with amenities, such as an on-site restaurant, a reading and coffee room, multiple pools and heated Jacuzzis, a gym, lookout decks, a firepit, and even an on-site medical center.
For this brand-new property, you’ll pay about $30 per month for fire and structure insurance, about $150 per month for property taxes, $240 dollars per month for HOA, about $70-$80 per month for cable and Internet, and probably less than $50 per month for electricity.
When you add these up, the entirety of your carrying costs will be about $550 per month. With such low monthly expenses, if you pay cash for your property, you can easily live off your monthly retirement. Or if you want to invest in a second home, the low carrying costs ensure you can rent out your property and be cash-flow positive right from the start.
Number 4 - Award-winning Coffee
Boquete is world-famous for its coffee, especially the legendary Geisha variety. If you want to learn more about Geisha Coffee, watch THIS video next. Living in Boquete means you’ll have access to some of the best coffee on the planet, grown right in your backyard. I’ll never forget my first sip of Geisha coffee—it was like tasting a tropical fruit basket in liquid form. If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll think you’ve found heaven.
Number 3 - Stunning Natural Beauty
From lush green mountains to cascading waterfalls, Boquete’s natural scenery will leave you in awe. I was chatting with a woman from Houston, Texas, who had recently moved to Boquete. She described her first hike in Boquete as walking straight into a postcard. Whether you’re exploring a cloud forest or you’re dining al fresco, you’ll never run out of breathtaking views to soak in.
Number 2 - Perfect Weather Year-Round
I went to college in Santa Barbara, and the best part of my college years was living in a perfect climate. But because of its perfect climate, Santa Barbara is also ranked as one of the most expensive cities to live… in the entire world. In contrast, Boquete has a similar climate with a little more rain… and a dramatically lower cost of living. Known as the land of eternal spring, Boquete’s climate is a dream come true. Temperatures stay between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. Imagine sipping your morning coffee on the patio, a light breeze in the air, and no need for AC or heating. It’s a level of comfort very few people have experienced year-round, and one you’ll appreciate every single day.
Number 1 - Incredible Quality of Life
At the heart of it all, Boquete offers an unparalleled quality of life. The combination of natural beauty, a welcoming community, affordability, and endless opportunities for adventure makes it a place where you can truly thrive. I’ve met countless people who came to Boquete for a visit and never wanted to leave. Whether you’re looking for a fresh start, a place to retire, or simply a new adventure, Boquete has it all.
That wraps up our countdown of the top 10 reasons to live in Boquete. If you’re considering a move to Panama …or you’re just curious about what makes Boquete so special, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for tuning in to THE PANAMA PODCAST.
See you in Panama!
Number 10 - Proximity to Panama City and the Beaches:
While Boquete feels like a tranquil escape, it’s still close to everything you need. A short drive takes you to David, Panama’s third-largest city. David’s airport connects you to Panama City and beyond. Even better, the stunning beaches of the Pacific Coast are just an hour and a half away. One weekend you’re hiking in the mountains, the next you’re soaking up the sun by the ocean. Boquete gives you the best of both worlds without the long commutes.
Number 9 - Safe and Peaceful Living
Boquete is known for its safety and serenity. Crime rates are low, and the locals are friendly, making it a place where you can relax and feel secure. A good friend of mine joked that the biggest risk in Boquete…. is getting too comfortable to ever leave. Imagine living somewhere where the most stressful part of your day is deciding which cafe to try next.
Number 8 - Access to Fresh and Healthy Food
The fertile volcanic soil in Boquete makes it a haven for fresh produce. The Tuesday morning market is a great opportunity to get everything from vibrant fruit and vegetables to artisanal cheeses and freshly baked breads. Imagine stocking your kitchen with ingredients straight from the source. An American friend of mine in her sixties told me she’s never eaten healthier in her life since moving to Boquete. You’ll not only taste the difference, but you’ll feel it too.
