Living and retirement in Medellin

[Sanga]

I've done a lot of research and it seems the only negative for me retiring in Colombia is the tax law. It would take a big hit on my pension.

My plan right now is to spend less than six months and Medellin and the rest in Costa Rica.

I have a lot of experience in Costa Rica the big negative for me is the prices have gone way up for everything.

Could anyone recommend a second country that would have plenty available Chicas.

Right now I'the be less expensive for middle split Colombia In Costa Rica then to live full-time in Columbia based on the tax hit.

Would appreciate anyone's opinion on which second country they would make their Choice.

[Cm6363]

EAFIT in Medellin has the best program. It's located in El Poblado along Avenida Las Vegas midway between the Poblado and Aguacatela metro stations. I'd recommend looking on the east side of the Metro Line between Avenida Poblado and Avenida Las Vegas and south of the university. You can go down into Envigado and still have an easy way to get there via the Metro.

Just some more information. The language arts office is located in the EAFIT annex, which is on the east side of Avenida Las Vegas. If you enter off of Avenida Las Vegas, the building is right there. Standing at the bottom of the steps, the admission office is to your left.

Thanks JjBee. Excellent info.

Is AirBNB the best way to find an apartment for 3-6 days for next week? Any other ways you would recommend? I would like to have a similar experience to what I would do for a 2 month period.

Cheers, Cmcm.

[JjBee62]

I have lived in Bogota in the past and enjoyed it. I would like to change cities though.

In Bogota, Universidad Nacional is a good, inexpensive place to study Spanish and also enjoy the green surroundings you don't get enough of in Bogota. There are nice barrios right next store too.

Can anyone recommend which university also provides Spanish classes for foreigners and an adjoining neighborhood which would be a nice place to live? I will be taking a trip to Medellin shortly and will try to find an apartment in that neighborhood for just a week. (The longer trip will be later.) Stratos 4-6 are okay.

Thanks!

EAFIT in Medellin has the best program. It's located in El Poblado along Avenida Las Vegas midway between the Poblado and Aguacatela metro stations. I'd recommend looking on the east side of the Metro Line between Avenida Poblado and Avenida Las Vegas and south of the university. You can go down into Envigado and still have an easy way to get there via the Metro.

Just some more information. The language arts office is located in the EAFIT annex, which is on the east side of Avenida Las Vegas. If you enter off of Avenida Las Vegas, the building is right there. Standing at the bottom of the steps, the admission office is to your left.

[Cm6363]

I have lived in Bogota in the past and enjoyed it. I would like to change cities though.

In Bogota, Universidad Nacional is a good, inexpensive place to study Spanish and also enjoy the green surroundings you don't get enough of in Bogota. There are nice barrios right next store too.

Can anyone recommend which university also provides Spanish classes for foreigners and an adjoining neighborhood which would be a nice place to live? I will be taking a trip to Medellin shortly and will try to find an apartment in that neighborhood for just a week. (The longer trip will be later.) Stratos 4-6 are okay.

Thanks!

[PepolesBuddy]

Any recommendations on well reviewed real estate agents that will not grab NGO price me? Also are there review sites on companies like a BBB or yelp in Medellin?

[JjBee62]

Just wondering about long term lodging options, general neighborhood options near EAFIT University (or others). Are there any Strata 5-6 Barrios near there? Do the universities have on campus housing for the students or must they live on the economy (or the generosity of others / family)? Is the area near the campus saturated with bars and clubs like many in the US? How about other universities in Medellin?

Thanks in advance!

EAFIT is in estrato 6 area. The other major university in Medellin is UPB which I believe is in an estrato 5 area. EAFIT is on the western edge of Poblado, a short walk from the Aguacatala Metro station. With the metro there's plenty of housing options within range. The better housing is to the east and to the south.

There's a few restaurants near EAFIT, but the heart of the restaurant and bar area is about a 7000 peso taxi ride up the hill and north in Parque Lleras. There are also several bar and restaurant options along Avenida Poblado between Parque Poblado and Centro Comercial Santa Fe.

If you're going to be at a university, the students are your best resource for local food options.

UPB is in Laureles, south of the Carrera 70 area. Lots of clubs and restaurants nearby. It's not as upscale as Poblado, but still a good area.

[Rodeo9112]

Just wondering about long term lodging options, general neighborhood options near EAFIT University (or others). Are there any Strata 5-6 Barrios near there? Do the universities have on campus housing for the students or must they live on the economy (or the generosity of others / family)? Is the area near the campus saturated with bars and clubs like many in the US? How about other universities in Medellin?

