Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Colombia Expat Forum

Armenia To Live???

New Topic Newest First
themedellingringo
  8/7/2016 07:45 EST

Thinking about making a change and leaving Medellin and settling int the Armenia area.

Any sincere advice, suggestions?

livinginmedellin
  8/7/2016 08:43 EST

I prefer nearby Pereira. Many buildings in Armenia were destroyed in the major 1999 earthquake but the city has been rebuilt. However the center of the Armenia looks kind of makeshift to me. Armenia feels more like a big town than a state capital. IMHO Armenia is far more slow-paced than Pereira. There also is not much in the way of things to do in Armenia. Also not as many doctors/dentists as found much bigger Pereira. The airport in Armenia is tiny so if you like to travel you'll have to connect in Bogotá to get most places.

I much prefer Pereira. If you are coming from a Medellín which is a big city IMHO you will be quickly bored in Armenia. Armenia is a much smaller city so it doesn’t have as big of a shopping, restaurant and nightlife selection as found in Pereira. Pereira has been described as a mini-Medellín. It's similar to Medellín in climate but it doesn't have the traffic or pollution as it's about one quarter of the size. Plus the cost of living in Pereira is lower than in Medellín.

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services
Connect

We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services

We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

cafetero
  8/7/2016 09:13 EST

I have lived in Pereira several years and visited Armenia several times. The above synopsis is accurate in my opinion. I prefer to live in or near Pereira.
I feel somewhat melancholy when I visit downtown Armenia because of the destruction and loss of life from the earthquake. Many buildings have just been abandoned and taken over by homeless.
The nicer parts of Armenia are in the north, barrios such as El Bosque would be comfortable to live, and there is sufficient shopping and entertainment if you aren´t too hard to please.
It´s easy to travel around the state of Quindio and there are nice places to visit, including Salento and Filandia. Quimbaya is also a nice pueblo to visit, it has a vibrant night life in and around the central park. I wanted to live in Quimbaya but after a few days visiting there I decided the climate was hotter than I liked. Nearby Filandia has a very nice cool climate and a lot of friendly people, but it is tiny.
My suggestion would be to take a month and spend a few days in each of the pueblos around Armenia to see if you like them.
La Tebaida is near the airport. Montenegro is near the Coffee Park. The small city of Calarcá between Armenia and the mountains is worth visiting, and just south of there are are couple nice little pueblos Buenaventura and Genova that are worth visiting in my opinion.
Both Armenia and pereira definitely have a less frenetic pace, with cleaner air and lower cost of living than Medellin.
I think your choice between Medellin and either Armenia or Pereira would be deciding whether you actually like small city life after experiencing all the wonders of Medellin.

Tyee44
  8/8/2016 17:45 EST

I guess if I lived in Pereira maybe my comments would be similar. But, since I have lived very near Armenis for over 4 years, I don't see what has been stated. My suggestion is you visit each, and look at each city based on what you WANT....
Weather is more important to me than viewing what a city center might offer, since I visit them so rarely. I prefer where I live. I prefer small city environment more than big box stores. It's what you want that's important. You can only find that by looking for yourself.

novato1953
  8/8/2016 20:58 EST

I sincerely believe the best advice possible is: Go see.

Kee
  8/9/2016 18:32 EST

My wife and I start looking next week for a place around Armenia. Still haven't picked the location. Maybe La Tebaida, or out near Circasia where it is cooler. Or maybe right in Armenia for convenience. Each location has it's advantages.

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services
Connect

We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services

We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

cccmedia
  8/10/2016 05:06 EST

Commenting on some of the supposed reasons stated earlier in this thread recommending Pereira over Armenia...

Reason #1: Armenia feels more like a town than a state capital, and has a slower pace to it.

Response: That’s a personal preference. A lot of Expats would probably prefer the feel here in Armenia. The lack of traffic is one reason.

Reason #2: The Armenia airport is small and you have to change planes in Bogotá.

Response: Travelers out of Pereira have to change planes in Bogotá too .. just like practically any travelers in this República going to any other region of the República. Armenia’s El Edén Airport has non-stop air service to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Reason #3: Pereira has more doctors and dentists than Armenia.

Response: Armenia has plenty of doctors and dentists and hospital care. How many doctors and dentists do you need !

cccmedia, on the road in Armenia and Eje Cafetero, Colombia

cccmedia
  8/10/2016 05:16 EST

As for the part about more restaurants and shopping and nightlife in Pereira....

Armenia has plenty of restaurants and shopping. Have you been to the Portal del Quindío mall or the Unicentro mall in Armenia lately ?

