I booked a $200 flight to Panama on a whim, then decided to move there. I found the community I was missing in the US.
Chrysten Crockett went on a trip to Panama and decided to move there. She cites the strong community culture as a key factor in her staying.
Chrysten Crockett, a 36-year-old content marketing agency owner from Cleveland, has decided to make Panama City her permanent home. After traveling extensively in Latin America, Crockett visited Panama City on a whim and found herself falling in love with the country. She was particularly drawn to the welcoming community and stronger sense of belonging in Panama compared to the United States.
Crockett moved from Atlanta to Panama City in December 2024, and her legal process of becoming a resident began in March 2026. She leaves behind her belongings in Atlanta, preferring to embrace a life of detachment. Rent in Panama City is significantly cheaper than in Atlanta, with Crockett paying $2,050 a month for a one-bedroom apartment, compared to $4,000 to $5,000 in Atlanta.
The community in Panama is characterized by strong relationships and mutual support, creating a warm and welcoming environment. Crockett enjoys the peace and safety of Panama more than the stress of daily life in the US, and she sees Panama as her long-term home.
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