Town Center Mall
Modern mall with PriceSmart (Costco-like), pharmacies, supermarkets, chain restaurants. Higher-end than Albrook.
Neighborhood · east of Panama City
Costa del Este
The planned, family-oriented neighborhood with international schools — the "upscale suburb" option for expat parents
Free24/7Costa del Este
Why go
- The only truly "planned" neighborhood in Panama City — wide streets, sidewalks, parks
- Concentration of international schools — King's, ISP, Metropolitan
- Town Center Mall + family restaurants + supermarkets (PriceSmart, Riba Smith)
- Less noisy than Bella Vista, more space than Paitilla
When to go
Recommended visit for prospective expat parents — tour the schools in the morning (8-10 am, see the drop-off vibe), then Town Center for shopping/lunch.
What to do
International school tour
King's College School, Metropolitan School, International School of Panamá nearby. IB / British / American curricula. Fees $8k-25k/year depending on school.
Residential parks
Several small gated parks (Greenways, Las Marinas) with playgrounds, basketball courts. Not accessible without residency in the area but visible from the street.
How to get there
- Metro
- No direct metro. Pueblo Nuevo station (Line 2) planned 2026-2027.
- Bus
- MiBus from Albrook or Multicentro, ~35 min ride, $0.35/trip.
- Uber / InDriver
- $8-12 from Bella Vista, $5-8 from Punta Pacífica, $12-18 from Tocumen.
- On foot
- Walkable inside the neighborhood (wide streets + sidewalks), but not connected to the center on foot.
- Parking
- No parking issues — the only neighborhood where it's easy.
Expat tips
- 3-bed house with pool rent: $2500-5000/month depending on school proximity
- Car nearly essential — no direct transport to the center
- For child-free expats: Bella Vista or Paitilla offer more urban life
- Drinkable water + electricity 100% reliable (unlike some parts of Bella Vista)
- Budget 25-40 min car ride to Casco or Paitilla at rush hour
FAQ
Which international school to choose?
King's College = British, more prestigious, ~$25k/year. Metropolitan = American, ~$22k/year. ISP = international, ~$18k/year. See our detailed comparison.
Family with kids, Bella Vista or Costa del Este?
Costa del Este if international schools are a priority. Bella Vista if you want to walk daily and have urban life.
Safety?
Excellent — one of the safest neighborhoods in Panama. Gated community, private security, little crime.
Cost of living comparison?
More expensive than Bella Vista (rent +30-50%), but more living space. See our budget calculator.
