In June of 2012, the Wall Street Journal along with Citibank began with a list of 200 cities complied by the Urban Land Institute. These cities were chosen on the basis of Culture and Livability, Economic/Investment climate, Education and Human Capital, Mobility and Infrastructure, Progress and Potential, Places of Power, and Technology and Research. From the original 200, three were selected – New York, Tel Aviv and Medellin. On March 1, 2013 the winner was announced.
Congratulations Medellin for being the Most Innovative City of the Year !
Well, it appears that the secret is out ! … Medellin is no longer hiding under the radar. It IS the place to retire or vacation, or have a second home, or start a business, or invest. Medellin is THE place. This is something that we have known at Escape Artist Colombia for a long time! So, if you are looking for a safe and friendly community, somewhat less expensive, with excellent health care, affordable and comfortable housing, good public transportation, and a moderate climate, Colombia has it all !
Situated at 1500 meters (4921 ft) in elevation in the lush Aburrá Valley and embraced by mist-shrouded mountains, Medellin is known as the City of Eternal Spring. The capital of the Department of Antioquia, Medellin enjoys all of the benefits of a tropical monsoon climate – lush greenery, abundant water falls, tropical birds and flora but with much more tolerable and enjoyable temperatures. With an average year-round temperature (because of its proximity to the equator) of 22 °C (72 °F), no air conditioning or heating is needed! Warm, balmy days give way to cool, pleasant nights. Additionally, because of the seemingly ideal 5,000 foot elevation, there are virtually no bugs! Many of Medellin’s districts and barrios are located on slopes or in the local foothills where temperatures can be slightly cooler yet.
In terms of population and economy, Medellin is the second largest city in Colombia, with more than 3.5 million people. Medellin ranks in population as one of top 100 urban centers in the world. Founded in 1616 by the Spaniard Francisco Herrera Y Campuzano, Medellín has an area of 382 km² (237 square miles). It consists of 16 comunas (districts), 5 corregimientos (townships), and 271 barrios.
Today, Medellin produces 67% of the Department of Antioquia’s GDP and 11% of the economy of Colombia. Medellin’s main economic products are steel, textiles, confections, food and beverage, agriculture, public services, chemical products, pharmaceuticals, refined oil, and flowers, with tourism having strongly developed in recent years. Fashion also figures as a major portion of the economy and culture of the city. As such, Medellin has become known as “the Milan of Latin America” and plays host to Latin America’s biggest fashion show, Colombiamoda. Medellin is also an important and popular locale for its universities, academies, commerce, industry, science, health services, flower-growing, festivals and nightlife.
Medellin is easily one of the most modern cities in South America. Having the only rapid transit system in South America, there are also two sky trams that are part of the Metro system, as well as public and private buses and taxis. The city is full of contemporary life and has everything from large shopping malls to small family-run stores. While the traditional street markets are a mainstay of the local economy, modern retail malls offer internationally renowned brand names, designer boutiques, discount stores, specialty shops, and food courts. Major and specialty grocery stores offer organic foods, traditional groceries, and pharmaceuticals.
The Medellin weekend nightlife, in discos, pubs, parks, and certain dedicated streets, is traditionally called rumba, and typically kicks into full gear on Thursday night, running all the way through the weekend. Everyone in Colombia seems to enjoy the rumba; dancing—young, old, women, men, wealthy, destitute, beautiful, plain, thin, and fat—it matters not your appearance, only that you have “heart” and the desire to try. Locals relish teaching the porro, cumbia, merengue, tango, salsa and mapale to anyone willing to learn. Along with cheering on their favorite fútbol(soccer) teams, spending time socializing with family, enjoying the weekends at family fincas, and riding, selling, or watching horses, dancing is a national past time.
Festivals too are an important part of the culture. Colombia has more festivals and holidays than any country in the world and celebrates its Spanish and indigenous heritage with parades, fairs, botanical and bird shows, and popular contests. La Feria de las Flores (the Festival of the Flowers) is the most important festival in Antioquia. Taking place in Medellin every August, it has been celebrated every year since 1957. The festival includes parades of antique cars, of silleteros (flower carriers), and of horses. Other festivals are the International Poetry Festival in June, the Parade of Myths and Legends in December, and the Colombiamoda, the fashion industry event of the year.
The inhabitants of Medellin are known as Paisas. Paisas make up one of the five different regional cultures within Colombia. The Paisa culture has a Spanish background, and is traditionally Catholic, entrepreneurial, hard-working, and famously hospitable. Paisas are said to speak softly and quickly, and to smile easily. Beans, rice, and arepas (thick corn tortillas) are staples for the locals.
So with everything that Medellin has going for it, what are you waiting for? It is time to consider moving to Medellin and enjoying the good life ! We at ESCAPE ARTIST COLOMBIA feel that there is truly no better time than now. Whether you choose to buy or rent, real estate is affordable. Cost of living is reasonable. The investment atmosphere is at its optimum and the people, climate, and scenery are the most incredible in the world.
If you are interested in more information about real estate in Medellin contact us at ops@escapeartist.com.co
This article can be viewed in its entirety at :
http://www.escapefromamerica.com/2011/04/colombia-living-in-medellin/
