I was in Panama for 7 years, i came back in europe now for personal reasons, but the last years was hard for me there, be ready to pay x2 or x3 on the food price compare to europe or USA. 

Some housing prices are interesting especially for rural & beach houses in small town. 
Go in the panama city center if you want fancy apartment & services.

Bocas del toro is the fancy touristic place to see for paradise beaches and islands.
If you like the nature, mountains, hiking, go to boquete. There is a volcan to climb and they cultivate one of the best coffee in the world