Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Colombia Expat Forum

Medellín neighborhoods

New Topic Newest First
Jaybee315
  1/16/2017 22:51 EST

Thanks to a Colombian friend, I've got a long-term job waiting for me in Medellin. Between now and the end of March I'll be liquidating just about everything, except a few boxes to be shipped later, packing my bags and flying there, via Bogota.

Thanks to her connections, the TP-4 Visa should be no problem, neither will getting an unfurnished apartment. About all I need to do is pick the neighborhood, then deal with the headache of buying stuff and getting it delivered.

I'll be spending most of April getting visa, Cedulla, etc. taken care of and selecting an apartment. I'm looking for recommendations for particular areas.

I initially considered some of the outlying areas, but I think I'd prefer within the Medellin metro area. Reasonable walking distance to the Metro is a big plus, or easy bus connections. Also prefer reasonable access for shopping.

I'd like an estrato 4 or 5 neighborhood, fairly safe and quiet.

Any recommendations?

cccmedia
  1/16/2017 23:06 EST

1. Given your Medellín income-to-be and how busy you’ll be with setting up a home, you’re a prime candidate for getting assistance in the visa/cédula process. Don’t overload yourself -- hire a recommended, experienced visa specialist or immigration attorney.

2. I invite you to switch your thinking about buying furnishings and appliances for your new place .. from ‘headache’ to opportunity.

If you post again, consider telling us where in Medellín your new job is. That could assist posters in guiding you to a neighborhood.

cccmedia in La Zona Cafetera

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.

Jaybee315
  1/17/2017 01:07 EST

I already have the experienced/expert help with the visa/Cedulla process, so that won't be much of a worry. As for the furniture/appliance buying process, I do look at it as an opportunity. It's something I enjoy when I'm not doing it with an ex who refuses to make a decision.

As for where in Medellin I will be working, that is still to be determined. The boss is still working on all the fine details. Fortunately, she's trustworthy.

By the time I arrive, location will be set. I'm just looking at areas to research and ones to avoid, so I can concentrate my search once I touch ground.

JasonWriter
  1/17/2017 01:46 EST

Kind of an obvious suggestion here, and biased, since I live there, but Laureles-Estadio sounds like it might work. It's approximately in the center of the metro area, Estrato 4-5, easy access to the metro, safe, for the most part. I live 4 blocks from the Estadio metro station. Have never seen a violent crime in a total of 8 months in this neighborhood, never suffered more than an annoying panhandler or two or five. I've walked to and back from Centro a few times, with friends. That's not something I would do alone unless necessary, but just gives you an idea of how centrally located it is-- it seems that almost everyone ends up having to go to Centro for something or another at various points, so that trip is obviously fast from here. The Immigration Office is one barrio over from here, too, in Belen, another place you'll end up having to deal with. Also close. It seems as though there arent that many options as far as neighborhoods for the average gringo moving here for the first time. Usually it boils down to Poblado vs Laureles-Estadio.

JasonWriter
  1/17/2017 02:45 EST

And yes, almost all shopping can be taken care of in Laureles-Estadio. I bought an office chair a couple weeks ago and walked it back to my apartment. Last week I walked to a local supermarket and bought a jar of peanut butter, after walking to a local mall and watching Star Wars: Rogue One in 3D, in English.

Now if your job ends up being in Poblado, then Poblado might be the clear winner. Might want to keep Envigado in the race too.

jonrod888
  1/17/2017 07:45 EST

Depends on your work location. You do not want to take the Metro everyday at rush hour from Estadio to connect in San Antonio to go north or south unless you are from NY and accustomed to subway rush hour crunch. In the south is Poblado, Envigado and Sabaneta. In the southwest is Belen. In the north is Laureles, Estadio, Los Colores, Suramericana, Velodromo. For infrequent visits taxis are relatively inexpensive. For everyday work travel you should live in the same region ... north, south, east, west.

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.

novato1953
  1/17/2017 07:55 EST

Pick a dwelling near wherever work turns out to be. Medellin commutes can be intense. The usual suspect areas for foreigners are Poblado, Lleras, Estadio, Sabaneta & Envigado. Estadio seems to be noticeably less expensive than Poblado/Lleras, especially a small residential pocket between about 66th & 70th, and between Suramericana and San Juan.

jonrod888
  1/17/2017 08:26 EST

Like working in any major city around the world, you will spend 10-12 hours on workdays away from the apartment assuming you do not work at home. 8-9 hours work, most Colombian offices have 1-2 hour lunches then commute time. Add in days when you have drinks or something to eat after work with co-workers, then the apartment ends up being only for sleeping and resting on days off. Being close to work helps. Supermarkets can be found in almost all areas ... especially estrados 4 - 6 and corner stores are everywhere. Best wishes on your move.

Andresen
  1/17/2017 09:46 EST

Maybe add Belen. Past issues of Medellin Living concentrated on some of these neighborhoods that might be helpful.

Jaybee315
  1/17/2017 10:44 EST

Fortunately, my work schedule is not going to be normal. I should mostly be working from very late morning until late evening, with working from home some days. Even with a longer commute, I should be out of the rush hour sardine cans. Although walking distance to work has a certain appeal.

Laureles and Poblado I know are the obvious answers. I've been checking out La America, Estadio and Belen among others. Keep the suggestions coming. Thanks for all the input.

cafetero
  1/17/2017 12:16 EST

There are a lot of good answers so far, I would add in La Floresta. I lived there for a while only 3 blocks from the train and it was only a short ride to the center. I walked in all the neighborhood around there and never felt at risk, even at night other than the aforementioned panhandlers that hang out near the train stations.
I´m curious. There are a good number of you living in that area already. Did you have difficulty finding an apartment or house to rent without having to produce a fiador?

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