Known as the city of “eternal spring,” Medellin offers one of the best luxury lifestyle in Colombia. This part of Colombia is often described as having a “leave-alone vibe,” where minimal government intervention creates a sense of “soft freedom”—a place where individuals can live with fewer restrictions and more personal autonomy.
Andrew Henderson, a well-known YouTuber and businessman, is the co-founder of Nomad Capitalist, a company that redefines borders by helping billionaires, celebrities, entrepreneurs, and investors lower their taxes and create a Plan B through economic opportunities and desirable lifestyles abroad—particularly for those seeking tax freedom.
In a 40-minute YouTube video, he explains how international citizens—whether single, in a couple, or with a family—can enjoy a luxury lifestyle in Medellin. Henderson describes the city as one with a “vibrant” future.
Luxury lifestyle: Why Medellin?
Multiple factors contribute, according to Henderson, to enjoying a good lifestyle in Medellin—but even more so, to enjoying a high quality of life. From fine dining and breathtaking landscapes to welcoming people and an exceptional culture of service, Medellin offers an attractive setting for building a life. The city boasts prominent personalities, luxury properties, diverse tourism, and a rich history, making it a compelling destination.
Despite Colombia’s many positive attributes, Henderson highlights in his video the persistent stigma the country faces from an international perspective.
Pablo Escobar’s name inevitably comes up whenever Colombia is mentioned. The legacy of narco-culture has left a deep scar on the country’s history, leading some foreigners to view it as an unviable place to build a future. However, Andrew Henderson aims to challenge this perception, showcasing how Colombia’s future is shifting toward promising new horizons.
Colombia: What does it have to offer, is it a safe place to live in?
This is undoubtedly one of the most common questions, and in his video, Henderson interviews people to gather real and straightforward perspectives on the subject. However, one key premise is essential in addressing this concern: danger exists everywhere in the world. Colombia is just one country among many, and this does not inherently make it an unsafe place to live. As one of Henderson’s friends put it, “Colombia deserves better.”
Natalia Rincón, a research associate at Nomad Capitalist, says she feels safe in Colombia, a sentiment she believes is shared by both locals and foreigners. She emphasizes that beyond safety, there are other important factors Colombia offers that deserve recognition. For example, when discussing residence permits and immigration opportunities, a common misconception is that anyone who obtains a residence permit—whether through real estate investment or other financial contributions—must pay taxes on their global income.
In reality, if a person with a residence permit does not stay in Colombia for more than 183 days in a year, they are not subject to taxation on their worldwide income. The other 180 days are taxed only on Colombian-sourced earnings, and individuals must report only the equity they own in Colombia.
According to Henderson, this system is highly “tax-friendly” and makes Colombia an appealing option for those considering a move.
The expat community keeps growing in Colombia and Medellin is not the exception. Natalia Rincón highlights the city’s infrastructure and the opportunities for families to enjoy a high quality of life. For instance, Colombia offers excellent educational standards, with 21 international schools catering to families seeking a U.S. or European model of education. These factors serve as strong incentives for foreigners considering Colombia as a place to live.
El Poblado, one of the most “vibrant” neighborhoods in Medellin
Highlightingsome of the best properties and locations in Medellin, Henderso refers to El Poblado as “the coolest and most vibrant neighborhood in Medellin.”
Undoubtedly, this is a must-see area full of life, featuring nightclubs, upscale cafés, fine dining restaurants, and a major hotel zone. At the same time, El Poblado also offers more private and tranquil areas for families seeking a peaceful setting, making it an attractive option for property investment.
To better understand the economic landscape and how affordable premium properties can be for foreigners, let’s compare pricing between new and older buildings.
For example, a brand-new luxury property in a building constructed two years ago, with an approximate area of 322 m² (3,465 sq. ft.), is currently selling for 4.5 billion COP ($1.087M). However, for those looking for a more affordable option, a similar property in a 10-year-old or older building can be up to 40% cheaper than a brand-new unit.
For foreigners with a higher budget and preference for exclusivity, luxury villas are also available on the outskirts of El Poblado. Some of the most stunning villas in the area offer 2,000 m² (21,527 sq. ft.) of living space, with a sales price of 16.2 billion COP ($3.9M). These exclusive residential areas are surrounded by lush vegetation, providing complete privacy for families, couples, or individuals seeking a peaceful retreat away from traffic, noise, and public exposure. The privileged location of these properties even allows residents to fully appreciate Colombia’s vast biodiversity right from their homes.
Fine art and fashion also offer an exquisite luxury experience in Medellin
Beyond luxury properties and a high quality of life, Medellin’s fine arts scene also offers an exquisite experience. The Palacio Nacional stands out as an iconic venue for enjoying fine art, showcasing masterpieces by renowned artists such as Fernando Botero, along with works by emerging talents who have built impressive careers and gained international recognition.
Fashion in Medellin has also become a thriving industry, attracting foreigners with its unique and sophisticated designs. Local brands continue to expand rapidly, offering a diverse selection of shopping options for visitors. Tourists can also find customized fine jewelry, international luxury brands, and, of course, Colombian emeralds—one of the country’s most iconic symbols of culture and prestige.
Entrepreneurs play a major role in Medellin’s economy and cultural scene. The city has become a hub for creative brands that highlight local talent while also elevating Colombia’s presence in international markets. This growing reputation has helped reshape Medellin’s image abroad, attracting investors from around the world.
This is just a broad perspective on how foreigners can enjoy an exceptional lifestyle in one of Colombia’s warmest, safest, and most welcoming cities. Medellin has immense potential across various sectors and offers a high quality of life at prices far more reasonable than in the United States or Europe, where such luxury and comfort are often unattainable.