As one of the most interesting, up-in-coming, destinations for expats the world over, Colombia, located in the north-west most corner of the South American continent, is also quickly becoming one of the best places to live, invest, and live la vida loca in all of Latin America – as well as one of my personal favorite destinations globally. No wonder so many people are interested in trying to find the best cities to move to in Colombia these days!
In a country that was not too long ago ravaged by the violent drug wars, Colombia has managed despite its still many pressing political issues, to still emerge as one of the most beautiful and enchanting destinations the world over, as well as beginning to draw digital nomads to its lush, Andean jungles in droves.
So what makes this magical place tick, and what may just inspire you too to make the leap of faith, and move to this hot-spot, expat destination, that has rapidly become one of the best places to live in the entire Western Hemisphere? Well wait no further – because after having spent some enchanting days and nights in the gorgeous tropical hot-spot, I’ve carefully come up with my personal list of the top 5 best cities to move to in Colombia – and here they are!
#1: Bogota
Of course, I couldn’t start off this list without mentioning the capital of the nation, and one of the best cities to move to in Colombia without bringing up Bogota – a gorgeous, massive city, hidden away deep in the high-altitudes of the northern Andes mountain chain. Despite its tumultuous past (as seems to be the case with most the cities on this list), Bogota has quickly become an investors and retirees paradise, attracting many who wish to buy amazingly affordable real estate in one of the nicest cities in all of Latin America.
Due to Bogota’s elevation, the city never gets really hot, and many thinking about the hot and humid tropics would actually find that wearing a sweater here is far more likely than a tank-top – although the cool, crisp weather definitely adds to this capital city’s charm, let alone the world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment options, all developing nicely in one of the fastest developing modern cities in all of South America.
#2: Medellin
Next on our list is my personal favorite city in the country, Medellin – the former home to Pablo Escobar, but these days far more would prefer not to even say his name. So much has changed for the better in this city once known as the murder capital of the world, that Medellin now firmly must be considered one of the best cities to move to in Colombia – period, especially for those in the digital nomad scene. I’ve actually written more about Medellin in greater detail here!
As with Bogota, Medellin is set beautifully in the middle of the Andes mountains, and has undergone a modern day renaissaince of sorts, with many central neighborhoods like El Poblado having become modern, revitalized, and clean. Add in the amazingly friendly Paisa local populace, great co-working spaces and cafes, amazing public transportation (including a cable car as part of the local subway system!), as well as some of the best food in the country, and it becomes easy to see why Medellin certainly earns its place as one of the best cities to move to in Colombia.
#3: Cartagena
Meanwhile for those craving more sun and surf than mountain charm, Cartagena, located on Colombia’s tropical northern Caribbean Sea coastline, can certainly provide a great deal to the right kind of expat, looking for one of the best cities to move to in Colombia. With a beautiful colonial old town at its core, Cartagena has also revitalized itself for the modern age, with a bright, coastal marina now dotted by shimmering skyscrapers.
Exhibiting a unique culture all its own, the Caribbean coastline of Cartagena also has great beaches just outside the city, and despite the constant high humidity, the tropical flavor of this Colombian city certainly has a charm all its own. Although it’s not my favorite city on this list, Cartagena certainly may hold the right kind of investment opportunity, or serve as a good base of operations for for the right kind of digital nomad or expat, and thus should certainly be considered when looking at some of the best cities to move to in Colombia.
#4: Barranquilla
Meanwhile, further north-east up the coast from Cartagena is the larger, more metropolitan Caribbean coast city of Barranquilla, which is not only my favorite of the two major coastal cities in the country, but also one of the best cities to move to in Colombia. Known for its major port, great food, and one of the biggest Carnival festivals in Latin America, Barranquilla has plenty of culture for the more adventurous expat, who knows how to get around in all espanol.
Playing host to great museums, history, culture, and great all year round tropical weather, Barranquilla is a more sophisticated, albeit less well-known choice when held up between it and Cartagena – but don’t let its more local flare give you doubt. If you are looking for more options along the hot and humid Colombian coast, then definitely give Barranquilla a look – one of the best cities to move to in Colombia.
#5: Cali
Last but certainly not least on my list of best cities to move to in Colombia, Cali in the southwestern corner of the country is a cooler alternative to Cartagena and Barranquilla – in both temperature and temperament. After all, this is where the suave and smooth salsa dance was first invented, and every single night a great night out can be had in many of the cities fantastic dance halls.
But if getting your groove isn’t your call, then why not check out Cali’s own version of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, like the original found in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil? Filled to the brim with culture, class, and color, Cali certainly isn’t the most famous city to live in Colombia, but it certainly must rank as one of the best cities to move to in Colombia, especially for those who want to experience local flavor, dance, and nightlife, at its very, very best.
Destination: Colombia, The Rising Jewel of Latin America
Despite having once been known as one of the most dangerous and unstable places on the planet, Colombia has managed in less than a generation to rise from the ashes, to become one of the most desirable and beautiful places to settle down in for expats of all ages, not only in Latin America, but also the world.
If you are interested in reading more about moving to Colombia, I’ve written further about the many pros and cons of moving to Colombia right here, as well an in-depth article about my top choices for a new home in Latin America right here as well. I wish you the best in your search for your brand new international home!