Is Medellin Colombia Safe? Here Are the Facts

Many Americans felt the bite of winter during the holidays. If the cold bothers you, then you must’ve at least dreamed of traveling somewhere warmer this year.

Medellin, Colombia is among the most popular destinations among Americans. Aside from its tropical climate, it boasts many natural attractions that would captivate anyone. It’s also cosmopolitan, with a busy nightlife, a thriving art scene, restaurants, shopping districts, and many more.

Generally, first-time visitors to the City of Eternal Spring have one important question before they decide to visit, “Is Medellin Colombia safe?”

This is a reasonable question, given the reputation of the city. In this article, we’ll discuss just how safe Medellin, Colombia is. We will also tackle why many foreigners choose not just to visit, but to live there.

It’s a Safe, New Life, Medellin

Places are much like people. They can have troubled pasts, but they can also heal from that and move on to lead better lives.

The same thing can be said for Medellin. It’s already common knowledge that it had known conflict in the ’80s and ’90s. But dark times, too, have an end.

Nowadays, Medellin is a thriving tourist destination. It’s a remarkable change from the dangerous place foreigners were warned away from barely three decades ago.

Central to this change is Medellin’s efficient public transportation system. Many foreigners praise the four options the city offers: buses, metro cables, metro, and tram.

Visitors and locals alike can get to any part of the city with any of these public transportation. Most of them say that the transportation systems of Medellin are clean, safe, and well-maintained.

Some people like to travel to see natural splendor, but the cities are where most human interactions take place. Anyone visiting Medellin wouldn’t be left wanting for means to see the architecture, go to the markets, and enjoy its social hubspots.

Living locally is also easier now, with convenient access to schools, hospitals, and offices.

Surely, It’s Safe With So Many Famous Colombian Women

It’s true that greatness blooms even in the face of adversity. But for it to continue to bloom, and what’s more, to inspire so many people, the environment has to be just right.

Shakira, Sofia Vergara, and Caterina Ibarguen are but a few examples of the extraordinary Colombian women who have achieved international fame. They all hail from Colombia, though some have forged thriving careers in Hollywood.

But they’re not the only women from Medellin gifted with great talents. It just so happens that many of these women have aspirations closer to home.

Generally, Medellin women are compassionate, not just toward their loved ones, but toward other women. Movements that provide programs that aim to prevent violence against women are based in Medellin.

They are also enterprising, standing tall in the fashion industry with events like Colombiamoda. More movements have been formed in Medellin that aims to help low-income women to fulfill their life ambitions and to give single mothers jobs.

Already known the world over as women who enjoy a good time, the women of Medellin enjoy many dance classes and athletic pursuits.

Their natural friendliness makes them approachable. It’s not just dancing they’re into, most of them also enjoy good food, outdoor adventures, and lively parties.

They remain among the most down-to-earth and loving women in the world. Hardship seems only to inspire these women to be their best and do their best every day.

Yes, like so many places around the world, the women of Medellin have to work extra hard to exercise their rights freely. But as proven by their accomplishments, Medellin has come a long way from its past.

Many foreigners find their warmth and openness among the many attractions of Medellin. In fact, many foreign men have chosen to stay in the city permanently because they fell in love with Medellin women.

Safe for the Whole Family

If a city is safe for women, it’s safe for families.

Just like any activity done with children, research is called for. Rest assured, though, tourists who have children will have much to do to keep the little ones entertained.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Medellin. But visitors who prefer bottled water will have no problems finding them for sale around the city.

Children would naturally be attracted to street food. The street food is usually safe to eat, but a few tips will help avoid the dreaded stomach bug from ruining a good time.

• Avoid foods that look like it’s been sitting under the sun for too long.
• Find vendors that have a lot of patrons, particularly local ones. That’s a good indicator these vendors are selling safe food.
• If you’re going to buy fruits, buy unpeeled ones.

Visiting Medellin with kids is guaranteed to be a fun and educational time. The city also has a lot to offer those who are thinking of living there with children.

The educational system in Colombia supports the well-rounded development of their children. Since 2012, the state has subsidized and provided all mandatory stages of education for free.

The literacy rate in Colombia is now well over 90%, according to research done by reputable data analytics organizations.

Medellin with its modern amenities is more advantageous for kids. It’s easier to get anywhere, like schools, grocery stores, and clinics.

What may surprise many foreigners is that Colombia offers world-class healthcare. In fact, it offers the best in all of Latin America. It even beats the US and Canada. In all this quality, Medellin boasts 40% of Colombia’s top hospitals.

Colombian laws also ensure the protection of children and their rights. The government provides technical assistance and they are making progress in keeping children safe online.

It doesn’t hurt that Medellin’s weather is pleasant all year round. The spring-like temperatures of this city is certainly conducive to children’s physical health.

Safe for Foreigners

Many tourists who have visited Medellin have nothing but praises to sing for the city. They say that they were welcomed and felt safe the whole time.

That’s all well and good for those who spent a few days or a few weeks there, but what about those who are thinking of making a permanent move to the city?

Is finding a job in Medellin a risky venture?

As mentioned in a prior paragraph, Medellin has a thriving entrepreneurial scene. With the entry of digital work, the job market is growing.

There are several companies run by expats or who employ mostly expats. In Medellin, schools, universities, and language academies hire expats to teach English.

Nowadays, working online has become more common. The same online jobs that are growing in popularity all over the world are also in demand in Medellin.

• Teaching English as a second language
• Social media management
• Content writing

Usually, these jobs are from companies based in the US, Europe, or Canada.

At present, Medellin has a wide selection of coworking spaces and trendy cafes where digital nomads and freelancers can work.

Due to Medellin’s quest to become a modern, bilingual city, foreigners looking for work don’t necessarily need to speak Spanish in order to get a job. But they would have an advantage in the job market if they speak both Spanish and English.

Some companies will help an expat secure a work visa, but it’s common practice for the expat to shoulder half of the expenses.

Medellin Isn’t Just Safe; It’s Growing Better Than Ever

The question, “Is Medellin Colombia safe?” isn’t likely to go away anytime soon. That’s understandable, but as many travelers and expats willingly attest to, not only is it safe, it’s a place one can be happy to call home.

The city really is like a person, a beautiful, determined person who is full of hope for what life will bring next.

It’s easy to fall in love with Medellin women, and just as easy to fall and stay in love with the city they call home.

Give yourself a chance to get to know Medellin, Colombia today.