As for the other thing, a lot of Expat retirees who might evaluate the cities of Quindío department are not looking for the maximum number of ´clubes nocturnos´ to party in.

Want a great restaurant in Armenia ? Check out the great Japanese / sushi / Thai food restaurant Ryori near the Portal Quindío mall.

cccmedia, from Armenia

livinginmedellin
  8/10/2016 07:54 EST

From Armenia's tiny airport you can only fly non stop to 2 destinations in Colombia: Bogotá and Medellín and 2 international destinations: Ft. Lauderdale (not daily) and Panama City. Armenia had to rebuild it's airport after the earthquake in 1999.

There's only a handful of flights in Armenia each day while Pereira has about 25 flights per day.

From Pereira you can fly non stop to more destinations in Colombia - Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena, Santa Marta, Quibdó and Condoto. You can go to more places in Colombia from Pereira without having to connect in Bogotá. Also can go to Panama City non-stop and NYC direct (with a stop in Cartagena) from Pereira.

Bottom line is the Pereira metro area has a population that is about 3 times larger than in Armenia, which is why it has more restaurants, shopping and things to do. For example, Pereira has more shopping options like PriceSmart and Makro, which aren't found in smaller Armenia.

But you could always drive from Armenia to Pereria - it's only about 90 minutes.

jonrod888
  8/10/2016 07:56 EST

Cccmedia, agree 100% with you. There are a couple of "experts" on the forum who know best for everyone. Armenia is podunk, Poblado is ritzy, but Sabaneta is just right. Sounds like miss Goldilocks. Some people like the country side with less everything, others like the action and nightlife of Poblado. Don't judge and "tell" others your way is perfect (only in your head). Give your experience and knowledge but leave your arrogance at home.

BlueSeas
  8/10/2016 08:14 EST

Anyone think there will eventually be a "Gringo retirement haven" in Colombia? Like Cuenca in Equador, Panama City or any one of several places in Mexico?

Some might argue Poblado is, and perhaps it is the closest. But first, it's a really small group relative to the population. And most are not retirees, but backpackers, remote workers and people on holiday. Very few retirees.

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services
Connect

We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services

We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

cafetero
  8/10/2016 08:14 EST

wow, jon, are you sure you want to call the rest of us arrogant???? seems like you´ve got a dog in that hunt, too, yes????

When posters like me and LIM use phrases like
¨in my opinion¨
¨I prefer¨
¨I think¨
¨spend some time there and check it out for yourself¨
and so forth, it hardly seems arrogant to me.
I do consider myself an accomplished ex-pat who lives full time in the eje cafetero. I´ve been here 6 years and I´ve lived for extended periods in both pueblos and cities, in a variety of living situations.
How about rereading my posts and tell me exactly where I come across as being arrogant and expert-y?

jonrod888
  8/10/2016 08:31 EST

Arguments on forums carry on because someone is unwilling to accept someone else's view that is different to the "experts". Always has to have the last word. Always repeats the same message but in the end is only justifying in their mind that they are better ... smarter, I know more but has nothing. Tells you the best about buying real estate but rents, how to buy the most popular cars but uses public transportation, where to retire but is far from retirement age, how to invest but has no investments, how to dress but is far from GQ, etc. When I was working my only words to these "experts" ... "YOU'RE FIRED".

cafetero
  8/10/2016 08:34 EST

In response to Blue Seas........I can understand why some expats are attracted to that sort of lifestyle.
Cuenca in Ecuador has about 12,000 expats,
http://www.discovercuencaecuador.com/2011/09/how-many-gringo-expats-live-in-cuenca.html
and Escazu in San Jose, Costa Rica has many gringos as well.
Both have a good climate from hot to cool, and the cost of living is less than US or Europe.

Here in Colombia I go for months without seeing another gringo except for the couple dozen expat friends I have, and they are spread around the country so I never fill like I´m hanging out in gringo-landia.

In Pereira there is a group of a couple dozen expats from several countries. We meet occasionally for drinks or coffee. We´re spread pretty thin from Pereira to Armenia and Manizales, so could not be called an enclave, just a loose knit group.

I´ve only been to Poblado in Medellin a couple times to visit the Panamericana store, and I probably saw a dozen gringos per day there, so you are probably right that Poblano is the gringo enclave in Colombia.

jonrod888
  8/10/2016 08:35 EST

Cafeteria, my message wasn't to you but I guess you think you fit the bill. You say "the rest of us" , I said a few.

jonrod888
  8/10/2016 08:41 EST

Cafeteria, arrogance doesn't come from a few words ... It's the back and forth and repeat and debate. Everyone here is smart, say what you have to say and leave it alone.

cafetero
  8/10/2016 08:42 EST

Response to JonRed.....You seem to be out of step with this particular thread so maybe you are mistaking this thread for a different one.