Thanks in advance!

[JjBee62]

Thanks for the comments Jjbee!

I just got back from the Colombian Consulate in DC. I went to pay the Visa application fee since I wasn't able to pay it online. Well, the interviewer lady ended up just approving me on the spot! If I had my passport, she would have affixed it right there. I was just expecting to pay the application fee of $52 usd, but she told me if I wanted to pay the $211 usd visa fee, she would approve it as of today. So, I did and she did! Visa is multiple entry good for 1 year. After I renew for four years in a row, I can apply for permanent residence. Just showing my five temporary visas. I'm excited!

Great news! I have to go next week to get my 2nd 90 on the tourist visa, while the boss gets the paperwork straightened out. These 3 day weekends are making it tough to get things done. Third one in a row this weekend.

[Rodeo9112]

Thanks for the comments Jjbee!

I just got back from the Colombian Consulate in DC. I went to pay the Visa application fee since I wasn't able to pay it online. Well, the interviewer lady ended up just approving me on the spot! If I had my passport, she would have affixed it right there. I was just expecting to pay the application fee of $52 usd, but she told me if I wanted to pay the $211 usd visa fee, she would approve it as of today. So, I did and she did! Visa is multiple entry good for 1 year. After I renew for four years in a row, I can apply for permanent residence. Just showing my five temporary visas. I'm excited!

[JjBee62]

So, I decided about a week ago that, as of October 1, 2017, I'm moving to Medellin! I am fortunate enough to receive a lifetime benefit from the VA which will allow me to maintain (or improve) my current lifestyle -- as it has been- in the Washington DC area. I am vested for a 20 year retirement upon hitting retirement age with my employer. And, I have applied for Social Security Disability, which would also add to my non-taxable income. All in addition to the VA benefit. All this and I'm only 40 years old!

I recently (like a couple of hours ago) applied for the TP-7 (Retirement / Pensioner) temporary visa and am well on my way in that respect.

I have a real estate agent in Manizales, who has found a fully furnished 2 BR apartment with garage and utilities included in El Poblado (Calle 15 area) for $850/ month. Seems pretty nice based on photos. I will put down the deposit to hold the property on Friday. The real estate agent is a Colombian friend of a long-time American friend of mine who also lives near Manizales. I plan to take Spanish classes and work out like a beast while there, as. I won't need to (or be allowed to) work! I also want to explore more of the country, which I hope won't end up with me being on the side of a milk carton.

I intend to give it 3 months (till right before Christmas). I will then try living on the North Coast of Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata-Sosua-Cabarete) and compare the two. However, by March, I believe I will be back in Medellin for good!

I will travel to and from the States once per month to spend time with my minor children.

Prior to making this decision, I planned a mongering trip to Bogota and Medellin from Aug 30-Sep 7. It will now, also double as a general orientation to the area from a more substantive point of view.

I am interested in any candid advice on the initial relocation based on personal experiences. Are there any expat groups that meet regularly to swap stories and ideas?

I hope it will be easier than I think to transition from prepagos to normal girls. I would prefer standing, meaningful relationships to the random hookups with prepagos. If that's possible with so much eye candy!

For those who live in Medellin. How much do you allot per month for a mongering budget? I think that will be my biggest challenge!

Welcome to Colombia.

First a question. Is the apartment on Calle 15 or Calle 15 Sur? Both are El Poblado, but 15 Sur is a little better IMO.

Your relocation is much different from mine. I'm nearly 3 months in and still working on my TP-4 visa. Paperwork SNAFU with the boss. If they can't straighten it out soon I need to take a short trip to get another 90 days.

If you get your visa before your Aug 30 trip you will need to get your Cedula Extranjero on that trip. You only have 15 days after entering the country. Before leaving for the DR shop around for other apartments. You can probably find a better deal.

Depending on your size, you may want to plan on buying new clothes each time you go back to the US. I have a tough time finding shoes and pants.

Shop around. Euro and D1 stores are cheaper than Carulla. Except for Homecenter, big box stores, lije Jumbo and Exito, don't have much in the hardware department. You probably need to go to a ferreteria. Buy a bicycle. Every Sunday and holiday (and there are lots of holidays) one side of Poblado Ave is closed for ciclovia, or as I call it, the asses in spandex parade. They do the same on Las Vegas Ave for 2 hours each Tuesday and Thursday night. Very popular way to get more exercise.

