Panama City has long been a favorite destination among expats and retirees from different parts of the world alike. Part of the reason is its wonderful tropical climate, dollarized economy, affordable cost of living, and the fact that a good portion of the locals speaks English very well. If you are planning your next getaway, Panama City should definitely be high on your bucket list.
Check out the best places to live in Panama City.
1. Avenida Balboa
Avenida Balboa tops this list for a good reason. This is where you can find stunning apartments and condos with jaw dropping views of the ocean, vibrant nightlife and dining, and easy access to different recreational activities. It is not a surprise that a lot of people choose to settle here for good. You can always enjoy a good walk around the Cinta Costera and visit the nearby Casco Viejo. This bustling part of the city has the most breathtaking views you will surely fall in love with.
2. Casco Viejo
A popular place among tourists and expats alike, the most visited cultural neighborhood of Casco Viejo has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the heart of local culture in Panama that makes this the best place for those who want to experience everything that the city has to offer. You can choose from the different apartments in the area available for purchase or rental in buildings keeping its colonial exterior architecture but modern finishes in the interior.
3. El Cangrejo
El Cangrejo is another famous place among expats, thanks to its central location with numerous options to buy and rent. The place has affordable property and rental prices that make it ideal for people on every type of budget. You wouldn’t find it hard to meet new friends due to the large community of expats meeting in the local bars, stores, restaurants, and coffee shops dotting the area. People also appreciate the presence of several Spanish schools here. This area is also very popular among digital nomads whom more and more are making Panama their home for a couple of months or years.
4. Punta Pacífica
If money is not a problem for you and you are looking for luxury real estate properties with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, Punta Pacifica is the best place to be in Panama City. The place is near Hospital Punta Pacifica, Multiplaza Mall and many other important amenities. The neighborhood is also popular among multinational employees who come to work for up to three years in the city, if you are looking to invest in Panama, Punta Pacifica should be among your top choices. As far as comforts are concerned, Punta Pacifica is second to none.
5. Costa del Este
Costa del Este is among Panama City’s most family-friendly and exclusive neighborhoods. This is one of the very few places in the city that has undergone proper urban planning that makes it look different from the rest of the neighborhoods. It now has a shopping center, the Town Center Mall and it will soon have clinics and a hospital affiliated to John Hopkins Medicine International. This also serves as the hub to several multinational companies that make it a popular spot among multinational employees.
6. San Francisco
The last but definitely not the least of the best places to live in Panama City is none other than San Francisco. This has grown to become a hip neighborhood during the past few years and is also among the most gastronomic. There are plenty of options in San Francisco with its location that is close to everything and perfect for all budgets.