Pros and Cons of living in Casco Viejo

Here is part 2, of how it is to live in Casco Viejo. If you enjoyed part 1, this info will be very interesting to you. 

🍽️ Food, Fun, and Rooftop Life

Casco is Panama City’s culinary capital, hands down.

Here’s what locals love:

• Casual cafés: Like Café Unido or Tántalo

• Top-notch restaurants: Try Donde José for a local tasting menu or Fonda Lo Que Hay for creative Panamanian fusion

• Live music bars: Danilo’s Jazz Club or Relic Bar in the basement of an old convent

• Rooftop nightlife: At places like Lazotea or Salvaje

And best of all? Everything is walkable. Leave the car at home.

📶 Connectivity & Remote Work Perks

Casco has quickly become a hub for remote workers and creatives.

Why?

• High-speed internet

• Cool coworking spots like Workings Casco Viejo

• Dozens of Wi-Fi-ready cafés with good coffee and even better ambiance

• Nearby access to Panama City's financial district if you need to suit up

You can spend your mornings working from a colonial balcony and your evenings dancing salsa in a plaza. Not a bad deal.

🛡️ Is Casco Viejo Safe?

Short answer: Yes, with common-sense precautions.

• There’s a strong police presence, especially at night

• Most streets are well-lit and active with foot traffic

• Stick to the core tourist zones and you’re golden

Locals and expats walk around at all hours, and most buildings have 24/7 security or porteros (doormen).

🎓 Schools, Healthcare & Everyday Essentials

Casco is not just for retirees and nomads—families are moving in too.

• International schools like The Metropolitan School of Panama are 20 minutes away

• Nearby hospitals include Hospital Nacional and Hospital Punta Pacifica (world-class care)

• Mini-markets and convenience stores are sprinkled throughout the neighborhood

• Uber, taxis, and scooters make getting around easy

You’re in the middle of the city, so access to essentials is never an issue.

📸 Pros and Cons of Living in Casco Viejo

✅ Pros:

• Walkable, scenic, and full of culture

• Tight-knit community and expat-friendly

• Amazing food, nightlife, and art

• Historic homes with serious character

• Easy access to the rest of Panama City

❌ Cons:

• Higher rent than other areas

• Can be noisy on weekends (bring earplugs!)

• Renovations in progress (some streets are still being fixed up)

• Limited parking—living car-free is best here

🙋‍♀️ FAQs About Living in Casco Viejo

Can foreigners live in Casco Viejo?
Absolutely! Many expats live here full-time, and the community is super welcoming.

Is Casco Viejo touristy?
Yes, but it’s still a real neighborhood with locals, schools, and full-time residents.

Do I need to speak Spanish?
It helps, but many locals and businesses speak English, especially in Casco.

Is it family-friendly?
Yes! While it skews toward young professionals and creatives, families live here too.

Can I buy property here?
Yes—and foreigners have the same property rights as locals.

✨ Final Take: Casco Viejo Is a Lifestyle, Not Just a Location

Living in Casco Viejo means waking up to the sounds of church bells, grabbing a coffee where the barista knows your name, and living inside a postcard-worthy neighborhood. It’s creative, connected, culturally rich, and a little wild in the best way.

Whether you're a retiree craving charm, a digital nomad hunting for inspiration, or a family wanting walkable city life with real soul—Casco Viejo could be your perfect match.

If this sounds like the perfect place for you, use the contact form at the bottom of our website (footer) or just send us a message via Whatsapp to ​​+507 6726 5933 so we can assist you.