PROS and CONS of Living In Medellin 

✅ FREE Moving to Medellin checklist. Download it here: medellinmasterclass.com/checklist/

Yeah, I lived in Medellin for 5 years after having visited at least 20 times. I already speak Spanish fluently, having taken Spanish in school as it was required and I always dated Latina's in the states. Anyways, lived in Provenza in the best part of town, and one day I let my guard down and that's when I got robbed and stabbed. Luckily, I made it to the hospital in time before I bled out, so I was lucky to be alive. But it gets worse, when it was time to get discharged , the hospital administrator was going to have me arrested because I didn't have money to pay my bill (I had just been robbed of everything!!). Luckily the attending ER doctor was nice enough to pay my bill when the police showed up to take me to jail (for not being able to pay my hospital bill after I just got away with my life), and I went back the next day and paid him back. The moral of the story is that there is a HATE for foreigners (extranjeros) that did not exist when I first started going there back in 2014. Sure people will smile and want to be your friend, because if you are a good person with a good personality, that is attractive to people now matter where you go. But the tourism and the way it has affected the local population has created a resentment that will come back to bite you in the ass when you least expect it. I will be selling my place in Medellin this year because between the Velezanos and Colombians that work as gangs, they waited to strike when I least expected it. Ask Colombians about how they feel even about the huge influx of Velezanos, they are not happy about what that has done to the country the last seven years. Things in Medellin are going to get worse before they get better. The new mayor and the cops don't care about the foreigners. They know they can't thing with their heads and they'll keep coming, thinking nothing will ever happen to them. And the criminals get stronger, and the girls get more emboldened, and the cycle continues........ YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A FOREIGNER IN ANY COUNTRY YOU ARE NOT FROM, and with that comes racism and resentment. Don't shoot the messenger......... Good luck to all!

The biggest con for me (3 months in Medellín) was the extreme noise everywhere. Every bar wants to play their music louder than the next one. They put their speakers directly at the ear level of pedestrians, so your auricles flutter. I was walking with 3M Ear Plugs. Colombian people shout to each other, even they talk in a distance of 1 meter. Even if you are in a quieter district, there will be a salesman waking you up by shouting "aguacateeeee" in the early morning.

This is refreshing. No wonder you don't have tons of subs. Most people that tell it like it is don't.

Finally, an honest logical assessment of the crime element.

Thanks for keeping it real about the crime. I hate that "crime can happen anywhere" useless cliche on RU-vid and travel blogs. Crime can happen anywhere, but it obviously happens more in some places than in others. In many cities around the world, you have no reason whatsoever to feel nervous when you see two young men on a motorbike in broad daylight.

I currently live in El Poblado and I endorse this video. Even here in the Beverly Hills neighborhood I can never let my guard down.

I love that you tell the truth, you don't sugar coat anything. Where exactly were you born in Colombia?

Thanks for the video Andrew. Always enjoy your content going back to your podcast days.

As a Colombian I tend to avoid big cities because of the cons mentioned, some of the smaller cities are way more safe and also pretty calm

love the fact that u are honest & u say it like it is on a personal & professional level we can all relate in 1 ways or another ., always thrive to keep it real 👍

Great video with a good balance of info. Glad to see you are thriving down there

It's great that you are honest and were able to succeed.

Refreshing honesty here - I lived and worked in Bogota for several years, and visited Medellin when I wanted better weather and people who didn't all seem to hate each other. 😄 It's possible I'll be back again one day - I'm tired of the grind in the US.

Best breakdown I’ve ever seen/heard. Thx

Good description bro, I never lived there, but have visited many times and I LOVE IT!

Always providing insightful information. Thanks!

Crime is a HUGE issue. The fact that wages are low is only a part of the problem - the other part is cultural. One-on-one crime is a way of life in Colombia. Just because you are a friendly person, does not mean that you are a nice person.

it's a very interesting vlog on the issue of crime thanks for your info

Good talk, very sincere conversation. I liked the fact that you did not try even for a second to hide facts about Medellin. Very informative, you have my respect hermano.

