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Chiriqui Province
There are a number of resources of information about Chiriqui Province on the web and we won’t attempt to duplicate those resources here. Reference too many of those resources are included on our LINKS page. What we will attempt here is to point out some of the many positives to give you reason to consider this area.
Known as the “Breadbasket” of Panama, Chiriqui Province is the westernmost province and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the south, the Republic of Costa Rica to the west, and the provinces of Bocas Del Toro to the north and Veraguas to the east. The Farmers, Ranchers and the Fishermen of Chiriqui produce an incredible variety of fruits, vegetables and meat and fish. Because Chiriqui’s altitude ranges from sea level to a mountain more than 11,000 feet high, plus the abundance of sealife in the Gulf of Chiriqui, this variety of food production has produced a very prosperous economy within the province. This economy continues to expand. There are large undeveloped areas also which, as they are developed into producing lands, will add to that prosperity.
Chiriqui is also blessed with large farms growing valuable tropical hardwoods such as Teak and African mahogany. Coffee, considered by experts to be among the world’s finest quality, also grows in the highlands of Chiriqui.
The area of Puerto Armuelles, with deep water port facilities, is rapidly being developed as an oil refining and trans-shipment point. A huge refinery is planned for that area with more refinery and pipeline facilities under consideration.
Chiriqui is rapidly being developed as a tourism destination as well. Considered as one of the world’s top sport fishing and scuba diving destinations, the off shore Gulf of Chiriqui, plus the beautiful beaches along the coast and the unique islands are also being developed with the emphasis on smaller, high quality resorts and vacation housing.
River rafting and forest trekking plus world class birding are also found here. Chiriqui is indeed, to those of us fortunate to live here, a paradise.
Yes, problems do exist. Crime, though not unheard of, is very rare. In fact, Chiriqui enjoys excellent police and fire protection. First class hospitals, both private and part of the state system, have excellent facilities and staffing in place. The Interamericana Highway which connects Chiriqui with Costa Rica and the rest of Panama is undergoing continuing improvement but with the exception of the border through City of David portion, is 2 lane and curvy in places. However there are so many positives that it is difficult to find much fault with Chiriqui. An increasing number of North American, European and South American investors, retirees and actual immigrant newcomers, but with buying power, would seem to agree!
The main city, which too many of us would seem to really be a “large town”, the City of David, is just now undergoing transformation. The tallest building in David is about 5 stories (and there are not many tall buildings in David at this time), is soon to change. Plans now are being developed for buildings reaching up to 40 stories! There are 2 newer, major shopping locales which are expanding rapidly. Car dealerships are expanding with ever increasing sales. The supermarkets, community central market and the downtown and mall stores all report excellent business and sales of furniture, appliances, shoes and clothing all record outstanding sales levels.
Real Estate, while seasonal in nature, also reports excellent sales even as other world markets report a downturn that is increasing. Interest in development projects within Chiriqui continues to increase and several new projects are in planning stages at this time. Construction of both high-end and Panamanian Family housing is on the increase seemingly in spite of a tightening skilled labor pool and increasing material costs.
Sports events, entertainment, fairs such as David’s annual international fair, “patronales” celebrations in all the towns, carnival time and many other events and celebrations create a wonderful, friendly, happy atmosphere in Chiriqui making this area a great place to live or visit.
If you decide, or have decided to come to Chiriqui, please contact Banner Real Estate and we would be happy to assist you with anything, or answer any of your questions, that we can. We are very pleased to be here in Chiriqui and we know you will be too!