Digital nomads are always on the hunt for a good place to work with reliable Wi-Fi and a great cup of coffee. In Medellin, it’s not about finding a good café, but deciding which one to choose. As Colombia’s second-largest city and recently named “the world’s most innovative city,” it’s become a major hotspot for digital nomads.
The most popular neighborhoods for nomads include El Poblado, Envigado, Ciudad del Rio, Laureles, Floresta, and Estadio.
– El Poblado: The most touristy and expensive, with a double room in a shared apartment starting at around 1 million COP (approx. $330 USD) per month, and a one-bedroom apartment starting at around $700 USD per month.
– Envigado: Just south of El Poblado, technically outside Medellin, with similar or slightly lower prices.
– Ciudad del Rio: Near El Poblado but cheaper, with rooms in shared apartments starting at 600k COP (approx. $200 USD) and one-bedroom apartments starting at $600 USD per month.
– Laureles/Estadio/Floresta: Located to the west, these areas feel more authentically Colombian and are vibrant with young people. A double room in a shared apartment starts at 600k COP (approx. $200 USD), and one-bedroom apartments start at $500 USD per month.
For luxury living, there are many penthouse apartments available, often with amenities like pools and gyms, at a fraction of European prices.
There are several ways to find accommodation:
– Comparto Apto: Direct dealings with landlords offer great value, but a basic level of Spanish is needed.
– Facebook Groups: Helpful for finding rooms, especially for English speakers. Check out “Digital Nomads Medellin” and “Medellin Rooms, Apartments and Expat Info.”
– Airbnb: Many options with discounts for extended stays.
Internet in Medellin is generally strong, with free public Wi-Fi often available. However, use public networks cautiously for personal matters. Some preferred spots for working include various cafes and co-working spaces throughout the city.
Getting around Medellin is affordable and convenient, whether by taxi, metro, or bus:
– Local Taxis: Abundant but can be tricky to hail down sometimes.
– Uber: Technically illegal but widely used; caution is advised due to potential police issues.
– Metro: Costing around 2,300 COP (about 80 cents USD) per ride, it’s an economical option.
– Bus: Easy to find and cost around 1,900 COP (less than $1 USD).
Medellin’s vibrant nomad community offers plenty of social events and meet-ups, like those at Hostel Ondas or various Facebook groups.
For groceries and daily needs, popular supermarkets include Exito, Jumbo, Euro, and Carulla. Health food stores like Salud Pan or Ceres Mercado Organic offer niche products. Plaza Minorista provides fresh produce and other goods often at lower prices than supermarkets.
Local food such as arepas and empanadas is ubiquitous and affordable. Two common beers are Aguila and Club Colombia, while Aguardiente and Ron Medellin are popular local spirits. Fresh juices are a favorite among Colombians and are often included in lunch specials.
Medellin has plenty of gyms, yoga studios, and friendly spaces for running or walking to help you stay in shape. The nightlife is diverse, with bars and clubs mainly located in El Poblado or Laureles, offering everything from reggaeton to techno.
Though the main language is Spanish, many people in cafes and shops, especially in more touristy areas, speak English. Various Spanish schools and language exchanges are available if you want to learn.
Medellin’s weather is consistently pleasant, earning it the nickname “The City of Eternal Spring.” Despite occasional heavy rains, the climate remains warm throughout the year.
There are numerous cultural attractions like museums, theatres, and street art. Botero’s sculptures, Parque De Las Luces, and Comuna 13’s vibrant street art are just a few highlights.
Safety is a common concern, but the city has transformed significantly in the last 20 years. Like any large city, taking general precautions is wise. Most visitors, if careful, find Medellin no more dangerous than any other major urban area.
With its affordable cost of living, strong internet, and lively nomad community, it’s no surprise Medellin is attracting more digital nomads. Will you be the next to join them?