THIS CHANNEL IS SERIOUSLY UNDER RATED.. GREAT CONTENT.. IM MEXICAN EVERY MEXICAN THATS LIVED IN COLOMBIA FELL IN LOVE. BUT THIS MAN HERE IS TOTALLY 100 ON POINT..MUCHAS GRACIAS ❤

Nice. Quick and efficient

Very good and informative video.

8:35 You explained this point better than anyone on the internet. I wish people could understand this before going to Colombia.

Thank you for your honesty

great great video i live in Laureles YOUR 100 PERCENT . last year or so I have seen a women university professor point blank shot murdered by a fake rapid delivery on motor bike . He just rang the door bell and older lady came out and shot her . I was on my balcony and seeing it until today hunts me . I also seen a dead cop five minutes after being shoot a few weeks ago in Laureles . they did not even have an ambulance for him until 30 minutes passed he was dead by then

Just subscribed. Appreciate you being real. I hate when other RU-vidrs do not want to say anything about the crime there.

Awesome job Andrew soon i will be checking you out in MDE , stay safe Pancero !!

Great and real info 👍🏼

Not planning to move to Colombia but will visit. Great information

What’s good fam. I’m new to your channel. You have a new supporter 👌🏾

I was in Thailand for 9 months and trust me with all the positives there were many more negatives this is just speaking for myself, A country being very affordable plus beautiful easy women will not cover for everything else for the long term.

Yes. Even in Medellin, violent crime is rampant. In other big cities (Colombia) it's even worse. It's like you can literally smell it in the air...

This is a good video. I appreciate it.

Finally someone was honest and told the truth about how truly things are in Medellin, Colombia. I was born in Colombia, moved to the states at 22 and have been living in the US for 26 years. You could be in the wealthiest neighborhood in Colombia and your chances of getting robbed or kidnapped are high. Nonetheless; Medellin is a great city. It seems things are going well for you in Medellin. Good luck with everything.

Tremendous title!

What a great guy & honest! As an American I'm totally disgusted, disillusioned & pissed off that the US Government cold heartedly deported one of its own! Was there any way this could have been worked out to prevent this kind of tragedy? I'm glad you are a smart & resourceful guy!

Thailand is way cheaper than Colombia and way safer. Nicer people and way better food. Last time in Thailand a massage was $6 in Colombia its $20

Well done, you have a new subscriber!

Very informative. On the crime topic, I’m always amazed when people talk about being able to leave their doors unlocked etc. I’m Irish and in my 50th year and I never remember a time when you could leave your door unlocked etc. Maybe we are just very untrusting, and untrustworthy, people 😂 I do fully except though the danger of mugging and violent crime is in general on a different scale though, even in the safest of neighbourhoods, thanks for the education 👍

Very good video

I am sorting my next big transition phase in life and really appreciate what you have been doing on here Andrew. I am a security pro (military and civilian experience) and have traveled a bit. Far too often, folks have a black and white view of places and the balance is refreshing. Medellín is pretty compelling, but I like that you are giving a better shot at coming in with a tempered perspective and helping people make an informed decision that is a good fit for their individual context. It feels like if people take some pretty basic protective measures and cue off local customs and practices (possibly even seeking local guiding/expertise to accelerate), the odds of trouble plummet. If locals dress without flashy jewelry, carry backpacks in front, avoid certain streets/neighborhoods, etc; at least be curious about the causes and effects of those local norms. Far easier to slowly relax a security posture as you gain knowledge and improve your ability to communicate and read developing situations, than to deal with the results of getting blindsided.

aweasom bro love medellin usa has a big comunity now there

i've been robbed, pickpocketed, and extorted colombia is no joke. i live here

Great content sir! Fellow expat in Panama. 😉

This was a great reality check vid on living in medellin. Do you have a pros and cons vid on living in cartanega?

Excelente vídeo! Eres el ejemplo perfecto de que puedes ser una estadística o un ejemplo para los demás! Love to pick your brain some time- You seem to have a lot of Amazing info 👍

Thanks for the video and be honest. I am from Colombia and living in USA for 23 years and i know what are you talking about.

