Sandie Davis is the Chief Inspiration Officer for LIFEROAD PANAMA, a full service relocation and real estate company.

If diversifying your assets and exploring real estate options internationally are on your to do list in 2016, PANAMA should be on high on your list. Rated the top retirement destination in the world for years, it continues to rate well in the fiscal community as a great bet for investing and living overseas. In 2014, the New York Times named Panama their favorite place to visit globally, and it is no surprise to those of us who enjoy the amazing lifestyle variety here. From big city life, miles of beaches, water sports, cool highlands and the expansive nature alternatives on offer, Panama is a compelling destination. And, the US dollar as currency, low cost of living, real estate tax exoneration on new properties and big discounts for seniors is accelerating the pace of interest here.

Recent trends I have noted are creative investors who are arriving with their community of family and friends in tow to explore a new possibility for anchoring their futures together. We’re seeing families arrive to convert beachfront mansions into boutique B&B’s. One investor is successfully converting and renting large homes in the beach and city to single retirees with similar interests. I recently talked with a group of 4 couples from the states who had come to Panama together to find a community that would allow them to remain neighbors – they were impressed with the variety of options available to them. Others are brainstorming about long term home sharing as a retirement solution for singles, friends and couples that would include a live-in community, shared expenses and support for evolving needs.

Affordable land parcels are also developing into eco-communities with single family homes that include shared garden and social spaces. New ways of living for a new way of life – how inspiring!

There are miles and miles of sandy beaches in the Pacific Riviera communities where there are amenity rich residential condo villages, beachfront villas , single family home neighborhoods and land parcels. They are among the top rental and retirement destinations in the world. There are also highlands with cooler weather, expat villages, weekly markets, good schools and strong communities.

Panama City is the country’s mecca of entertainment, amenities and business and a compelling destination full of hotel accommodations, restaurants, and exceptional medical care at amazingly low prices – deeply discounted for those who obtain the popular retirement VISA. The city also boasts great opportunity for rental returns as more and more executives arrive to optimize and launch new business opportunities.

Real estate values continue to be strong in Panama and that is good news to investors. Prices fall below global standards – it is still possible to find beachfront properties for under $200k that rent for up to $1600/month – if you come soon. There are also some gorgeous million dollar properties if that is the kind of budget you are looking to diversify! We are seeing strong returns for investors who buy to rent, and it’s a great strategy to generate income on a property you will eventually relocate to.

Winter in the northern hemisphere brings blue skies and gorgeous summer trade winds here in Panama. You’re welcome to come for a visit to thaw out. Ask your tribe if they are also considering making an international move and come together to have a look around!