Medellín is a city that has transformed itself from a violent and dangerous place to become one of the safest cities in Latin America. As the second largest city in Colombia, it is now better known as a vibrant, innovative hub and model of culture, art, and entrepreneurship.
Here are 10 reasons you should be living in Medellín right now:
1. The Weather is Perfect
Located in the Aburrá Valley, a central region of the Andes Mountains in South America, Medellín sits 4,900 feet (1,500 meters) above sea level and its amazing climate inspired the city’s nickname – the City of Eternal Spring. With an average temperature of around 70°F (21.1°C), the warm sunshine makes every day feel like spring and the occasional rainfall keeps the city green and fresh. You can forget about snow, hurricanes, or heat waves in Medellín, and just enjoy the perfect weather for celebrating life in the best city in the world.
2. The People are Incredible
Home to some of the warmest, friendliest, and most welcoming people in Colombia and the entire world, residents of Medellín are known as paisas. Paisas are known for their entrepreneurial spirit, sense of humor, and hospitality. They will make you feel at home and part of their community in no time as they enthusiastically teach you about the local slang, customs, and cuisine. Paisas are proud of their city and culture, and they (along with myself!) will show you the best that Medellín has to offer.
One of the city's many friendly faces
3. The Cost of Living is Low
As one of the most affordable cities in Latin America, Medellín has a low cost of living and high quality of life. According to Numbeo Medellín has a low cost of living index, which means purchasing real estate, renting an apartment, dining out, and getting around will be significantly cheaper here compared with most other major cities.
For example, you can eat well for less than $10 USD, and an Uber ride is often less than $5. If you are planning on moving here, health insurance is also much less expensive for what many would say is a higher standard of care than you'll find in the United States.
4. The City is Basically a Green Jungle
Medellín is surrounded by nature, with mountains, forests, rivers, and parks that offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation. You can hike, bike, paraglide, or horseback ride in the nearby hills, visit botanical gardens, ecological parks, and farms, or relax in one of the many plazas throughout the city. Medellín also has a strong environmental committment, with initiatives such as recycling programs, bike lanes, and electric buses.
5. The Food is Delicious
There are so many delicious food options in Medellín, with something for every taste and budget. You can try the typical paisa cuisine, which is hearty and flavorful, featuring dishes such as bandeja paisa (a platter of beans, rice, meat, eggs, plantains, avocado, and an arepa), sancocho (a soup of meat, potatoes, corn, plantains, and yuca), and mondongo (a tripe stew).
You can also find international cuisine from different regions of the world, such as Italian, Mexican, Japanese, Thai, and Lebanese. You can dine at five-star restaurants run by some of the best chefs in the world, and you can also enjoy street food and snacks such as empanadas (fried pastries filled with meat or cheese), buñuelos (fried cheese balls), and mazamorra (a drink made out of corn and milk).
There are so many vegan options too, and don’t forget the local coffee culture which is renowned for its quality and flavor.
Yuca-based arepas filled with avocado and hogao (tomatos, onions, and olive oil)
6. The Innovation is Impressive
Medellín is a city that embraces innovation and social transformation, and it has been recognized as one of the most innovative cities by numerous leading publications. The city has become famous for investing in projects focused on urban renewal, social inclusion, education, health care, and environmental sustainability that collectively have improved the quality of life for its citizens.
Three great examples are the clean, modern, and efficient Metro system (the only one in Colombia) that makes it easy to get around on rail, tram, and cable car, Parque Explora, a science and technology museum, and Ruta N, an innovation district that hosts startups and research centers.
El Centro is often overlooked but should not be missed
7. The Culture Scene is Top-Notch
With a rich and diverse cultural scene, Medellín has numerous museums, theaters, festivals, and events that showcase local and national talent. Some highlights are the Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín, which showcases contemporary art, the Festival Internacional de Poesía de Medellín, which attracts poets from all over the world, the Feria de las Flores, a week-long celebration of flowers and paisa culture, and of course the Alumbrados Navideños, one of the largest Christmas light displays in the world!
Alumbrados Navideños (Christmas lights ) at Parques del Río
8. The Nightlife is Famous
Medellín knows how to party, with an excellent nightlife scene that offers something for everyone and has even been called the best in the world. You can find bars, clubs, and live music venues that cater to different tastes and budgets. Whether you want to dance salsa, reggaeton, or electronic music, enjoy a craft beer, cocktail, or shot of aguardiente (a local spirit), or mingle with locals, expats, or tourists, you will find it in Medellín.
Medellín has been called the nightlife capital of the world
9. Everyone is Welcome
The city is a melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, and lifestyles, with people from different backgrounds and regions living together and enriching Medellín with their traditions and perspectives. You can find indigenous, Afro-Colombian, European, Asian, and Middle Eastern influences in Medellín's food, music, art, and architecture. Medellín is a city that truly celebrates its diversity, including a thriving L.G.B.T. scene, and invites you to discover it.
10. The Creativity Will Inspire You
Medellín has a thriving art scene, with local and international artists expressing their creativity and talent in various forms and mediums. Two popular places to go are El Centro to see the sculptures of Fernando Botero and Comuna 13, a former hotspot of violence that has been transformed into a colorful and vibrant community with incredible graffiti and street art.
You can also enjoy the music of Medellín, from traditional genres like cumbia and vallenato, to modern ones like salsa and reggaeton, or even classical and jazz.
A beautiful building in El Centro
These are just some of the reasons why Medellin is a great place to live right now. Of course, there are many more that you can discover for yourself by visiting or moving to this amazing city. While no city is perfect, and Medellin still faces some challenges and problems, it is also a city that has shown resilience, innovation, and hope for a better future.
Medellin will surprise you, inspire you, and make you fall in love with it.
Ready to Visit the City of Eternal Spring?
There is so much more to discover beyond these 10 reasons, but to make the most of your trip, you’ll need a trusted guide, and there is no one better than myself. I'm an expat from San Francisco who moved here in 2018 and became a permanent resident of Colombia, and I'm now Medellín's leading expert and travel advisor. The Paisa Plan was founded by my desire to share my unrivaled passion and knowledge about this incredible city with others.
Click the button below to learn how to have an authentic and unforgettable experience in Medellín while saving time and money, plus how to get a FREE 16-page guide to visiting the city:
Thank you for reading, enter your email address below to be notified of future blogs, and I hope you enjoy the magic of Medellín!
- Jason ✨🇨🇴
Sources:
https://www.archdaily.com
https://medellinliving.com
https://www.wikipedia.org
https://www.lonelyplanet.com
https://www.britannica.com