I spent the last year in Colombia and love it. There’s more to it than Medellin. The smaller cities are safer. Great video.

great video, you must be doing well.

If any of you want to compare Colombia with Brazil: News for anyone who does not know -- BRAZIL is the FIFTH country (low cost of living) among the whole American continent, in this category, very cheap. I rent furnish, all furnish, and VERY VERY NICELY furnished place. Very comfortable. Full size kitchen, and a laundry room, balcony, garage (1 car garage) and in one of the nicer areas, safest, around. My cost of living is now half of some of the furnished places in Colombia (Medellin), around $500 US. I even have a maid that comes into my home and makes a very DETAILED cleaning service of the whole home , and she comes twice a month to clean, and it is $20 US for each cleaning service. My internet is also way better here. Food quality here is supreme in Brazil, ingredients (especially important if you cook your own food) are plenty and cheap. Brazil is one of the biggest grower and exporter of food across the globe. Security in Brazil, if you pick the good regions/areas , is very good. Just avoid living in Rio de Janeiro (tourist area) and avoid some areas in São Paulo. Stick to the more prosperous states and areas. Brazil is VAST , SUPER VAST, and there are a lot of amazing options of where to go.

Great information. Visited Medellin for the first in aug this year. Fell in love with the city and looking to live there part time now.

Medellin is a spectacular city, to visit. We stay for 3-4 weeks. No matter how well you speak Spanish and respect the culture, you are an outsider and a target. On advice from expats, we purchased all clothing in local stores, because American style threads and shoes are like having a bullseye on your back. If things go south, even by accident or innocent mistake, the consequences can be EXTREME! I love Latin America. The people, their style, their music, and their food. The fresh produce in Medellin is like ambrosia. The easy-going vibe is very relaxing, but the dark side is pitch black. We have that in America to some extent, but a foreigner in Columbia can expect to be treated like an outsider behind bola ocho. That's just the way it is.

Wow 13 years there awesome

He seems really cool and smart.

Same for me in USA with credit & renting. My credit score from Australia means nothing because USA uses different credit systems than most of Asia, EU & of course Australia. So I’m lucky I am married so can use this for renting, buying vehicles in my spouses name. Forget buying in USA im 46 & unless the market collapses I’ll be renting forever. My generation is the rent generation

I was in gym in poblado, left my cap for a bit on the ground and when I realized 15 mins later, it was gone..and that was a high end gym...But I still like medellin.

Finally a real channel about medillin and someone who is not blinded by women.

I'm glad you persevered in Columbia, despite being kicked out of your adapted home of the US. Most people would have left with a bitter taste in their mouth, but then again, that could be the force that makes them strive to work harder. Quite frankly, all that blight and graffiti in Medellin is a turn off. Who wants to look at 'street art' and crumbling roof tile every time you walk out your front door. I've been to Latin America, and it's almost the same story everywhere. I lived in South Africa & Namibia which also has concentrated poverty & wealth. But I found it easy to find safe & clean neighborhoods for less than the prices you described living in Medellin. But I'm sure Medellin is a wonderful place with a lot of great people & culture.

Hola! Gracias por el video, soy Chileno y en Enero del 2024 iré a vivir a Medellín por tres meses. Trabajar on line durante las mañanas y ver que tal es la vida allá, ya renté un apartamento amoblado y lo único que me preocupa es la seguridad y poder socializar con mas gente, encontrar grupos de amigos y cosas de ese estilo. Cuéntame, a que barrios de Medellín recomiendas no ir, al ser turista? También tengo muchas ganas de trabajar durante esos meses en algo part-time, que tan difícil es encontrar algo de ese estilo? Gracias denuevo por el video, veamos si nos tomamos una cerveza cuando esté allá! Jaja un abrazo.

Lots of foreigners walk in and rent. There are walk-arounds to co-signers: rent furnished!

