Expat Interview: Why Boquete Became Home: Sean and Jane’s Family Journey from South Africa to Panama’s Highlands

Six years ago, Sean and Jane made a life-changing decision. They left South Africa and moved with their then pre-teen son to the Boquete area of Panama, searching for a safer, more peaceful, and more opportunity-filled life for their family.

In our recent interview, Sean and Jane shared their honest story of relocating to Panama — the excitement, the uncertainty, the difficult moments, the rewarding milestones, and ultimately, why Boquete became home.

Their journey is not just about moving abroad. It is about building a new life, raising a child in a welcoming community, creating meaningful businesses, and discovering a lifestyle that has given their family a greater sense of security, connection, and possibility.

Leaving South Africa and Choosing a New Future

Moving to another country is never a small decision, especially with a child. For Sean and Jane, leaving South Africa meant stepping away from the familiar and beginning again in a place where they hoped their family could enjoy a different quality of life.

During the interview, they spoke about the contrast they feel between their life before and their life now. One of the biggest differences they described is safety. They shared that they feel significantly safer living in Panama than they did in their home country, and that peace of mind has had a profound impact on their day-to-day lives.

That sense of comfort matters. Being able to enjoy daily routines, participate in community life, run a business, and watch their son grow up in an environment that feels more secure has been an important part of why they love Boquete.

They also spoke about finding more opportunities than they had expected — opportunities to create businesses, connect with people, serve the expat community, and build a lifestyle that feels more rewarding and sustainable.

Why They Chose the Boquete Area

Boquete has long attracted people from around the world thanks to its cooler mountain climate, green landscapes, welcoming atmosphere, and slower pace of life. For Sean and Jane, it offered something deeper: the possibility of building a life that felt right for their family.

At the time of their move, their son was approaching his teenage years — an age when friendships, belonging, and social connection matter deeply. Naturally, they had questions about how he would adjust, whether he would meet other children his age, and how family life would feel in a town so different from what they had known before.

Looking back now, they speak very positively about that part of the journey. The Boquete area turned out to be a wonderful place for their son to grow, make friends, and become part of a good group of young people in a similar stage of life. That sense of belonging made a major difference for the whole family.

Building Larry’s Place: A Furniture Business with Community at Its Heart

After relocating, Sean and Jane opened Larry’s Place, a small business specializing in:

• New furniture

• Used furniture

• Consignment furniture

Larry’s Place is located in the strip mall behind the Texaco gas station in Alto Boquete, directly along the main highway.

The store has become a useful local resource, especially for people moving into the Boquete area and setting up homes. For many newcomers, finding quality furniture, practical household items, or affordable pieces can be part of the relocation challenge. Larry’s Place helps fill that need while also giving Sean and Jane a meaningful way to connect with the community.

Their business story reflects the realities of starting over in another country. They talked openly about the ups and downs, the hard moments, and the learning curve that comes with building something from the ground up. But they also shared the satisfaction of creating a business that serves local residents, expats, and newcomers alike.

Helping Expats Buy Cars in Panama

In addition to the furniture business, Sean has also found another way to help people relocating to the area: he sources vehicles and assists other expats with purchasing cars in Panama.

For newcomers, buying a vehicle in a foreign country can feel overwhelming. It may be difficult to understand pricing, paperwork, registration, inspection concerns, and how to find a reliable option. Sean’s local experience and practical knowledge have allowed him to help others navigate that process with more confidence.

This has become another example of how Sean and Jane did not simply move to Boquete — they became active contributors to the community, offering services that make life easier for others beginning their own Panama journey.

The Hard Times, the Good Times, and the Reality of Starting Over

One of the most valuable parts of Sean and Jane’s interview was their honesty. They did not present life abroad as perfect or effortless. Like any major move, their transition came with challenges.

There were moments of uncertainty. There were business obstacles. There were adjustments to a new culture, a different pace, and a different way of handling everyday life. Starting again in another country requires patience, resilience, and the ability to stay flexible when things do not go exactly as planned.

But alongside those challenges came meaningful rewards:

• A greater sense of safety

• New business opportunities

• Strong friendships

• A supportive community

• A healthy environment for their son

• The satisfaction of building businesses that serve others

• A lifestyle that feels aligned with their family’s values

Their story is a reminder that moving abroad is not about escaping every difficulty. It is about choosing the kind of life, community, and environment you want to build around yourself.

Finding Friendship and Community in Boquete

Today, Sean and Jane speak with genuine affection about life in Boquete. They love the friendships they have formed. They appreciate the warmth of the people around them. They value the rhythm of daily life and the sense that they are part of a real community.

For their family, Boquete has provided:

• A welcoming environment

• A good social circle for their son

• Strong friendships for themselves

• Opportunities to build meaningful businesses

• A safer and more comfortable lifestyle

• A fulfilling day-to-day life

Their story highlights something we often hear from people who choose Boquete: the area has a way of becoming more than a destination. It becomes a network of people, routines, relationships, and shared experiences. It becomes home.

Why Boquete Works for Families, Entrepreneurs, and Expats

Boquete is often discussed as a retirement destination, and it certainly appeals to retirees. But Sean and Jane’s experience also shows why the area can be attractive for:

• Families

• Entrepreneurs

• Small business owners

• Expats seeking community

• People looking for a safer-feeling lifestyle

• Those hoping to create new opportunities abroad

The region offers a unique mix of:

• Cooler mountain weather

• Natural beauty

• A well-established international community

• Local businesses and services

• Social opportunities for adults and children

• A slower lifestyle without feeling isolated

For families considering a move to Panama, the social side of relocation matters just as much as the practical side. Schools, friendships, activities, and community support all influence whether a place truly feels livable. Sean and Jane’s experience is a powerful example of how Boquete can offer that sense of connection.

A Real Story of Building a Life in Panama

Sean and Jane’s journey is inspiring because it is authentic. They moved from South Africa to Panama, faced real challenges, built businesses, raised their son in a new environment, and formed a life they deeply enjoy.

Their story is a reminder that the right place is not only about scenery or climate — although Boquete has both in abundance. It is also about:

• Feeling safe

• Finding opportunity

• Building friendships

• Creating a livelihood

• Watching your family thrive

• Feeling that you truly belong

For Sean and Jane, Boquete has delivered all of that.

Thinking About Moving to Boquete or Buying Property in Panama?

At Panama Properties, we believe that choosing where to live is one of the most important parts of the real estate journey. The right home begins with the right community.

Whether you are considering:

• A move to Boquete

• A home in Panama’s mountain regions

• A relocation with children

• A retirement lifestyle abroad

• An investment property in one of Panama’s most desirable expat destinations

our team can help you better understand the areas, the lifestyle, and the real estate opportunities available.

Visit www.panama-properties.com to explore properties and learn more about living in Panama.

Ask us about mortgage and loan options — available with approved credit.Interested in purchasing with cryptocurrency? We can guide you through the process.