Neighborhoods
Here’s a quick map of the different areas. These lines aren’t perfect but close enough.
El Poblado
Where most DC’ers live. Most expensive part of town (this is relative). This is most of the best international food is, where many banks are, where the nicest malls are, etc. It feels much more western than other areas. Major nightlife center as well. If you have no Spanish (and don’t want to learn), living outside of this area will be tough.
Good place to live. Many DC’ers.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/gFiWP5WCClGg1jGm5HuFKSzKzbg1bX3nvsnk5UgokchhftTE_6gx87QtkcNZC7YAqwVcJH3SnOjHz8WVwxF38fnCYJMfMNg0qf134MtPsaYkIxt81eii4IO4cLz3mXbEyxlyPFbI
Meme made by Almog Laureles
Another popular neighborhood. Very safe as well, cheaper, more “Colombian”. Great nightlife. The residential parts here are beautiful.
Good place to live. More Colombian.
Belen
Just south of Laureles, on the other side of the airport. Also safe. I’d just live in Laureles though, more to do there. Envigado
South of Poblado, this is a popular and nice area. Very safe. Way cheaper. Close to Poblado for food, nightlife, etc. Envigado is technically a different city than Medellin, and people from here are very proud (in fact, all paisas, people from Medellin/the region of Antioquia, are extremely proud).
Good place to live. More Colombian. El Centro
Lots of cultural stuff here – including parks, art, etc. that are great for a visit during the day. Also one of the most dangerous areas of town (parts are OK, but after dusk – don’t go if you don’t know your way around or have a Colombian with you). I wouldn’t live here. Also note that north of Centro, things start to get more rough – it’s very poor. Aranjuez
This is where Parque Explora (botanical gardens, mentioned later) is, as well as Universidad de Antioquia. That’s all you’d really come here for. Guayabal + Buenos Aires
I don’t know much about these areas, and don’t know anyone who spends time here either.
