Original subtitles

This view is priceless.

[narrator] Imagine a world of bargain dream real estate.

-Just $41,000. -[man] What?

This is unheard of for the States.

Global destinations...

Bonjour.

I'm gonna embarrass myself. Fromagerie.

I love it.

Great way to meet your neighbors.

-Yeah. -[groups laughs]

This architecture is amazing.

...and local expert know-how.

[woman #1] The cost of this in the States...

[woman #2] I think would be double for sure.

The cost of living here is so much more affordable

than the U.S.

It is definitely a bargain.

Thank you.

You can afford to live your dream...

I can't believe this is going to be my new home.

...at a price you never thought possible.

You did incredible!

This is exactly what we came all this way for.

[Ashley] Look at those beautiful birds.

And they get to spend every day out here.

-Nothing but ocean for miles. -I know.

It's a no-brainer that I want to live here, right?

I know. I see why now.

Now you see.

[music plays]

Panama, the vibrant Central American country,

known for its world-famous shipping canal.

With over 1,500 miles of coastline and a population of

just over 4 million, Panama is attracting Americans dreaming

of beachfront living and a stress-free lifestyle.

Bordering Costa Rica to the north and Colombia

to the south, from Miami, it's just a three-hour flight

to the capital, Panama City, where skyscrapers meet jungle

in the Metropolitan Natural Park.

Here, they use the U.S. dollar as one of the official currencies,

and you can still buy a home for under $150,000 U.S.

[Ashley] I always knew I wanted to live abroad.

I'm from Houston, Texas.

Came to Panama just for a visit and decided to never leave.

Back home in the United States, when I lost my parents, I was

dealing with a lot of mental and physical illness.

I started 2024 traveling.

Living in Panama City for a year has shown me that life

could be a lot less stressful than it is in the U.S.

I've been able to slow down. I've lost a ton of weight.

I feel healthier mentally and physically.

I'm not doing this house search alone.

I'm bringing my sister.

She's flown all the way down from Mississippi

to come and help me on this search.

[Keisha] I'm Keisha.

Ashley's my baby sister. And I'm here to help.

I chose Panama Pacific Coast because of

the peace and the quiet.

Better than Texas.

To help Ashley find her forever home requires

local knowledge.

Panama has a lot to offer to people.

It's very affordable, it's got all the amenities

you might be looking for, and this quality of life

allows people to live better.

Hi, it's nice to meet you.

-Nice to meet you, too. -[Ashley] Hi.

Tell me, why the Panamanian Pacific Coast?

Well, I'm temporarily living in Panama City.

It gets a little noisy there sometimes, so I wanted

to live somewhere that's near the beach

and somewhere that's much more quieter.

So how do you feel about your sister moving permanently

to Panama? -It's been such an adjustment.

We still talk about every day.

What are you looking for?

I'm looking for a two to three-bedroom home,

somewhere that has a large kitchen.

I love to cook. I love plants.

I would like to have a garden and somewhere that's

near the beach.

Not to mention we want hot water.

Just make sure we have hot water.

That is definitely a change because we talk a lot

and she's told me that, you know, some places

don't have hot water.

As a Panamanian, we don't take hot showers

because it's already hot outside. -Yes.

And what about budget? What's your budget?

My budget is $150,000 to $200,000.

But I still need a little room to be able to furnish the place

and purchase a car.

Tell me, how are you making this work in terms of money?

Financially, I've saved for years and years

to buy my dream home.

I purposely did not purchase a home in the U.S.

because I always knew I wanted to purchase a home abroad.

Cost of living in Panama is 50% cheaper

than in United States. -Mm-hmm.

So your money, it's gonna stretch out.

Wow! I'm about to back up.

[laughing]

Ashley's concentrating her search

in the Panama Oeste province,

which is located west of the capital.

Being so close to the city, this region's proving popular

with buyers seeking great value and more space.

And with a host of visa options

that lead to permanent residency,

it's easy for U.S. citizens to buy here.

-We need to get some gas. -OK.

Is that the price of gas? 83 cents?

-Per gallon. -[Olga] Yeah.

But gas in the U.S. is how much?

$3 a gallon. Is this serious?

And then they pump your gas, too?

I told you. Gracias.

-Gracias. -Gracias.

Hey, I'm getting the hang of this Panamanian thing.

Gracias.

Just a 15-minute drive from the coast is the town of Chame.

Here, you'll find all the basic amenities.

