Exploring El Cangrejo Panama

Retiring in Panama? Here's a great neighborhood where there's lots of english speaking ExPats in Panama City.

[@amazing-osky2052]

Part 1: I love your channel. I am in Panama at the moment, visiting my son who is 27 yrs old, he moved to Panama from Michigan in Oct '22. He moved from Albrook to El Cangejo. So, let me share something I told my son who didn't know the history of Via Espana and El Cangrejo. First of all, Via Espana in the 80s and 90s was the ritzy area, all the big and high-end shops were there (Sara Panama, Ben Betesh, you name them). Now lots of the stores have relocated to Malls, i.e. Albrook. El Cangrejo was and still is middle-class, perhaps upper-middle-class, depending on the street you live in. El Cangrejo is now one of the most Trendy neighborhoods in Panama. The streets are swept early in the morning, and the sidewalks are power washed (I have seen it myself). The trash is usually picked up either, in the morning or evening (I have seen it).

[@laptopseniors]

That’s really interesting. Thanks for sharing it with us. 😊 and for watching.

[@laptopseniors]

Hey we’re going back to Michigan this month. Small world.

[@theonlyway4366]

El Cangrejo is actually a very bohemian neighborhood ... I don't see that changing anytime soon

[@laptopseniors]

Well that’s good but I think the new developments will have an effect. We shall see. 😊 thanks for watching and subscribing 👍🏻

[@MrBopeel]

Thanks so much for your thoughts on El Cangrejo. I visited Panama City last summer and i stayed in Bella Vista. If you're accustomed to newer shopping centers with clean, even sidewalks and manicured lawns then the appearance of some parts of PC can be off-putting. In the U.S. broken sidewalks and graffiti usually indicate you're in a dangerous part of town but that's not necessarily the case in PC. I think those of us from the U.S. or Canada will have to purge ourselves of the idea that nice = new if we are to really enjoy Panama.

[@laptopseniors]

Exactly what we were trying to show and point out for those who'll be coming for the first time.

[@janinaleedelrio]

Thank you for your point of view. I love El Cancrejo very much, I am from Panama City and I used to go to el Cancrejo (not Concrejo, you misspelled it and it's Bella Vista, not Belle Vista) all the time, Via Argentina was so much fun to visit and eat at El Trapiche, Manolos, El Prado and of course go the El Pavo Real. Love my Panama so much. Greetings from a Panamenian living in Ontario 🇨🇦 💜🪷🙏🏽

[@alkubbo1291]

Sorry Janina but the actual name is - El Cangrejo. Both my wife are I are permanent residents living in Panama City and visiting our grandchildren in the St. Augustine area.

[@laptopseniors]

OMG...you're right. Fixed it on all but the video itself. The options are erase it completely or leave it unfortunately. Thanks for catching that.

[@bdollison1]

i think those comments about the area are very snobbish. I visited Panama City last year on a relocation tour and, interestingly enough, I stayed at the same hotel mentioned. I found the area to be typical of many U.S. cities. I loved the area...centrally located...I walked around, went shopping....went out at night. It's an inner City, it will not have the vibe of a suburban downtown. I plan to return in August of this year!

[@laptopseniors]

Sorry to give you that impression. We were trying to basically point out that the area was good but if you start at Espana and just stop there, your impression wouldn't do the area justice. The video was mainly for people who've never ever been to Panama City and are hitting it cold.

[@tuyquienmas]

Exactly 😂 expecting Panama to be a first world country but way cheaper to retire, they are going to be looking "for that place" for ever.

[@amazing-osky2052]

Part 2: Again, good job with your videos. There is a handful of homes spread around El Cangrejo, most have been sold to make room for High Rise Condos. There is one house rt now being sold behind the building where my son live for over 1M. Expats and tourists love this area because is a hop from Calle 50, for example, to get to Soho Mall to watch movies in English with Spanish Subtitles. Now the mall is Posh but kind of empty with few restaurants and shops. El Cangrejo is very safe! We have walked everywhere in El Cangrejo neighborhood and it is safe. The main attractions are restaurants, cafes, and bars, oh there is Murhpy's an Irish pub/restaurant frequented by expats. Tattoo shops, they speak English. El Cangrejo is centrally located to go anywhere in the city. The best prices are through Uber. Taxis are safe but the cab fare is not regulated. My brother is a taxi driver and lots of expats hire him to go places but he only works in the morning through 2 pm.

[@laptopseniors]

Thanks again 😊 excellent info.

[@Lumjohns]

I have been to Panama City many times, & I prefer to always spend some time in El Cangrejo. Growing up in NYC El Cangrejo reminds me so much of NYC, the vibrancy & how alive & walkable it is, with good diverse restaurants & bars to choose from.

