Coronado Panama – Dream Retirement Spot? Affordable, Safe, Golf & Beaches!
Coronado Panama where I just spent the weekend will always be somewhere special to me.
Coronado is where I visited in 2005 aka my first real trip out of Canada. First trip that wasn’t with family and it’s situated on this great Tom Fazio golf course. A golf course that just happens to be always empty.
When I came down to Coronado, Panama, I was visiting a friend’s family who retired here. I played something ridiculous like 256 holes of golf over a few weeks, it was bliss. Afterward, I always wanted to come back. The plan was to rent a place, build profitable websites and just hang out and golf…
Coronado Panama is a Retirement Heaven
Coming back, I can’t believe how much has changed. Coronado is still a retirement spot made in haven Originally there was this place called “El Rey” which was the only grocery store. It was in the area off the highway before the gates. Now the entire area is unrecognizable with a three story mall across the street and another even bigger complex across the highway. Everything you could ever want in life or retirement including three massive grocery stores right at your service. There is even a McDonald`s and a Mailboxes Etc. to give you an idea.
Where is Coronado?
Coronado is on the pacific coast of Panama. It’s a 1:15 minute drive from Panama City. The total distance from Panama City to Coronado is 87 miles. With the highway right there it doesn’t take too long. It also makes getting to the airport rather straight forward with is convenient. Browse these facts about Panama if you’re curious on knowing more about this wonderful country.
Coronado Real Estate
We met up with my friend and had a great night that included a tasty meal and many drinks. At dawn I went for a stroll along the beach with my friend`s mother and the two dogs. Real estate in Coronado has changed. There are now some beach homes that can only be described as serious compounds on Coronado beach. There are also several high rises and more developments underway. Also the price of a lot in the area has straight up doubled in terms of price per square meter, indeed.
Coronado Golf Course
We were supposed to make our way to David aka the second largest city in Panama but we had a really slow start, go figure. Quite glad about it as we`re here another night catching up as my friend is an old University colleague and we got out to play the golf course today. Just as 7 years ago, it`s quite barren and as a result dress code was relaxed casual, to say it loosely. After you play golf on a course to yourself, waiting at busy courses is quite the bore. I`d rather play a less than desirable course with no line than a great one with waits, seriously.
Living in Coronado, Panama is affordable
Besides seeing old friends, buying a monster chunk of Filet Mignon was nice. It was cut into 8 servings for $15 and drinking a solid ration of rum from a $12 1.75L. It is good to know that I was meant to travel and not just come here to build websites and play golf. It’s great if you’re retired, you’d go nuts in your thirties.
This place is quite quiet except for the ever growing expat community that live here year round. It`s a nice place I quite enjoy but simply not enough going on for a gent in his thirties. That is why my friend lives in Bocas Del Toro. Besides the expats, wealthy Panamanians come to their second home a few days or weeks a year. If I was older and retired, this could be golf heaven.
There is no wifi connection for me to connect to so one photo will have to do. Tomorrow I leave to David, I`m moving quite fast through most of Panama. I`ve been here several times and when someone you travel with has a time deadline, everything changes. Also realizing how easy and free having no return ticket is. The commitments you choose play a huge roll in carving out your future, whatever it may be.
Time to soak it all in as tomorrow I`m out the door at 7:30am. The show must go on… On the topic of going, it`s a $2.50 air con shuttle from Panama City`s Albrook Station and takes about 1-1.5 hours depending on how many stops the driver makes. Also, the entire area has expanded and at Punta Chame, they have `Nitro City`. It’s like Disney World for those who like extreme sports, supposedly world class kite boarding as well.
Closing thoughts on Coronado Panama
Coronado is an interesting place and my favorite part of Panama. If you’re looking for a place to retire you should keep Coronado in mind. It’s a great choice for those who like golf, long walks on the beach, safety, good food, affordable rum and a social scene. Who knows, maybe I’ll retire there one day? Realistically no, the time in my life to visit and live in Coronado has passed. It’s not the end for me but it was the start.
I’d love to return to Coronado, Panama again in another x number of years. It’s a special place.
Tips hat,
P.S: Big thanks to my friends for their outstanding hospitality, great seeing you again!
