Best Neighborhoods for Families in Panama City

Panama City, is a vibrant and diverse city that caters to many lifestyles, including those of families. With its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and modern amenities, it's no wonder many expats and digital nomads choose to call it home. But with so many neighborhoods to choose from, it can be challenging to find the perfect fit for your family. Here are eight of the best neighborhoods for families to live in Panama City.

Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo, or Casco Antiguo, is a charming historic district that's perfect for families who appreciate culture and history. Families can enjoy strolls along the cobblestone streets, visits to museums like the Canal Museum, and exploration of colonial-era buildings. There are also plenty of parks, like Plaza Bolivar, where kids can play and run around.

Location: Southeast of Panama City, on a peninsula separated from the city center.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $1,500, and a 3-bedroom is around $2,000. Purchase prices vary greatly, with 2-bedroom apartments starting at $250,000 and 3-bedroom apartments starting at $350,000.

International Schools: Colegio Internacional de Panama, which offers a bilingual curriculum from pre-K to 12th grade.

Where to Eat: Enjoy family-friendly dining at Restaurante Tantalo for rooftop views or visit the American Trade Hotel for a variety of options.

Interesting History: Casco Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, one of the oldest structures in Panama City.

Parks: Plaza Bolivar and Plaza de la Independencia are popular gathering spots for families.

Costa del Este

Costa del Este is a modern and upscale neighborhood known for its high-rise buildings and bustling commercial areas. It's perfect for families who enjoy an urban lifestyle with plenty of amenities. Families can spend time at the Town Center Mall, which has a variety of shops and restaurants, or enjoy outdoor activities at the Cinta Costera park.

Location: East of Panama City, along the Panama Bay.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $1,800, and a 3-bedroom is around $2,500. Purchase prices start at $300,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment and $450,000 for a 3-bedroom apartment.

International Schools: King's College, which offers a British curriculum from pre-K to 12th grade, and Colegio San Agustin, which offers a bilingual curriculum from pre-K to 12th grade.

Where to Eat: Try out the food court at Town Center Mall or visit one of the many restaurants along the waterfront.

Parks: Cinta Costera is a popular park with walking and biking paths, as well as playgrounds for kids.

Punta Pacifica

Punta Pacifica is a luxurious and exclusive neighborhood with stunning ocean views. It's ideal for families who enjoy a high-end lifestyle with plenty of amenities. Families can spend time at the Multiplaza Pacific Mall, which has a variety of shops and restaurants, or enjoy outdoor activities at the Cinta Costera park.

Location: South of Panama City, on a peninsula with views of the Pacific Ocean.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $2,500, and a 3-bedroom is around $3,500. Purchase prices start at $500,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment and $750,000 for a 3-bedroom apartment.

International Schools: The International School of Panama, which offers an American curriculum from pre-K to 12th grade.

Where to Eat: Visit one of the many high-end restaurants in the area, like Salsipuedes or La Posta.

Parks: Cinta Costera is a popular park with walking and biking paths, as well as playgrounds for kids.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a residential neighborhood with a mix of old and new architecture. It's perfect for families who want a quieter lifestyle with easy access to the city center. Families can spend time at the Parque Omar, which has a variety of outdoor activities, or explore the local shops and restaurants.

Location: North of Panama City, near the Panama Canal.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $1,200, and a 3-bedroom is around $1,800. Purchase prices start at $200,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment and $300,000 for a 3-bedroom apartment.

International Schools: The Oxford School, which offers a British curriculum from pre-K to 12th grade.

Where to Eat: Visit one of the many local restaurants in the area, like El Trapiche or La Rana Dorada.

Parks: Parque Omar is a popular park with walking paths, sports facilities, and a library.

Bella Vista

Bella Vista is a centrally located neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial areas. It's perfect for families who want to be in the heart of the city with easy access to everything. Families can spend time at the Cinta Costera park, which has a variety of outdoor activities, or explore the local shops and restaurants.

Location: Central Panama City, along the Panama Bay.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $1,500, and a 3-bedroom is around $2,200. Purchase prices start at $250,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment and $350,000 for a 3-bedroom apartment.

International Schools: The Metropolitan School of Panama, which offers an American curriculum from pre-K to 12th grade.

Where to Eat: Visit one of the many restaurants in the area, like Casa Sucre or Restaurante Arabe.

Parks: Cinta Costera is a popular park with walking and biking paths, as well as playgrounds for kids.

Clayton

Clayton is a suburban neighborhood located near the Panama Canal. It's perfect for families who want a quieter lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities. Families can spend time at the Summit Municipal Park, which has a variety of outdoor activities, or explore the local shops and restaurants.

Location: North of Panama City, near the Panama Canal.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $1,000, and a 3-bedroom is around $1,500. Purchase prices start at $150,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment and $250,000 for a 3-bedroom apartment.

International Schools: The International School of Panama, which offers an American curriculum from pre-K to 12th grade.

Where to Eat: Visit one of the many local restaurants in the area, like El Fogon or La Vespa.

Parks: Summit Municipal Park is a popular park with walking paths, sports facilities, and a butterfly garden.

Altos del Golf

Altos del Golf is an upscale residential neighborhood with beautiful views of the city and the Panama Canal. It's perfect for families who want a luxurious lifestyle with plenty of amenities. Families can spend time at the Golf Club, which has a variety of outdoor activities, or enjoy the local shops and restaurants.

Location: North of Panama City, near the Panama Canal.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $2,000, and a 3-bedroom is around $3,000. Purchase prices start at $400,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment and $600,000 for a 3-bedroom apartment.

International Schools: The Oxford School, which offers a British curriculum from pre-K to 12th grade.

Where to Eat: Visit one of the many high-end restaurants in the area, like Intimo or La Divina Comedia.

Interesting History: The neighborhood is home to the historic Golf Club, which was founded in the early 20th century.

Coco del Mar

Coco del Mar is a beachfront neighborhood with stunning ocean views. It's perfect for families who want a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities. Families can spend time at the beach, enjoy water sports, or explore the local shops and restaurants.

Location: South of Panama City, along the Pacific Ocean.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $1,800, and a 3-bedroom is around $2,500. Purchase prices start at $300,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment and $450,000 for a 3-bedroom apartment.

International Schools: King's College, which offers a British curriculum from pre-K to 12th grade.

Where to Eat: Visit one of the many beachfront restaurants in the area, like Punta Caracol or Restaurante Bucaneros.

Parks: The neighborhood is home to several small parks with playgrounds for kids.