Best Expat Neighborhoods in Medellín Colombia
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- čas přidán 29. 03. 2023
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Medellín Colombia is definitely on our shortlist for Plan B. There are several neighborhoods that are popular with expats and digital nomads, including Laureles, La Floresta, Sabaneta and El Poblado.
In this video, we talk about the pros and cons of each neighborhood to help you decide where you might like to stay or live.
Juan Camilo gave us a great tour of Medellín. He can also help with translations, finding a rental property and other services.
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Just visited Medellin and had a wonderful time!
Great expat evaluation!
Thanks…I am now thinking about visiting Medellin because of your presentation❣️ However, I’m still in love with Madeira Island, Portugal❣️
I love Colombia such a beautiful country. I love It all Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena, , Bogota, Medellín, Santa Marta, Bucaramanga. I love the food and the welcoming, friendly, spirit of the colombian people. Colombia and Brazil are muy two favorite latín American countries. ❤❤
I am Ecuadorian and Ecuador is getting so insecured everday most people just want to move to another country specially Europe Spain. Gang violence, robberies, kidnapping, Drug trafficking, young kids are arrested more everyday, plus the illegal violent Venezuelans migrants are causing too much crime in the country too. The earthquake did some damage to the infrastructure of buildings and businesses in Ecuador that so many people lost their jobs and lives. People don't feel safe to walk at night there are too many shootouts between different gangs is like the wild west or Colombia in the 80's the Pablo Escobar era of violence. Ecuador is not looking good anymore it's sad to say our next door neighbors countries are safer now than Ecuador.
Im also ecuadorian and I agree about Venezuelans. All the crime comes from Mexican cartels and venezuelans. Hope this ends soon.
I am also saddened to hear that my country-of-birth, Ecuador, is becoming almost another Mexico, or the Colombia of the 1970s & 80s...then add more threats of nationwide strikes and blockades by indigenous leaders.
I am so surprised to hear that! Ecuador used to be my fist choice to relocate, however for there is no post office reason, now I am checking Colombia out, even watch some drug dealer TV series for that.📺 I found it is not that scary, in my county we are also facing lots of issues which Colombia or other countries have. So it doesn't bother me if there are still gangsters over there, at least it has the better weather and resonable house price, low cost of living, fresh air, interesting people than Taiwan. 🤣
Medellin looks amazing. Sabaneta sounds like it would fit my budget comfortably and the authenticity appeals to me. La Floresta sounds good to me, also. I would have to see and "feel " the different neighborhoods. They all look wonderful. That little doggie on the balcony 😊.
Love this video it was very informative my favorites were La Floresta and Sabaneta for the rent prices. If I decided to expat Medellin might be my choice. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
I think it would be a fun video series to follow one, or both, of you through an intensive Spanish immersion course, maybe even with a home stay with some locals. What do you think a few weeks in a program like that would do for you, or for all of the potential expats in your audience? You already have years of experience with your current methods. With an intensive course at this point, you’d really be able to share, to compare and contrast etc. plus this could be an excuse for another trip, maybe to Guatemala?
Medellin is the truth. On your next trip to Medellin check out Sweet Georgia Cafe locations in El Poblado & Laureles.
Awesome, I like this style of video. I can't wait to go now!
You should!
Really got a lot out of this...thanks again you guys!
After the 2019 paro caused us to cancel our Cuenca plans -- including our meeting with you (when you were still doing that). We toured Medellin and Rio Negro with Juan in 2020 (just before COVID). He was a fantastic guide. We liked Laureles (but the restaurants in El Poblado were great!)
We also visited Manizales and Armenia in the coffee-growing region.
You were right in my hood!
Great video! Love the visibility that Medellín is getting.
I would have liked that you included Envigado, close to Sabaneta, but with it's own gourmet street, biggest mall in Latin America, very safe, and not as touristy as El Poblado. But overall, you included great neighborhoods in Medellín and it's surroundings.
Chicos uds son geniales. Los sigo porque muestran cosas de Ecuador. Que bueno estén en Medellin. Es bellisimo lugar. Eso si, sin subtitulos no les comprendo.
Saludos 🤝💛.
I have lived in Envigado for two years, which is between Sabaneta and Poblado, it’s just as safe as Sabaneta, except not as crowded, and just as economical, thank you for not mentioning it we don’t want a lot of ex-pats here, ha ha.
By the way, I love your videos and your insight on Ecuador, I had thought about moving there at one time but I chose the Medellin area….
I also noticed the omision of Envigado which has so many advantages over some of those that they mentioned. Perhaps they do not know Medellin as well as they want their viewers to believe. oh well.