[@jamesfry4058]

Right you are ..... I grew up in NYC (205 Prince St, corner of MacDougal) in the 50's and 60's and moved to Panama City in 1996 ..... El Cangrejo. Because it felt like home.

[@laptopseniors]

Hi. Happy to hear that. Thanks for watching 😊

[@BeachGirl-ud6tg]

This looks like a great town within the city. It looks like a walkable city, which is what I’m looking for. You have markets, restaurants, the subway. El Congrejo is on my list. So is Punta Pacifica. Thank you for doing this video and showing us a little bit of this neighborhood. 😊

[@laptopseniors]

True it is very walkable. We appreciate your comments. 😊

[@stuartpowell449]

Looks beautiful to me. Thanks for showing us. 😊

[@janinaleedelrio]

My city 😍😍😍

[@laptopseniors]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@johnrencher442]

I just love the honesty and kindness that you both share with us viewers. I am finding Panama very attractive for retirement. We have been looking at Mexico and Dominic Republic. The crime rate and the economy and the political climate is very distressing here in the USA. I am trying to research as much as possible. Thank you so very much for your time and your insight… Keep up the great videos… Regards

[@laptopseniors]

Oddly we've not been to the Dominican but certainly Mexico and Panama. Mexico is great, but cartels etc make it iffy to buy there. Living and renting, probably not a problem because you're not stuck there. You can just leave if needed. We've just found Panama that nice middle ground. Politically normal, safe, friendly, and pretty. It seems most retirees that we've met in and out of Panama all seem to ultimately end up in Panama after being elsewhere. It'd be good of you to see it first hand so you can judge for yourselves.

[@laptopseniors]

Thanks for watching John and for your feedback.

[@user-uf1rp7zl6s]

Another great synopsis of an important area. Thanks!

[@laptopseniors]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@evelyngolden2272]

Thank you for this video. Your observations are spot on.

[@laptopseniors]

You're very welcome! 😊 we appreciate that.

[@tracyvine8524]

Happy to see you guys are back. We just came back from Panama last month and are packing up to move down there. I love your videos.

[@laptopseniors]

Congratulations Tracy! We wish you lots of happiness in Panama. Please keep in touch. You’re welcome 😊 we appreciate you sharing and for watching.

[@laptopseniors]

Congratulations and much happiness in Panama. 😊 we appreciate you sharing and for watching. Please keep in touch.

[@annapaz4]

Thank you for this video. I stayed in El Cangrejo May 2023. I have the same type of feeling that it was a family place, it was a blue-collar place, and I really do feel that Covid has changed a lot of things. I stayed at the best Western Plus Panama Zen. The hotel is actually great. The bed was not… very uncomfortable. The hotel is nice, the staff speaks English, there is a pool at the top with a restaurant with great food. You could even arrange a personal masseuse to come to your room which was fabulous. Across the street there’s a place called Sucaro cafe bakery, and they are all so so sweet. It is a neighborhood spot and is dog friendly and they have a couple of tables inside and a couple of tables outside. FYI for anyone staying. 🇵🇦💕👍 Yes! Trapiche was fabuloso 💗

[@laptopseniors]

You’re welcome 😊 we appreciate you sharing and for watching.

[@NY36041]

You're borh a wealth of knowledge. Thank you for sharing your wonderful content.

[@laptopseniors]

So nice of you. We appreciate you too. 😊

[@rr6013]

For whomever is viewing these hosts are reflecting honestly what Panama encounters await you. Its third world so its going to reflect that stark contrast of recent wealth building. Its not North America but Central and I’d even say the corner case. Panama is unique and offers so many unique living scenarios - picking one that’s right for you will be hardest part of moving here. If you are looking to re-acquire everything you just left behind and expect to replace for half the price in Panama, you will not. Not everything. So make a checklist what you need moving here. It’ll help keep focus getting what you want

[@laptopseniors]

Thanks. Yes, you will have to adjust your thinking and lifestyle when you move to Panama. It's definitely not a bad thing. Just different.

[@user-ku9bf5uh9m]

Thank you for your experience and telling us about it. I believe though that the correct name of the neighborhood is: El Cangrejo. I hope to see more of the other neighborhoods soon. 👍

[@laptopseniors]

OMG...you're right. Fixed it on all but the video itself. The options are erase it completely or leave it unfortunately. Thanks for catching that.

[@gkpleasants1]

El Cangrejo is a bohemian, convenient, safe place to live. You can get practically anything you need on Via España and Vía Argentina has a vibrant nightlife. The area is solidly middle class. It might be a good idea to judge a place for what it is instead of what it isn’t. True, it’s not shiny like Avenida Balboa but why does it have to be? These two areas along with Casco Viejo showcase the variety of architecture, lifestyles and experiences Panama City offers.

