Medellin, once known as one of the most dangerous cities in the world due to narco crimes and its infamous leader, Pablo Escobar, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades. Today, it stands as a vibrant city filled with life, good infrastructure, and constant innovation. In fact, in 2013, Medellin was awarded the title of the most innovative city of the year, surpassing even Tel Aviv and New York. Despite its turbulent past, Medellin now offers a safe and welcoming environment for visitors. As a digital nomad, I found it to be an appealing destination, provided I took the necessary precautions.
Discovering the New Medellin
One of the factors that make Medellin an attractive option for digital nomads is its favorable time zone for North Americans. Remote work has become increasingly common, and Medellin offers a blend of affordable living, fresh food, beautiful landscapes, and the convenience of being in a time zone that aligns well with North American work schedules.
Imagine strolling through the city streets, with high-rise buildings, trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants on every corner. As you explore, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush greenery, towering trees, and picturesque rivers. Flowers bloom everywhere, adding to the city’s natural charm. Medellin boasts a pleasant year-round climate, with temperatures hovering around a perfect 27 degrees Celsius. The cityscape offers breathtaking views of rolling green hills, complemented by a sky that never fails to captivate. At night, Medellin truly comes alive, as the city lights up, creating a magical ambiance.
Choosing the Right Neighborhood
When it comes to finding accommodation in Medellin, you’ll discover that the city offers good value for money. The cost of living is subjective and depends on your preferences and budget. However, Medellin provides an array of options, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end. You can find quality places to live in the best neighborhoods and areas for a fraction of what you would spend in Europe or the US.
As a digital nomad, three neighborhoods stand out as popular choices: El Poblado, Laureles, and Envigado. Each neighborhood has its own appeal and caters to different preferences and budgets.
- El Poblado: This trendy neighborhood offers great value for digital nomads on a budget. It features working cafes with free Wi-Fi and reliable internet connections. El Poblado is an excellent choice, especially for first-time visitors to Medellin.
- Laureles: Known for its affordability, Laureles is a neighborhood that offers comfortable living options at a reasonable cost. It’s a great choice for digital nomads looking for an affordable yet vibrant area to stay.
- Envigado: If you have a more flexible budget, Envigado provides a higher-end living experience. You can find luxurious apartments with stunning views, doorman services, and enhanced security. Although more expensive, the amenities and conveniences are worth considering.
During my stay, I chose an area just above El Poblado, which required a bit of a walk but offered a more affordable option. While I didn’t work from co-working spaces, they are easily accessible in the neighborhood. A simple search for co-working spaces in El Poblado will provide you with several options to choose from. The Wi-Fi in Medellin is generally reliable, ensuring a smooth working experience.
Finding Accommodations in Medellin
When it comes to accommodations in Medellin, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of options available, making it easy to find a place that suits your needs. Personally, I found Airbnb to be my go-to platform for booking accommodations. I’ve tried other competitor sites, but I always come back to Airbnb for the best deals, excellent customer service, reliable insurance coverage, and an overall user-friendly experience. However, if you prefer to explore more options and avoid the additional three percent fee charged by Airbnb, you can do a quick search for “Medellin apartment rentals” in your preferred search engine. You’ll find a variety of websites offering rentals in Medellin.
The key to choosing the right accommodation is finding a place that strikes a balance between being relatively quiet and within easy walking distance of all the action. El Poblado, in particular, is a vibrant neighborhood with numerous bars, restaurants, and cafes. You’ll find a diverse range of dining options, from local eateries known as “sazón” serving inexpensive traditional dishes to high-end restaurants, rooftop bars, and dessert bars. There’s truly something for everyone in El Poblado.
Food and Drink: A Delightful Culinary Experience
In Medellin, the cost of food and drinks can range from unbelievably inexpensive to upscale, catering to different budgets. Compared to the United States, you’ll find that food is relatively cheaper here. For instance, I enjoyed a full dinner, including appetizers and drinks, at some high-end restaurants, and it cost me a total of about $25. Grocery stores and supermarkets offer reasonably priced produce and vegetables, but if you’re looking for even better deals, I highly recommend visiting the local farmers’ market.