I"m a single expat been living in Thailand for a year. It's definitely very safe and most Thai's are at least tolerant of the millions of expats here. Def cheap living I don't mess with the ladies thou, not my type. tbh I'm thinking about going to Medellin and S. Brazil as I'd really like to be around such friendly people. I understand it's dangerous I also understand to take the proper precautions. I used to live in Panama a long time ago but I don't want to go back as I think other countries in the America's would be a lot better. Here in Thailand I've been living the easy life and I think it'd be way better to experience some discomfort/struggle because along with this you will find the nice things in life.

I’m heading to Medellin in 2 weeks. I’m so tired of the US. I know Medellin is not perfect but I think I’ll be happy there.

I liked this video.

Great video! A couple things you forgot to mention is getting drugged and robbed. Another thing is the vast network of organized crime and the police's inability to catch the criminals. The cost of living, rent, medicine, goods, services is absolutely amazing but I personally need a break from Colombia. I rather pay more for that feeling that I am safe or if someone does something the police will catch the criminals.

I’ve been in Medellin but I found plenty rentals outside of the city for dirt cheap so I’m gonna Move out in a few months.

Beverly Hills is the biggest crime scene in SoCal now. I’ve lived here since 93. Everything changed in the last few years…….😢

Good video- seems like others liked it too. I’ve watched it twice so far as its informative and compelling to watch. It’s tempting but I just don’t see it being an option. My favorite cousin married a Colombian and she won’t go back because she says it’s full of street crime and stress. My cousin has been there and really liked it.😅 But again, she who is from there - won’t go back! I guess South Florida is pretty close to where she’s from - but safer!😅 Thanks for the video!

The problem is... Provenza and parque lleras is a turism place, with hookers and drogs, alcohol and party, is a place with a lot of crowds. Is imposible that a place like that to be a safety place. Poblado is too bigger than that, the other Poblado's places are more exclusive and expensive. Here in Medellín there are zones chipers and more safety than Provenza, but turist are not trying to get that, just luxury and party. If you wanna a exclusive place in poblado, you gonna need a car and around 2000 dollars for the rent. Also with 300 dollars you can get a common and secure floor in some neighbors, these places are far from down town and Poblado.

Saludos desde Toronto. Fantastic video amigo. I've wanted to move to Colombia for many years. Unfortunately, never got the chance due to health issues. God willing, I plan to come for a visit in January. Is there a possibility of meeting with you? Perhaps we can collaborate on a few things. Thanks again for the great video and I wish you much success,....

I live in MX, and yes the crime is higher, but in the U.S. you can get murdered anywhere, totally randomly. Knock on the wrong door? Shot in the face. Honk at someone who cuts you off? Shot in the face. Everyone has guns and you could die in any neighborhood at any time. Are you more likely to get robbed in Latin America? Yes. Are you more likely to get shot in a mass murder at a store or theater or restaurant or school?? No.

Too much crime for my liking. Thailand seems much safer and cheaper.

Spent about 5 or 6 months in Medellin. Absolute great time, being there. But...I also personally saw like 3 people get mugged. I grew up in NYC in the 80s and never saw that much crime first hand. I'd deffo recommend people go visit. It's a beautiful city, and the people are wonderful. You just gotta adjust your lifestyle a bit. All the people I saw getting mugged from a distance - were late at night, and they were alone. If you're a nite owl, there's no 'going for a walk in the evening'. I mean, you can, but that's at your own risk.

Informative video. I was actually looking to buy some apartments a few months ago when I was in Colombia. But then actually the struggle begins. It's even almost impossible to open a bankaccount without DNI. Eventually managed to do so with my own European passport. So it also depends where you are or to who you speak. But compared to other bigger cities in Colombia, Medellín is actually quite safe and relax yes. They've tried to rob me 4 times already, and had a fight with 2 ladrones in Bogotá, but never had any problems so far in Medellín. And been to quite some places in Medellín. Well, the centre is not that great though. But areas like Laureles are verry relax. Also been in Bogotá some time. But man, Medellín is really a relief compared to Bogotá. Bogotá really has a nasty atmosphere when it getting evening. Taxidrivers were surprised that I was still traveling around on my own late night and my Colombian friends did not dare to get out in the evening to catch a drink. All those things were not the case in Medellín. And ofcourse, Medellín surely also has it's "hoods" nowadays. But Bogotá felt like one big ghetto....