[@BeachGirl-ud6tg]

Thanks for another. Great video! You guys are awesome! Have you guys heard of M3 language translation earbuds? I just found out about these and they’ve been around for quite a while. I don’t know why more people especially XPat aren’t talking about these. They are amazing! There’s three different modes, but basically you put the earbuds in your ear. Put your phone on speaker talk in English and it translates into whatever language you want. I think they have 64 languages. When the person responds back, it responds back in English . Unbelievable! Now they are not cheap, $350, but I definitely will be buying these to help communicate while I’m learning Spanish in Panama 😁☀️🌈🏝️

[@laptopseniors]

Interesting. Please let us know how they work out 😊

[@johnrencher442]

Wow, did not expect to get a response so quickly… we are currently in Florida and the prices keep going up, and I feel like I am working to pay for insurance and taxes…. Been looking at Panama Relocation tours with Jackie and the one with Panamazing tours… would appreciate any suggestions on either of these options or other tours that you may recommend….

[@laptopseniors]

We bought Jackie's book (definitely helpful) but did not take either tour. Seems her tours though are pretty good given good comments etc. We still have a place in Orlando and prices in FL and elsewhere have noticeably jumped A LOT. Panama pricing has moved up too, to but there's still a pretty nice gap between Panama and the US.

[@laptopseniors]

😊

[@majortom8047]

We moved to Mexico six years ago. Bought a house. Love it here. But, we are always interested in having citizenship/permanent residence in other places, just as a backup, since the world seems to be constantly changing, as usual. Panama is high on our list as an alternate, so we'll be visiting soon. Thanks for your informative videos.

[@laptopseniors]

We love Panama so good thinking. And...you can NEVER have too many backups. The world is pretty messed up.

[@christopherthompson3465]

I am 45 single no kids in 5 years I plan to retire in Panama ….I have been there twice as a US Soldier in the early 2000s . I get nearly 4 grand a month from VA Disabilty can’t wait I’m ready

[@laptopseniors]

You can live very well in Panama with your pension. Hopefully you have good mobility as some areas can be tricky. Cheers.😊

[@devilfriend]

Marbella is the fancier version of El Cangrejo you're looking for. Also, if you're looking for houses near the city center I think the closest you'll get is Betania.

[@laptopseniors]

Thanks. I know we walked a bit through Marbella but not enough to really get a feel for it. We'll have to go back to film etc.

[@user-zb1rx3mi3s]

Hello again. I love your videos. Do you guys like El Cangrejo better than San Francisco?

[@laptopseniors]

Yes we do in some ways as it’s more cohesive. San Francisco is great in other ways. Both have their charms.

[@judithvilla6026]

Great video love the insights! Looking for something in between an apartment and a little house in the country side in Panama midlands. Not sure if I will find it.

[@laptopseniors]

Oh you will find that for sure. Best wishes and Thanks for your comment. 😊

[@hilariowilson5570]

It’s actually “El Cangrejo” not Congrejo. Good video!

[@janinaleedelrio]

​@@sillystuff6247they misspelled it 😂

[@laptopseniors]

OMG...you're right. Fixed it on all but the video itself. The options are erase it completely or leave it unfortunately. Thanks for catching that.

[@hilariowilson5570]

@@laptopseniors I enjoy your videos, I figured it was a typo, not meant to be negative on a great clip. Have a great day!

[@laptopseniors]

@@hilariowilson5570 All good. I really appreciate that you pointed it out so I could fix it.

[@PatJones-jz9rs]

Now that Panama has a newly elected president; what is Your prognosis for the economy as it relates to expats relocating into Panama? How much influence does the United States government have on Panama? I'm also considering Argentina, but their new president scares me.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Do you have any comparisons between Cangrejo and Escazú in San José, Costa Rica?? Including regarding climate?

[@laptopseniors]

We don’t now but will look into it. Thanks for watching 😊

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@laptopseniors Well I know that Escazú is very hilly.

[@jsmith85333]

What recreation facilities are nearby or is the area noted for? Museums, theaters. .

[@laptopseniors]

Good question 😊there are 6 or 7 theatres in PC and even more museums. 😊 we appreciate you watching.

[@billgracey6369]

When people start a business there, they dont have $50-100K to start up, they, at best, might have up to $10K. They wont have a really "hip" pretty shop when they open, if they succeed, they can make it look mas bello, mas tarde. You probably saw a lot of closed shops because many wanted to cash in on El Cangrejo's popularity and they couldn't cultivate a clientele that was sustainable. Hence, you will find a lot of voids there. Doesn't mean it's in decline, just that there were a lot of failures for whatever reason, and if El Cangrejo is becoming more popular with gringo ex-pats then new shops will open with hopeful owners. I lived just off Via Espana and12 de Octubre about 15 yrs ago, in a "local" apt building. I walked all over around there and never had any problems, I walked home from work at 10PM from Calle 50 and never had any hassles. Yes, I would probably live in that area again because there are many shops nearby and an El Rey supermarket, and it's probably a little less expensive to rent an apartment in that area.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Being in your same age bracket, coming from Alberta, and having lived in NYC, how do you get used to such heavy heat and humidity, living confined to AC 24/7?? Even around Costa del Este?

