I finally made the move from hostel to private residence after much debate and delay.
If I am going to be living in Medellin, I need to act like it instead of hiding out within the safe and comfortable confines of the hostel.
Ultimately, I was getting tired of sharing a room with up to 5 other people, who could be sleeping at any given hour of the day, requiring me to avoid using the lights or making noise if I need to get something from my backpack.
Also, the lack of privacy was going to be an issue, especially as I continue to build relationships.
And the kitchen was in no way inspiring me to cook for myself, which is the healthier and more affordable alternative to eating out every meal. I won´t miss the construction noise either.
I am paying $40 per month for the above-pictured room which seems reasonable to me given the nice apartment in which it can be found.
I found it via my friend Martin who lives there too. Maira, the Colombian university student who rents her two extra rooms, is a sweetheart too.
She speaks English well, and is OK with me paying week to week right now.
The apartment is Envigado, which is in the southern part of the city, however I can take a bus up Las Vegas Avenue for 50 cents to the Poblado metro if I do not want to walk to the closer Ayura station.
It is near both an Exito and Carrefour, the Walmart-type chain stores here in Colombia.
Forcing myself to leave the preppy, well-to-do confines of El Poblado is also a good way for me to experience other parts of the city, although Martin says our apartment is in a well-to-do neighborhood too!
dave is $40 a typo? are you really only paying that much? i´m looking for a place to live in envigado. let me know if your friend has more rooms to fill. kevin.
Dave,
It’s great to see that you’ve found a nice apartment to share, and at a great monthly rate! I like the view of the mountains and it sounds like you’ll have good roommates. How is the kitchen?
Hi Dave,
I’m also curious about the rent being $40/month. It sounds too good to be true. Do you mean $40/week?
Yes, that was a big typo on my part. My bad. I am paying $40 per week, or $160 per month.
Hola David,
I have a “novia” that lives in Envigado and I’m trying to find an “inexpensive” ($40-50)and clean hotel there for an upcoming visit. Do you have any suggestions???
Thanks a bunch!
Thomas
Hay Dave, are you an American that lives in Colombia and if so do you get a warm welcome from the locals cause I’m thinking of moving from the US to Colombia since I am a Colombian American, and are you working and how hard is it to get a job there and not being colombian
Hey Thomas, unfortunately I haven’t a clue when it comes to hotel options in Envigado, or all of Medellin for that matter. Try http://poorbuthappy.com – the Colombia forum.
Yes, the locals are very friendly which is part of why I wanted to stay here. I know I’ll miss it when I go home to the USA too. I can’t advise about looking for a job as it wasn’t something I did seriously. There are plenty of English teachers from abroad though, so that is a possibility.
ok
im look for penhouse it 3 guys have a good time. i want it to have at least a jacuzzi and sauna on the roof so i real want a big roof patio 3br 2 bth is fine. we just looking to have fun and get to know colombia
but im colombian and have been there many time so i know my way around for those how think they can take attvantage of tourest no
i just need help with the place el poblado or envgado is cool or any nice nupscale please is goood please let me know
I’m planning to stay 2 months in Medellin and need a place to crash, do you know if there are any rooms available?
There are always rooms available, it’s just a matter of how much you’re willing to pay, and where you want to live.
Try http://compartoapto.com once you arrive (it’s free).
hI Dave, Ive visited and stayed in the city for extended periods.. I have a few questions you may be able to help me with.. is there a way to pm you? My email is Yehoshua.joseph@gmail.com
Thanks!