Number 7 - Outdoor Adventures
Boquete is an adventurer’s playground. From hiking to the peak of Volcán Barú to white-water rafting on the Chiriquí River, the opportunities for outdoor fun are endless. I’ll never forget the time a friend tried zip-lining here for the first time—her excitement was contagious, and she couldn’t stop talking about the thrill. If you’re looking for excitement, Boquete has it in spades.
Number 6 - Vibrant Expat Community
Moving to a new country can be intimidating, but Boquete’s expat community makes it easy to feel at home. From the weekly Tuesday Market to social clubs and language exchange groups, there’s always something happening. Here’s a little-know secret… It’s not unusual to make more new friends in your first month in Boquete than in five years back home. If you’re looking for connection, you’ll find it here. And to find out why connection is so important, watch this video next.
Number 5 - Affordable Cost of Living
Boquete offers an exceptional quality of life at a fraction of the cost compared to North America. Imagine living in a home with mountain views for less than you’d pay for a modest apartment in a major U.S. city. It’s not about cutting corners—it’s about upgrading your lifestyle while keeping more money in your pocket. To give you an example, let’s talk real numbers.
For about $350,000 you can purchase a brand new 2-bedroom condo at PINOALTO that has about 1,000 square feet. This project is currently under construction with an estimated completion date of late 2025. I love this project because it’s bursting with amenities, such as an on-site restaurant, a reading and coffee room, multiple pools and heated Jacuzzis, a gym, lookout decks, a firepit, and even an on-site medical center.
For this brand-new property, you’ll pay about $30 per month for fire and structure insurance, about $150 per month for property taxes, $240 dollars per month for HOA, about $70-$80 per month for cable and Internet, and probably less than $50 per month for electricity.
When you add these up, the entirety of your carrying costs will be about $550 per month. With such low monthly expenses, if you pay cash for your property, you can easily live off your monthly retirement. Or if you want to invest in a second home, the low carrying costs ensure you can rent out your property and be cash-flow positive right from the start.
Number 4 - Award-winning Coffee
Boquete is world-famous for its coffee, especially the legendary Geisha variety. If you want to learn more about Geisha Coffee, watch THIS video next. Living in Boquete means you’ll have access to some of the best coffee on the planet, grown right in your backyard. I’ll never forget my first sip of Geisha coffee—it was like tasting a tropical fruit basket in liquid form. If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll think you’ve found heaven.
Number 3 - Stunning Natural Beauty
From lush green mountains to cascading waterfalls, Boquete’s natural scenery will leave you in awe. I was chatting with a woman from Houston, Texas, who had recently moved to Boquete. She described her first hike in Boquete as walking straight into a postcard. Whether you’re exploring a cloud forest or you’re dining al fresco, you’ll never run out of breathtaking views to soak in.
Number 2 - Perfect Weather Year-Round
I went to college in Santa Barbara, and the best part of my college years was living in a perfect climate. But because of its perfect climate, Santa Barbara is also ranked as one of the most expensive cities to live… in the entire world. In contrast, Boquete has a similar climate with a little more rain… and a dramatically lower cost of living. Known as the land of eternal spring, Boquete’s climate is a dream come true. Temperatures stay between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. Imagine sipping your morning coffee on the patio, a light breeze in the air, and no need for AC or heating. It’s a level of comfort very few people have experienced year-round, and one you’ll appreciate every single day.
Number 1 - Incredible Quality of Life
At the heart of it all, Boquete offers an unparalleled quality of life. The combination of natural beauty, a welcoming community, affordability, and endless opportunities for adventure makes it a place where you can truly thrive. I’ve met countless people who came to Boquete for a visit and never wanted to leave. Whether you’re looking for a fresh start, a place to retire, or simply a new adventure, Boquete has it all.
That wraps up our countdown of the top 10 reasons to live in Boquete. If you’re considering a move to Panama …or you’re just curious about what makes Boquete so special, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for tuning in to THE PANAMA PODCAST.
See you in Panama!
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