I think It’s a beautiful country, safe and secure for all the senior citizen.
You’re smokin some good stuff
@@nygardenguruhave you not been since the 1980s?
Amazing video. Congratulations on this.
La Floresta and Sabaneta look good to me. I like the idea of quiet and peaceful with plenty of restaurants to pick from looks nice. I'm not into the loud party/club scene in fact, I wasn't into it even when I was in my 20s. The prices look good too. Your videos are always so enjoyable and entertaining. Keep up the good work.
Update.. we just spent 6 months in Ecuador…mostly Vilcabamba and I had already been there 6 times since 2011..we’re planning to move down finally in September.I had been all through Colombia in 2012 visiting Medellin, Cali, Popoyan and Cartagena..What I would like to hear about is the difference in prices between Ecuador and Colombia compared to the Canadian dollar as for every $100 you spend in Ecuador it costs us $35 in the conversion. We are planning to go to Colombia on our way back down and would be nice to know beforehand if their is an appreciable difference between the two currencies.
As retirees we love Laureles and surrounding areas of Belen and La Floresta. Walkability, safety, good restaurants, fewer tourists, affordability.
Los "paisas" quieren y cuidan mucho su ciudad. Se sienten muy orgullosos de ella, y por eso desde hace muchas décadas ellos bautizaron a Medellín como la "Bella Villa." El Área metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá como región está conformada por diez municipios, a saber, de sur a norte: Caldas, La Estrella, Sabaneta, Envigado, Itagüí en el sur, Medellín en el centro del valle, Bello, Copacabana, Girardota y Barbosa en el norte. En una extensión de 1.165,5 kilómetros cuadrados, de los cuales el 15,2% corresponde a suelo urbano.
I suspect you will eventually move from Ecuador to Medellin. 😊
You missed Belen! My wife and I, along with many others really enjoy this neighborhood. We live in the Belen-Rosales section. Tons of nice shops, restaurants, less expensive than Laureles and quieter but only 10 min away by taxi. More of a middle class, working neighborhood, not touristy or overprices. Very safe, huge parks with swimming pools (yes two of them!), archery ranges, running track, soccer fields, Zumba workout areas, and many more features.
My neighbors lol. I'm from the San Francisco Bay Area and been living in Belen la palma neighborhood for two years. I love Belén
sounds nice!
While apartment shopping I ran across a newer construction building in Belen-Rosolas. I asked if any units were for sale and the portario said all units are fully occupied by foriegners.
@@elkay18 Do you remember the address or name of the building.
@@karltonkemerait5485 I don't remember the Calle but it is across the street from a spa called Agape.
It is near the north border of Belen where Laureles ends and Belen begins. It is around calle 32, west of Av Bolivanario and east of Carrera 76.
Very tranquil section of Belen with a nice vibe.
I can’t believe that you were in Medellin and didn’t hook up with Life with David. Just as you are my favorite CZcamsrs in Ecuador, he is my favorite in Medellin.
Love your vids. Stayed in poblado on vacation couple years ago. The weather is literally perfection.
Tip: San Andres, Colombia. HEAVEN.
I am currently in Ecuador but am looking at Colombia next if I can't get a longer term visa and this video was really helpful, like all your other information too.
So is Columbia is to expat to.
??
???
Great job this rekindled my interest in Colombia especially Medellin
Great beard and color. The lady's hair color is great too.
Sabaneta seems like my style, plus the lower cost of housing.
We hope to visit Medellin, Antioquia one day!
I have an apartment picked out in El Poblado. Only $745K lol. Penthouse condo though. Totally worth it. Plan on leaving the States for Colombia very soon!
JP and Amelia, What a beautiful country. I have always wanted to go but thought it to be too dangerous. Perhaps over the years things have become better. I liked all the towns you showed but the second one sounded good to me.
You two just glow! Happy you enjoyed your travel to Columbia and thanks for taking me along. I really enjoyed being there with you.
See you next time, my friends.🌊🌊🌊🌴🌴🌴🏖️😊
If you go to El Poblado, they will charge you more for everything. I love Laureles, which is a perfect neighborhood to live; especially if you don’t know Medellin well.
I just came back from Medellin. Laureles is the place to stay at. I stayed at hotel el dorado in LA 70 full of bars and restaurants also is where the locals party at and more affordable. Poblado is to Americanized
JP, Amelia, I love this video it has a lot of good information and you guys look so nice and cool walking in deferent neighborhoods. I would like to ask you if you got a chance to go to Manízales and your thoughts about it??????
Laureles and El Poblado are not the real Medellin but safer for tourists. I highly encourage you to tour some of the low income neighborhoods like Aranjuez or Popular. My girlfriend comes from Popular-II, one of the poorest barrios but the dynamics there are completely different. Highly encourage to tour one of the poorer neighborhoods if you can find a local to go with you :)
Why tour poor neighborhoods if you don't want to live there? I don't tour poor neighborhoods in the US for that reason! Poor people aren't monkeys in a zoo to be gawped at by strangers. Leave them alone.
El Poblado is great, but it has gotten so gentrified. Now that does not mean that I would not go live there. LOL. Another neighborhood you needed to go to was Envigado. ALSO if you ever return, go to places like Fredonia and Amagá as well… also coffee area is a must do.
Thanks for the suggestions Juan. We will be back for sure!
Thanks for another great video... However I just wanna say it's never good advice to say.." It's really safe there at night, you can walk back home at night and never have to worry about your safety" when you're referring to any place in Medellin!.. Yes I live here so I think I have the street CRED to say that.. Thanks again for the video ;)
I hear what you are saying, but having worked in one of the most dangerous cities in the US, I can say that when I visited Medellin I did not feel as unsafe in Medellin. I agree you have to be on guard,.but I felt less safe in CDMX. I had more people actively trying to pickpocket me in CDMX than in Medellin. I was very aware of my surroundings - and I didn't just stay in Poblado, I went to other places too. I was always on guard and did not walk alone at night. But I did not feel actively unsafe on a regular basis. As I said, I felt less safe in parts of Baltimore. I know there is a lot of pickpocketing and robbery in Medellin, but for some reason I didn't feel as unsafe there. Do you feel it's actively unsafe, as a resident?
@@christophercobb249 Yes, unfortunately even my "Paisa" wife and her family do not feel safe in many areas of the city such as Parque Barrio where the famous Botero sculptures and art museum are located. And I'm talking about the middle of the day. Ironically I was recently pickpocketed when I was in Guanajuato City in Mexico, which is an awesome place by the way! I've never been robbed in Medellin, but I am very, very alert here. I also agree with you , you are much more likely to be pickpocketed in Mexico, whereas here you are much more likely to be victim of a violent crime then being pickpocketed if you're going to be robbed at all. However my point that I wanted to make was, it's just not a good idea as a foreigner that's only visited Medellin for a couple weeks , to tell other foreigners that will potentially visit Medellin for the first time "it's completely safe to walk at night in Laureles " as JP said in this video. Medellin is full of wonderful citizens and they will all tell you the same thing..."no camines solo en la noche, nunca en ningún parte de esta ciudad" .. Cheers !
I researched Colombia as a retirement possibility,. From my research I found that Colombia taxes foreigners world wide income, even U.S. social security and pensions, at a current rate up to 35%. The lowest rate, I believe it is 19%.
That is bad !
Even most states in the US don't tax Social Security and pensions.
I know this city well and your video is great. I’m not crazy about El Poblado, it’s too busy for my taste.
Poblado is way to expensive. Laureles is way better and more affordable also is where the locals party at
Poblado is huge and more than just Provenza. Castropol, San Diego, Las Vegas Ave, Las Palmas, El Tosoro are all beautiful neighborhoods within the larger Poblado.
It's a mistake to equate the entire Poblado with the small entertainment district of Provenza and Lleras.
Glad you enjoyed your trip here so much, but speaking as a 2-1/2 year expat resident of Medellín living in barrio Estadio, there is a definite "rose colored glasses" aspect to the presentation. First of all, security is very much an issue here - both myself and a number of my friends have been robbed - the victims of both break-ins and pick-pocketing in public locations, and virtually anywhere to go you need to be very situationally aware to avoid being an easy mark. Second, as the third most densely populated city in all of South America (Colombia actually holds the top seven places in this list), getting around the city is getting more challenging by the day with heavy traffic at all hours and packed metro cars and busses. I could add more issues especially pertaining to noise and air pollution, but suffice it to say, if you value things like peace and quiet, security, and convenience in a possible retirement destination, this may not be the best choice.
Thanks a lot for your info.
It is sometimes hard to see thru those smiling faces. esp. when one is no esapañolhablantes and is not aware what is NOT being said.
Again thanks.
Great review… I was there once.. lots of helpful info. Thanks.
All of the neighborhoods were pretty, it's really nice when you show so many choices. As far as a favorite, I agree with the comment from K. K.
I prefer Bogota for many reasons, but evenings in "medallo" are beautiful! They're perfect for sitting in an outdoor restaurant or cafe and enjoying the ambiance.
for what reasons? just curious :)
@eohappy Pimarily, the climate! BG has an all year average temp of 62 degrees, and you can get in a car, travel 2-3 hours and be in 85+ degrees. That's insane! No air conditioner or heat necessary in BG, tons of things to do, theater, shopping and an explosive international culinary scene! Also, many historical and quaint towns to spend weekends in surrounding areas, i.e., Villa Deleyva, Paipa, Villavicencio, Melgar, and many others. Not to mention the all-important Dorado Airport and the best hospitals in the country. Not for everyone, but perfect for city rats like me!😉
I've been to Medellin 4 times. I go back there in the end of April.
Laureles has major local nightlife street, it’s called La setenta. 70th street.. Friday Saturday night music could be heard until 4am!
Mangos are generally yellow in northeastern Brazil, and very messy too.
La 70 is in laureles. That street is full of bars and restaurants. Carrera 70.
SO GLAD YOU LIKED MEDELLIN,!
Hello! I’m so sorry we didn’t know you were coming to Medellin. We lived in Boulder for a while (I got my PhD at CU) but have been in Medellin for a while now (super close to where you were in Laureles). If there is anything we can do to help for your next visit, please don’t hesitate to reach out 😊. So glad to hear to enjoyed your time here.
Thank you so much, we really appreciate it!
I loved it there in 19'
Cheers from Chicago!
Belén Is my spot
I like La Floresta best.
I am actually moving to Medellin. On another note, how did you learn your Spanish, books, courses, videos etc...
Excellent video. Which of these cities would you say offer great internet connection for digital nomads?
A 2-bedroom condo or apt. for $1,000/month in El Poblado does seem slightly high for S. America, but here in Los Angeles, it would be $3,000/month.
Buenos dias de Medellin Colombia
Cool, thanks. Columbia has never on my hit list, but looks nice !!!! Going to any coastal towns ? Aloha
Hoping to check it out when we need to leave Ecuador to preserve our tourist visas.
Good luck in Colombia guys and be careful the whole world is not safe anymore.
Functioning pay phones in 2023!?!? What nostalgia! Now I’ve gotta go to Medellin! How much is a local call?
Hi Guys my husband and I are thinking about retiring to Medellin Columbia. What do you feel was the best neighborhood there? Are you guys thinking of moving there also and leaving Ecuador?
No Columbia, is Colombia.
Which neighbourhood would be best for cycling? i.e. paths, not hilly, not too much traffic etc.
The bike riders in Medellin love the hills. In Poblado, the road heading toward the tunnel is full of bike riders on any given day. They have a bike lane.
All your videos you walk around looking at the sights. I have never seen you actually interacting, associating, playing games, cards, or dances with the people . Do you have friends there that you actually enjoy doing things with??
too afraid to go there from what they say but so beautiul
No reason to be afraid of it. Medellin was the first city I visited outside of the US and Canada. I was nervous but had no issues there. You have to be aware of surroundings and on guard. But it's wonderful! Definitely go there!
Theres a ton of bars & restaurants on la 70
How do you find an apartment in La Floresta ? Through an agency ? OLX ?
Definitely not AirBnB for the prices they quoted.
Digital nomads are ruining these places ...what's it like for bringing kids to live ???
Why are they ruining these places? Digital nomads didn't create global inequality or the structural issues that persist. I guess if they go to these places and are actively destructive to the culture ... curious why you think they are ruining these places?
Hey guys. Do you all, by chance, have any knowledge regarding the financial system and CD rate of returns in Columbia? We know how awesome the rates are in Ecuador and I am wandering if it is similar in Columbia? There could be little things that make it better such as...Higher COSEDE-FDIC limits. Thank you for your time and thanks for the awesome vidoes
Why did you leave Ecuador? Last time I watched your videos you guys were high on Ecuador.
The REAL Reason We Left Ecuador (Life Update)
czcams.com/video/Jqp3G0_tA3c/video.html
I've been living in Laureles for the past 6 years and can tell you that it's not safe at all. Walking around at night or even during the day you are much more likely to be robbed than other parts of the city. It's a very false sense of security that you get here with all of the nice restaurants and clean streets. I've personally witnessed countless robberies and killings in just the small area next to segundo parque where I'm located, a very upscale area. The police presence is very limited here in the street. The official stats from the alcaldía put Centro, Poblado, and Laureles as the top 3 most dangerous parts of the city. Your taxi driver just like most Colombians will never give the reality of the situation to a foreigner, I've seen it over and over again throughout the years here. The situation has only gotten worse over the past year with the new government, inflation, higher unemployment, a weaker peso, and higher overall levels of desperation among the local population. Add in the millions of desperate refugees from Venezuela moving in with nothing to lose and the situation is only set to deteriorate. Sabaneta and Envigado are much better options.
You sound terrified. You should have moved years ago. Why torture yourself for 6 long years.
How about la floresta o Belen? I feel like envigado is too far
June 16, 2024
. Having resided in Medellin for three years, the last year seems to have seen a spike in crime.
While sitting at Suramerica Metro, having a tinto. Street guy approaches begging for a cigarette...refused. Street guy wants to swap a pair of scissors (10,000cop?)...i refuse, he grabs my umbrella, threatens me with the shears. I recover the umbrella, start walking stairs into metro station...street guy attempts to kick my feet from under me. Bystanders have called the police. Street guy exits the scene...police arrive, 15 minutes later. Cruise the area...nothing.
One week later having another tinto, different location...street guy is now paying for his own tinto AND cigarette. See's me...departs.
Police can't seem to locate this guy...same neighborhood. Funny...peculair...paranoia?
Looks like you guys stayed at the Blux. 😂
Cheap rent for retirees? 😊
Don’t leave Ecuador 🇪🇨💔💔💔😔😔😔
We are not planning to 😊
No Envigado?
Next time!
Where is more affordable life, you think?
I think Colombia is less expensive than Ecuador but it really depends on your lifestyle.
No places in Medellin are what I would consider safe there are safer places than others.
Hey guys great videos beautifully city ,but Medellin is not safe at all very dangerous with all Americans expat’s living there.
See David’s videos Medellin is something you must see for your self
Being taxed on Social Security and pensions in Colombia defeats the purpose of moving there. Foolish move by Colombian officials since retirees with more money in their pockets will spend more and help the Colombian economy.
Are there any gay areas of Medellin? It would be helpful if you mentioned where there are gay bars or coffee shoppes to those of us in the LGBQ community. Thank you
I was in Colombia Feb 2022. There are three areas in Medellin with gay clubs. El Poblado is the trendiest and most expensive. Laureles on calle 33. El Centro near Parque de Bolivar. El centro is a little sketchy during the day. At night it's not safe to walk, so use a taxi.
Bogota has a huge gay district. Chapinero Central "Zone G" Calle 55 to 73 and Chapinero Chico "zona R" calle 80 to calle 100. Zona G has the biggest gay bar in the hemisphere.
Expats or inmigrants ?
why dont you mix some adventurous activities into your videos. south america has tons of wilderness and extraordinary nature while you guys seem to live like people 30 years older than you actually are. appartment-hotel-cafe-restaurant-sunbed-garden
It's their channel. I think they can do what they want. You can create a channel and display some wonderful wilderness if you would like.😊 also, I have seen plenty of their videos where they are out in the wilderness. Seems like you may have a problem with them for some reason.
They are documenting THEIR life. Not yours. They are a happy couple, with very interesting videos.
And the name of your CZcams channel is?
You obviously haven't watched many of their videos, bad vibe troll
Jeff Simpson made some quality points about your channel. I'll be visiting this summer and could provide some insight. Nice video and keep posting such information, which only adds fuel to the fire for getting out of the rat race created for us called the USA.
La carrera de las ratas esta en todo el mundo, solo que el sistema le crea cada persona su propia burbuja.
So I worked hard all my life. Became pretty wealthy. And now after I retire, I need to learn a new language. Ah! What??? Shouldn't the people who want my money learn a new language. And 'Newsflash' English is the official world language!
Beautiful buildings but if Ecuador is bad now after the pandemia, I can imagine who can live next door in Colombia….a guerrilla man….No thank you
It's easy to see a place a "beautiful" when you weren't raised there or had to depend on the economy. Without your American money and education it would look a lot different.
HAPPY BELATED BLACK HISTORY MONTH, EVERYONE!!!! MLK DAY, JUNETEENTH, KWANZA, AND THE HOLIDAY COMMEMORATING GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER'S INVENTION OF PEANUT BUTTER JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!!!!!!!!
YOU WERE NOT ROBBED OR DRUGED WITH ESCOPOLINA? Are you sure you visited Medellin?🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
No podía faltar la cizaña de algunos compatriotas que no soportan que se hable bien de Medellín porque, según ellos, fuera de esta ciudad, se vive en la Suiza Latinoamericana.
Yeah Medellin is so safe you were too terrified to walk the streets without a body guard ... you're so called tour guide
Have you been there?