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Finca's

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llamaha
  4/4/2015 02:29 EST

Hi all,
My girlfriend is Colombian and we're thinking of moving to Colombia towards the end of the year, or early next year. I speak Spanish very well and have previously lived for 2 years in Bolivia so I have experience living as an expatriate from my home country.

I've also been to Colombia before and I really liked the small towns. I've started looking for finca's which are surprisingly cheap however I'm not sure about security and our safety.

Is it dangerous to rent a finca to live there as a foreigner? Are there specific areas that one should avoid? I was thinking of somewhere not too far from Bogota, perhaps in Girardot or Melgar (I really liked Melgar when I was there).

Also is it possible to find a finca with a proper internet connection (not 3g)? The ones I've been looking at don't mention internet at all.

edgardiser
  4/4/2015 18:40 EST

My Father-in-law lives Anolaima, small, clean, nice people. About 2 1/2 hours by taxi southwest of Bogota.

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soystar1
  4/4/2015 18:52 EST

Most of Colombians warn me about a stand alone property. No that it is nice to have but due to safety reasons. Your home will eventually get robbed and more so, when they know you are an expat. Unless, you never plan to leave the home alone at any time. This is one reason Colombians line up to buy an apt in a new complex with porteros.

Make your own decision and watch who you invite to your home. Including housekeepers.

bigjailerman
  4/4/2015 19:10 EST

I love the Fincas, nice size property, beautiful land etc but I hesitate for sale reasons Soystar has. I'm am not fearful man, especially about people but, I have a family and I've heard and read about can happen in a partially desolate area. In broad daylight Colombians kill each other for nothing, a cell phone, a few bucks, a tv whatever.
I believe if you appear weak or in a compromised position you are easily and quickly singled out. Once you segregate from a populated area you can really stand out, especially as a gringo. You can have dogs, a strong fence, a shotgun, they are excellent but it's only a secondary defense. In my area I love some of these places but are questionable. I roly don't know what areas of Colombia that have safer areas of Fincas and hopefully sometime can point out a good location that meet your needs.
I'm not a scared girl but it's just my mindset and I'm sharing it...

Patricio
  4/4/2015 20:30 EST

I am curious what the going taxi rate is now for that long of a ride. Thanks in advance for any idea of that.

edgardiser
  4/4/2015 20:52 EST

About $15 US, one way
For my Wife, Daughter and I

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llamaha
  4/5/2015 02:55 EST

Thanks all for your responses.

I'm actually looking to rent but buying isn't necessarily out of the question in the future if I decide that I like where I am.

I'd be looking to spend up to $1000p/m however after reading the comments here I'm beginning to feel it's not a good idea.

Another idea I've considered is a rural bed-and-breakfast that may do a long-term discount, if anyone has any experience regarding this sort of stay then I'd love to hear about it.

As I work from my computer I would require , some open space, tranquility and internet.

Cheers

DenSylvia
  4/5/2015 19:36 EST

Check out; Airbnb

Felipe58
  4/9/2015 19:37 EST

I don't know the area down there, but I bought a Finca in Antioquia with my Colombian wife, we took all the advice regarding isolation ,security etc. and ended up buying a small Finca, which elsewhere would be called a large house with a garden, we are totally fenced in, I fitted an alarm and security cameras.
We are surrounded by other small Fincas, half way up a mountain, but with direct access on the Autopista, so we are not cut off. We have lived here over a year now, and the only thefts, have been plants we put outside the fence to enhance the area, I have had no threats (famous last words!) and feel as safe here as anywhere.
If you are sensible and take advise from people who know the local area, you shouldn't have any problems.

thelocogringo
  4/9/2015 20:13 EST

Felipe, we are like twins. Hermelos....I also live on a finca in Antioquia. One side on the highway, totally fenced in and I am gusing you were born in 58. Like twins, how weird is that?

One side is the ocean, nieghbors on two sides and the highway in front.

So far, I am very content here and will stay a while...........

The locals are so lazy they can't get up the steam to rob and pilage but they sure are good liars.

I can live with that.

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