English | Español
+507 214-2376

TOP 5 PLACES TO LIVE IN PANAMA CITY IN 2025

Panama City is one of the most important capitals on the continent, due to its economic growth, political stability, variety of opportunities for foreign investment, and tourist appeal. According to the multinational consulting firm Mercer, the Central American country ranks fourth among the six Latin American cities with the best quality of life and ranks 96th worldwide among 200 countries.

Every year, the consulting firm compiles a list of the best cities to live in, taking into account 39 factors, which are divided into 10 categories. It states that one of the functions of the research is to provide important information to multinational companies seeking to relocate employees as expatriates or to establish new headquarters or branches. Within the division, the political and economic environment, climate, sociocultural status, hygiene and health services, educational system and offerings, leisure, and housing are highlighted.

The list is led by European countries. However, Latin America has a significant weight in the ranking.

Panama City ranks fourth, after Montevideo (Uruguay), Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Santiago (Chile).

Below is a ranking of the main capitals with the best quality of life in Latin America:

Panama City: a developing metropolis

In recent years, Panama City’s identity has been transformed, giving way to a modern and important capital throughout the region, becoming a benchmark for neighboring countries.

The residential complexes located in the capital offer a high standard of living, while commercial buildings serve as headquarters for important companies and organizations located in the best areas.

Real estate developers seek out the best locations for their projects. Among the most notable are Costa del Este, Punta Pacifica, Santa Maria, San Francisco, and Casco Antiguo.

Discover the top 5 areas in Panama City

1. Costa del Este

Representa los avances de la arquitectura moderna en la ciudad con estructuras residenciales que exhiben un diseño de primer mundo. Sus múltiples edificios son la sede de grandes empresas multinacionales como Diageo Panamá, S.A. , Deloitte, Inc. y Copa Airlines. Sus calles se caracterizan por tener un esquema organizado y planificado, rodeado de plazas comerciales, bancos, centros educativos en los que destacan la Academia Interamericana de Panamá y el Colegio San Agustín, oficinas, áreas verdes y un parque industrial. Además, cuenta con desarrollos que proponen una nueva manera de invertir en el sector inmobiliario a través de Condo Suites. Con una increíble vista al mar, acceso a las principales autopistas, cercanía al centro de la ciudad y al Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen, esta zona se posiciona como una de las principales opciones para vivir y trabajar. 

Si desea conocer más, te invitamos a leer nuestra publicación: ¿Por qué vivir en Costa del Este? 

1. Costa del Este

This area represents the advances in modern architecture in the city, with residential structures that showcase first-world design. Its many buildings are home to large multinational companies such as Diageo Panama, Inc., Deloitte, Inc., and Copa Airlines. Its streets are characterized by an organized and planned layout, surrounded by shopping malls, banks, educational centers such as the Inter-American Academy of Panama and Colegio San Agustín, offices, green areas, and an industrial park. In addition, it has developments that propose a new way of investing in real estate through Condo Suites. With incredible ocean views, access to major highways, proximity to the city center and Tocumen International Airport, this area is positioned as one of the top choices for living and working.

If you would like to learn more, we invite you to read our publication: Why live in Costa del Este?

2. Punta Pacifica Panama

This is one of the most privileged areas in the city center, located in the district of San Francisco, just 25 minutes from Tocumen International Airport and close to the financial district. It is characterized by its large real estate development and variety of services such as the Punta Pacifica Hospital (affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International) and proximity to the Multiplaza Pacific Mall. Exclusive skyscrapers such as The Bahía Grand Panama (known until 2018 as Trump Ocean Club International Hotel and Tower) and the JW Marriott Hotel are some of the most prestigious structures that form part of Punta Pacifica Panama.

3. Santa María

En Panamá existen comunidades completas que se han convertido en una opción de lujo para las familias de clase alta, como Santa María. En esta zona, el confort y seguridad, son parte del estilo de vida de sus habitantes. Dentro de su planificación, se podrán observar espacios llenos de modernidad y bienestar al estar rodeado de increíbles áreas verdes y espacios comerciales como Business District (centro empresarial) y Village Center (exclusiva plaza central). Asimismo, las amenidades que se encuentran en sus alrededores complacen las exigencias más altas:

  • Santa María Golf Club: Campo de 18 hoyos en un área de 284 hectáreas, diseñado por Nicklaus Desing, la firma de golf global, fundada por la leyenda del golf Jack Nicklaus.
  • Santa María Country Club: Un lugar para compartir con amigos y familia con variedad de espacios para todos los miembros de la comunidad: áreas deportivas, entretenimiento, bienestar y servicios
  • The Santa María Hotel: A Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott/Starwood, 5 estrellas, con lujosas instalaciones y atención de primer nivel.

