Thread: Good/best places to live in Panama?

Hello, we're planning to move soon to Panama soon, and would appreciate any recommendations on which regions and communities are most enjoyable for weather, convenient shopping, privacy, scenery, amenities, affordable homes, safety, transportation, not overcrowded, and overall quality of living. We're water people, active and athletic, want to be on or near the coast, either Pacific or Caribbean, for good beaches, boating, fishing and diving. We prefer to be within a couple of hours or so, maybe a bit more, from the international airport and amenities in Panama City.
We're not interested in living in snooty "upscale" snobbish show off neighborhoods, or being around those kind of people. From the reading I've done, the Bocas de Toro region sounds beautiful, but is pretty remote. Which coast is preferable for the weather, scenery, beaches, boating and fishing?
Any suggestions will be much appreciated.

The Bocas area is amazing, but you need to be self sufficient and live off of the grid there....or so I've heard. And unless you can grab a flight, it's more than a couple of hours from PC. The area I would check is around Santa Clara. Beautiful beaches and still a lot of small town feel in some of the areas. We fell in love with a house there, but it sold before we sold our house in the states. Glad it worked out that way, Boquete is cool and green and has the best coffee in the world.

I agree with Becky that the Santa Clara area would be worth a look for you. Close enough to everything in the city but far enough to enjoy everything you described.

HI I saw your post and wondered if you live in Boquete? We are considering moving there and are beginning to plan a trip for early spring. Some places seem to have people who have created a business giving potential expats property and area tours. Have you found anyone doing this in Boquette? We would want to rent for six months to a year but are not sure what to expect to pay for a rental, prefer 2 bedrooms and 1-2 baths and we have a small dog. Would appreciate any information you could share. Thanks

i agree with Rose , Rob, everything you are asking for, just screams Coronado