$40,000 Lots in Panama’s Best Mountain Location
Date: 02/11/2008
Beautiful Sora draws locals and expats with verdant hills dotted with brooks and trails.
Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008
Panama City, Panama
Read more about Panama in International Living Postcards—your daily escape
Sora gets my vote for best place to retire in Panama for three simple reasons:
Proximity to the city and beaches: The location is hard to beat if you want to be close to the city and the beach, as it’s just 60 miles from Panama City and 30–45 miles from Panama’s trendiest Pacific beaches
Spring-like weather: Sora is in the Chame mountains and enjoys balmy weather that is slightly cooler than Panama City. The temperature ranges from 70–75° Fahrenheit during the day and is up to 15 degrees cooler at night
Ocean and mountain views: It’s strategically located so many lots overlook the ocean and the mountains, rivaling the beauty of other popular retirement destinations like Boquete (which, incidentally, is a seven-hour drive from Panama City).
Much of Sora is dominated by a modern development called Altos del Maria. This 6,000-acre gated residential community is rich in natural appeal, with rivers, waterfalls, and walking trails dotting the landscape.
For me, the only downside of Altos del Maria, and the town of Sora, is the lack of a nearby hospital. There are small clinics and pharmacies nearby that can meet many of your needs, but for anything beyond basic care, you’ll want to drive to Panama City for its top-notch hospitals and English-speaking doctors.
Two things you should know about Altos del Maria: First, there are very few full-time residents here. Most of the homeowners are Panamanians who visit Sora on weekends. Second, the development is very informally run…monthly fees are low because there are no clubhouses or recreational facilities to maintain, and there are few homeowner’s rules. If you don’t like to be told what to do, Altos del Maria could be perfect for you.
One thing’s for certain, the cost of property in Sora—both in and outside of Altos del Maria—is sure to appeal to just about anyone. Here are some recent samples:
A lot of over half an acre (29,816 square feet) is for sale in Altos de Maria for $79,900. This lot is about 1,900 feet above sea level and is located in the “Toscana” section of the development.
My contact at Altos del Maria tells me that he has just a few lots available from $40,000 in a new section of the development. This tract of land is located midway between Sora and another popular retirement destination, El Valle de Anton.
If living in a gated community is not for you, there is plenty of inexpensive land outside the gates of Altos del Maria…in Sora itself and surrounding areas like Bejuco. A quick search turned up these bargains:
- Over three-quarters of an acre just 10 minutes from the beach for $95,000
- A lot of about 12 acres with a partially built two-story home. Asking price: $150,000
- A truly rural country home with three bedrooms for $80,000.
Jessica Ramesch
The Panama Insider, International Living
P.S. Want to know how to get one of those limited-edition $40,000 lots I mentioned? You just have to call my contact, Luis. He's a really nice guy. I'm sure you understand, I can't give out his number to everyone reading this...but I tell all in the current issue of Panama Insider. Plus, I tell you about low-priced real estate close to the beach just outside Sora. If you join Panama Insider right now, you'll get this info immediately.
Editor's note: Jessica will speaking at the Live and Prosper in Panama event in Panama City July 31–Aug. 2. She will tell you more about her favorite retirement spot along with everything you’ll need to know to retire or invest in Panama. Jessica says Panama hotels offer an excellent variety, but occupancy tends to be high, so book early to ensure you get the room you want.
Read related articles:
- A Little-known Panamanian Law Could Save You Thousands
- If I Had to Choose Just One Beach in Panama...
Rate this Postcard:
Rating: 3/5 (73 votes cast)