En Santa María, visitar boutiques, restaurantes, bancos, farmacias, business center y colegios es una experiencia, gracias a su planificación que busca complacer y atender cada una de las necesidades de los integrantes de la familia.

Cuando el hogar se encuentra próximo al lugar de trabajo, las horas de descanso, momentos en familia, estado de ánimo y humor se ven beneficiados increíblemente. Es importante que la zona de preferencia permita experimentar una excelente combinación entre el rol profesional y personal.

En Costa del Este podrás encontrar una comunidad diseñada en función de brindar múltiples alternativas residenciales de lujo y las mejores multinacionales establecidas en el país. Si deseas conocer más acerca de los proyectos inmobiliarios desarrollados por Empresas Bern y el buen vivir en la zona más premium de Panamá, haz clic en el siguiente botón:

3. Santa María

In Panama, there are entire communities that have become a luxury option for upper-class families, such as Santa María. In this area, comfort and security are part of the lifestyle of its inhabitants. Within its planning, you can see spaces full of modernity and well-being, surrounded by incredible green areas and commercial spaces such as the Business District and Village Center (an exclusive central plaza). Likewise, the amenities found in the surrounding area satisfy the highest demands:

  • Santa María Golf Club: An 18-hole course covering an area of 284 hectares, designed by Nicklaus Design, the global golf firm founded by golf legend Jack Nicklaus.
  • Santa María Country Club: A place to share with friends and family with a variety of spaces for all members of the community: sports, entertainment, wellness, and services areas.
  • The Santa María Hotel: A Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott/Starwood, 5 stars, with luxurious facilities and first-class service.

 

In Santa María, visiting boutiques, restaurants, banks, pharmacies, business centers, and schools is an experience, thanks to its planning that seeks to please and cater to every need of family members.

When your home is close to your workplace, your rest time, family time, mood, and overall well-being benefit greatly. It is important that your preferred area allows you to experience an excellent balance between your professional and personal roles.

In Costa del Este, you will find a community designed to offer multiple luxury residential alternatives and the best multinational companies established in the country. If you would like to learn more about the real estate projects developed by Empresas Bern and the good life in Panama’s most premium area, click on the following button:

4. San Francisco Panama

San Francisco Panama has a variety of shopping centers, restaurants, and cafes, which create an elegant and peaceful atmosphere. This area borders Panama Bay and the neighboring districts of Bella Vista, Parque Lefevre, and Pueblo Nuevo. Residents can enjoy the Multiplaza shopping center, go shopping, eat at establishments of all levels, such as food trucks, and socialize in bars with pleasant outdoor atmospheres.

One of the main attractions of San Francisco is Omar Torrijos Park, the largest in the city, with a length of 5 km. It is a favorite spot for locals to play sports, walk outdoors, or simply disconnect from the daily hustle and bustle. This area is home to a variety of establishments that represent the good life within the city, such as Leto, the city’s first artisan coffee bar with a unique atmosphere and quality service.

5. Old Town

Also known as Casco Viejo, this is the capital’s tourist hotspot par excellence, dating back to the 17th century thanks to the preservation of its original structure and the small houses that surround it. The variety of squares, religious monuments, and official buildings such as the National Theater and the Government Palace are some of the great structures that contribute to the area’s appeal.

According to a list of the 10 best neighborhoods in the world, compiled by the American magazine Forbes, with the collaboration of Ann Abel, writer and travel content editor, in 2018, Casco Antiguo ranked seventh, with Panama and Colombia (Getsemaní neighborhood) being the only Latin American countries on the list.

There are also approximately 900 buildings of historical and architectural value, with 87% of the properties being privately owned, 11% belonging to the government, and 2% under the control of the Catholic Church. The current perimeter of Casco Antiguo covers 44 hectares and 940 buildings, which were constructed between 1850 and 1930.

The structures that have been built in the city in recent decades allow the capital to be projected as a benchmark for this type of investment in the region. Empresa Bern is the leading real estate company responsible for developing luxury buildings in Costa del Este, such as Generation Tower, Matisse, Arcadia, and Mirador.

If you would like to learn more about commercial and real estate projects that have been carried out in Panama City by Empresas Bern, we invite you to click on the following button:

Conocer Proyectos