Top Housing Communities along the coast of Panama

Thinking of moving to Panama? Living by the ocean? Here's a place where many Ex-Pats have landed.

[@dorothymiller7519]

I moved here last August and LOVE it! The people make the community. The Rio Hato airport is only open during high season for the Snowbirds from Canada. I prefer not to be around a lot of people; the holidays are busy and noisy, but it is mostly quiet. I often have the pool all to myself! I am blissfully happy.

[@mxdebi]

Hi there you two! Seriously,you two are amazing and doing an amazing job. I for one actually appreciate the fact that you each have your own opinion of these places. I don’t see it as criticism at all! After all,that’s why I watch you. You are seeing and actually addressing the questions that I and I can assume others have as well. I hope you keep doing exactly how you are right now. I’m very interested to know if you’ve had any experience with the doctors or hospitals in PC? Also,I would love to know what the pharmacy’s are like inside. What’s sold over the counter. Do they have the European skin products there? We are in the process of packing up as I write this and moving from Europe to Panama City. It’s all of the unknown questions. Do I buy and take all of the items I get here or do they actually have it all there? Anyway,Europe is changing for the worse so time to go. We truly appreciate all of the time and effort you put into your videos and will keep watching. You are are doing great!

[@roderickharter8204]

Thank you for telling it like it is. Candid and honest. Helps people like us understand what we are looking for.

[@mrbutch308]

Thanks for the candid honest appraisal of the place.

[@laptopseniors]

We’re happy you appreciate the honest opinion. We appreciate you.

[@MexicoRelocationGuide]

I love how she tries to keep it positive even when the narrator hates it. Happens all the time between couples 😌 nice resort but you’re right probably not for everyone. Might be great for someone who doesn’t need a lot of other people to feel entertained. Although very isolating it seems. Anyway nice drive through

[@laptopseniors]

Thanks for that :) I’ll bet you’re positive too.

[@timwagner8856]

I completely understand. We were just there in August and purchased a condo in Founders 3. We also have land down by Pedasi that we will begin construction on shortly. We are on the opposite end of the spectrum. We are looking forward to the peace and quiet the area affords, especially after our hectic lifestyles we currently have. It will be a welcomed reprieve. The good thing is that if we require excitement we are only 2 hours away from PC, and 1 1/2 hour from Chitre. They are both easy drives.

[@laptopseniors]

Thanks Tim. Enjoy your downtime. Seems like a nice change.

[@trevorwhite5127]

Thanks very much for the time and effort you put into this, also your honesty on the place. I think I would agree.

[@laptopseniors]

Hi. Thank you for watching and your kind comment. 😃 We appreciate you.

[@BeachGirl-ud6tg]

Looks like a great place to live! You have the beach, pools, resort feel. This is a place I am going to consider. Thank you for your video. 😊

[@bedinabebe4521]

🌴I've seen reviews of retired couples that adore living in Playa Blanka☀️ I was introduced to Playa Blanca a good place for a getaway🏊🏽‍♀️

[@ronliz5467]

I just subscribed to your channel. I believe I just pushed your subscriber count to 1000! If I did not, came close. Great video!

[@laptopseniors]

YES YOU DID Ron., Liz. Thank you so much for watching and of course subscribing. Lot of work to get to 1000. And lots more to come. Again....thanks.😀

[@truthseeker9454]

7:26 - Nice tip! New subscriber here. I appreciate the map overview you gave prior to your travel video -- that was very helpful and a new wrinkle to the many similar videos I've watched. After visiting Thailand recently I'm now contemplating a trip to Panama to explore the possibility of moving there. So far I like a lot of what I see. Thanks for your thoughtful video, and best wishes for your channel!

[@laptopseniors]

Thank you. Always a balancing act of map or no map. I just like to know where we're going ahead of time...distance, look, etc. So I'm assuming others would too. Glad it helped.

[@davidpino5536]

Love the way you allowed each other’s opinions. I have been in playa blanca I Took my daughter to Panama to celebrate her 18th. Birthday. (I went to school. in Panama). Both of you are right. Is good for a weekend it does get very busy and loud during the weekend. However is quiet during the week. Consequently if you like tons of activities all week long this place for now, may not be for you. Panama is growing so much 😢. That shopping center at the entrance of the resort was not there 12 years ago when I visited with my daughter. Thank you for your show.

[@laptopseniors]

Thanks you David.

[@ericmoyer985]

Hello, thanks for the video, very enlightening. Isn't there another Playa Blanca past Colon? Do you know of any beach town areas between Coronado and PC? I enjoyed visiting Coranado, but would love to find something a little closer to PC to be closer to all the city has to offer. Thanks

[@mikechristian6487]

We stayed there for 3 days and were happy to move on to our next destination, we agree with you it was not for us either. Thanks for your video and honesty 😊

[@avirb1]

Thank you guys for your informative videos . We have heard so much about Panama and will be visiting in November. If you are looking for a topic to do, can we get a step by step process of the order and time frame in which to do things if we decide after our visit that we would like to move to Panama from the the US. Thank you again. Really enjoy your channel

[@laptopseniors]

There is a step by step video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6nFhZeNqN2rrZI. It takes you through getting the pensionado (retirement) visa. Time, what to do first, what's involved etc.