In my personal opinion none of the posters on this thread are even remotely like what you are complaining about.

Perhaps I´m mistaken and perhaps I´ve overlooked something, but I think the persons posting on this thread have good opinions to offer and they have offered their various opinions and ¨advice¨ in a non-threatening and non-judgmental manner to be helpful to the person asking the question, and polite and respectful to all readers.

Just my opinion, others mileage may vary.

jonrod888
  8/10/2016 09:08 EST

@BlueSeas, the timing may be a little off for a retirement colony in Colombia. We're getting close to the end of all the Baby Boomers in the US. That group is who are living in those countries that you are talking about. The major cities in Colombia will not attract large numbers of retirees ... traffic, pollution, crime, etc ... maybe suburbs but Colombians are buying them out also. It could happen but needs a forcé to develop and sell the gringo retirement concept.

jonrod888
  8/10/2016 09:14 EST

Cafetería, I'm only responding to you since at times you have no clue. The BS from "some" posters is cummulative ... means adds up from one thread to another ...

soystar1
  8/10/2016 09:31 EST

First off, I feel sorry for your tastebuds if you rank El Portal as a place to eat here. True it's an easy place to grab a bite at the expense of your wallet. Most locals eat at the diner located within the Olimpia supermado 6k cop for lunch compared to 18-30k cop in the mall's food court. Just another friendly tip from yours truly.

Armenia is fine come and explore. Move on if the shoe doesn't fit.

cafetero
  8/10/2016 10:07 EST

ahhhhh, now I understand....you were complaining about something else entirely that was not even in this thread.....something that has been accumulating IN YOUR MIND thread after thread BEFORE........
Quote ¨Cafetería, I'm only responding to you since at times you have no clue. The BS from "some" posters is cummulative ... means adds up from one thread to another ...¨ end quote

You do know, of course, that holding a grudge from one thread to another is called STALKING, yes?????

Thanks for putting me on notice. Now I know I can look forward to being ¨busted¨ by you in all future threads where I might dare to participate.
In response......Jonred....YOU´RE FIRED!!!
JAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJA

jonrod888
  8/10/2016 10:49 EST

Cafeteria, being stupid doesn't go away from thread to thread. Once, I've seen you with that dress on and lipstick, that image will haunt me forever.

jonrod888
  8/10/2016 10:49 EST

Cafeteria, being stupid doesn't go away from thread to thread. Once, I've seen you with that dress on and lipstick, that image will haunt me forever.

guestuser
  8/10/2016 11:45 EST

How are we getting to the end of the 'Baby Boomers in the US'.? Baby Boomers were born from 1946-64. In terms of those who will have 'retired' - if we take 65 as a retirement age - that only takes us to 1951. The exact opposite is true, we've only just seen the start of boomers retiring.
All the elements for the boomers to look at living abroad are there. High health care costs in the US - if you can get coverage - , ability to cash in large increases in real estate appreciation or on the other hand increasing rental costs.
Living on a pension in the US of even $40-$50,000 doesn't present much of a lifestyle these days particularly on the coasts. That sort of sum goes a long, long way in countries like Colombia.

cafetero
  8/10/2016 12:32 EST

Certainly, PL, you are absolutely right, in my opinion. I´m one of the early baby-boomers and there is nearly a whole generation of them coming after me. Millions and millions.
You listed a lot of good reasons why we will probably see a surge of retirees in Colombia soon.

Not to mention the couple millions of Colombians living in the US now who are also approaching retirement age and will want to return to their home country.

I´m no expert on this by any means, but I have studied the market opportunities here carefully and I believe these are a few other good reasons:

1. Worldwide positive press from Peace Deal being completed....assuming it actually will be some day....will encourage more people worldwide to look here for retirement.
For example, in our Pereira group we have people from 8 different countries who are working towards retirement or have already retired here already.

2. Extraordinarily good climate here in Colombia where you can choose your own level of comfort by going higher in the mountains or staying near sea level.

3. Extraordinarily favorable exchange rate.

4. Low cost of living here, as you mentioned before, especially in real estate rentals and purchase.

5. The Colombian government´s push to make English the second language opens a lot of doors for everyone.

6. Expats already retired in other countries who are tiring of their current location because of increasing cost of living, namely Costa Rica and Panama, and are looking for a soft place to land.