[Olga] You see, the location is great.

We're only 10 minutes from the house, and we've got bars,

restaurants, grocery store. There's a lot going on.

So everything's pretty convenient.

-Yeah. -OK.

-[Olga] Absolutely. -[Ashley] Sounds good.

This modern home is part of a recently built complex

with a stunning community pool.

It's 15 minutes from the beach,

and Panama City is within commuting distance.

The location is great for only $125,000.

-Wow. -[Olga] Imagine that.

That's about $25,000 below my lowest.

-Ooh, wow. -Wow.

This is very spacious for $125,000.

It really is.

[Ashley] Yeah, I did not think it would be so large in here.

This contemporary living and dining space leads out

to a large backyard, something that's high

on Ashley's wish list.

There are also two bedrooms and a bathroom.

I know you want to check the hot water.

-Right. -That's only important to you, by the way.

-[Ashley] But... -[laughing]

-[Keisha] I think it's getting hot. -[Ashley] OK.

-We've got hot water. -We can check that off the list.

Yeah.

The space, it's really, it's really spacious in here.

Look, you have room for a dining table.

-Then here's the living area. -I just like that it's so open.

-[Keisha] It's a bathroom. -[Ashley] Yeah.

[Keisha] The shower has, um,

like, windows. -[Ashley] Yeah.

[Ashley] Oh, those are windows.

So somebody's gonna be watching me shower?

No, I think it's frosted glass.

-I'm gonna shower while you get in the bath. -[Ashley] Oh my gosh.

-What in the world? -[Ashley] I don't know.

That's a bidet, so you might not want to...

I don't want to...

That's for your bum, not, you know, any other part

of your body.

Let's go. Oh, my goodness.

I don't know what to do with you.

[music plays]

OK, this is pretty decent.

It's not huge, but it's a pretty decent space.

-[Ashley] What do you think? -[Keisha] It's a pretty nice size, I think.

We could work with it.

OK, what about this bedroom?

Oh. It looks like a built-in bed.

Oh.

It is.

This place seems like it's pretty great

for storage solutions.

The thing I like the most is a small complex

with only 10 units.

For Ashley, this is gonna be perfect.

She's gonna have room to breathe.

Oh, my God. Look at this garden!

-I get all of this for $125,000? -[Keisha] I'm surprised.

-This is such a surprise. -[Ashley] It's amazing.

And look, there's your own little house.

[Keisha] Oh, I'm gonna get in it.

I guess I'll get in here when you put me out and get

sick of me. -[Ashley] That'll be every day.

You should be ashamed. Put me in the dog...

-[Ashley] Is that a coconut tree? -[Keisha] Right.

-[Keisha] I've never seen a coconut tree. -[Ashley] Wow.

[Ashley] Lots of parts for you then.

This home offers Ashley total tranquility.

The loudest thing she'll hear is the neighbor's chickens.

I hear chickens.

What's that face?

I guess you want to hear them, but I don't know why.

Oh, I love the sound of chickens.

It just makes me feel like so in touch with nature.

[Keisha] Well, cock-a-doodle-doo.

[laughing]

-[Olga] What are your thoughts? -I love the home.

I was pleasantly surprised with the space.

For $125,000, I think that it's definitely a bargain.

I certainly think it's a steal.

The bathroom was a little tight, but I think

I could possibly work with it.

Mm-hmm, I'd definitely consider purchasing a new car with that

extra $25,000. -Sounds like a plan.

Sounds like it.

[singing in Spanish]

High on Ashley's wish list is being close to the beach,

so we're driving 15 minutes to the coast.

Playa Gorgona is a low-key fishing beach where locals buy

the catch of the day.

-Jose. -[speaking Spanish]

[Olga & Jose, speaking Spanish]

In Panama, you can buy catch of the day, fresh,

for half the price you get it in the supermarket.

Perfect for Ashley, who loves to cook.

[Ashley] We can grill that one.

-She may not eat any, but I sure will. -I'll just watch.

[Olga] It's gonna be very healthy. Look at this.

Red snapper. One of the best.

-[Olga] Look at this, Keisha. -That thing is ugly.

-It's coming for you. -[Keisha] No, it's not.

[laughing]

-It looks just like her. -This is the ugliest one.

[Olga] I need to wash my hands.

[laughing]

-With the fish this fresh...

[speaking Spanish]

-[Olga] She says, "It's made with love." -Made with love.

...it's no surprise that Panama's coastal staple,

ceviche, is served here.

