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Panama City paradise

Back in 2015, we built our dream home in Fredericksburg, Virginia — spacious, private, and designed to be our forever haven. At the time, we couldn’t imagine trading it in for a condo, first in Boone, North Carolina, and now, remarkably, in the vibrant heart of Panama City, Panama.

Boone was quaint and quiet. Fredericksburg was comfortably suburban. Panama City? It’s a bustling, cosmopolitan capital — something we never imagined ourselves embracing. Yet, here we are.

During our tour of Panama, we toyed with the idea of living in the mountains or by the beach. We even debated a six-month split between the two. But everything changed when we experienced the rhythm and energy of the city — and we knew we had found something special.

Panama offers an incredible mix of lifestyles — mountain retreats, beach escapes, and dynamic city life. We chose to live in El Cangrejo (Spanish for “The Crab”), a lively and walkable neighborhood filled with a blend of expats and locals. It’s where community thrives, culture is diverse, and everything we need — from groceries to great coffee — is within walking distance or a short Uber ride away. No car needed!

After nearly a year here (as of September 9th), we’ve found city living to be the best way to truly adapt to life in Panama. Day by day, we’ve been learning Spanish — and teaching a bit of English in return — thanks to the friendly Panamanians around us.

El Cangrejo is a foodie’s dream. Within a 15-minute stroll, we can choose from a global menu: Spanish, Peruvian, Japanese, Panamanian, Italian, Vietnamese, and beyond. The coffee shops are just as varied and inviting.

Despite the language barrier (Spanish is dominant here), we’ve found that a good attitude and Google Translate go a long way. Everyone is welcoming, and with each interaction, we grow a little more connected to this beautiful country.

And then, there’s the view. Our skyline is nothing short of breathtaking. Whether it’s the soft glow of morning light or a dramatic evening storm rolling in, the sky puts on a show. Birds — including the charming Red-lored Parrots — fly past our window, while city lights shimmer after dark, especially during Panama’s festive holiday season.

One surprise? The lack of bugs. No mosquitoes, no beetles, not even butterflies (though we wouldn’t mind a few of those!). There are plenty of geckos — a reminder that we live in a tropical rainforest climate.

Panama has truly lit up our lives — figuratively and literally — and given us a chance to reimagine what home means. We’re not retired — we’re renewed. And now, we’re ready to use this vibrant city as our base for discovering more of the world.

There’s so much more to see, do, and experience. But for now, Panama City holds a special place in our journey — a place where we laid down expectations and embraced a whole new way of living.

Thinking about life in Panama City? Let’s connect!