7. Expats already living here who are exploring ways to capitalize on the hoped-for influx of expats.

For example, one of my friends recently wrote a very nice retirement guide for Pereira, another friend is writing a comprehensive retirement guide for Colombia, and two of us are investigating building a couple small retirement communities, one along the coast just outside Cartagena and the other in the mountains above Medellin near Rionegro.
I personally am of the opinion that Colombia is a gold mine for expats seeking business AND retirement opportunities.

BlueSeas
  8/10/2016 14:48 EST

All good points, I think there are lots of reasons to see this happen. Regardless of all the "expat retirement coaching" sites talking about it, it doesn't seem to be taking off much.

I never saw anything in Mexico that would compare, unless you wanted to live in an all expat community, Haven't spent enough time anywhere else to comment.

But one big issue to overcome is the tax situation. If you have little, this isn't a big issue, but the more you have, it can easily prevent the possibility. Mexico, Belize, Panama and Equador all promote the retirement concept more than Colombia does, without the tax problems.

I think the tax situation has to change before I'd bet on the demographic. Unless you were only after those looking for second homes.

livinginmedellin
  8/10/2016 15:57 EST

@cafetero said “6. Expats already retired in other countries who are tiring of their current location because of increasing cost of living, namely Costa Rica and Panama, and are looking for a soft place to land.”

I definitely agree with this point. But I would add Ecuador. Beyond cost of living some are also looking for a better climate.

Over the past two years I have met about 20 retired couples from Panama, Costa Rica and Ecuador in Medellín checking it out. I met one couple from Panama just a few weeks ago. Live & Invest Overseas’ Medellín conference was a sell-out this year and I understand several of the attendees were expat retirees from countries like Panama and Ecuador.

cafetero
  8/10/2016 19:09 EST

One downside of Colombia is the government does not offer perks to expat retirees they way they do in other countries such as Ecuador and Panama. As I understand it there are discounts for travel, including air, and for medical insurance and a host of other perks in some of these countries, not to mention the duty free import of your household goods and auto.
Colombia is very backward in this respect. I heard it costs the same for a 5-year visa in Ecuador as it does for a 1-year visa, here.
Still, as pointed out, expats from Panama and Ecuador are definitely moving to Colombia. I have three or four expat friends who lived in Panama for several years before making the jump to Colombia.

8901
  8/10/2016 19:34 EST

@ cafetero maybe you can hit your friends up for some toilet paper when they get here,

cafetero
  8/10/2016 20:29 EST

you and jonred.....birds of a feather always with the scat jokes......potty humor from 8 year olds.
Jeez guy, grow up and act like a man instead of acting like a petty internet troll, both of you.....assuming both of you are not the same person posting under dos nombres.

jonrod888
  8/10/2016 20:57 EST

I want more news on Armenia ... this topic. I'm not sure if I'll die from Black lung (pollution) or crazy motorcycles here. Maybe I'll join the group with the wannabe Colombian ... cafeteria.

8901
  8/11/2016 04:12 EST

@jonrod888 by his personal hygiene habits I think I got to give it to him.

At this point I no longer consider him a wannabe but a full blown campensino.

meincolombia
  8/11/2016 10:11 EST

I like your posts Cafetero. You are always informative and on target and a lot of readers here tend to listen to your viewpoints, although this thread got a little off base because of the troll 8901jonred, but that´s to be expected when you talk over the guys head he gets defensive because he doesn´t understand what the conversation is about and he can´t contribute anything intellectual so he throws out insults that are meant to make you look stupid, but in fact wind up making him look really stupid. Happens a lot on these forums. Not much you can do about it except ignore the troll.
I would like to continue the ideas about why more expats are choosing to live in Colombia, but this thread about Armenia has pretty much run its course, so I´ll start a new thread.

8901
  8/11/2016 12:34 EST

@ meincolombia You do realize that you are aligning yourself with an individual ( careful not to say a man) that has openly proclaimed that after he dumps he cleans his rectum with his hand and water from the toilet in order to save on using toilet paper ?
You are aware of this I hope ?

I for one find both his arrogance and hygienic habits offensive.

This glowing defense of cafetero leads me to suspect that meincolombia and cafetero are one and the same.

