I’m in Panama City for a week of meetings with Live And Invest Overseas’ core leadership team. I’m excited to be back in the Hub of the Americas—a place I called home for a number of years.
Panama City is special. It’s tropical yet urban, a hub of trade and industry, and the only true cosmopolitan environment in Central America. It’s constantly evolving—constructing, rebuilding, expanding—as it strives for growth…
I notice the improvements every time I’m here—new restaurants, freshly paved streets, better infrastructure… There’s even a Tim Hortons now—an exciting development for Canadians in particular.
Panama City is getting better all the time—cleaner, modern, and more efficient. Because it’s constantly evolving, so too are the property investment hot spots. I’ll share my full findings in coming issues of Overseas Property Alert.
For now, here’s an overview of the areas of Panama City that make the most sense for investors right now.
Bella Vista And El Cangrejo
In the heart of the city yet distinctly residential, Bella Vista and its enclave, El Cangrejo, are expat hot spots. They’re walkable and well-connected with various Metro stops.
Via Argentina—a lively avenue that runs through Bella Vista—is lined by shops, restaurants, bars, breweries, cafés, and more. Everything you need for day-to-day living is within walking distance, including a big U.S.-style grocery store, Pricesmart (Central America’s Costco).
With their friendly, community feel and proximity to the city center, these two neighborhoods are seeing prices from $2,300 per square meter, plus rapidly rising rents.
Stay tuned for details of a webinar covering a low-entry opportunity in Bella Vista later this week…
Costa Del Este
A 740-acre master-planned neighborhood, Costa del Este is unlike anything else in Panama City. Modern homes and sleek apartment buildings line palm-shaded streets, with parks, schools, restaurants, malls, hospitals, and shopping centers within walking distance.
Safe, clean, and turn-key, Costa del Este attracts the employees of multinational corporations (plus their families) who are relocated to Panama and work nearby.
It’s among Panama City’s most sought-after business and residential addresses, with strong investment potential. Prices are among the highest in the city at around $3,500 per square meter, but demand is strong.
Avenida Balboa
This iconic 2-mile waterfront boulevard, running from Casco Viejo to Punta Paitilla, feels like Miami with its glittering skyline and ocean views. At its base lies the Cinta Costera—a lush promenade perfect for walking, cycling, or simply enjoying the breeze.
Marbella, one of Avenida Balboa’s neighborhoods, offers luxury living at $3,000 to $4,000 per square meter (or even higher). It attracts wealthy Panamanians and expats, including businesspeople, politicians, professionals from the finance and logistics sectors, and real estate investors. It’s where Kathleen Peddicord and Lief Simon stay when in Panama City.
San Francisco
Follow Avenida Balboa northeast to reach San Francisco, a thriving commercial and residential hub that’s been developing and modernizing since the 70s. Many of Panama City’s most important places, buildings, and amenities are located here, including:
- Punta Pacífica and Punta Paitilla—two of the exclusive and expensive enclaves
- Landmarks, like the JW Marriott Panama (previously Trump International), Atlapa Convention Center, Multiplaza Mall, Hotel Las Americas, and more
- Parque Omar, the Central Park of Panama City
- Calle 50, Panama City’s financial artery
San Francisco is a bustling neighborhood that attracts middle-class and upper-middle-class folks with its assortment of shops, cafés, restaurants, and nightlife venues. The price per square meter ranges from $1,500 to $3,000.
Calle Uruguay
A short but vibrant stretch in the city’s business district, Calle Uruguay has long been known for dining and nightlife. While its entertainment scene has spread to nearby neighborhoods, its real estate remains in high demand.
Close to Avenida Balboa, the Cinta Costera, and public transport, it offers residential property starting at around $3,000 per square meter. A $44 million urban renewal project to widen sidewalks, add greenery, and bury cables is underway and promises to enhance its value.
Panama Pacífico
Just 15 minutes west of the city across the Bridge of the Americas and Panama Canal, Panama Pacífico is a growing master-planned community of homes, businesses, schools, shops, and cafés.
It offers tax, labor, and legal incentives for companies and even has its own international airport on the site of the former Howard Air Force Base.
The area is poised for significant appreciation, with a new bridge over the canal in the works and the closest swimmable beaches to Panama City nearby. It’s a market to watch for lifestyle buyers and investors.
To smooth travels and successful property buys,
