AboutLorena Milanes Expertise I can answer questions regarding Panama, its people, culture, places to visit, places to watch out for, hotels to stay, how much your taxi fare should be... specific information on getting around on a safe manner.
Experience I was born and raised in Panama, educated in American schools. Since I enjoy all related to Panama history, I try to keep myself updated on local happenings in the subject. I also enjoy traveling and the internet seems a wonderful tool to use, specially when you are your own guide (which I usually am)- so I am just willing to give some of the help I have received back.
Publications Article - La Prensa Newspaper
Education/Credentials Bachelor's Degree - Marketing and Advertisting
MBA - Emphasys in Management
Expert: Lorena Milanes Date: 6/26/2008 Subject: to move or not to move
Question QUESTION: lorena, i have read several of your answers, you seem to be very honest and straight forward. for example, the drug and crime "at your front door", which is a major problem in some if not most of the large US cities. i dont wish to live in the middle of a large over crowded city here or there, but i would like to live outside the city in panama. bottom line, is it safe, clean and a good enviornment to raise two very young children in (3 and 5 year old)? income is not an issue as to where we live. thanks
ANSWER: Hi Alan,
Thank you for your email.
I try to tell people the things the way are, because if it was me asking, I would like to know :) I always tell people to also check the Panama newspapers, for example www.prensa.com so you can get a glimpse of what´s going on.
Right now, I would recommend, if you have children and would like to live in a house in the city (not in the middle of it), in a nice green area ...Albrook and Clayton residential areas - these are next to each other.
These two use to be U.S. Bases which have now been developed into nice residential areas.
Another option (with less green) is Costa del Este, a residential area developed where there use to be the city dumpster.
If you want to check houses in those areas try the www.compreoalquile.com and you can see what type of housing you can find in the area.
The 3 mentioned areas have good schools, which is a plus.
Let me know if you need any more information.
All the best-
Lorena
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: what about the overall safety for my children, also, the usa, although we try to deny it, in most cities is full of racisim. how well are americans recieved in general. last but not least, most sites say that one can live really well with 2000 income per month, but to be in a nice area, with family of 4, private schools and etc. what would your estimation of cost of living be? thanks again.
Answer Hi Alan,
In regards to racism towards tourists or people coming from the U.S. I perceive it as none existant. Other nationalities are not in this same situation.
Answering your question of living with a 2000 income a month, i´ts possible but with your basics.
I´ll give you a rough month estimate:
Housing (rent) for a 3 bedroom home/apartment 1,000.00 USD (minimum)
Electricity add 100.00 USD,phone, 30.00 USD, maid 150.00 USD, Groceries 300.00 USD... adds to 1,580.00 USD this leaving out Transportation costs, insurance and school tuition for your children.
Now, there are other places in the city where you can rent a home for less but it will be farther away from the city (remember gas prices, here it´s almost 5.00 USD a gallon).. maybe a home in Brisas del Golf could suit your needs (check out the homes available in the site I gave you before) so you can look at what the area offers.
Hopefuly this gives you a better idea, let me know if you have any other questions.
Regards,
Lorena