8901
  8/11/2016 12:46 EST

And yeah I also appreciate all that cafetero has contributed to this thread as well

" I feel somewhat melancholy when I visit downtown Armenia because of the destruction and loss of life from the earthquake. "

It's really helpful for me to know that we can be sitting in the same exact place on avenida 14 and I am enjoying my rich cup of Colombian coffee, the sun on my shoulders, and the beautiful woman parading in front of me while this guy is simultaneously feeling melancholy. over events that happened close to two decades ago. Yes a major contribution.
I now think I should change my perspective and join him in being depressed. ...... NOT !

cccmedia
  8/11/2016 21:20 EST

Correcting the earlier statement about the distance between Pereira and Armenia....

It’s only 29 highway miles (google maps), is an easy drive on route 29 and takes about an hour from downtown Pereira to Portal del Quindío mall in Armenia.

cccmedia from Armenia

soystar1
  8/11/2016 22:01 EST

A lot of people don't know that you can actually wave down some of the shuttle buses to Pereira rather easily anywhere near the north Bolivar roar (14 street here in Armenia.

meincolombia
  8/12/2016 08:04 EST

I don´t want to get involved in this pissing contest between cafetero and 8901, but since you called me out I will respond.
I went back and read Cafetero´s content about the toilet paper situation in Colombia and I agree with him 100 percent.
You are just a ignorant petty internet troll trying to make yourself look good by trying to make someone else look bad.
You are way off base by saying he uses his hand to save toilet paper.
You idiot, if you had ever stepped foot in this country you would know that toilet paper is almost never available in public restrooms. You have to carry your own. So get your damn facts straight asshole before going off all potty mouth about someone you´ve never met and will never meet.

8901
  8/12/2016 12:30 EST

I am now convinced that meincolombia and cafetero are one.
No doubt.

I never mentioned a thread that cafetero stated his hygiene habits in so how would you know where to look ?? Unless you are cafetero.

Deny what you want but its too late your busted. Your use of the word potty which is an old throwback word seldom used anymore but used by you in your above post and cafetero in his last post is what gave you away..

Cafetero if you are going to troll and use an alter to try to deflect you need to learn to cover your tracks.

pathetic attempt

timllowe
  8/12/2016 12:35 EST

Oh, I love a good conspiracy theory! So what did we decide on Armenia? I'm flying in week from Tuesday and fleeing, post haste, to Salento before returning home to Jamundi. ;)

8901
  8/12/2016 12:43 EST

posted by meincolombia / cafetero

" I like your posts Cafetero. You are always informative and on target and a lot of readers here tend to listen to your viewpoints, "

Yeah good try cafetero this alter ego of yours just began posting 5 weeks ago and he is already so enamored with you ??? Yeah we're really buying into this.

You are not living in Colombia by choice cafetero. You are broke and trapped and live like a low end campensino I get it but at least maintain some form of western hygiene standards before you come on here and lecture anybody.

If we do ever meet I will personally buy you a 12 role pack of toilet paper so you can hopefully regain and restore some dignity to your being and I mean that sincerely.

meincolombia
  8/12/2016 13:18 EST

You are not even close, asshole....your crapass attempt at being witty or smart or intelligent is all over Cafeterias threads since you´ve been trolling him for all of your existence on this board, and are probably one of the old trolls that helped get the other forums shut down.
Just click on Cafetero name and you´ll see the whole bunch of his posts including his very intelligent remarks about toilet paper, and your very stupid remarks full of potty humor which is the way intelligent grownups talk about children like you who have a potty mouth.
If Cafetero is Meincolombia then you are JonRed and 8901.
The difference is, neither Cafetero nor Meincolombia is a troll, instead they are articulate, knowledgable residents of Colombia, while you are just a wannabe that has never set foot here and probably never will. Go troll your own ass and leave the rest of us alone.

timllowe
  8/12/2016 13:52 EST

Boys. Play nice.

I wonder who I am...

Andresen
  8/12/2016 14:46 EST

Tim, maybe you're me! You're Scotch/Irish, right?

timllowe
  8/12/2016 14:48 EST

Damn! No :( My grandfather always said French but I proved to him before he died that we are probably German. Maybe I'm Loco. I hear he's missing.

Andresen
  8/12/2016 14:54 EST

Tim, ahha! That's on my mother's side. On my father's side I'm German & Dutch.

timllowe
  8/12/2016 15:03 EST

Can we hijack a thread or what? ;)

I did a lot of research and got quite far back (early 1800's) but never found a landing record to tell me where we came from. I don't think there were visa's to jump back then.

8901
  8/12/2016 16:03 EST

meincolombia is a sock puppet for cafetero it is undeniable.

I have never seen or interacted with the sock puppet until this thread where he has attacked me.

