| Ever dreamed of owning a foreign vacation home, | | | | FLORIDA?Inexpensive real estate, a low cost of |
| living or retiring in an exotic land? You're not alone. | | | | living, breathtaking scenery and First-world perks |
| An ever increasing number of Americans and | | | | should put Panama at the top of your list if you're |
| Europeans are being lured abroad by a lower cost | | | | considering living or retiring abroad.Home to |
| of living and higher quality of life. Some are | | | | Central America's most vibrant and attractive |
| returning to their ancestral countries or to places | | | | capital (Panama City), Panama is slightly larger |
| where they once vacationed, worked or studied. | | | | than the state of Florida. Bordered by the |
| Others are being enticed by generous retiree | | | | Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, it is one of |
| perks and attractive tax incentives. Outside of | | | | those places that can seduce you through its |
| reading about it, you probably have never given | | | | sheer natural beauty. The seemingly endless |
| the notion any serious thought. These three | | | | stretches of picturesque coastline, lush green |
| beautiful and affordable slices of paradise could | | | | valleys, near-perfect weather and friendly people |
| change your mind.NOVA SCOTIA: THE HIDDEN | | | | make it one of the most livable places in the |
| GEMNot all expatriate destinations are created | | | | world. If you like Florida and the Caribbean, you'll |
| equal. If you're on a budget, tired of crowded | | | | love Panama.Outside of its scenic charms, Panama |
| beaches and packed supermarkets, love seafood, | | | | is one of the best places anywhere for expatriate |
| and have a 19th-century mindset, you may want | | | | and retirees today, offering one of the world's |
| to consider Nova Scotia, the Canadian province | | | | best discount programs for retirees. AARP rated |
| which is becoming one of the most sought after | | | | Panama "the fourth best retirement place in the |
| vacation home and retirement havens in North | | | | world." When stacked up against traditional Latin |
| America.Nova Scotia is beautiful. With some of | | | | American retirement havens such as Mexico, |
| the world's most beautiful scenery, it boasts | | | | Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, Panama |
| something for every taste: historic small towns, | | | | has more amenities, lower costs, and less crime, |
| picture-perfect countryside, and a bustling capital | | | | red tape and government interference.In addition, |
| with attractive suburbs, not to mention 3,600 | | | | Panama has put together an impressive list of |
| miles of enchanting coastline dotted with charming | | | | incentives to attract newcomers, |
| fishing villages, inexpensive lots to build on, and | | | | including:Expatriates who buy or build a new home |
| opportunities for outdoor recreation of virtually | | | | pay no property taxes for 20 years.No taxes on |
| every type. Deeply steeped in Scottish, Irish and | | | | foreign-earned income (Social Security, pensions |
| Acadian (creole) heritage, the province feels like | | | | or business profits).Investments in the tourism |
| New England 100 years ago, and the entire | | | | industry are exempt from import duties, |
| province's population is less than one million so the | | | | construction materials and equipment costs, and |
| place is anything but crowded.But that's not all. | | | | income, real estate and other taxes for a period |
| With government-funded healthcare, comfortable | | | | of 20 years.The pensionado (retiree) programYou |
| spring and summer temperatures (with milder and | | | | don't need to be retired to qualify for the |
| less snowy winters than many northern U.S. | | | | program (anyone over 18 may apply for |
| states) and real estate prices considerably lower | | | | benefits). The only requirement is a guaranteed |
| than anything on the coast in the United States, | | | | income of $500 per month ($600 for a couple). It |
| Nova Scotia is well worth considering. The growing | | | | must be a pension from a company or |
| American and European expat population obviously | | | | government agency (e.g. Social Security, disability, |
| agrees.For Sale: Your own slice of the | | | | military pay, etc.). After becoming a Panamanian |
| breathtaking coastline and tens of thousands of | | | | resident "pensioner," you are immediately eligible |
| acres of quaint countryside at unbelievably low | | | | for the most comprehensive program of |
| prices. Live like a prince in a peaceful and private | | | | expatriate benefits in the world, including discounts |
| haven. Enjoy universal healthcare, friendly people | | | | on everything from doctor's visits and mortgage |
| and Cuban cigars (they're legal here). All this in a | | | | closing costs to restaurant meals and |
| pristine, under-developed storybook setting. But | | | | entertainment (movies, theaters, concerts, |
| hurry...the word is out now (you're not the only | | | | sporting events, etc.). |
| one reading this article).PANAMA: THE NEW | | | | |