People who have never lived in a truly safe place do not realize the subtle toll it takes on you to be "prevenido" all the time. In Colombia there is a reason for the saying "No dar papaya"

Glad you mentioned hiring locals and paying a good salary. That applies to any country. I don't know what is wrong with Americans thinking they can go to another country and take a job away from a local. I retired to Panama in 2013, then Ecuador, Nicaragua and over 6 years now in Costa Rica. All have been great and retirement far better that possible in the US.

Good distinctions about safety in the way you discuss comparing neighborhoods here in Medellin to like neighborhoods elsewhere. Thieves make it a point to go to the better neighborhoods here 'cause that's where the money is. Still, every day in Laureles and from what I've seen when in Poblado I find it's more a question of beggars and poor people walking around selling candy, pens and stuff like that. Visitors and new arrivals ought to bear in mind that beggars are not always bums. Sometimes they can be decent family people with infants, legitmately uprooted from their communities by circumstances beyond their control such as in Venezuela. But sometimes even that is a scam. It's sad to see but after a while one learns how to differentiate. There's a huge difference between some glassy eyed addict and a way too thin man & wife who have stumbled in from the countryside or just came in fleeing from Venezuela. Thanks for this.

Las Palmas is the Beverly Hills of Medellin. El Poblado is more like Hollywood including. North,East,& West Hollywood. Good Video with valid perspective & opinions.

It is cheaper to live in a town with you family so you can save a great deal more, I spend like 100 usd a month

Good video. First time watcher! I lived in Medellin in the late 80’s (I was on Carabobo near Plaza Botero when the bird was blown up)as a young man (i am American, no Latin roots). I have also lived in Quito, various places in Mexico (I have an Aloe Vera farm in Apozol, Zacatecas) and recently sold my house in Costa Rica of 20 years. During this time, I also ended living part time back in Medellin from 2005 to 2011. I had an in ice cream store in Itagui (not by choice lol long story). But lived in El Dorado area of Envigado. In all of my travels, (including Europe, USA, and Asia) I have to say I was, and still am, smitten with Medellin! Something about the city that got in my blood! (Been everywhere in Colombia also including the far reaches of Quibdo, in El Choco). Although almost everything you say is pretty spot on, I MUST say I would debate you on some of your crime opinion. I currently live in Washington, DC ( a house I have owned since 1984). The USA is completely insane right now. I noticed your video is 2 weeks old at this writing and wonder if you honestly have a clue on crime here. Being “Mugged” and being “Jugged” and murdered are really different. I live in a very affluent outskirt of DC and what was 3 years ago a place like you described..”SAFE”. Buddy, there is NOWHERE “safe” in the USA now. I’m sorry to tell you. Chances vs. Chances, I will take a mugging for my cell and a few dollars at knife point in El Hueco, over what we got here today, currently. I have seen serious poverty and desperation in my life (outside of the USA) in many many places (including Colombia) but one thing I always remember is there is not the careless Willy Nilly cold blooded murdering that is going on now. Latin America, is STILL fairly strongly, faith based. As you mentioned, they still have strong pride, loyalty and a sense of right and wrong! That is gone in the USA! Unfortunately..my home country! If you think crime is bad in Medellin? Go to Costa Rica! You have NO IDEA! 20 years owning a house there and I am done! It breaks my heart what has happened in Costa! Anyway, I want to watch more of your video’s. I am very happy you managed to eventually make lemonade from lemons after being deported. Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. The friend I own the farm with in Mexico has a similar story as yours. He was brought to the USA when he was 1yrs old. Attended school, worked, everything. But never got his citizenship. Certain circumstances got him deported to Mexico where he had no family left and nothing to start from. My life has been blessed. Thank God. But I always remind myself of that and try to help others as much as I can. I am a rare gringo from the USA that truly can appreciate the plight and desperation of people around the world. The majority of Americans cannot fathom going to bed hungry or not knowing where your next meal or roof will come from! ☮ Dingus

Someone who's considering Moving to colombia,11 I would be interested in knowing what things you did. When you first arrived back in Colombia after you were deported In order to Produce😊 $2200 a month income.