You again gave yourself up cafetero. I never called meincolombia a name or insulted him but we are expected to believe out of pure love of the posts of cafetero he is calling me an asshole and troll and researching your past posts and bestowing glowing compliments of your intelligence etc. Come on man ! Did you think you could really pull this off ?

Cafetero grow some balls and stop trolling on this board using sock puppets to say what you do not have the manhood to say..

Just reading meincolombias posts you can tell it is written by an old man.

Cafetero / meincolombia you are a man whom has very little in the way to feel good about yourself as it shows in how you have based your entire self worth on the fact that you live in Colombia.
It is pathetic the way you try to belittle someone with words like
" you only wish you lived in Colombia " Living in Colombia is all you have and you try hard to trampoline that into making you the big kid on the block. on this board.

Very pathetic. In the end of the day you are an old poor man whom planned badly and subsists in a third world country and wipes his rectum with his hand and water from the toilet bowl. You or your sock puppet fool no one.

Andresen
  8/12/2016 17:20 EST

We sure did! I traced my ancestors back to their arrival in the late 1800s. Did you use the LDS church records?

timllowe
  8/12/2016 17:29 EST

Huge Book of Mormon fan here. ;) Yes. And also there is a great genealogy collection at The Newberry in Chicago.

Andresen
  8/12/2016 17:39 EST

Ah, yes, but I only visited it one time. I usually visited the LDS library in - aargh, I can't remember the name of the Chicago northern suburb I usually went to. Isn't old age a pisser?

Andresen
  8/12/2016 17:41 EST

Tim, you have to sign up for their STEP program. Try googling that and they will email you important info from time to time.

timllowe
  8/12/2016 17:49 EST

JEEEZUS. They want me to measure the diameter of my left nut...

Andresen
  8/12/2016 17:51 EST

What?

Hinge
  8/12/2016 19:21 EST

I got my popcorn and coke - ready :)

timllowe
  8/12/2016 20:37 EST

Hell. I got my aguardiente and chicharrones...

heidigirl
  8/23/2016 17:54 EST

I can recommend Armenia! My husband and I have been living here for a year and are unfortunately just about to leave again. Armenia is considered one of the safer cities to live in, the weather is the best we've come across year round and the people are helpful, friendly and welcoming. We live in the north end, which is considered on a scale of 1-7 - a 5/6 area, but rents are still reasonable. We are located near shopping, restaurants, bus routes and taxis (transportation is easy) and only 20 minutes to the airport (you can fly direct out of country without having to connect in Bogata, depending on where you are going) or you have the option of Pereira only 40 min drive. Armenia is growing fast as a desirable place to live, andhas a great feel. Those we have talked to that moved here from Bogota and Medellin, love Armenia and seem to be happy to have made the move. We are Canadians living abroad and have experienced a number of different cities and this has been the best so far (example compared to San Jose, Costa Rica) We are also close to attractions like Parque del Cafe, Salento and Valle de Cocoro, Mariposario and other coffee region destinations so its great when you have visitors. We are leaving at the end of October and have a household of furniture & items to sell and our townhouse will also be available if you are interested and want more info PM me.

heidigirl
  8/23/2016 18:04 EST

North end of Armenia is a great area. If you are still looking PM me for info on an upcoming opportunity.

timllowe
  8/23/2016 23:24 EST

I'm in Salento right now. Flew to Armenia from Chicago this morning. The airport is small but really easy to deal with. (TSA at ORD were particularly assholian this morning. More than usual and that's saying a lot. I suppose that alone makes Eden look charming.) Riding through the north, it does look quite nice. My experience is more in the downtown area and I can tell you, I wouldn't live there on a bet. It has more aggressive beggars per square block than any other place I know in Colombia. I personally think Armenia lacks even a half an ounce of charm but it sure is set smack in the middle of some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. My $0.02.

Kee
  8/24/2016 21:19 EST

We spent a little over a week looking at apartments and settled on one just off of Avenida Bolivar, very convenient location. I'm wondering why I didn't move here sooner.

8901
  8/24/2016 21:42 EST

Great to hear Kee.

Please keep us updated as your journey unfolds.

cccmedia
  8/25/2016 00:37 EST

Heidi and Tim L. are both right.

So stay out of the downtown -- there’s plenty of shopping et al on the north side -- and spend time enjoying the best of Eje Cafetero.

cccmedia, from Eje Cafetero

soystar1
  8/25/2016 16:46 EST

I have a person who will buy all your furnishings at once in Armenia Mr. Giraldo Ph# is 3174374979 tell him that Kiko sent you if you wish. Good luck and best wishes.

heidigirl
  8/26/2016 00:13 EST

Thanks for the contact.