Plenty of options for Spanish classes and prices for several are reasonable. I've been putting off classes, but will probably start soon. Right now I'm getting weekly classes from someone who looks like a 20 year old Brooke Shields with curves. All it costs me is a few English lessons and a cup of coffee.

The Medellin Living site organizes a monthly meet and greet, but I haven't been.

People are friendly and more relaxed, except when they are driving. Expect delays. 10:00 means 10:15 or 10:30. Even Burger King will take 15 minutes (I had a moment of weakness). Grocery store lines move slowly. Just learn to enjoy the delays.

Ask people in Las Vegas how much they budget for the casinos. Most of them don't budget any. They might take $20 on payday, but not enough to figure it into expenses. They don't do it, because it's easy to get put of control.

What I do is, when I really feel the need, I go spend the money. I don't plan on 3 or 4 times a week. I just put it off, because I don't have a time limit. Tomorrow I will still be here and the pussy will still be here. Plus there are plenty of things to do and places to see. Air travel is cheap inside Colombia.

[Rodeo9112]

So, I decided about a week ago that, as of October 1, 2017, I'm moving to Medellin! I am fortunate enough to receive a lifetime benefit from the VA which will allow me to maintain (or improve) my current lifestyle -- as it has been- in the Washington DC area. I am vested for a 20 year retirement upon hitting retirement age with my employer. And, I have applied for Social Security Disability, which would also add to my non-taxable income. All in addition to the VA benefit. All this and I'm only 40 years old!

I recently (like a couple of hours ago) applied for the TP-7 (Retirement / Pensioner) temporary visa and am well on my way in that respect.

I have a real estate agent in Manizales, who has found a fully furnished 2 BR apartment with garage and utilities included in El Poblado (Calle 15 area) for $850/ month. Seems pretty nice based on photos. I will put down the deposit to hold the property on Friday. The real estate agent is a Colombian friend of a long-time American friend of mine who also lives near Manizales. I plan to take Spanish classes and work out like a beast while there, as. I won't need to (or be allowed to) work! I also want to explore more of the country, which I hope won't end up with me being on the side of a milk carton.

I intend to give it 3 months (till right before Christmas). I will then try living on the North Coast of Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata-Sosua-Cabarete) and compare the two. However, by March, I believe I will be back in Medellin for good!

I will travel to and from the States once per month to spend time with my minor children.

Prior to making this decision, I planned a mongering trip to Bogota and Medellin from Aug 30-Sep 7. It will now, also double as a general orientation to the area from a more substantive point of view.

I am interested in any candid advice on the initial relocation based on personal experiences. Are there any expat groups that meet regularly to swap stories and ideas?

I hope it will be easier than I think to transition from prepagos to normal girls. I would prefer standing, meaningful relationships to the random hookups with prepagos. If that's possible with so much eye candy!

For those who live in Medellin. How much do you allot per month for a mongering budget? I think that will be my biggest challenge!

[StudPlayer]

For you in Medellin seeking excellent housing.

Check out this sweet Medellin Penthouse at only.

Usd $840 a month on a two year lease.

This penthouse has just been painted, has newly varnished wood floors.

A washer and dryer, refrigerator and freezer with ice and water dispenser.

Hot water and an elevator.

Furnished or unfurnished as you please.

Estrato 6 for those of you in the know.

Mention ISG and the apartment comes with a motorcycle (conditions apply).

Easy move in for the right tenant.

[The Tall Man]

Hi will be in MDE for two week in the middle of October. Looking to meet up with any foreigners spending extended time in the city to get inside info. Drinks, lunch on me.

This will be my second trip and may settle into pattern of two months when the winters are worst at home and two months when the summers are bad here as well.

I am getting into MDE the week of 10-20-16, maybe we can meet up for a casa runs during the day and night time play around the clubs.

Once I confirm I will send you a PM.

The Tall Man.

[Charm City Dave]

Hi will be in MDE for two week in the middle of October. Looking to meet up with any foreigners spending extended time in the city to get inside info. Drinks, lunch on me.

This will be my second trip and may settle into pattern of two months when the winters are worst at home and two months when the summers are bad here as well.

[StudPlayer]

Hi there Medellin Ex-Pats.

We who live in Medellin know how steep the hills are.

Well now you can let this cherry little 150 CC motorcycle lighten the load.

Check out the fotos to see what I mean.

First USD $800 wins!