Choosing the right place to live from the top neighborhoods in Medellin is incredibly important during the expat-planning process. The beautiful thing about Medellin, Colombia, is that it offers diverse options of neighborhoods, from upscale high-rises and traditional homes to remote country houses. Here are some choices in and around Medellín.
Top Neighborhood in Medellin No. 1: El Poblado
When you think about neighborhoods in Medellin, one of the best well-known neighborhoods that come to mind is Poblado. Poblado, located just south of the city center, is notorious for its proximity to bars, restaurants, cafes, gyms, malls, and co-working spaces, like Selina. Visitors are drawn to this area because of the hostels and bars around Parque Lleras. But don’t let that scare you away from this beautiful neighborhood. For those who aren’t looking for a party scene, Poblado also offers quieter neighborhoods with upscale high-rise buildings, lush, tree-lined streets, quaint cafes like Hija Mia or Pergamino, and a beautiful organic farmers’ market every Saturday. Poblado is also right off of the Poblado metro line with integrated bus routes to get you up those steep hills that are so so characteristic for Poblado.
Top Neighborhood in Medellin No. 2: Laureles
Laureles has been my home for two of the five years I have lived in Medellin, and it is where I put down roots and bought an apartment (I promise an article coming soon). Laureles is another favorite for many that offer walkable tree-lined streets, beautiful cafes, like Semilla Cafe and Co-working, and a variety of restaurants, from local Colombian food to boutique vegetarian options. Laureles is also right next to another popular neighborhood called Estadio, which offers a beautiful outdoor workout gym, Olympic-size lap pools, soccer fields, and Medellin’s famous soccer stadium. For me, living in Laureles is a no-brainer. It is also bike-friendly so I can get to all of my favorite spots in just 5-10 minutes using its bike paths.
Top Neighborhood in Medellin No. 3: Envigado
Envigado is also a top neighborhood in Medellin. Technically, it is its own municipality in the greater Metropolitan area. Envigado is farther south than Poblado from Medellin’s center, but also offers everything one could ever need without leaving. For the three years I lived in Envigado, I was drawn to its proximity to incredible hikes, like El Salado and Arenales, and to its great cafes and local markets.
For me, Envigado offers an outstanding balance between getting the authentic Colombian experience and still having access to expat communities, language schools and great cafes like Eduardo Madrid for working.
Top Neighborhood in Medellin No. 4: El Retiro
While the previous three areas of Medellin are known for their urban offerings, El Retiro is becoming another popular expat destination for small-town living outside of the city. It is near Medellin’s International Airport, just 35-40 minutes away from downtown Medellin. El Retiro offers beautiful tranquil country-side living with choices of newer developments and traditional Colombian homes. Because El Retiro is a farming community, it gives a small-town feeling where people still greet one another; a slower pace of life. It is also close to supermarkets and popular restaurants like Crepes and Waffles for those of you who want to enjoy the nightlife.
Finding the right neighborhood takes time! Not ready to make a long-term commitment yet? You don’t have to settle into a long-term contract upon arrival. I recommend trying out different neighborhoods when you arrive and choosing the one that is right for you down the line. Happy apartment hunting!
by: Erin Colton-Enberg
