2013 RETIREMENT INDEX

Panama holds its ground staying in second place (second to Ecuador again) in the International Living Global Retirement Index.  Mexico moved to fourth below Malaysia of all countries, and Costa Rica is fifth.  Where Panama took the hit was in the real estate department.  One year ago it scored a 95.  This year it was given an 83.  This makes perfect sense because most of the time (three out of four houses now) Ray and I will buy high and then most likely lose money or break even when it is time to sell.  The cost of real estate in the area we would most like to buy in Panama is going up.  Not a surplus in houses for sale.  We could very well change our minds and settle somewhere totally different.  We have to see what is even out there for sale or go knocking on doors asking the Panamanian owners if they would like to sell their house. But I am pretty sure by the time we do get to buying any real estate in Panama, the cost of housing might be astonishing.  Too many people are getting the same idea of retiring to Panama.  Another big change was in the Cost of Living category.  In 2012, IL gave Panama a 96 and this year it scored an 86 (again, prices are going up, up, and up).  Ease of Integration went from 96 to 93 (everything is done tomorrow with many hoops to jump through, and patience must be lacking even more among the expats), but Entertainment and Amenities went from 91 to 95 and Health went from 82 to 85 (hopefully, Ray and I won't have to test this category out too soon upon our arrival).
FINAL SCORE one year ago in 2012= 90
FINAL SCORE                         2013=89

The point of this post (besides my just loving numbers and stats) is the continued reassurance that Panama is still showing great value among retirees.  And the continued belief that Ray and I are still on the right track to making an excellent retirement decision.