The best areas to live in Panama in 2025

Panama is a country with a wide variety of residential areas that adapt to all types of lifestyles: urban, family, retired or adventurous. With views of the Pacific Ocean, vibrant cities and quiet mountain towns, there is enormous geographical and economic diversity, something that makes Panama one of the favorite destinations for expatriates and families seeking stability and well-being in Central America.

In 2025, the best areas to live in Panama stand out for offering good connectivity, security, medical infrastructure, shops, schools and, in many cases, pleasant weather. The key is to choose according to your lifestyle and what you value most: closeness to work, tranquility, access to nature or urban comfort.

Featured areas throughout Panama

• Panama City (areas such as San Francisco, El Cangrejo, Costa del Este): perfect for those who want to live in the financial and commercial heart of the country, with modern services and good mobility.
• Boquete, Chiriqui: very popular among retirees and those looking for a cool climate in the mountains. Ideal for a relaxed pace of life surrounded by nature.
• Coronado and Playa Blanca: for those who dream of living near the sea in Panama. Beach areas, residential developments and good quality of life.
• Clayton and Albrook: within the capital, but with a quieter and more familiar environment, surrounded by vegetation and more educational options.

Factors to evaluate your decision

Choosing between these locations may depend on your personal priorities. Some questions that can guide you include:

• Are you looking for peace and quiet or being close to the urban bustle?
• Do you care more about access to international schools or living surrounded by nature?
• Are you planning a retirement, business or family move?

In short, there is not a single “best area to live in Panama”, but rather many options depending on the lifestyle you are looking for. The important thing is to recognize what you need today and how you hope to project your life in the coming years.

For those who avoid the fast pace of Panama City, there are multiple quiet residential areas outside the capital that offer good quality of life, safe communities, reasonable housing prices and connection to nature. These areas are ideal for those looking for live in Panama with peace of mind, especially families, retirees or people who work remotely.

Boquete — Fresh life in the mountains

Located in the province of Chiriquí, Boquete is considered one of the best places to live with family in Panama or withdraw. The mild climate, security, natural beauty and an active community of Expats in Panama make it one of the favorite destinations nationally and internationally.

Some advantages of living in Boquete:

• Cool temperatures all year round (between 16° and 24°C)
• Green environment, ideal for hiking, gardening and outdoor activities
• Access to medical services, supermarkets and bilingual schools
• Diverse and welcoming community with frequent cultural events

El Valle de Antón — Nature and tranquility close to the capital

Located less than two hours from Panama City, El Valle de Antón is a picturesque town surrounded by mountains, with a cool climate and a quality of life highly appreciated by those who want tranquility without being completely removed from the city.

It's ideal for:

• Families seeking a safe and healthy environment
• Retired people who want a simple life with clean air
• Remote workers who enjoy the natural environment

Altos del María — Private community in the mountains

Located in the mountainous areas of West Panama, between El Valle and the Pacific coast. Altos del María is a private community with excellent infrastructure, services and security. Perfect for those who value Comfort in Panama without giving up the natural environment.

Although more isolated than other towns, it offers well-maintained roads and houses with spectacular views. It's common among retirees and families seeking privacy and moderate foreign presence.

Factors to consider when choosing a quiet area

Before moving to an area outside the city, think about:

• Access to quality medical services
• Internet availability and digital connectivity
• Distance to the capital or major urban centers
• Climate and altitude (some areas may be too cold or humid)

These communities offer what many consider to be the ideal place to retire in Panama or simply live in peace and nature one step away from essential amenities.

If your thing is the urban lifestyle and you want to be close to business centers, international schools, restaurants and private hospitals, Panama City offers some of the more modern and comfortable residential areas of the country. These areas have been developed with security, access to quality services and connectivity in mind, ideal for families, professionals and expatriates alike.

San Francisco

Located in the heart of the city, San Francisco is one of the most sought after areas to live in Panama. It has a residential vibe but is full of cafés, supermarkets, gyms, and quick access to the South Corridor, which connects to the airport.

Its proximity to Omar Park —one of the largest green areas in the city— also makes it an excellent option if you value having contact with nature without leaving the city environment.

East Coast

Considered one of the most modern areas of Panama, Costa del Este has been designed as a city within a city. Wide avenues, luxury residential skyscrapers, school areas, high-end malls and corporate spaces make it ideal for executives and families.

The community is very popular among Expats in Panama due to its first-rate infrastructure, private security and the sense of order it offers.

Clayton

Formerly an area of the Canal administered by the United States, Clayton preserves a natural environment, surrounded by trees and quiet spaces. The City of Knowledge, several embassies and international schools are located here. It is an area much appreciated by foreign families who are looking for a safe environment with clean air and good bilingual education.

