Retirement & Lifestyle

The tiny finger of land that pokes out from Panama City’s southeastern corner and into the Pacific Ocean is San Felipe—better known to most as Casco Viejo, Casco Antiguo, or, simply, Casco.

Casco is laid out in grid format like a classic European city. Every few blocks, you’ll find a tree-lined plaza or the spire of a cathedral, all of which casts an Old World charm over the place. At only four avenues wide, the neighborhood is small and compact; a tiny treasure trove of historical structures best explored on foot. But despite all the visual reminders of the past, it’s also constantly evolving…

Most of Panama City’s cultural events are hosted in Casco Viejo. On any given day, you attend a gallery opening, watch a parade, listen to a concert, or stumble upon an impromptu event on the streets. There’s almost always something going on here… The best way to find out about events is to simply wander the streets.

Casco is sought out by tourists from around the world… If the prospect of living in the thick of all the action sounds appealing, Casco is probably for you.

In this Panama Special Report, we bring you the peaceful mountain community of Altos de Cerro Azul.

Cerro Azul means “Blue Mountain,” and its name comes from its blue hue that’s visible from Panama City on a sunny day. Located at 874 meters (2,867 feet) above sea level in the heart of the Chagres rain forest, Cerro Azul promises cool weather, an abundance of wildlife, panoramic views, and a tranquility that’ll make you feel like you’re much farther than 45 minutes from the skyscrapers of Panama City.

Previously a little-known destination where only a handful of people had second homes, locals and expats are now flocking to Cerro Azul, drawn here by its proximity to Panama City and the freedom and autonomy it offers.

Though close enough to the city to make for convenient trips to the supermarket or doctor’s office, Cerro Azul feels like another world—one that’s far removed from the hustle and bustle of urban living.

Panama’s doesn’t have many options for climate other than tropical… there are only a few places on this little isthmus that enjoy lower humidity and/or lower temperatures than their sea-level counterparts—and, yes, all of these cooler havens are above sea level. But there are a handful of appealing destinations that offer something close to springtime weather. In this report, we take a look at Panama’s top options for temperate-climate living.

Most important cities across the world have one… New York has Battery Park, London has Canary Wharf, and Paris has La Défense.

Panama has Costa del Este.

Panama’s biggest modern-day planned community is no longer merely an office-based, nine-to-five neighborhood equidistant from the airport and downtown. This area now boast shops, bars, restaurants, and a residential side. In fact, it has metamorphosed into a complete lifestyle choice.

This Special Report takes an insider look at this exclusive enclave, from schools and family life to the multinationals headquartered here as well as the bustling food scene and beyond. If you’ve been wondering what the good life is like in one of Panama City’s most well-heeled neighborhoods, this guide has you covered.

It’s simply the best neighborhood in the city for young families…It’s clean, well maintained, safe…and close enough to the city for convenience but far enough removed for peace and quiet.

Costa del Este has excellent schools, parks, and daycare facilities…and all the shopping and services a family would need. Further, mom and dad might not even have to commute downtown everyday since Costa del Este has attracted numerous multinational and Panamanian corporations who’ve set up shop in the neighborhood’s commercial zones.

The cost of living is higher in Costa del Este than anywhere else in the city, but you’d be paying for a lifestyle that others dream about. And with more shops, hotels, restaurants, a new town center, and more corporate offices on the way, we don’t expect the appeal of Costa del Este, the Panamanian Dream, to diminish anytime soon.