Let’s take a look at some examples of grocery prices in Medellin:
- A bag of milk: 7,000 pesos (around $2)
- Local coffee: 15,000 pesos (around $4)
- Carton of 30 eggs: 14,000 pesos (around $3.50)
- Stick of butter: a little over a dollar
- Six-pack of Colombia’s finest Club Colombia beer: 12,000 pesos (around $3.25)
- Freshly baked bread loaf: around 4,000 pesos (a little over a dollar)
As you can see, the cost of food in Medellin is quite affordable. With a bag of groceries that can last you 10 to 14 days, you can expect to spend around $10.
Enjoying Medellin’s Vibrant Lifestyle
Medellin offers an incredible experience for digital nomads and travelers alike. The city’s accommodations are easy to find and cater to various budgets. With an array of food options available, from cheap local eateries to high-end restaurants, you’ll never run out of places to explore. The cost of food is generally lower compared to many Western countries, allowing you to savor the local cuisine without breaking the bank.
As you settle into your new home in Medellin, embrace the city’s vibrant lifestyle, work comfortably from trendy cafes or co-working spaces, and indulge in the unique blend of culture, cuisine, and innovation that this transformed city has to offer. Medellin truly embodies the spirit of reinvention and serves as an inspiring destination for digital nomads seeking both productivity and adventure.
Living the Digital Nomad Life in Medellin
Being a digital nomad can sometimes feel isolating, but if you’re looking to connect with like-minded individuals and build a community while in Medellin, it’s worth seeking out places with big nomad communities. Coffee shops and co-working spaces are great starting points. Just strike up a conversation and inquire about social events or meetups. You’ll often find networking opportunities and social gatherings that can help you expand your professional network, discover new business ventures, or simply make new friends. While having a large digital nomad community isn’t crucial for everyone, the social aspect and the potential for growth and collaboration are certainly appealing.
During the week, I mostly focused on work, cooking in my apartment, and occasionally treating myself to dinner at one of the many affordable local restaurants. However, the weekends were reserved for exploring and traveling around the country and the region. Medellin offers an abundance of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and artistic delights. Whether you have just one day or an extended period in the city, there are numerous neighborhoods to explore, each with its own unique charm. And don’t forget to immerse yourself in the vibrant Colombian culture by taking salsa or bachata lessons, as dancing is an integral part of the local lifestyle.
One of the things I particularly love about Medellin is its park-oriented layout. I spent a lot of time walking, often with a book in my backpack, and occasionally taking Ubers or taxis to different parks in the city. The parks not only offer relaxation spots but also provide stunning views of the surroundings. Additionally, I visited several art museums, including the renowned Antioquia Museum, which houses the works of Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most famous living artist known for his portrayal of larger figures.
For weekend getaways, I highly recommend taking a short flight to Cartagena, a beautiful city on the Caribbean coast. Inside the old fortified walled city, I stayed at Casa San Augustine, a delightful hotel where I indulged in delicious food and explored the rooftop restaurants. Another weekend adventure took me to Guatape, just a couple of hours outside of Medellin. This breathtaking lakeside region features a massive rock that offers stunning panoramic views after a challenging climb.
Getting around in Medellin is easy and convenient. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced. I often took taxis to the local farmers’ market, which was about a 15-minute ride and cost around six US dollars one way. Uber is also widely available and provides a convenient option, especially if you’re not fluent in Spanish. The city’s metro system is efficient and covers the entire city with a single line. A metro ticket costs around 3,000 pesos, which is less than a dollar.
When you consider the affordability, rich culture, and excellent infrastructure Medellin offers, it’s no wonder why many digital nomads find themselves extending their stays. This city strikes the perfect balance between South American charm and comfort, making it an ideal destination for remote work and a fulfilling lifestyle. So, pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and enjoy all that Medellin has to offer.
