West Panama

Panamá Pacífico

A master-planned community on the former Howard Air Force Base

Price Range

$180,000 - $900,000+

Lifestyle

Master-planned suburban community

Best For

Families who want a planned, secure community, Corporate and international workers, Buyers who value modern infrastructure and amenities

Region

West Panama

Panamá Pacífico is a large master-planned community in West Panama, built on and around the former Howard Air Force Base near Veracruz, about 15 to 20 kilometers from Panama City across the Centennial Bridge. It is the closest thing to a purpose-built new city near the capital: gated residential neighborhoods, an international school, commercial and office districts housing hundreds of companies, a business park, and its own airport (Panamá Pacífico International Airport) serving domestic and some regional flights. It offers a planned, secure, green and relatively self-contained lifestyle with a strong corporate and expat presence, and it has grown steadily as a family-oriented alternative to east-side Panama City.

Relocation guide updated September 8, 2026

What it's really like to live in Panamá Pacífico

Panamá Pacífico is a modern, planned town built on the bones of the former Howard Air Force Base: gated neighborhoods, a school, offices, shopping and an airport all in one designed, managed footprint. It has a noticeably green, organized and secure feel, and a large corporate and international community drawn by the business park and its location.

The tradeoff is that it is a planned community with rules and management, and it still depends on a car and a bridge crossing to reach central Panama City, with peak-hour traffic a real consideration. It suits families and professionals who want a secure, amenity-rich, modern environment over the organic character of an older neighborhood.

Advantages

Purpose-built master-planned community with a cohesive design
Gated, secure residential neighborhoods
International school, offices, commercial districts and a business park on site
Its own airport at Panamá Pacífico
A strong corporate and international community

Considerations

A planned community with rules and management, not a traditional town
Still car-dependent and a drive from central Panama City across the bridge
Peak-hour traffic on the access route can be heavy
Hot, humid climate near the coast
Pricing reflects the planned, amenity-rich environment

Key Highlights

Master-planned community on the former air basePanamá Pacífico International AirportInternational school on siteCorporate and office district

Who Panamá Pacífico is best for

Families who want a planned, secure community Corporate and international workers Buyers who value modern infrastructure and amenities

Who may not love it

Buyers who want a traditional, organic town with an old-city character
People who dislike community rules and management fees
Anyone needing frequent access to central Panama City at peak hours
Investors focused on tourist short-term rentals

Cost of Living

What the monthly numbers look like in Panamá Pacífico

Honest, qualitative guidance rather than a budget sheet. Costs vary with property type, lifestyle and season, and any projection should be tested against current quotes.

Housing

Housing in Panamá Pacífico reflects the planned, amenity-rich environment, with a mix of homes and apartments priced at a premium to nearby west-side towns.

Services

Commercial and office districts on site cover many daily needs, with full shopping, healthcare and entertainment a drive into the city.

Getting around

A car is the practical option, with the Panamá Pacífico airport on site and central Panama City about 15 to 20 kilometers away across the Centennial Bridge.

Everyday Life

Healthcare, schools and getting around

Healthcare

Clinics and services are within or near the community, with the full range of hospitals in Panama City a short drive across the bridge.

Schools & education

Panamá Pacífico has an international school on site, a major draw for corporate and expat families, with further options in the capital.

Getting around

The community's own airport serves domestic and some regional flights, while central Panama City is a short drive away across the Centennial Bridge.

Service details compiled in September 8, 2026 and are a starting point for planning. Always confirm current openings, curricula and routes directly.

Good To Know

Common questions about living in Panamá Pacífico

Where is Panamá Pacífico in Panama?

Panamá Pacífico is a master-planned community in West Panama, built on and around the former Howard Air Force Base near Veracruz, about 15 to 20 kilometers from Panama City.

What was Panamá Pacífico before?

It was developed on the site of the former Howard Air Force Base, and today it is a planned community with homes, offices, an international school, a business park and its own airport.

Is Panamá Pacífico a good place to live?

For families and professionals who want a secure, planned, modern community with an international school and strong corporate presence, it is one of the best-organized options near the capital, with the tradeoffs of community rules and a bridge-crossing commute.