Costa Rica vs Panama for Retirement

I’m not a huge fan of “Happier Than a Billionaire” blog and books, but they can be fun reading since Nadine has a good sense of humor. Her latest post Costa Rica vs Panama really doesn’t give her reasons for Costa Rica because I don’t think they even tried Panama, like I did. But her post is still interesting, especially some of the reader comments! One way she and I differ is her goal is “happiness” and mine is more “meaning” or even “purpose” in life which is what I think gives real deep happiness.

Several of my early blog posts discussed my consideration of Panama based on two trips there which I agree is limited. Those posts:

26 June 2014 – Websites, Blogs, Books and Tours

28 June 2014 – Why I’m Considering a Move to Costa Rica  (Your reasons are first in choice)

29 June 2014 – Seeking God’s Leadership is First Priority  (Not where everyone is in life I know)

30 June 2014 – Why Doing This? And Why Not Panama?

23 May 2017 – Better Healthcare in Costa Rica

Now if I told you off the top of my head why I chose Costa Rica over Panama after nearly 3 years after making the decision, I think I would say:

 

  1. Nature is my first love and Costa Rica easily wins out as more natural overall.
  2. Culture of Costa Rica is just more to my liking in so many different ways from being happier, friendlier, less Americanized, pacifist with no army, and more tranquil where I visited.
  3. Cost of Living is actually higher here than in Panama just a little, but overall less than the states and easier to live here without a car than it would be in Panama.
  4. Super bus system makes it easy for me to live without a car.
  5. Healthier place by my study and better healthcare system.
  6. It feels right to me which has to do with many things like nature, previous trips here, my sense of God’s leadership, a comfortableness with it. I love it here and that is important! And I was beginning to hate the United States! (And Panama is too much like the states.)
One couple friends of mine tried Costa Rica here in Atenas and then went to try Panama. They decided to stay there and though they did not say this, their blog descriptions made it sound like they preferred it because it was more like America within a pure expat community where most of their friends are expats. And that is what some people need. I am wanting more relationships with those in a different culture and try not to hang out only with expats. That is a difference in people, purpose, or why you moved in the first place. No two expats are alike! And Costa Rica and Panama are not alike either. So if you are considering a move south, I suggest you make several lengthy trips and get the feel of places before making the big decision! And if and when made, I hope you are as happy with yours as I am with mine!
All of this is why the original name of this blog was “Costa Rica Decision Process” and why that is still in the address. And I hope it helps others make their decision.
¡Pura Vida!
 
Tortuguero Sunrise by Charlie
A Photo Gallery
 

New Sidewalk Is Exciting for a Walker!

Looking West Toward Town
Atenas, Costa Rica

Looking East Toward Colegio Gym
Atenas, Costa Rica

And Down Near the Corner
It will go around corner for another
full block, then right to Colegio Liceo
Atenas, Costa Rica

Like governments everywhere, they seem slow about getting things done and of course funds are not always there. But finally I do not have to walk in the street around “Dead Man’s Curve” or a blind curve between my house and downtown Atenas. And I imagine they hope the high school kids will use it. They now flood the streets around the school before and after school, slowing car traffic. 

My favorite place is whichever sidewalk is beneath my feet because I am just constantly fascinated by walking and looking and learning.
~Danny Meyer
And you will see much of my looking and learning from walking in my photo gallery called: 

¡Pura Vida!

Today’s Butterflies in Garden

Pale Spotted Swallowtail Maybe
Or could be Red Spotted Purple Or Female Tiger Swallowtail
Atenas, Costa Rica

 

Banded Peacock 
Atenas, Costa Rica

 

Chisos Banded Skipper 
Atenas, Costa Rica

AND a great big yellow one (maybe a Sulphur) who would never land for a photo!  🙂

See my photo gallery of Costa Rica Butterflies & Moths

And see my photo book:  My First 50 Butterflies in Costa Rica  Review for free.

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Happiness is a butterfly,

which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp,

but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.     

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Bringing Flowers Inside

I haven’t been sharing the bouquets I pick for the house,
but this one was different than most, so thought I would share.
Atenas, Costa Rica

“A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in–what more could he ask? 

A few flowers at his feet and above him the stars.”

― Victor HugoLes Misérables

See also my photo gallery Flora & Forests

Home Business Signs: Dentist

This is just two of several in-home dentists in Atenas.

I guess 24 hour service is easier from your home!  🙂
Atenas, Costa Rica

With Dental Tourism big in Costa Rica, we have many dentists!
Atenas, Costa Rica

And the photo gallery of Home Business Signs in Atenas



Dentists are medical professionals 
who help you put your money where your mouth is. 
~Author Unknown

Visit to Jade Museum Today

One of the retired Americans in Atenas organizes trips like this occasionally.
 Today’s trip was to San Jose to visit the famous Jade Museum.

Like the gold museum here it is a museum of Pre-Columbian Culture
 with modern exhibits of not only historic jade pieces but dioramas and
 videos of the pre-Columbian indigenous people here in Costa Rica.
Magnificent
San Jose, Costa Rica

The modern building of 5 stories has
 the latest educational presentations
assisting schools in history education.
San Jose, Costa Rica

Even a Jade-Jaguar monster for the kids!
 San Jose, Costa Rica

Afterwards we have lunch at Porky’s Burger Bar,
 Home of 50 types of hamburgers and 100 beers!
 San Jose, Costa Rica 
Enjoying Retirement in Costa Rica
Charlie Doggett
¡Pura Vida!


My other photos of San Jose from earlier trips San Jose