Since 1926
San Francisco corregimiento created
Parque Omar
One of the city’s largest parks
330 m²
Family apartment asking $430K
$0
Agent commission paid by buyers
Living in San Francisco
Space, parkland and a residential feel in central Panama City
In short: San Francisco is a central Panama City neighbourhood known for Parque Omar, with family apartments, boutique buildings, high-rise condos and some commercial properties. Listings range from a two-bedroom apartment at $131,000 to a 330 m² family apartment asking $430,000, with supermarkets, cafés and restaurants within walking distance in much of the area.
San Francisco is a central corregimiento of Panama City, created in 1926. Today it is a busy, lived-in neighbourhood of family apartments, boutique buildings and high-rise condos, with supermarkets, pharmacies, cafés and restaurants within walking distance for much of it.
Its heart is Parque Omar, one of the largest parks in the city, with walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds and open lawns. Buyers like San Francisco because apartments here tend to be larger for the money than in the ocean-front towers, while Punta Pacífica, Coco del Mar and the banking district are only a short drive away. Our Panama City real estate guide compares it with the other districts.
Real Estate Listings in San Francisco, Panama
Explore San Francisco, Panama real estate for sale
Situated in the heart of Panama City, San Francisco offers a central address with fast access to major business districts, services, cultural attractions, and recreational spaces. Its location makes commutes easier, enhances walkability, and ensures you’re always close to amenities that matter — from cafés, supermarkets, and schools to gyms and green parks
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Why Buyers Choose San Francisco
What sets San Francisco apart from the ocean-front tower districts.
Space
Larger Apartments
Family apartments of 200 m² to 330 m² come up here more often than in newer tower districts.
Parkland
Parque Omar
Walking trails, sports fields and playgrounds are part of daily life for many residents.
Walkability
Errands on Foot
Grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants and cafés are within walking distance in much of the neighbourhood.
Location
Central but Calm
A residential feel, with the financial district, hospitals and bilingual schools a short drive away.
Choice
Varied Buildings
Boutique buildings, family apartments and high-rise condos with skyline or ocean views.
Around San Francisco
A central, residential district with a large city park and everyday services close by.
PARKLAND
Parque Omar
Walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds and open lawns in one of the city’s largest parks.
CULTURE
National Library
The Biblioteca Nacional Ernesto J. Castillero sits inside Parque Omar.
HERITAGE
San Francisco de la Caleta
The neighbourhood’s landmark parish church, a local reference point for generations.
RESIDENTIAL
Coco del Mar
A quieter pocket of the district with detached houses and new boutique lofts near the water.
EVERYDAY LIFE
Shopping and Services
Supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, cafés and large shopping malls are close by.
GETTING AROUND
Central Location
Punta Pacífica, the Cinta Costera, the banking district and Costa del Este are a short drive away.
What Property Costs in San Francisco
Based on a sample of advertised asking prices in October 2026, not closed sales. San Francisco stands out for how much floor space buyers can find in the centre of the city.
Large family apartments
Four rooms in about 330 m², close to Parque Omar
About $430,000
About $1,300 per m²
Modern city apartments
A unit of about 206 m² at PH Mandarín Bay
About $420,000
About $2,040 per m²
New lofts in Coco del Mar
Two-bedroom lofts of about 55 m² in boutique buildings within the district
About $270,000
About $4,900 per m²
What Drives the Price
Building age. Older buildings often offer more space per dollar, while new towers ask more per m².
Views and amenities. Skyline or ocean views, pools, gyms and 24/7 security add to the price and to the HOA fee.
Parking and layout. The number of deeded parking spaces and a practical family layout make a real difference here.
Buying Tips for San Francisco
What we check with buyers here before they make an offer.
Check the HOA
Ask what the monthly fee covers, the reserve fund balance and any special assessments.
Confirm Parking
Check how many spaces come with the unit and that they are deeded as part of the sale.
