10 Best Places for Families to Live in Panama

If you're dreaming about moving with your family to Panama and haven't decided where to live, here are some of the best places for international families to live in Panama.

Panama City

Panama City is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a wealth of opportunities for international families. For children, there are numerous activities and attractions to explore. The Biomuseo, designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, offers interactive exhibits and children's workshops that make learning about biodiversity fun. The Punta Culebra Nature Center, run by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, is another great educational destination with its touch tanks and nature trails. For outdoor recreation, the Metropolitan Natural Park, the only wildlife refuge in the city, offers hiking trails and picnic areas. The Parque Recreativo Omar Torrijos, with its vast green spaces, playgrounds, and sports facilities, is a popular spot for families. The city also boasts several athletic facilities that welcome families, such as the PowerClub gym chain and the Panama Canal YMCA, which has a swimming pool and offers various sports programs for kids. For those interested in team sports, the Kiwanis Sports City offers a variety of sports clubs for children, including soccer, baseball, and basketball. With its rich culture, abundant recreational opportunities, and welcoming community, Panama City is a good place for international families to call home.

"Priorities start with family, extended family, family friends, other friends, socializing, sports, all other non-work related activities, and finally: work," commented an expat living in Panama City.

"Very friendly people here at restaurants, stores, banks, public offices......they will always help you and are very welcoming," said one expat living in Panama City.

Boquete

Boquete is a charming and welcoming town that provides a variety of opportunities for international families. For children, there are numerous activities and attractions to explore. The Boquete Library offers a children's section with a variety of books and activities to stimulate young minds. The Boquete Tree Trek, a zip-line adventure through the rainforest, is a thrilling experience for older kids. For outdoor recreation, the Sendero Los Quetzales, a trail in the Volcan Baru National Park, offers hiking and bird-watching opportunities. The Boquete Community Players Theater and Events Center, with its regular family-friendly performances, is a popular spot for families. The town also boasts several athletic facilities that welcome families, such as the Boquete Fitness Friends gym and the Los Molinos Canyon, which has a swimming pool and offers various sports programs for kids. For those interested in team sports, the Boquete Futbol Club offers a variety of sports clubs for children, including soccer. With its rich culture, abundant recreational opportunities, and welcoming community, Boquete is an excellent place for international families to call home.

"There are a lot of retirees in Boquete, but not everyone is retired. You can have as active a social life as you want. There are many restaurants, and different interest groups, as well as classes in a variety of topics. The Panamanian culture is very family oriented," commented an expat living in Boquete.

"I appreciate the dedication to family - it's refreshing to see entire extended families spending time together and enjoying life," said one expat living in Boquete.

Coronado

Coronado is an excellent destination for international families seeking a vibrant and welcoming community. For children, there are a plethora of activities and attractions to explore. The Picasso Art Studio offers art classes for children, fostering creativity and artistic expression. The Coronado International School also hosts various extracurricular activities for kids. For outdoor recreation, the Coronado Beach, with its golden sand and warm waters, is a popular spot for families. The Coronado Golf and Beach Resort offers a variety of sports facilities, including a golf course, tennis courts, and a swimming pool that welcomes families. The Coronado Equestrian Club provides horse riding lessons for children, promoting physical activity and a love for animals. For those interested in team sports, the Coronado Soccer Club offers a variety of sports clubs for children, including soccer. With its rich culture, abundant recreational opportunities, and welcoming community, Coronado is a good place for international families to call home.

El Valle de Anton

El Valle de Anton, is a delightful destination for international families seeking a serene and welcoming environment. For children, there are numerous activities and attractions to explore. The Butterfly Haven offers an interactive experience where children can learn about different butterfly species. The El Nispero Zoo and Botanical Garden is another great educational destination with a variety of animals and plants. For outdoor recreation, the Cerro Gaital Natural Monument, with its hiking trails and stunning views, is a popular spot for families. The town also boasts the El Valle Golf Club, which has a family-friendly atmosphere and offers golf lessons for kids. The Canopy Adventure, with its zip-line tours, is a thrilling experience for older kids. The town also has several athletic facilities that welcome families, such as the Los Mandarinos Boutique Spa and Hotel, which has a swimming pool and offers various sports programs for kids. For those interested in team sports, the El Valle Soccer Club offers a variety of sports clubs for children, including soccer. With its rich biodiversity, abundant recreational opportunities, and welcoming community, El Valle de Anton is a great place for international families to call home.

"People like the beauty of nature, the quiet, relaxed atmosphere, the small town feel, the relatively close proximity to Panama City (2-3 hours drive) and the weather (not as hot or humid as Coronado). Dislikes include the frequent power outages, lack of health care facilities, overpopulation of dogs that bark all night, and lack of stores (if want want to buy anything beyond basic necessities you have to drive the curvy, pot-holed mountain road to Coronado (35-45 minutes drive). I hope this is helpful," commented one member living in El Valle de Anton, Panama.

Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is a wonderful destination for international families seeking a vibrant and welcoming community. For children, there are a plethora of activities and attractions to explore. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute offers educational tours and activities for children, fostering a love for nature and science. The Bocas Butterfly Garden is another great educational destination where children can learn about different butterfly species. For outdoor recreation, the Starfish Beach, with its clear waters and abundant starfish, is a popular spot for families. The Bocas del Toro Archipelago, with its numerous islands, offers opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and boating. The town also boasts several athletic facilities that welcome families, such as the Bocas Yoga Studio, which offers family-friendly yoga classes. The Bocas Town Pool is a community swimming pool that welcomes families for a refreshing dip. For those interested in team sports, the Bocas Soccer Club offers a variety of sports clubs for children, including soccer. With its rich biodiversity, abundant recreational opportunities, and welcoming community, Bocas del Toro is a wonderful place for international families to call home.

"Definitely life revolves around family and work here. The Panamanians are very friendly and family oriented. They have many festivals and celebrate life in many ways many times a year," commented an expat living in Bocas del Toro.

David

David is an excellent destination for international families seeking a welcoming and vibrant community. For children, there are numerous activities and attractions to explore. The Museo de Historia y Arte José de Obaldía offers educational tours and activities for children, fostering a love for history and art. The Parque Cervantes, with its lush greenery and playgrounds, is a popular spot for families to relax and play. For outdoor recreation, the Parque Nacional Volcán Barú, with its hiking trails and stunning views, is a great place for families to explore. The city also boasts several athletic facilities that welcome families, such as the Complejo Deportivo Glorias Deportivas Baruenses, which has a swimming pool and offers various sports programs for kids. For those interested in team sports, the Club Deportivo Municipal San Francisco de David offers a variety of sports clubs for children, including soccer and baseball. With its rich culture, abundant recreational opportunities, and welcoming community, David, Panama is an excellent place for international families to call home.

Pedasi

Pedasi is a good destination for international families seeking a warm and welcoming community. For children, there are a variety of activities and attractions to explore. The Tortugas Pedasi offers educational tours and activities for children, fostering a love for nature and marine life. The Playa Venao, with its beautiful beach and calm waters, is a popular spot for families to relax and play. For outdoor recreation, the Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge, with its pristine beaches and abundant wildlife, is a great place for families to explore. The town also boasts several athletic facilities that welcome families, such as the Pedasi Sports Club, which has a swimming pool and offers various sports programs for kids. For those interested in team sports, the Pedasi Baseball Club offers a variety of sports clubs for children, including baseball. With its rich culture, abundant recreational opportunities, and welcoming community, Pedasi, Panama is a great place for international families to call home.

Santa Clara

Santa Clara is an excellent destination for international families seeking a friendly and engaging community. For children, there are numerous activities and attractions to explore. The Anton Valley Historical and Cultural Museum offers educational tours and activities for children, fostering a love for history and culture. The Santa Clara Beach, with its beautiful sandy shores and calm waters, is a popular spot for families to relax and play. For outdoor recreation, the nearby Cerro Campana National Park, with its hiking trails and stunning views, is a great place for families to explore. The town also boasts several athletic facilities that welcome families, such as the Santa Clara Fitness Center, which has a swimming pool and offers various sports programs for kids. For those interested in team sports, the Santa Clara Soccer Club offers a variety of sports clubs for children, including soccer. With its rich culture, abundant recreational opportunities, and welcoming community, Santa Clara, Panama is a good place for international families to call home.

Volcan

Volcan is an ideal location for international families seeking a friendly and engaging community. For children, there are a plethora of activities and attractions to explore. The Sitio Barriles Museum offers educational tours and activities for children, fostering a love for history and culture. The Volcan Lakes, with their serene waters and beautiful surroundings, are popular spots for families to relax and play. For outdoor recreation, the nearby Volcan Baru National Park, with its hiking trails and breathtaking views, is a great place for families to explore. The town also boasts several athletic facilities that welcome families, such as the Volcan Fitness Center, which has a swimming pool and offers various sports programs for kids. For those interested in team sports, the Volcan Soccer Club offers a variety of sports clubs for children, including soccer. With its rich culture, abundant recreational opportunities, and welcoming community, Volcan, Panama is a good place for international families to call home.

Coronado

Coronado is a fantastic destination for international families seeking a vibrant and welcoming community. For children, there are a plethora of activities and attractions to explore. The Picasso Art Studio offers art classes for children, fostering creativity and artistic expression. The Coronado International School also hosts various extracurricular activities for kids. For outdoor recreation, the Coronado Beach, with its golden sand and warm waters, is a popular spot for families. The Coronado Golf and Beach Resort offers a variety of sports facilities, including a golf course, tennis courts, and a swimming pool that welcomes families. The Coronado Equestrian Club provides horse riding lessons for children, promoting physical activity and a love for animals. For those interested in team sports, the Coronado Soccer Club offers a variety of sports clubs for children, including soccer. With its rich culture, abundant recreational opportunities, and welcoming community, Coronado is a great place for international families to call home.