Las Cumbres, Panama

This suburb north of Panama City boasts a population of 127,440, but don't let the numbers fool you. The once-idyllic Las Cumbres has been encroached upon by poverty-stricken neighborhoods, losing some of its original charm. The community was developed in the 1950s by a businessman and features a more temperate, cooler environment at an average altitude of 1,050 feet. However, the bureaucratic headaches of living in this area are a persistent issue.

Overall, Las Cumbres may appeal to middle-class families and prominent members of Panamanian society, but the increasing social challenges make it a less attractive option for the average expat.