Retire in Medellin, Colombia

"Colombian's are friendly, hospitable people eager to show you their excellent life style and culture. Tons of activities for everyone and beautiful sites to visit. Whether relaxing in my hot tub enjoyed the mountain views of attending a family barbecue, life is beautiful," said one retiree in Medellin.

"Colombia is like a dream come true. Very much like the Shire in Tolkien's classic, "The Hobbit". Fresh, crisp mountain air. Sunny days with gentle, pine and eucalyptus scented breezes. Restful, cool nights with the patter of soft rain overhead. Green everywhere. Lush pastures and forests. An average yearly climate that averages 68 degrees at night and 75 daytime. Morning and evening hot tub sessions. Walks along shaded forest paths. Fresh fruit, juice, vegetables from our garden and dairy right from the farm. Fresh meat without preservatives. Beautiful, warm, friendly Paisas. Parties, barbecues, family celebrations. It's all good," said a retiree who moved to Medellin, Colombia.

"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," commented one retiree 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 person in Medellin.

"Medellin offers a wide range of healthcare services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public healthcare system is free and accessible to all citizens, while private healthcare is available for those who can afford it. The city also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as cancer treatment centers, fertility clinics, and mental health facilities. In addition, Medellin has a number of pharmacies and medical supply stores, as well as a variety of health insurance plans," explained one retiree living in Medellin.

"I have a carte blanche insurance policy in Colombia that covers my wife, our two daughters (who live in the US) and me for the low monthly fee of $300.00. No network, copay, deductible or pre existing condition nonsense either: the policy pays $100% of everything, period. Hospitals and clinics in Colombia are world renowned," said one retiree in 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," explained a retiree in Medellin.

"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," remarked one 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," said one retiree in living in Medellin, Colombia.

"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," explained a retiree in Medellin.

"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," said a retiree who moved to Medellin, Colombia.

"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 one retiree in Medellin.

"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," explained one member in Medellin.

"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," said 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," remarked one retiree 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," explained one member in Medellin.