by Jen Barnett

Panama City, Panama is an incredibly diverse and vibrant destination for expats, with a number of great neighborhoods to choose from. It’s not the biggest bargain in Central America, but for what it offers, it might be one of the best values. Here are some of the most popular Panama City neighborhoods for expats:

1. Casco Viejo

This historic district is located in the old part of town and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area offers a variety of cultural attractions, great restaurants and bars, as well as stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Panama Bay. Its charming architecture and central location have made it extremely popular with expats, so it’s much pricier than other neighborhoods, and some say the apartments lack space and light. For a large, American-style home, you could be coughing up $1.5M or more. But if you can afford to rent or buy a place you love, you won’t lack for things to see and do.

2. El Cangrejo

This is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Panama City and has a cosmopolitan vibe. It’s home to restaurants, nightlife, and high-end boutiques. It’s very walkable and convenient to the University of Panama. There’s also a great selection of luxury apartments for rent in the area, and you might expect to pay about $900-1,500/month for a 2 bedroom/2 bath apartment.

3. San Francisco

This picturesque neighborhood is located just north of the city center and has a laid back vibe (for Panama City, anyway). It’s popular among expats looking for a more relaxed lifestyle, as there are plenty of parks and green spaces to enjoy here. It’s home to Multiplaza Panama, a hopping mall with high-end stores like Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana as well as everyday faves like Gap and Forever 21. A 2 bedroom/2 bath apartment costs about $1,200-$1,800/month.

4. Punta Pacifica

This small, upscale neighborhood of high-rise buildings is situated on Panama Bay and has an uptown feel with luxury hotels and sleek eateries. The area offers stunning views of Panama City from its beachfront balconies and absolutely breathtaking new developments are being built there. You can rent at many different price points here, with many large apartments (3/3 or 4/4) for $3,500/month or more.

5. Marbella

Located just west of downtown, Marbella is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood that’s full of life. It’s known for its great restaurants, bars, and clubs centered around Avenue Balboa, a stunning 2-mile boulevard that runs along the coastline. The area also offers plenty of apartments and condos to rent. A furnished 2/2 on Avenue Balboa will cost around $2,000-2,500/month.

6. Clayton

Formerly a U.S. military base (which is why it has a weird English-sounding name), this up-and-coming neighborhood is located near the suburbs and is home to many international businesses. Great for families, the neighborhood offers plenty of amenities, such as shopping malls, movie theaters, and parks. You’ll also find more single-family homes here, most ranging from $2,000-$4,000/month.

If Panama City is out of your budget, consider a town like Coronado or Boquete, which have loads of charm and benefits for expats.