Are you thinking about retiring in Panama? You’re not alone. Panama has become the No. 1 retirement destination for 2025, attracting thousands of U.S. citizens looking for comfort, safety, and real value for their money.
In this guide, we’ll show you the best places to retire in Panama and what makes each location unique.
1. Boquete (Chiriquí): Cool Mountain Living in the Highlands
If you dream of retiring somewhere with spring-like weather all year round, lush green mountains, and a welcoming expat community, Boquete might be exactly what you’re looking for. Located in the province of Chiriquí, this charming mountain town is one of the most popular choices for U.S. retirees moving to Panama.
Boquete is famous for its coffee farms, hiking trails, and stunning views of Volcán Barú, Panama’s highest peak. The town offers a peaceful lifestyle with cool temperatures that rarely exceed 75°F, making air conditioning unnecessary. What truly makes Boquete special is its strong expat community—thousands of foreign residents have already settled here, creating a friendly environment where English is widely spoken and newcomers feel at home quickly.
Modern amenities such as supermarkets, restaurants, banks, and healthcare clinics are easily accessible, and the nearby city of David (about 45 minutes away) offers larger hospitals and an international airport with flights to Panama City and Costa Rica.
For retirees seeking tranquility, community, and access to nature without feeling isolated, Boquete remains one of the best places to retire in Panama.
2. Coronado and the Pacific Beaches
If you want to retire by the beach but still stay close to the city, Coronado and its surrounding Pacific coast towns are among the best choices in Panama. Just an hour and a half from Panama City, this area offers a perfect mix of convenience and relaxation.
Coronado is known for its modern supermarkets, golf courses, private clinics, and active social clubs. The community has grown into one of the most established expat areas in Panama, with plenty of English-speaking residents and familiar comforts that make the transition to life abroad easy.
Retirees enjoy the calm ocean views, excellent dining options, and quick access to the capital for shopping, healthcare, or international travel. Whether you prefer a beachfront condo or a private home near the golf course, Coronado offers a lifestyle that combines tropical beauty with everyday comfort—making it one of the best places to retire in Panama.
3. El Valle de Antón: Mountains with Cool Breeze
Tucked inside the crater of an extinct volcano, El Valle de Antón offers one of the most unique environments to retire in Panama. The town’s mild climate, surrounded by mountains and lush tropical greenery, attracts retirees who want to enjoy cooler weather while still being just a short drive from the beach.
El Valle is known for its scenic hiking trails, open-air markets, birdwatching, and waterfalls. Many U.S. retirees choose it as a peaceful alternative to coastal towns, enjoying a slower pace of life and a close connection to nature. The area has several small hotels, restaurants, and local shops, and it is only about two hours from Panama City, making it ideal for weekend trips or medical visits to the capital.
With its refreshing climate, beautiful landscapes, and balanced location between the mountains and the Pacific coast, El Valle de Antón stands out as one of the best places to retire in Panama for those seeking nature, comfort, and community.
4. Panama City: Cosmopolitan, Connected, and Medical Hub
If you love the energy and convenience of a big city, Panama City offers everything you could want for a comfortable and modern retirement. As the capital of Panama, it combines a cosmopolitan lifestyle with excellent healthcare, world-class dining, and endless entertainment options.
Retirees in Panama City enjoy modern shopping malls, cultural attractions such as theaters and museums, and some of the best private hospitals in Latin America, including facilities affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine. The city is also extremely well-connected, with Tocumen International Airport (PTY) serving as Copa Airlines’ “Hub of the Americas,” offering direct flights across North and South America as well as Europe.
Living in Panama City means having all the comforts of an international capital while still benefiting from Panama’s affordable cost of living and tax advantages. For retirees who want access to top-tier healthcare, modern amenities, and global connectivity, Panama City remains one of the best places to retire in Panama.
5. Pedasí & Azuero Peninsula
On Panama’s Pacific coast lies the Azuero Peninsula, a region known for its golden beaches, vibrant traditions, and the charming town of Pedasí. This area captures the essence of coastal living—bright sunshine, friendly plazas, and a pace of life that feels pleasantly unhurried.
Pedasí has developed a strong reputation among retirees and expats seeking an authentic Panamanian experience. The town blends small-town warmth with access to modern essentials, offering a mix of cozy cafés, boutique hotels, and local markets. Just a short drive away, Playa Venao attracts surfers from around the world, while the surrounding countryside is perfect for fishing, horseback riding, and exploring hidden beaches.
Real estate and daily costs remain more affordable than in most U.S. coastal areas, making Pedasí and the Azuero Peninsula one of the best places to retire in Panama for those seeking simplicity, beauty, and community.
6. Bocas del Toro: Caribbean Lifestyle
In the northwest of Panama, close to the Costa Rican border, Bocas del Toro offers a completely different kind of retirement experience. This Caribbean archipelago is famous for its colorful houses on the water, tropical energy, and warm island lifestyle that instantly makes you slow down and breathe.
Life in Bocas revolves around the sea. Boat taxis replace cars, and each day can include snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing by the turquoise water. The town of Bocas Town on Isla Colón is lively and social, with international restaurants, local markets, and a diverse community of residents from around the world.
Retirees who choose Bocas del Toro enjoy a laid-back rhythm, year-round warm weather, and the charm of island living with enough modern conveniences to feel comfortable. It’s one of the best places to retire in Panama for those who love the ocean, nature, and a strong sense of community.
Looking for the Largest American Expat Community in Panama?
If you want to retire somewhere you can easily connect with fellow Americans, Boquete and Coronado are two of the most popular choices. Both areas have thriving U.S. communities with active social clubs, English-speaking doctors, and services that make the transition to life in Panama smooth and comfortable. You’ll find everything from familiar grocery stores to community events and expat meetups, making it easy to settle in and feel at home from day one.
You Don’t Have to Make the Decision Alone
Retiring in a new country can feel exciting and a little overwhelming at the same time, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Agroup Consulting, we’ve guided more than 100 American retirees through the process of obtaining their Panama permanent residency and finding the place that truly feels like home. We can help you do the same.
This is how we can support you.
Pensionado Visa Application
If you receive a lifetime pension of at least USD 1,000 per month, you already meet the main requirement to retire in Panama legally. Our immigration attorneys will walk you through every step of the Pensionado Visa process, from document preparation to approval. In most cases, we can help you secure your Pensionado Visa within just a few days of your arrival.
You can read more about this program and its benefits on our Pensionado Visa page.
Relocation Assistance
Choosing where to retire is a personal decision that deserves careful guidance. As part of our visa service, we provide relocation assistance to help you discover the best places to retire in Panama according to your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. Whether you’re drawn to mountain air, the beach, or the city, our team will make sure your transition to Panama is smooth, comfortable, and stress-free.
If you’re ready to start your new life in Panama, we’d love to meet you and guide you every step of the way. Get in touch with us today and let our experts help you make your retirement in Panama simple, secure, and unforgettable.