[@truthseeker9454]

@@laptopseniors Thanks for posting that link. 😀

[@guillermogouldburn763]

My kind of place. Peace and quiet 👍

[@laptopseniors]

Hi. Thanks for watching and your comment. 😃 We appreciate you.

[@jeffray9690]

You should try Decameron / Farallon area. It's a much more community oriented area with lots more to do.

[@laptopseniors]

Yes. Next time we're in that area. Love to see it.

[@timh1187]

ive been looking at a couple houses in el palmar. i think its kind of in this area.

[@RM1Vet]

I agree. Did not like it when we were there last month on a PRT tour.

[@laptopseniors]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. :)

[@johndix4875]

I've been interested in the Pedasi area, have you explored Pedasi?

[@laptopseniors]

No, not yet. We got as far as Las Tablas and rode around in areas filming a little north of Pedasi. You could likely get a decent idea of what Pedasi is like by that Las Tablas video. Pedasi is on our list for the next time we're down in that peninsula.

[@johndix4875]

​@@laptopseniors Thanks for your response! Which video has Las Tables in it?

[@margaretfarhadi5856]

Really enjoyed the visual of the different communities, but your narration during the drive thru Los Molinos was impossible to hear. Looks like you fixed the audio problem when you headed to Volcan.

[@laptopseniors]

Yes, that's come up on a few videos. We're really not narrating. Just talking amongst ourselves during the drives. The main reason I leave the video in is so that everyone can see each area and get an idea of how it is. Sometimes I've tried to cover the drive with music but that's a 50/50. Sometimes it's ok, other times it seem really boring. Especially on longer drive segments with song after song. Definitely have to come up with a solution that works all the time.

[@James-uk8dx]

Thank you for the video. Maybe a place for someone into the resort vibe 24/7. Super exposed to Mother nature. Agree with your assessment. Looking forward to our tour in a couple weeks. Peace.

[@laptopseniors]

Hi. Thanks for watching and your comment. 😃 enjoy the tour!

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Are folks over 65, whether as snowbirds or expats advised to be in the vicinity of the Santa Fe Hospital in Perejil/Cangrejo especially if they are without expensive health insurance?? Are high premiums worth it when the Hospital offers discounts or its own types of insurance?

[@laptopseniors]

Wish we could answer that Dovy but don't really know 100%. Premiums do get high after 65, and very high after 70. Knowing how other countries have worked better, if you find a great hospital and it has discounts....and ideally a partnership with other hospitals, that'd probably be the way to go. Maybe someone else on here can answer better.

[@laptopseniors]

If you have ongoing health concerns there are other cities like PC with hospitals in Panamá so there are choices. If not then try to live while you’re alive. Travellers take a level of risk to fit their comfort.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@laptopseniors So how does it actually work then the way I asked about insurance in Panama and in relation to hospital services such as St Santa Fe Hospital etc.??

[@laptopseniors]

@@dovygoodguy1296 I would go to a hospital you feel is good and talk to them. Ask if they have a members plan? Rates. And their suggestions for your situation. Wish we could help more but luckily we haven't had to deal with this much so far. Perhaps Panama Relocation Tour's guide would be of help.

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

I spent a day there on a tour. Loved it except the Condo I stayed in was way too noisy. The neighbors were having a party. Very noisy.

[@laptopseniors]

Hi. Thank you for watching and commenting. 😃 Defining long term comfort is the key over one night. It’s tricky.

[@timwagner8856]

Lol!! Someone who hates the beach is rating a beach? Now that's objectivity without any bias. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@laptopseniors]

lol....good point Tim. Your mileage may vary.

[@laptopseniors]

Well Vivi loves beaches and with the burning hot sand found this one a challenge to enjoy, although it’s big and beautiful.

[@rubiasandoval4255]

i am panamanian and iown an apartment there, Playa Blanca is a place were people who owns a house or condo go there in the weekends to relax...Others are what you call "snowbirds" who come down there for winter and own property or rent...If you are looking for more "community" "people" during week days then Coronado has more "movement".. Is funny to see foreigners saying Playa Blanca is to "noisy" and others just saying is to "dead". The mister loves to critize a lot he needs to stay in Miami 😬

[@laptopseniors]

LOL....thanks for watching Rubia. I'm the 'Mister'. Seems like you and I agree actually. I thought it great for vacationing (weekends there) and for snowbirds. Just too quiet for me, to live there full time. Seems like you're saying most people are doing what I thought Playa Blanca would be great for. Weekends & Snowbirding. So sorry if I offended you. Just trying to have fun on the videos. I...we....love Panama.

