On July 14, 2022, Kelle Sparta and her husband, Jeff Brandon, set foot in Boquete, Panama, for the first time.
Their visit to the small central Panamanian town wasn't for vacation. They didn't have immediate plans to explore nearby coffee farms or to hike Panama's largest volcano.
When Sparta, 54, and Brandon, 41, landed in Boquete, they arrived sight unseen at the place they'd call home for the foreseeable future.
The couple left the US in search of a less stressful environment
Sparta told Business Insider she was used to moving. Raised in a military family, she said she's moved 40 times in her 54-year life.
In 2018, the couple moved to Richmond, Virginia, from Boston. They were searching for a place where they could afford property and find community.
At the beginning of 2020, they purchased a house just as COVID-19 arrived in the US and lockdowns started. Sparta and Brandon didn't have a chance to meet or get to know their neighbors.
The couple felt isolated, and "the energy was so bad," Sparta said. Brandon was working a stressful job in customer service, and America's political divisiveness made day-to-day life challenging.
By 2022, the couple had reached their breaking point. They were ready for another move. This time, one that was much bigger.
"A lot of people move because of the financial aspects," Sparta said. "For us, it was not about money. It was about the stress levels and living in a space where everyone hates each other."
The couple had always wanted to live abroad
Before Sparta and Brandon met, both had dreams of living abroad. After their unsuccessful move to Virginia, international destinations were on their radar.
"I thought it was going to be Europe for me," she said.
Sparta was initially sold on Portugal. The couple also considered Valencia, Spain. They spent months researching destinations but realized Europe might not be the best fit.
Sparta planned to continue working as a spiritual coach, but the time differences would be nearly impossible with her client base. Returning to the States for visits would also take a lot of time and effort.
In 2022, a friend mentioned Panama. Sparta started researching the country, joining online communities, and reading guidebooks.
The couple quickly saw all of Panama's advantages. Its immigration process is relatively simple, the economy relies on the US dollar, Panama doesn't tax money earned outside the country, and Sparta could work nearly the same hours.
It made sense logistically. Then, Sparta and Brandon learned about the town of Boquete, and they were sold.
Boquete is home to a concentration of American retirees who flock there for cheaper living, accessible and affordable healthcare, and mild weather.
In 2022, the couple moved sight unseen
In the summer of 2022, the couple arrived in Boquete with six suitcases and their dog.
Sparta and Brandon moved into a temporary Airbnb while looking for a permanent home. They eventually found a house and signed a two-year lease.
They also started the visa process. Many older expats apply for a pensionado visa, which requires proof of income or a pension of $1,000 a month and an additional $250 for each dependant.
While Brandon quit his job, Sparta planned to keep working. This meant the couple needed to apply for a Friendly Nations Visa, a program where citizens from certain countries, including the US, can apply for residency in Panama and still work. This visa required Sparta to put $5,000 in a Panamanian bank account. She said it cost the couple about $13,000 altogether.
"It was expensive," she said. "However, we do not regret the decision in any way. We both say this was the best decision we ever made."
@kellesparta Replying to @nyx3r4ven #whypanama #panama🇵🇦 #expatlife #boquete #expat #panama🇵🇦
♬ original sound - Kelle Sparta
After securing visas, the couple adapted to life in Boquete. While some parts were easy, others were challenging, including navigating stores as English speakers in a Spanish-speaking country.
The couple's rental also had issue after issue. Not one appliance other than the refrigerator worked. But Sparta said she was shocked at how she handled it.
"In the US, I would've been apoplectic," she said. In Boquete, she wasn't angry. She attributes that to the region's calm and peaceful energy.
Finding community has been a breeze. Sparta's calendar is packed with events every day and night with Panamanians and other expats. There are theater performances, bingo nights, karaoke, and endless volunteering opportunities.
Plus, the couple has fallen in love with Boquete's mild weather.
"I don't even own a sweater anymore. I don't own a coat, and I live in my Crocs," Sparta said.
Sparta estimates they spend about $3,000 a month. Their electric bill is about $75 a month, groceries are reasonable, and rent is $975 for their three-bedroom house. According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, two adults would need $65,582, or about $5,465 a month, to live in Virginia.
Most importantly, Sparta said they're no longer stressed.
"It's like living on vacation," Sparta said. "This is the most beautiful place I've ever been. I'm truly happy here."
