When I moved to Panama City in 2017, I landed in the best part of the city entirely by accident.
At the time, I’d just been hired by Live And Invest Overseas and wanted to live near the company’s headquarters. That search led me straight into the El Cangrejo-Bella Vista area—a neighborhood I came to realize is the most vibrant and livable part of the capital.
Lucky me.
Today, as I look at the condo investment project that’s taking shape there, I can see why it has so much potential for expats, digital nomads, and savvy investors.
Why Bella Vista Stands Out
I still remember my first weeks in Bella Vista. Stepping out my front door, I had everything I needed within easy reach.
- Walkability – Panama City is notorious for traffic and for the lack of sidewalks in most areas. The El Cangrejo-Bella Vista area is one of the rare exceptions. I could walk to work, grab groceries, stop for a coffee, or just stretch my legs in the park—all without needing to get into a car. That sense of freedom in a major Latin American capital is rare.
- Convenience – Bella Vista has clinics, dentist offices, gyms, schools, restaurants, and bars all within a few blocks. A Metro stop was just minutes away, which meant the rest of the city was easily accessible.
- Social energy – This area has a buzz about it. Zumba classes in the park, friends gathered on the terrace of a brewpub, young professionals walking their dogs… it’s a microcosm of Panama City’s diversity and energy.
That buzz only continues to grow. Every time I return to Panama City, I’m amazed by the number of people from around the world and by the diversity of new businesses establishing themselves there.
A Renovation Project Tailored For Digital Nomads
One of our top real estate offers is located in the heart of Bella Vista—right in my old stomping grounds. It’s on a prime corner near a Metro stop and a beautiful and historic church.
This is a unique project. The developer is converting an existing hotel into stylish, functional apartments designed for both short- and long-term rentals. Each comes furnished and has a kitchenette equipped with modern appliances and integrated storage.
These units are aimed at digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and young professionals—the crowd that Bella Vista naturally attracts. The building will have five-star amenities… a rooftop pool looking out over the city, a sky bar, gym facilities, and more…
Because it’s a renovation project, the timeline to completion is much shorter than the typical preconstruction offer. The team projects completion in less than 18 months at this stage, meaning you’ll see income fast…
Best of all, this project has a highly coveted short-term rental license, handing you a big advantage over most other rental properties in Panama City. Projected ROIs are up to 10% and above, with everything managed for you by an experienced rental company.
Why Now Is The Right Time To Act
Over the past few years, the number of digital nomads in Panama City has exploded. Remote work, better internet, and global mobility mean more people are choosing to work from places they love.
Panama City—and Bella Vista in particular—checks every box for this lifestyle:
- Reliable, high-speed internet
- Affordable cost of living compared to other global cities
- Year-round warm weather
- Cultural attractions, nightlife, and excellent cafés
- A growing network of co-working spaces
The developers of this project know their market. They’re building not just apartments but a community, with plans for networking mixers, yoga classes, and more.
This Is A Rare Opportunity
Right now, units are available for less than $110k including furniture and appliances. For anyone who is ready to reserve quickly (with a refundable deposit), a discount of $3,000 is on the table.
Properties like this don’t come along often… Between the low entry price, the short-term rental license, and the strength of the location, remaining inventory is expected to move quickly.
For more information, reach out to our contact on the ground by clicking here.
To smooth travels and successful property buys,
Sophia Titley
Editor, Overseas Property Alert