[@laptopseniors]

Seems like a personal thing, body by body. I lived 4 years in Calgary (but it's a dry cold), a bunch in Toronto, and a zillion winters in Orlando FL. It's funny how your body adapts. Personally I didn't feel much difference in Panama City from Orlando. Weather seemed similar. Vivi feels it's hotter. I know LOTS of people in Fl who have a jacket on when it's 74 (23c) degrees and are out golfing at 90 degrees. They adapted to the heat after coming from up north. So almost impossible to answer for everyone. Best to just go there for a few weeks and live it and see if it's too hot. The good thing though is that you can go to Boquete or Volcan areas and never need AC or heat. 75 (24c) year round...roughly.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@laptopseniors You're right....I lived in NYC for many years and could never stand the humidity even it was only from mid June to mid September.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@laptopseniors Like you guys said, Boquete has other problems.....at least Panama doesn't have the gangs and cartels....

[@GilbertoJaffer]

Is the oldther part of panama

[@kidsartclub3379]

My beautiful El Cangrejo is more beautiful and cleaner than Detroit or Philadelphia! Lots of cities in the US are dirty and have 1000s of homeless people, not Canada though I think.

[@charlesjames4956]

Duran lives in a house. I saw him in the park nearby his house. In 2022.

[@laptopseniors]

Very cool. And I'm guessing it's a really nice house.

[@mykarma2]

Any vegan restaurants in El Cangrejo?

[@alkubbo1291]

Hola Guys! Welcome back to Panamá. Abrazos

[@laptopseniors]

Gracias!!

[@sr9253]

Do you see any homeless people in Panama? How safe is Panama City? I live in Los Angeles so I’m looking for somewhere safer.

[@sillystuff6247]

Laos, Bali, Portugal & Thailand feel/seem/are safe.

[@laptopseniors]

I'm sure there are homeless in PC and Panama overall, but we don't see them much. I can't remember ever being asked for money etc like in N. America. Perhaps the culture is much more geared towards, 'I have my own troubles, get out there and do something on your own.' Nothing harsh, but when you get outside of N. America it's quite clear that almost everyone is working....really really hard, at most any kind of job that they have or can get. And yes, it's pretty safe.

[@denniswhite6779]

not really related to this video but I would love to get a video for costs of living comfortably in the Panama area. we always see these videos of people retiring in Panama and doing it on what I call the cheap at around $1k a month. this is mostly because these people are limited to this smaller income. what about people who have $2k, $3k, $4k or more a month?

[@laptopseniors]

It's really tough to do one of those because everyone's lifestyle is different, and areas cost differently. Personally, I'm not sure you can live on $1000 a month. Even in Panama it'd be rough to do. Yes, people do it.....but.... Realistically a GREAT life (renting) would be something like $1600-1800 for a great 2 or 3 bedroom rental in a nice area. Then another $1000ish for the rest of stuff. So, the 3k a month....36k per year range would be a very nice lifestyle. Especially if you altered habits a bit such as making lunch the bigger meal of the day because it's easy to eat out for lunch for peanuts. Dinner, not so much. It wouldn't be tough at all to not cook for half your meals yet save money. Obviously if you can do 4k or more, you will really have a great life there.

[@denniswhite6779]

@@laptopseniors yeah I never believe that those doing $1000 a month are really living happily in retirement... unfortunate. guess I was wondering how comfortable life would be for $2k, $3k and anything greater. how does life change in these numbers.

[@panama-canada]

You misspelled the crab

[@laptopseniors]

OMG...you're right. Fixed it on all but the video itself. The options are erase it completely or leave it unfortunately. Thanks for catching that.

[@guillermogouldburn763]

Just found out there is a Russian restaurant in El Cangrejo. Amazing!

[@laptopseniors]

Awesome 👏 you might also like Beirut. Thanks for watching 😊

[@gnolan4281]

Where do you get CONGREJO? It's CANGREJO!

[@billfielder145]

Hey Pat I think you look great. You should go test drive one of those Panama cuties if your wife continues to give you a hard time about your physique :).😀

[@bedinabebe4521]

There is a nice gym in El Cangrejo😎

[@laptopseniors]

lol....thanks Bill. I'm good with Vivi though.

[@laptopseniors]

Bill! 😮 shame on you. I’m wanting him to be healthy and stick around. Lol

[@robertlovett77]

Thanks for your insights, knowledge of the area and especially the humor! Ps;And your honesty. You are tactful .

[@johnnino2755]

This guy is obsessed with restaurants!

[@laptopseniors]

lol...Not obsessed, but definitely love going to them.