[@scosal7100]

LOL, I walked that road from the beach out to the highway in the hot sun after already getting burned on the beach for a couple hours.

[@rosenunez4328]

Where in FL lots of people want to come to FL weird that 😊none visited

[@romedeleon1715]

Wow this is perfect for me. As introverted musicians, my girl and I could totally live here. Sex, paddle boarding, making music, fresh seafood, Netflix, cook. I wonder if there’s at least one bar.

[@holgermessner851]

Had a big smile watching and listening. The wife: Stop right here…. Husband: There are cars behind me…. Wife: There is nobody behind us…. Does this ring a bell? 😂 All this resorts with this big development planning in Panama are a nightmare for me. And listen again: Someone owns a property and can’t get rid of it…. That’s Panama! Expats pay far too much and still like to make money off it - doesn’t work in Panama. The only people who I know who could finally sell their properties did lose money! Before you buy anything, move around renting places. And 2nd step: Go and check out the local market and NOT sales offices or real estate agents. Because you will get GRINGO PRICES if you don’t do your research first. And Panama is not a place to “flip houses”. Properties are for years on the market in Panama. And we are talking about 5-15 years. Except you own a place in a prime area. Playa Blanca isn’t prime. It is one of many monstrous development areas in Panama!😮

[@freeangie11]

Zoom in more so you don't see the front of the car😁

[@laptopseniors]

Thanks Angie. I prefer that too but Pat likes to see the hood. It’s a guy thing I guess lol. 🤣

[@alicecoppers8980]

doesn't look like it rains much

[@laptopseniors]

It definitely would in rainy season. But not for the weeks that we were in the area.

[@RM1Vet]

How can I contact you. My wife and I are coming ming back in September to David area and then Panama City

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

So what area did you like the best? I went on the tour in 2021 so there were lots of limitations. Overall I like the chill vibe. No stress!!!

[@laptopseniors]

@@anniesshenanigans3815 We liked Coronado, Boquete, and Panama City the most. All different obviously. Chitre and Penanome were pretty good too for a real Panamanian feel. It's all so subjective and personal.

[@RM1Vet]

@laptopseniors I like the same areas you mentioned. Going back early September to David,Boquete, and Panama city

[@RM1Vet]

Would like to meet you

[@laptopseniors]

Our email is [e-mail].

[@mistapropa408]

I think hubby is a grouch so no one likes to visit because of him.

[@corneliaheadley2392]

For the amount of English speaking tourist that visit panama', why they can't hire at least one English speaking person for better service.

[@laptopseniors]

Hi Cornelia, I’m not sure what you’re referring to but honestly, we feel we are the ones at fault who invade their country so it’s on us to fit in and not the other way around. We should be better with our Spanish by now but… it’s a work in progress. When other nationalities of people come to North America, we expect them to learn our language, right? 😁 Ya! All good. We are all doing our best. Thanks for your comment. Hope you subscribe. 👍🏻

[@alkubbo1291]

Thanks for the information. Wifey and I have permanent residency in Panamá (Jubilado Visa) but we had never been in Playa Blanca. We hang around Panama City because as you guys said - there is a lot more to do. Keep safe!

[@laptopseniors]

Love PC. If you haven't, you might want to take a look at Coronado. It's great too. But...you absolutely need a car there unlike PC.

[@alkubbo1291]

@@laptopseniors Yep, we took a drive up to the Nueva Gorgona and the Coronado area early on and realized that we were not really beach folks. (it was a crazy weekend) 😵‍💫 We call ourselves - 'Senior Uberites' who rent mostly in Avenida Balboa (Cinta Costera) and had chosen restaurants, malls, markets, beauty salons, spas, etc. But our settled Panamá life became unstable when our youngest daughter had identical twins (over 18 months now) so we had to adapt and also rent a place in St. Augustine FL so we could 'help'. (Our eldest had a baby boy during the same period so we also had to 'help' in Huntsville, AL). Unlike you, we chose Legalys (law firm) and went individually through the process of 'pensionado' and got our 'cedulas' at different times. Now, when we go back 'home' (Panamá), we rent for a few months at a time instead of leasing for a year. We realize that we do not match the norm but we are fine with it...😎 (we have been married for 44 years and I am younger than you for a few years)

[@laptopseniors]

@@alkubbo1291 Hey...whatever works. That's what matters. And congratulations on your new grandson. Nice.

[@alkubbo1291]

@@laptopseniors Thanks. By the way, you guys are awesome. 👍

[@janinaleedelrio]

Never visit Playa Blanca, we go to Buenaventura instead. Thank you for the video. Btw, the letter "H" is silent in Spanish 🇨🇦🪷💜🙏🏽