Inspect Older Buildings
Ask about elevators, plumbing, wiring and recent maintenance, and get an independent inspection.
Read the Building Rules
If you plan to rent furnished or long-term, confirm what the building allows.
Visit at Rush Hour
Drive the routes you will use at peak times, as traffic on the main avenues can be heavy.
Use an Independent Attorney
Your attorney should verify the title, liens and any HOA debts before you sign.
Is San Francisco Right for You?
Who tends to love it, and who might be happier elsewhere.
A Great Fit For
Families who need a large apartment
Anyone who wants a big park nearby
Buyers who want a central address with a residential feel
Professionals working in the banking district
Buyers renting long-term to relocating families
Think Twice If
You want historic architecture
You want a gated, master-planned community
You want a house with a large garden
You want to live right on the beach
You dislike city traffic and noise
Renting It Out
Tenants here include corporate renters, expats, executives and relocating professionals and families, for both furnished and long-term leases. Larger units near Parque Omar and schools suit families. We pull current comparable rents before you buy rather than relying on general figures.
Costs to Budget For
Plan for these on top of the purchase price.
HOA Fees
Monthly, and they vary widely with the building and its amenities. Ask for the current fee and the reserve fund balance.
Legal Fees
About 1% to 1.5% of the price for your independent attorney, plus small notary and Public Registry fees.
Property Tax
Annual, based on the registered value, with an exemption for a registered primary residence up to a set value.
Transfer Tax
Panama’s 2% transfer tax is customarily paid by the seller. Buyers pay no agent commission.
San Francisco Real Estate FAQ
Where is San Francisco in Panama City?
It is a central corregimiento of Panama City, home to Parque Omar, with quick access to Punta Pacífica, the Cinta Costera, the financial district and downtown.
How much does an apartment cost in San Francisco?
Based on a sample of asking prices in October 2026, a four-room family apartment of about 330 m² asks about $430,000, and a 206 m² unit at PH Mandarín Bay about $420,000.
Is San Francisco good for families?
Many families choose it for Parque Omar, nearby bilingual schools and hospitals, and the larger apartments available.
Can foreigners buy property in San Francisco?
Yes. Foreigners have the same property rights as Panamanians and can own titled property in their own name or through a Panamanian corporation or foundation.
What are the closing costs?
Buyers pay no agent commission. Plan for legal fees of about 1% to 1.5% plus small notary and Public Registry fees. The 2% transfer tax is customarily paid by the seller.
Can buying here help me get residency?
It can. As of September 2026, the Qualified Investor visa requires $300,000 in a first sale from a developer or $500,000 in a resale, and the Friendly Nations visa accepts titled property from $200,000. Confirm the rules with an immigration attorney.
Can I get a mortgage as a foreigner?
Yes. Through our lending partner, qualified foreign buyers can finance up to 75% of the purchase price on titled property. Banks require proof of income.
Is there capital gains tax when I sell?
Yes. Panama withholds 3% of the sale price or the registered value, whichever is higher, which most sellers accept as the final tax. You can instead file on the actual profit, with the 3% credited.
About This Guide
Written by Ken Norton, founder of Panama Properties, a licensed buyer’s brokerage serving buyers in Panama City and across Panama. We help buyers find apartments and homes, working alongside independent attorneys, inspectors and lenders. Prices are based on advertised asking prices reviewed in October 2026.
Looking for a Home in San Francisco?
Tell us your budget, how much space you need and how close to Parque Omar you want to be. We will search the area, arrange viewings in person or by video and help you check the building, HOA and title before you make an offer.
Message us on WhatsApp at +507 6169-2453. Buyers pay no agent commission.
Panama Properties
Unit 1 Plaza Pedasí (Super Pedasí Plaza)
Avenida Dr. Belisario Porras
Pedasí, Los Santos 7401, Panama
WhatsApp: +507 6169-2453
Email: ken@panama-properties.com