Kee
  8/27/2016 10:18 EST

Heidigirl, if you have any small tables, lamps, that sort of thing let me know. We bought most of our big stuff a few days ago.

heidigirl
  8/28/2016 14:02 EST

Thanks for inquiring Kee. Unfortunately, don't have much small furniture, mostly the basic large stuff and sets that we wouldn't want to separate and then some kitchen items. Most of our furniture is like new or gently used, higher-end under a year - we have 2 beds with mattresses and sheets (double & queen, flipout couch, couch, 2 wing chairs and coffee table, 2 office desks with chairs, washer and fridge and then some miscellaneous stuff and it will be available at the end of October. Sorry we posted to late for you guys, but maybe someone else reading this will need some furnishings.

SkyMan
  8/29/2016 19:50 EST

Cafetero...I respect your opinion...but, I have lived in Cuenca, Ec. for over a year. and it is not ever HOT. Winter, as it is now...brings highs of 60-62 degrees and lows of 44-47 at night(c-o-l-d). Since I lived in SW Florida for 17 years...my body does not like the cold...and very rainy Cuenca, Ec. that's why I'm moving to Medellin(Poblado) in November...already leased my condo. So...for anyone reading this post...Cuenca, Ec. does NOT have the "spring like" climate that Int'l Lying hypes....plus the restaurant scene is so so, but really nothing to rave about. Shopping, you might as well forget it. Medellin is a world-class city with great dining, shopping, etc. I am very happy about my move to Medellin.
Does it cost more than Cuenca, Ec.=yes.....but you get what you pay for, in any language. I have a good friend here in Cuenca...and she is looking at other countries now.

Kee
  8/31/2016 21:09 EST

I have no idea if the real estate agency we used is unique, but they insisted on two codeudors, but let us move into the apartment before the contract was signed.

Another thing I found strange was that some very run down apartments and brand new apartments rent for almost the same price. So don't get discouraged if the first several apartments you look at don't measure up.

cccmedia
  9/1/2016 02:09 EST

Kee’s post shows some fascinating wrinkles in the local rental-housing market.

Given how difficult it is in most cities to evict someone who has possession and is paying rent on time .. it appears the lessor is publicly maintaining a ‘policy’ requiring multiple ‘fiadores’ while in reality, is glad to give the keys to otherwise qualified prospects.

cccmedia from Armenia, Colombia

Kee
  9/1/2016 11:11 EST

Another surprise for me: just because a 15 story apartment building is brand new doesn't mean that it will have an elevator big enough for a "regular" size couch. I felt for the furniture movers hauling everything up the stairs, even though we are not near the top.

PRS
  3/19/2017 09:57 EST

@Cafetero, Is your friends retirement guide on Pereira available online?

Thx.

PRS
  3/19/2017 10:39 EST

I was surprised to see how beautiful and developed Armenia is by simply visiting https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenia_(Quindio). Any place with a "Waterfall in the Park of Life" has got to be special.

That said, not being able to grab some good Japanese/Sushi/Thai in town is pretty nice (Pereira).

This forum has got me thinking that a mini-Medellin region is worth serious consideration.

cafetero
  3/19/2017 11:01 EST

PRS, I just checked on Amazon and yes, the Pereira City Guide is available online, but I no longer recommend it because something happened with the formatting of the book. You can´t read the type and the thumbnails do not open and the way the book is laid out makes it impossible to read on a kindle reader, smartphone, tablet or computer. Some reviews in Amazon say the book is great, but other reviews say it is not readable. The sample page reads fine, but I downloaded the free Kindle Unlimited version and it is indeed totally unreadable. I will send a note to the author and see if she can fix it.

Here´s the Amazon link.
https://www.amazon.com/Pereira-City-Guide-Ciudad-Puertas-ebook/dp/B01HIO4JXE/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1489935659&sr=1-1&keywords=Pereira+City+Guide%3A+The+City+Without+Doors

cafetero
  3/19/2017 11:11 EST

PRS, you might try signing up on the the Facebook group Pereira Social Group and asking on there is anyone can lend you a readable copy of the Pereria City Guide.

I´d actually like to read it myself but have been unable to so far.

PRS
  3/19/2017 14:01 EST

Found it: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734021276835674/.

Got a membership request awaiting approval.