OBarrio and El Cangrejo

If you prefer a more dynamic life, with access to new restaurants, moderate nightlife and services on hand, El Cangrejo and OBarrio may be ideal. These neighborhoods offer average income and a combination of modern buildings with commercial spaces, attracting both young professionals and active retirees.

• Oneighborhood: financial and business center, with mixed office and housing buildings.
• The Crab: more bohemian and cultural, ideal for those who want a diverse and walkable community.

These areas represent the best of urban life in Panama, with options that combine cosiness, accessibility and a well-connected environment, perfect for those looking for living in Panama without compromising their quality of life.

Choose Where to live in Panama depends directly on your lifestyle, your priorities and your future projects. From quiet areas in the interior to vibrant neighborhoods in the capital, each region of the country responds to different needs. Here are some practical guidelines for making the right decision.

Define your personal and family priorities

Before looking at properties or neighborhoods, ask yourself what's important to you:

• Are you looking for tranquillity or an active social life?
• Do you prefer to live close to work or to natural areas?
• Do you have school-age children or are you planning to retire?
• What level of access to services (medical, transportation, internet) do you need?

These answers narrow your search and help you find the residential areas in Panama more aligned with your expectations.

Consider your budget and type of property

The cost of living and housing prices vary significantly between neighborhoods. While living in Costa del Este or Punta Pacifica involves significant investment, other emerging areas such as Brisas del Golf or Condado del Rey offer good connectivity with more moderate costs.

It's also key to decide if you plan rent or buy, as well as the type of property you want (modern apartment, family home, residence with patio, etc.).

Research the community and nearby facilities

Visiting the neighborhood before moving, talking to residents, or researching on social media can give you a realistic perspective. It evaluates aspects such as:

- Presence of schools and hospitals.
- General security of the area.
- Accessibility to public transport or main roads.
- Weather and exposure to noise or traffic.

Urban vs rural lifestyle

Some people enjoy the dynamism of cities like Panama City, with fluid access to shops, events and multicultural life. Others prefer quiet living in mountainous areas such as El Valle de Antón or on beaches such as Coronado.

There is no one better than the other: it is what most harmonizes with your rhythm and personal projections. For example:

• Retired people tend to prefer cool climates in areas such as Boquete.
• Familias prioritize safety, schools and green areas.
• Expats and entrepreneurs promote bilingual connectivity and services.

Finally, think long term: if you're considering getting legal residence in Panama, it is advisable to choose a stable area with infrastructure to grow. From there, the next step will be to inform you about migration processes and how to have reliable advice to ensure a smooth transition.

Once you have identified which one is your Ideal Area to Live in Panama, the next step, especially if you are a foreigner, is to ensure that you can legally reside in the country. Get the legal residence in Panama allows you unrestricted access to local services, open bank accounts, purchase properties, and live your new lifestyle with peace of mind.

Panama offers different options for permanent or temporary residence, depending on your country of origin, employment situation or investment plan. Although the requirements aren't complex, it's important to prepare everything properly to avoid delays or errors that could cost you time and money.

Types of residence for those who want to live in Panama

Here are some of the most commonly used programs to obtain legal residency:

• Visa from Friendly Countries: Ideal for citizens of countries with friendly ties to Panama, such as the United States, Canada, most European countries and several Latin American countries. It requires a job offer, real estate investment or business establishment.
• Retire Visa (Retired): Very popular with those looking for A Quiet Area to Retire in Panama. A minimum lifetime pension of $1,000 per month is required.
• Investor Visa: For those who want to invest in real estate or businesses. The options range from real estate investments of $200,000 and up.
• Own Economic Solvency Visa: Designed for people with sufficient funds to support themselves without having to work in Panama.

Each of these options has specific procedures and documents. Some involve longer wait times and additional checks, so have Specialized Legal Advice makes a difference.

Why is it important to have legal immigration advice in Panama?

Starting the process without experience or reliable information may result in missed opportunities or even in the rejection of the request. Una Law Firm with Experience in Immigration will make the whole process much clearer. In addition:

• Evaluate which program is most suitable for your situation.
• Review your documents before submitting them.
• It is responsible for accompanying you throughout the process before the immigration authorities.
• It guides you on subsequent steps such as identification, opening bank accounts or tax registration.

Having reliable legal guidance isn't just “complying with the law”, but protecting your investment and facilitating your Integration to Life in Panama. This is especially valuable if you plan to settle in one of the Best Places to Live in Panama in 2025, where the environment may be different from a traditional urban center.

Don't Make Hasty Decisions: Consult Before You Act

In many cases, well-intentioned people seek help through informal managers or social media groups, but end up facing incomplete paperwork, double payments, or lack of verified information. A registered law firm knows not only immigration law, but also the local contexts of each area. This is key if you are evaluating Where to live in Panama if you are looking for peace, cool weather, medical services or ease of transportation.

Legal residency is the starting point for your new life in Panama. Taking the time to do it right is an investment in your future peace of mind.