Thread: Pros and cons of Altos del Maria?

Please tell all.

Altos Del Maria is generally a good development. It was the first place I looked at when I was searching for property.
They advertise that it is 20 minutes from the beach, it is actually farther. Grocery stores are more than 20 minutes away. It is cooler than the lowlands but it is still hot.

Nice size lots in Altos del Maria and nice walking trails. I would imagine that the nights are beautiful. If you enjoy the mountains, it would be a great place to invest.

I also plan to visit this development during my next trip to Panama. Thanks

The houses were too expensive for what you got when we looked 2 years ago. I thought the lots were small for the price and the roads were straight up and down and really curvy, really mountain type roads. There was a swimming hole with about a thousand steps to get to, if you wanted a dip. Not our cup of tea.

Having said that, it is pretty. They give you $X to landscape if you buy there, they have at least some of the plants. One whole hillside is covered in pine trees that they brought in for people to use. They told us that Panamanians love pine trees, but there were lots of pine trees.......

I'd be buying land and build. I want lush vegetation not a pine forest though? Would add a pool if the weather is hot enough. Crime in the area or on the roads leading in?
Realistic time it takes to go to a supermarket and restaurants?
High speed Internet?

Thanks.

You may find building in Panama a little stressful..

Well aware Ed. You will prolly read about me in the papers if they are sensitive about bodies littering the streets.

Originally Posted by Sir Stressalot

I'd be buying land and build. I want lush vegetation not a pine forest though? Would add a pool if the weather is hot enough. Crime in the area or on the roads leading in?
Realistic time it takes to go to a supermarket and restaurants?
High speed Internet?

Thanks.

well if you live up to your handle , you will be living in a rubber room before you get the footings in .

Can you guys answer these:
Crime in the area or on the roads leading in?
Realistic time it takes to go to a supermarket and restaurants?
High speed Internet?

I am well aware of the hurdles.

We bought 3 acres right outside of Altos. We are planning on building. The drive to Coronado is about half an hour. The views are spectacular, and we have met several very nice couples who live in Altos. It has cool breezes (the higher, the windier). I have noticed that the prices are coming down a little - however, if you find a property you like, make an offer. My friends there tell me that many properties are negotiable.

Oops! Forgot to mention that they do have high speed internet. Our good friends there are also gardners, and have beautiful gardens. Crime is almost nill.

If you want mountains and jungle, take a quick look at Volcan. It's not a gated community like Altos, it has a whole different feel.

I built 4 houses on spec in Altos. All sold.
Buy me lunch at my favorite restaurant, and I will tell you all that you need to know.

KFC? :-)
Thanks for the offer I might take you up on it.

You should, and before you buy your lot.
No,something a bit more expensive.

I wanna be within 90 minutes of Panama city so that limits my options as far as the mountains go.
Are there kindergartens and schools in that area?
Restaurants?
Tennis courts?

Mordekha check your PM

If you want really close to PC, there is the Cerro Azul area. I was there for a couple days and liked it.

Thanks for the suggestion I have looked into that as well, I read the road there goes through some rough areas plus it is in kind of decline, barbed wires etc... When I reach later this month I will of course check these places out in person.

The last time we visited ADM (summer 2009) we didn't see any homes sourrounded by fences/barbed wire, but we did see a few with bars on their windows. I guess you can never be too sure!