Thx, cafetero.

cccmedia
  3/19/2017 14:41 EST

For sushi/Japanese/Thai food in Armenia, visit Ryori -- a block and a half down the hill across from the north end of Portal del Quindío shopping center.

Yes, Parque de la Vida is exceptional. I've been taking walks there -- typically twice a week -- since December. Best 50 cents US you will ever spend.

cccmedia in an apartment near Parque de la Vida

PRS
  3/19/2017 15:13 EST

Oh ??. My mistake. Saw that on another thread and thought it was Pereira.

Armenia really sounds like our speed, beauty and remote.

Thx.

PRS
  3/19/2017 15:17 EST

What is the hi-speed internet situation in Armenia? Cable or satellite? What's the max Mbps?

How does it compare to Pereira?

Thx.

Kee
  3/19/2017 15:55 EST

Cable internet is fine in Armenia. The companies (Claro, etc.) usually offer plans of 5, 10 or 20 Mbps. 10 works for me, using Netflics, etc.

SunsetSteve
  3/19/2017 17:11 EST

Great thread.love the trolls. I have missed 8901's potty stuff, now that my children are grown.

Note for small town aficionados like myself: the finest location on Colombia of course, is Filandia. But beware - NO Movistar stores, ONLY Claro. So if you are gong to go there, as I am, be sure to get a Claro SIM.

SunsetSteve
  3/19/2017 17:16 EST

Sorry, In Colombia not On Colombia. But you knew that. Many of you will know my complete lack of interest in ALL that a city has to offer, thus my falling for the beauty of Filandia. Circasia lacked that charm and beauty. But the point I would like to make, for those considering checking out Eje Cafetera, is that one of the most endearing features is that many of the town are on top of the hulls instead of in the valleys between. So from the watch tower of Filandia for example you can see Armenia, Filandia, Salento and Pereira. It makes you realize that you don't need to stress to much about which place to pick - you can see all of them at the same time, they are so close to each other. From Salento or Filandia you can get to either Armenia or Pereira within minutes. Minutes meaning less than an hour.

What a wonderful corner of the world!

SunsetSteve
  3/19/2017 17:17 EST

Pardon the typos, fix them in your mind.

PRS
  3/19/2017 17:56 EST

Thanks, Kee and Sunset. Very much appreciated.

PRS
  4/15/2017 18:34 EST

Hi Kee.

We'll be arriving Armenia May 3. I'm wondering if you finally had to produce two fiadors or if they dropped that requirement for you.

Thx.

PRS
  4/15/2017 18:37 EST

Where exactly did you end up, Kee, and are you still happy with your choice?

Thx.

Kee
  4/15/2017 20:52 EST

PRS, we rented through an agency that required two fiadores, then (after much looking around) bought a house near Circasia.

As others have mentioned, individuals are more flexible than agencies.

cccmedia
  4/16/2017 01:29 EST

How does an Expat persuade two local property owners to be fiadores, guaranteeing his rent payments, Kee?

cccmedia

Kee
  4/16/2017 07:49 EST

CCC, my wife's relatives were the fiadores.

Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Learn More

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services

Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Learn More

Living in Colombia GuideLiving in Colombia Guide

Expats in Colombia discuss the pros and cons of living in Colombia. From the Colombian people to driving to taxes and more. As challenging as it can be, expats in Colombia clearly find that there is a lot to love about a country that is a surprising expat hot spot.

Colombia Forum Colombia Forum
Join our Colombia forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Colombia.

Contribute to Colombia Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.

Best Places to Live in Colombia Best Places to Live in Colombia

If you're considering a move to Colombia, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Colombia in 2023.

Healthcare in ColombiaHealthcare in Colombia

Our guide to healthcare in Colombia covers public and private healthcare in Colombia, hospitals, vaccinations, prescription medications and more.

Cost of Living in ColombiaCost of Living in Colombia

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Colombia.

Moving to ColombiaMoving to Colombia Guide

With its bustling cities, beautiful beaches and friendly Colombians, Colombia is an increasingly popular destination for expats of all ages. Expats in Colombia offer insightful tips for those moving to Colombia.

Real Estate in ColombiaReal Estate in Colombia

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Colombia.

Pros Cons of Living in ColombiaPros & Cons of Living in Colombia

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Colombia.

Retiring in ColombiaRetiring in Colombia

Advice for people retiring in Colombia.

10 Tips for Living in Colombia10 Tips for Living in Colombia

If you've recently arrived in Colombia, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Colombia.

Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Learn More

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services

Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Learn More

Contribute to Colombia Network Contribute
Help others in Colombia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal