Many members ask me why we moved to Medellin, Colombia. Here's the (long-winded) reasons why.
(Borrowed from COLOMBIAN CONNECTIONS FORUM with permission) *************************************************************************************
For many Americans seeking places to retire abroad, Medellin, Colombia, is increasingly appealing. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring”, Medellin offers a temperate climate, delicious food, and easy access to both nature and city amenities. There’s a little bit of something for all tastes, especially for those in search of a more relaxed lifestyle, and an advantageous cost of living. (plus, the friendliest, most-helpful people you'd ever want to know. -J.J.)
Medellin is home to almost 2.5 million people, but the way the city is laid out and broken up into smaller neighborhoods gives it a tight-knit feel. Deciding which neighborhood to live in is a significant decision, Belén, El Poblado, Sabaneta,and Envigado are among the frequent choices for expats, but regardless of where you choose, you’ll likely be well-connected via the expansive public metro transit system and get to know your neighbors quickly.
It’s good to know ahead of time that Medellin is incredibly hilly, given that it sits in a narrow stretch of the Aburrá Valley, and some parts of the city rise steeply into the surrounding mountains. Still, some neighborhoods are surprisingly walkable, and others have cable car funiculars that help manage the climb to the top. The city also has a good number of bike lanes, which can help alleviate city traffic.
Great Year-Round Weather
Medellin’s unique geography creates a climate very different from much of the rest of the world. Since it lies close to the equator but at an elevation, the four seasons aren’t drastic at all. You’ll never have to worry about snow, and you probably won’t need an air conditioner, even in the summer, or a furnace in the winter. (We've never had either - J.J.)
There are two distinct times of year when it rains more frequently, but even then, most showers come as short late-afternoon downpours with thunderstorms. Similar to the temperatures, rainfall is fairly steady year-round. However, most retirees enjoy the reliably mild climate and the peace of mind that comes with never having to worry about shoveling snow again.
The bandeja paisa (typical menu) is Medellin’s most iconic dish, a hearty platter of beans, chicharron, ground beef, fried egg, plantain, and avocado. The Colombian diet in general leans heavily on fruits and vegetables, all of which can be picked up fresh at the city’s hundreds of local markets. (We grow our own.) Overall, grocery and restaurant prices in Medellin are very reasonable, even within some of the city’s more posh neighborhoods. (but there are some that charge a fortune and serve crap.)
For coffee lovers, Colombia is obviously one of the best places in the world for fresh beans straight from the source. Cute, cozy cafés with insanely delicious coffee line the streets of neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles, and you’ll never have to worry about looking crazy if you want to order a second, or even third cup (never get a 2nd cup here without asking. Why ???)
Easy Domestic Travel
Beyond the city limits of Medellin, the rest of Colombia provides even more diversity in terms of things to do. From the beaches of Santa Marta (very nice) on the northern Caribbean coast, to the towering palm trees in the coffee region of Salento, to wandering the colonial streets of Cartagena (Hotter than hell), retirees will not run out of places to take a quick weekend trip.
Domestic flights within Colombia are extremely affordable, with many routes taking under two hours. And for those who want to explore a little further, Medellin’s large international airport also offers direct connections to many other major hubs in Peru, Costa Rica, Chile, Argentina, and Panama (forget Ecuador, and Venezuela. Both totally FU'ed up.)
New and Affordable Housing
El Poblado is best known as a haven for expats, thanks to its walkable mix of cafés, restaurants, shops, and parks. (but now too expensive and getting old. Envigado and Sabaneta are newer and better.) The neighborhoods are also surrounded by lush greenery, giving them the feel of a modern city dropped right in the middle of the jungle.
Many of the high-rise apartment buildings and condominiums are new construction within the past few years, and offer incredible value (and views) given their prime location right in the heart of Medellin’s most sought-after neighborhoods. (US quality - Non US prices.)
Manageable Spanish
Relocating abroad is never easy, especially when there’s a language barrier in play. Fortunately, Colombian Spanish, notably the dialect from Medellin, is widely known as one of the easiest versions of Spanish to understand. For that reason, there are a variety of language schools and immersion programs in Medellin.
After a few months of classes, many English speakers can handle basic tasks, such as ordering in restaurants or asking for directions. And after a few years in Medellin, especially for those who make an effort to practice daily and immerse themselves in the local community, it’s common to reach a comfortable conversational level.
The really bad thing about Medellin (for us), is the increasing level of pollution every year. Especially in summer. But not at the farm. Crystal clear every day. Rivers too. The Med is in a bowl (valley) and the smog just piles up in summertime. Gas is cheap. No income taxes, but sales tax that everybody pays. Colombia is a democratic republic like the US. Only one in South America. Our current El Presidente is a commie POS, but he'll be gone in 9 months.
All in all,this country has grown like crazy in the time that we've been here. Dirt roads are now paved, Electricity over the entire populated portion of the country. Water, natural gas, internet, and cell coverage everywhere too. This cannot be said for any other country in S. America.
I felt welcome here from the moment we first arrived. The agent at airport immigration knew Luz, and said to me (In espanol) " Senor James. You are very lucky to have a Colombian wife. Enjoy your life and welcome to Colombia."
I have never seen Luz happier now that we moved back to her country.
For Luz and I, 18 years living in Colombia. All our friends thought we were crazy when we moved here, but now when they visit us from the US they all say the same thing. " You made the right decision when you moved here."
My God, time flies when you're having fun.
73 mi Amigos.
( I warned you it was long -winded. LOL.)
- J.J. 399
PLUS - It's a GREAT place for 11 meter DXing !!
(Borrowed from COLOMBIAN CONNECTIONS FORUM with permission)
For many Americans seeking places to retire abroad, Medellin, Colombia, is increasingly appealing. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring”, Medellin offers a temperate climate, delicious food, and easy access to both nature and city amenities. There’s a little bit of something for all tastes, especially for those in search of a more relaxed lifestyle, and an advantageous cost of living. (plus, the friendliest, most-helpful people you'd ever want to know. -J.J.)
Medellin is home to almost 2.5 million people, but the way the city is laid out and broken up into smaller neighborhoods gives it a tight-knit feel. Deciding which neighborhood to live in is a significant decision, Belén, El Poblado, Sabaneta,and Envigado are among the frequent choices for expats, but regardless of where you choose, you’ll likely be well-connected via the expansive public metro transit system and get to know your neighbors quickly.
It’s good to know ahead of time that Medellin is incredibly hilly, given that it sits in a narrow stretch of the Aburrá Valley, and some parts of the city rise steeply into the surrounding mountains. Still, some neighborhoods are surprisingly walkable, and others have cable car funiculars that help manage the climb to the top. The city also has a good number of bike lanes, which can help alleviate city traffic.
Great Year-Round Weather
Medellin’s unique geography creates a climate very different from much of the rest of the world. Since it lies close to the equator but at an elevation, the four seasons aren’t drastic at all. You’ll never have to worry about snow, and you probably won’t need an air conditioner, even in the summer, or a furnace in the winter. (We've never had either - J.J.)
There are two distinct times of year when it rains more frequently, but even then, most showers come as short late-afternoon downpours with thunderstorms. Similar to the temperatures, rainfall is fairly steady year-round. However, most retirees enjoy the reliably mild climate and the peace of mind that comes with never having to worry about shoveling snow again.
The bandeja paisa (typical menu) is Medellin’s most iconic dish, a hearty platter of beans, chicharron, ground beef, fried egg, plantain, and avocado. The Colombian diet in general leans heavily on fruits and vegetables, all of which can be picked up fresh at the city’s hundreds of local markets. (We grow our own.) Overall, grocery and restaurant prices in Medellin are very reasonable, even within some of the city’s more posh neighborhoods. (but there are some that charge a fortune and serve crap.)
For coffee lovers, Colombia is obviously one of the best places in the world for fresh beans straight from the source. Cute, cozy cafés with insanely delicious coffee line the streets of neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles, and you’ll never have to worry about looking crazy if you want to order a second, or even third cup (never get a 2nd cup here without asking. Why ???)
Easy Domestic Travel
Beyond the city limits of Medellin, the rest of Colombia provides even more diversity in terms of things to do. From the beaches of Santa Marta (very nice) on the northern Caribbean coast, to the towering palm trees in the coffee region of Salento, to wandering the colonial streets of Cartagena (Hotter than hell), retirees will not run out of places to take a quick weekend trip.
Domestic flights within Colombia are extremely affordable, with many routes taking under two hours. And for those who want to explore a little further, Medellin’s large international airport also offers direct connections to many other major hubs in Peru, Costa Rica, Chile, Argentina, and Panama (forget Ecuador, and Venezuela. Both totally FU'ed up.)
New and Affordable Housing
El Poblado is best known as a haven for expats, thanks to its walkable mix of cafés, restaurants, shops, and parks. (but now too expensive and getting old. Envigado and Sabaneta are newer and better.) The neighborhoods are also surrounded by lush greenery, giving them the feel of a modern city dropped right in the middle of the jungle.
Many of the high-rise apartment buildings and condominiums are new construction within the past few years, and offer incredible value (and views) given their prime location right in the heart of Medellin’s most sought-after neighborhoods. (US quality - Non US prices.)
Manageable Spanish
Relocating abroad is never easy, especially when there’s a language barrier in play. Fortunately, Colombian Spanish, notably the dialect from Medellin, is widely known as one of the easiest versions of Spanish to understand. For that reason, there are a variety of language schools and immersion programs in Medellin.
After a few months of classes, many English speakers can handle basic tasks, such as ordering in restaurants or asking for directions. And after a few years in Medellin, especially for those who make an effort to practice daily and immerse themselves in the local community, it’s common to reach a comfortable conversational level.
end CC Forum content
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My comments:****************************************************
The really bad thing about Medellin (for us), is the increasing level of pollution every year. Especially in summer. But not at the farm. Crystal clear every day. Rivers too. The Med is in a bowl (valley) and the smog just piles up in summertime. Gas is cheap. No income taxes, but sales tax that everybody pays. Colombia is a democratic republic like the US. Only one in South America. Our current El Presidente is a commie POS, but he'll be gone in 9 months.
All in all,this country has grown like crazy in the time that we've been here. Dirt roads are now paved, Electricity over the entire populated portion of the country. Water, natural gas, internet, and cell coverage everywhere too. This cannot be said for any other country in S. America.
I felt welcome here from the moment we first arrived. The agent at airport immigration knew Luz, and said to me (In espanol) " Senor James. You are very lucky to have a Colombian wife. Enjoy your life and welcome to Colombia."
I have never seen Luz happier now that we moved back to her country.
For Luz and I, 18 years living in Colombia. All our friends thought we were crazy when we moved here, but now when they visit us from the US they all say the same thing. " You made the right decision when you moved here."
My God, time flies when you're having fun.
73 mi Amigos.
( I warned you it was long -winded. LOL.)
- J.J. 399
PLUS - It's a GREAT place for 11 meter DXing !!
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