Retire in Medellin, Colombia

"Medellin is a beautiful city, and it is very easy to live here. We can walk to at least 200 places to eat from our apartment. We have access to the metro train or a huge amount of buses that can take us all over the city and all over Colombia. One of my favorite activities is walking Poblado Avenue Sunday mornings. Half of the Avenue is shut down to all motorized traffic. Thousands of people walk, skate, ride bicycles, etc. You wouldn't believe the number of people who walk their dogs - every kind of dog. I pass three different Zumba sessions on that walk," said a person in Medellin.

"Retirees living abroad often suggest researching potential destinations and costs of living ahead of time, to ensure that your retirement funds will be sufficient. It is also important to consult with an international financial planner to ensure that you don't run into any problems with taxes or offshore banking. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the culture and language of the country you plan to live in so you can more easily assimilate. Lastly, take the time to explore your retirement area and meet locals in order to have a better understanding of the culture," explained a retiree in Medellin.

"If you are thinking about it, do it as soon as you can. You do not need nearly as much money as you would need to live in a retirement community in the US," explained one retiree living in Medellin.

"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Medellin is the language barrier. Although many people in the city speak English, it is not as widely spoken as Spanish, which can make it difficult to communicate with locals and access certain services. Additionally, the cost of living in Medellin is relatively high, which can be a challenge for those on a fixed income. Finally, the city is located in a seismically active region, which can make it difficult to find adequate earthquake insurance," said one retiree in living in Medellin, Colombia.

"We have so many more friends than we had in the US. We are much more relaxed. Our marital relationship is better than it has ever been. We don't need or want a car. We feel very safe. We are working to establish a new English speaking church specifically for Expats," said a retiree who moved to Medellin, Colombia.

"Fresh air, healthy, preservative free food, excellent health care, a warm, happy extended family, low cost of living index, beautiful scenery, a safer environment without so many guns and terrorist events," said one retiree in Medellin.

"Retiring in Medellin offers a variety of rewarding experiences. The city is known for its year-round temperate climate, making it an ideal place to enjoy outdoor activities. The cost of living is also much lower than in many other countries, allowing retirees to stretch their retirement savings further. Additionally, Medellin is a vibrant city with a rich culture and plenty of opportunities to explore. From the colorful street art to the delicious local cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Finally, the friendly locals make it easy to feel at home in Medellin," commented one retiree living in Medellin, Colombia.

"We are very pleased with the healthcare system. We feel it is high quality, and much less expensive than in the US," commented one retiree living in Medellin, Colombia.

"Expats in Medellin often join clubs and activities such as salsa dancing, language exchange groups, and outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, such as expat groups, language exchange groups, and hobby groups. Finally, many expats find it helpful to join local meetup groups, which are often organized around specific interests or activities," explained a retiree in Medellin.

"In general, in my opinion, this is a very fine, large Latin city of over four million. Being Latin, families are very strong, work is strong, socializing is very strong and the people of Medellin are some of the nicest you will find worldwide. They welcome expats. This is a very diverse city, thirteen universities, excellent medical facilities, clean, excellent food, water, air (seasonal concerns). Worldwide metropolitan city that is very difficult to beat. You will look long and hard to find a better worldwide city," explained one retiree living in Medellin.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Medellin is generally quite enjoyable. The city is known for its vibrant culture, friendly locals, and stunning natural beauty. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The city is also well-connected, with reliable public transportation and a growing number of coworking spaces. The climate is mild year-round, with temperatures rarely dipping below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. With its vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere, Medellin is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads," said one retiree in living in Medellin, Colombia.

"A person can develop a beautiful life here, however, it will take time and not happen magically .The assets of this city are well worth the investment. Be kind to yourself and patient. Don't believe all you hear. Everyone (expat, other) has their best visa person, you can loose a lot of money on that one. Just because someone has lived here two years, or in four Latin countries, does not mean they are experts, at all. Find the ones who have lived here fifteen years. Listen to what people say, put what they say through your own filter system, use your head, you can do this. You can do this! You will make mistakes, everyone does! It is part of moving abroad. You will have to put some effort into this and give yourself three years in the long term. One has to learn how to live here, the resources are excellent and again, Medellinguru.com is very helpful. It is worth the investment of your time and energy to learn how to do this," remarked one retiree in Medellin.

"Before retiring in Medellin, expats should research the cost of living and the availability of healthcare services. They should also familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the language. Additionally, expats should consider the safety of the area and the availability of activities and amenities that suit their lifestyle. Finally, it is important to research the visa and residency requirements for living in Colombia," said a retiree who moved to Medellin, Colombia.

"Medellin offers a variety of recreational facilities for visitors and locals alike. Parque Explora is a science and technology museum that features interactive exhibits, an aquarium, and a planetarium. The Medellin Botanical Garden is a lush oasis in the city, with over 3,000 species of plants and a butterfly house. For outdoor activities, visitors can explore the Cerro Nutibara, a hilltop park with a stunning view of the city, or take a cable car ride to the top of the Parque Arvi, a nature reserve with trails and a lake. For sports enthusiasts, there are several golf courses, tennis courts, and soccer fields. The city also has several shopping malls, movie theaters, and bowling alleys," said one retiree in living in Medellin, Colombia.

"Near the Stadium (Estadio) there is a huge sports complex with a gigantic swimming pool and comprehensive sports options. The city is in a valley in the Andes mountains. The options for hiking are endless," wrote one person in Medellin.

"Local stores are littered throughout every neighborhood. They provide both handy shopping for locals and a livelihood for many, so I like to patronize them. When there is something you can't find elsewhere, a large chain grocery/department store called Exito! has a store within walking distance. Lunch is a great meal to eat out, as there are many restaurants that only open for lunch, offer choices as simple as "which meat/fish do you want?" and it is a sit-down meal with soup, a large plate of food, and some fruit juice with the speed and convenience of fast food," remarked one retiree in Medellin.

"Expatriates in Medellin can find a variety of grocery stores and shopping centers to meet their needs. Carulla is a popular grocery store chain in the city, offering a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, and other items. Additionally, the San Diego Shopping Center is a great place to find a variety of stores, including clothing, electronics, and home goods. For those looking for a more traditional shopping experience, the San Antonio Market is a great option, offering a variety of local produce, meats, and other items. Finally, the El Tesoro Shopping Mall is a great place to find a variety of stores, including clothing, electronics, and home goods," explained one member in Medellin.