Cerro Azul, Panama

Apartment Or House Ownership Budget (For A Couple)

Apartment Or House Rental Budget (For A Couple) In Cerro Azul, Panama

Penny-Pincher’s Budget (Bare Minimum Costs, For A Couple)

Living in a remote area 45 minutes from Panama City has never looked this appealing. Situated in the rainy Chagres National Park region, you’ll find luscious greenery, fascinating wildlife, and exotic birds in an exclusive gated community called Altos de Cerro Azul.

With temperatures ranging from 16ºC (61ºF) to 28ºC (83ºF) and “a peace that passeth all understanding,” this is an ideal place to live, offering you the chance to disconnect and relax while still having the excitement of city life nearby.

Altos de Cerro Azul is in the 24 de Diciembre municipality, so you’ll commute along the Vía Tocumen highway. Once in 24 de Diciembre, you’ll veer left and when you see the Fucer water park, the next turn on the left is the road to Cerro Azul. As you make your way up the mountain, you’ll see stones marked with the remaining distance to the right.

When you get to the 1-kilometer mark, the entrance will be after the hardware store COMASA on the left. When I visited this area 12 years ago, there were mostly plots of land being sold and few houses. So when I was invited by friends to visit recently, I was stunned by how much the area has been developed. Enviable homes and gorgeous landscaping on each property caught my attention.

What I most enjoyed were the restaurants, which serve a variety of foods. Hacienda Mi Montañita has spectacular views and is a nice place to stay if you want to scout out the area. There are many other options for accommodation as well.

Once you become an owner, you’ll have access to other amenities in the area. Residents have created a network of businesspeople who offer a range of
services from plumbing and electrical to medical and veterinary.

There’s a police station at the entrance to Altos de Cerro Azul if security is one of your concerns. The guards are always available and can be called if needed.

For medical care, you can either send a message to your neighbors to find out if there’s a doctor in the area or go to the nearest health center that’s about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the entrance.

The area offers a wide range of activities for the adventurer with lots of hiking trails to explore and rivers and waterfalls to dip in afterwards. Las Cascadas de Romeo y Julieta are the most famous waterfalls in the area, but there are plenty of others that you can visit, too.

On Saturdays, the community opens up their mercadito at the Casa del Lago where small businessowners showcase their products for sale and entertain future business investors.

There’s also a small mini supermarket where you can buy fruits and vegetables.

After browsing the market, you can enjoy views of the lake and ducks while sipping on juice or your favorite drink from the always-present food trucks.

Other entertainment options for adults include yoga events and professional and personal development talks. There are also activities for children.

Casa del Lago, where the weekly Saturday market is held

Altos de Cerro Azul is a family oriented community, and hikes and picnics are occasionally planned for people of all ages. They usually happen on early Sunday mornings so attendees can watch the sun rise over the pristine mountains.

If you’re interested in volunteering, you can sign up for other group activities such as Scouts Panama, which focuses on the preservation and prosperity of the Chagres National Park region. They also work towards creating a circular economy among community members.

Consider joining Scouts Panama if you’re passionate
about sustainability and protecting the environment

The real estate market in Cerro Azul is growing. Those moving to Cerro Azul want a break from city life and a place to roam free. Prices range from US$70,000 for simple bungalow-style houses to up to US$800,000 for luxury chalets.

To find the best deals you should check out local listings online (the website Encuentra 24 is a solid starting point) and visit the area in person to scout out unposted properties. Now is the best time to buy property in Cerro Azul as it’s still selling below market price.

Altos de Cerro Azul is an ideal place for expats looking for peace and tranquility in a family friendly setting close to the city. The air is clean and the weather, though rainier because of its location in the rain forest, is crisp and refreshingly cool.

There are so many housing options that it might be difficult to make up your mind. One thing is certain—it’s a prime area for investment, so don’t get left behind.