It's got onions, vinegar, also lemon juice,

seafood, which is raw. -Raw?

Yes, raw. But it's cooked by lemon juice.

[Olga] Try it. Go ahead.

It's different.

-It is. -I'm not really a shrimp lover,

but this is really good. It's so fresh.

I can taste lots of the lemon juice.

[Ashley] That's refreshing.

[Olga] It's one of the best snacks you can get.

This is not like Mississippi. It is very fresh, I will say.

-[Ashley] You don't like it? -It is very fresh.

It's not my cup of tea.

We'll see if we can find you some fried fish later.

-That sounds better. -[laughing]

Next, Olga's taking Ashley along the coast to view

a great-value home that's right on the beach.

El Palmar is a quiet, secluded beach surrounded

by nature and perfect for anyone seeking peace.

This is a great beach community.

Lots of greenery, nice landscaping,

a beautiful ocean view.

You won't believe it

when you see it. -[Ashley] I cannot wait to see it.

This epic high-rise condo has unrivaled views

of the coastline.

Ashley will get a lot for her money here,

as residents have access to four pools,

a bar, and concierge.

The closest town, San Carlos,

is just a five-minute drive away.

-Well, here we are. -It's beautiful.

-This is amazing. -It is gorgeous.

-I love the view. -I love the infrastructure of the place.

I love how modern it looks.

Can you tell me how much the HOA fees

and maintenance fees are? -Yes, they're $149 a month.

They haven't gone up in 10 years,

so will likely keep the same. -Wow.

How much does a place like this cost?

Well, $184,000.

It's actually listed at that price.

We would find nothing like this in the States.

[Olga] Of course.

-[Olga] Take a look. -[Ashley] Can't wait.

[Ashley] Thank you.

-Mm, do you feel the air? -[Keisha] I do.

-It's got air. -OK.

Situated on the second floor, this modern condo has

two bedrooms, a balcony,

and an open-concept kitchen and living space.

[Ashley] The kitchen,

well...

-[Keisha] It's very small. -Yeah.

[Ashley] I think I could deal with the smaller kitchen more so

than I could with the lack of storage space.

-Is there hot water? -[both laugh]

I don't know, Ashley.

[Ashley] I don't know. It may not have hot water.

I don't think so.

But when you're in paradise, some things you have

to let go of. Little bar area there.

-And look at the view. -Oh, my God.

Look at that view.

Wow. It's definitely relaxing.

It's definitely giving the green space that I wanted.

All the trees, ocean sounds. It's very relaxing.

And that tranquility that I wanted.

Oh, there's a little walk-in closet area there.

Yeah, the room is not too large.

Oh.

Pretty tight in here.

I think I want a bigger space for my bathroom,

especially if it's the only one.

OK, let's check out the second bedroom.

-[Ashley] Wow. -[Keisha] Is this considered a bedroom?

I have to agree with you on this one.

This one's pretty tight.

I may not be buying the place, but I am very opinionated.

And when I come to stay, I want to be comfortable, too.

-[Olga] How was it? -[Ashley] It was good to see everything.

I love the view, but it's a little bit small.

That second, I guess, guest bedroom, it really wasn't

any privacy in there.

I think overall, it was just a pretty small, tight space.

Yeah, I think we do need to keep looking.

[Olga] We have to figure it out.

[music plays]

I wanna show you something.

Ashley and sister Keisha are getting an inside tour

of the Oeste Coast in Panama...

[Olga] I want you to try raspao.

...where roadside stalls are part of everyday life.

[Olga] Raspao is shaved ice.

It tastes very good.

-Oh, look at this! -Wow!

-[Ashley] [laughs] Wow. -[honking]

-[honking] -Woo!

[loud music plays]

-[laughing] -That's very Panamanian.

Diablo rojo. Red Devil.

Salud.

In search of a bigger house, Olga's taking Ashley

a few miles back inland to see a great value detached home

near Chame.

This quiet, suburban 2,690 square foot home

offers much more space.

It's close to the highway with excellent road links

to the city and beach.

A similar size in Houston, Texas would cost an average

of $470,000 U.S.

[Ashley] Wow, it's huge.

-[Keisha] It's very orange. -[Olga] This location is great.

It's only 10 minutes from the beach, and I believe

this is the house for you because the space, it's awesome.

It's everything you've wanted. This is top end of your budget.

It's $200,000, but it's still negotiable.

It's the top end of my budget, so I was hoping to find

something a little lower.

The house looks huge, so I can't wait to see

what it has to offer.

[Keisha] Let's go take a look at our mansion.

[Ashley] Oh, my goodness.

Wow. So spacious already.

Whoa, look at the kitchen!

This large bungalow has three bedrooms, two bathrooms,

a backyard, and a large living and kitchen space,

perfect for hosting family and friends.

-I could have a party in here. -Right.

Hey, me and you both and my five kids could fit in here.

I see you cooking us dinner in here.

[Ashley] I think so, too.

-[whispers] I like it. -You like something?

[normally] I'm pleasantly surprised.

Let's check out the main thing, hot water.

The hot water.

There is hot water.

[Ashley] Wow, it's even a huge living space.

[Keisha] I know, it's very open. I like this.

It's so comfy.

I probably would have to change some things around in here

because that window's completely covered.

I would definitely have to be able to see outside

that window. I wouldn't want it covered up.

Oh, here's a nice-size room and it has the window.

-Mm-hmm. -Lots of light and lots of space.

Yep.

Wow, and this must be the principal bedroom.

-[Keisha] I like this. -Plenty of space in here.

[Ashley] And what's in here? Oh, it's a bathroom.

-Oh, it's kind of tight. -[Keisha] Kind of tight.

The bathroom may be small,

but the same can't be said for the backyard.

[Ashley] Oh, my God!

This is a whole entire other room!

Oh, my God!

-I'm in paradise for real! -I knew you would love that.

Ashley, we're home.

Home sweet home.

-Wow, can you see us in there? -[Keisha] I can, I know it.

[Ashley] Too bad we didn't bring our swimsuits.

[Keisha] You would be living in paradise in your own house.

[Ashley] I think so.

Wow, there's even an outdoor kitchen prep space.

[Keisha] I know it.

Wow, I don't know how I can pass this up.

[Keisha] I love it.

-[Ashley] I do, too. -[Keisha] The garden is so beautiful.

-It is beautiful. -It reminds me of Mom.

OK, I'm sorry.

I think it's perfect.

Maybe we'll come plant some sunflowers.

[Keisha] In her honor.

-How was it? -Loved it for sure.

I knew you would love it.

It's spacious enough for myself, my family, my visitors,

maybe some downfalls of the property.

The principal bathroom is pretty narrow,

but the garden is the most incredible thing that I saw.

It's $200,000. What do you think about it?

That's the top of my budget.

So that's, I know it can be negotiable.

So I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do there.

And you think you're gonna put an offer on it?

I would like to put in an offer for $175,000.

Let's call the owner right away.

OK, sounds good. Let's do it.

[indistinct].

[Keisha] I think we're getting a house, whoo-hoo!

After rejecting the two other properties, Ashley set

her heart on the Sunshine House and is making an offer.

[Keisha] I love the Sunshine House, though.

I think I could just feel mom there every day.

[speaking Spanish]

I know that the asking price for the Sunshine House was

$200,000, and you're gonna offer $175,000.

Why do you think you're gonna offer a little lower than that?

You know, moving so much further away from the city,

I need to have a car to be able to transport my things and just

walk pretty much everywhere in Panama City.

But here, I think I would need a car.

[speaking Spanish]

So there's no wiggle room on the $175,000?

No, unfortunately, I don't think so.

I have to consider the other things I need to do

in order to prepare for the move.

-Well, how's it going? -Going pretty good.

-Do you have good news for us? -Well, I have some news.

-[Ashley] Mm-hmm. -There's an offer on the table.

-Oh. -It's for $180,000,

and owner thinks this is too low.

So if the owner's thinking this is too low and my offer

was lower, what do you think?

I think you should go for a $190,000.

Well, then that only leaves me about a $10,000 wiggle room,

and I still need to be able

to furnish the place and purchase a car.

I see your point.

I think it's just a little too much.

Any wiggle room?

Sure you don't wanna think about it, maybe?

Just think about the house.

Yeah, I'm thinking about that garden for sure.

Maybe a counter offer?

We just have some things to think about.

OK.

Hola, hola.

I put in an offer at the Sunshine House

for $175K.

I needed to stick to my budget because I know I'd need a car

living that far away from the city.

Sadly, that offer was rejected.

I absolutely love living in the country of Panama.

I've decided to renew my lease for one year.

I'm so excited to continue searching for my forever home.

-[laughing] -[music plays]