Thread: Cerro Azul?

Hi,
Just got back from a "research" trip to Panama for possible places to semi-retire and Cerro Azul stuck out for us. Other than the distance from real shopping are there any disadvantages to the area we should know about?
Thanks, Jon

I have to admit I have never been to Cerro Azul but the one drawback I do hear is the lack of shopping for almost anything and having a long commute to Panama City through sketchy neighborhoods. What was your opinion of the area? Are there even any grocery stores?

I think in between Tocumen airport and Cerro Azul,there are shopping centers and pharmacies and so on.That's what I read.I plan of going to the area in a few months.

---------- Post added at 07:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:20 AM ----------

Jonoyakker,could you tell more about Cerro Azul,I'm very interested in the area too.

Did you by chance stop and look at "Las Vistas de Cerro Azul?" It is on the way to Cerro Azul. We loved this place, but could not find any feedback about it. The development was not complete (this was in Feb. of this year). A realtor who met us there was "sketchy" about when it would be gated and guarded, and anything else about the development. However, the properties had astonishing views, and there were several amazing mansions being built.

The brochure we were given has a web site that is not working. We are STILL trying to find out more about this development, and are planning on looking at it again when we return in Sept.

Sorry Vicki, don't know anything about Las Vistas. As for HOSEM1's question, Cerro Azul is a large area about 30-45 mins above Tocumen. It's cool(2600 ft), borders a natl. forrest, has some great views. There looks to be quite a bit of good shopping (meaning basic supplies) about 5 mins north of Tocumen. As for MRWOOHOOS comment about sketchy areas in between-not sure what you mean. Some of the towns look rather poor and are quite littered. Cerro Azul is a mix of Panamanian natives, and gringos-many in gated, but not fenced and crowded communities.

The reason I'm curious about drawbacks is that we looked at a home that would be a real stretch for us to buy at this point now. (We were really looking for raw land to buy now with plans to build on it in about 5 yrs when we semi-retire)

Originally Posted by jonoyakker

Sorry Vicki, don't know anything about Las Vistas. As for HOSEM1's question, Cerro Azul is a large area about 30-45 mins above Tocumen. It's cool(2600 ft), borders a natl. forrest, has some great views. There looks to be quite a bit of good shopping (meaning basic supplies) about 5 mins north of Tocumen. As for MRWOOHOOS comment about sketchy areas in between-not sure what you mean. Some of the towns look rather poor and are quite littered. Cerro Azul is a mix of Panamanian natives, and gringos-many in gated, but not fenced and crowded communities.

The reason I'm curious about drawbacks is that we looked at a home that would be a real stretch for us to buy at this point now. (We were really looking for raw land to buy now with plans to build on it in about 5 yrs when we semi-retire)

Hey jonoyakker, how far of a drive is it from "downtown" Cerro Azul to an actual grocery store (Rey, Super99, Extra), nightlife, restaurants, etc? I am somewhat familiar with the "poor" neighborhoods near Tocumen. My ex-partner's Panamanian associate is from one of those neighborhoods and even he got robbed at gunpoint at a convenience store between Tocumen and Panama City earlier in the year.

Mr WOOHOO,
Figure at least 20 minutes. There is at least one restaurant in C.A. It's Panamanian (Frishee's or something like that)-not much to look at but we had a tasty meal there that was very reasonable. I wouldn't hesitate to go back. There are also several mini-super's, and an ok hotel. Other than that, there are plenty of staples 20-30 mins away-there is actually a very big retail strip. Looks like an ugly U.S. retail strip-box stores, strip malls. Just more run down, more litter. You could probably get most anything there.

Do you know of just that one instance of is it an epidemic of crime?

Jon

Well jonoyakker, just like you observed, those are some VERY poor neighborhoods. During the day you should be ok? Be careful stopping for gas at night anywhere in that area. Those neighborhoods are controlled by gangs. It is my understanding sometimes the local gang will hold block parties. The guy who got robbed actually went to his local gang to try to find out who robbed him and how to "return the favor".