Americans abroad = the gift that keeps giving;

Pretty much rule of thumb of safety is if you look for problems probably going to find that at higher level. If you don't go looking for problems than you probably be okay. Either way never had any major problems anyplace in Latin America (Been to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Panama, Colombia, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru, and Brazil.)

What happened to the Medellín podcast? Loved that show.

Best interest rates in US rn are about 8pts on new loans

$2000 a month in monthly expenses is almost twice what it would cost in other expat areas, like Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Hyundai and Kia seem to have done very well!

Cool video. You seem to be cool to get to know. I’m thinking of moving there looking for a roomy 2bdrm furnished. So what areas clean a bit safe, close to shopping mall and transportation

That feeling of constantly on alert, gets a bit tiring!

super super dangerous. been robbed three times. DO NOT GO

I stumbled upon this video and was curious but found that the music totally got in the way. So I bailed.

This is super fair take and hopefully people see this rather than a lot of the miss info that's out there. I've been in Colombia 11 years and can´t stand this "just like any big city" crap people try to spread. The high crime is a reality and doing these dumb comparisons to one case in London or the worst areas of the US is not gonna help that.

Great video. I am a gringo from OKC that has lived in Medellín now 2 years. I even got my Cedula and a Bancolombia checking account now, which helped a lot. The way I look at this stuff is that every City in the world has Negatives. There is NO perfect City or Country. It does not exist. Just like there is no perfect Woman or Man in terms of dating or marriage. So, when people compare these things, they gotta first determine what THEY THEMSELVES need or want. I am not a big Ocean guy, I like to be around people, I did not come here for love, etc etc, Each person must determine these things 1st imo. I have been to many cities in Colombia too like Bogota, San Martes, Guatapé, etc etc and I still prefer Medellín.

Comment 🚀🚀🚀ignore the ( Comment 🚀🚀🚀) long story…. Thank you for sharing… sorry you where deported… would like to learn one day the reason but no worries if you don’t want to share … but glad to see your doing well … I’m Mexican American but sometimes I dream/ponder if I should move but scared of the income. 1) how would I work 2) I’m to Américanisé 3) crime 4)My health .

Yes, crime is high in Colombia, most unfounded. But have you been to So Cal in the past year? I would not leave my phone in a Starbucks or my car unlocked etc. Things have changed. I visited Bogota and Cartagena a few months ago. I was careful, but never felt unsafe. But in LA? I fell very unsafe. I live here. Having said that, I enjoy your videos and learn from them. Stay safe.

Open Space in Manila, good coffee spot & choc chip cookies

I am coming down Oct 10-24th if you want to grab a drink my treat for all the great videos you make.

I get $1900 from my military retirement… working on my second career now but man I’m over it

00:00 Intro 01:05 Cost Of Living 03:32 Social Life 05:20 Local Talent 06:59 Renting Apartments 08:00 Mortgage Loans 08:33 High Crime Rate 10:55 Outro

My nephew and I spent 10 days in Medellin We stayed in an apartment in El Poblado. We went everywhere and had no security problems. Of course El Poblado has a lot of security officers. Example there is one agent at all entrances at the malls and an officer about every 30 yards. When we went downtown on San Antonio street, one of the first things we noticed was the lack of security compared to El Poblado and Laureles. I don't think we saw on officer the whole time we were there. Two Black American roaming all over Medellin with no problems. But we did have trouble with Uber and Taxis. You are best to hire a private driver if you are going a long way or during rush hour. The only other problem we had was that my nephew was held up at U.S Customs. DWB. They said they thought he had drugs in his bag. A Black man coming in from Medellin, Columbia. Yeah he's got drugs.