Interactive map + safety ratings, costs, and honest recommendations from expats who actually live here.
"Safe" does not mean you can walk around flashing jewelry, wave your new iPhone on the street, leave your drink unattended at a bar, wander around stumbling drunk at night, or hop in a taxi off the street.
Just because a neighborhood is considered safe does not mean there aren't bad actors looking for soft, easy targets. You still must follow the rules. You are still in a developing country where the average monthly salary is a fraction of what you might spend in a week.
The safety ratings on this page assume you're practicing basic precautions. If you ignore them, no neighborhood rating will protect you. Read our complete safety guide before you arrive.
Medellín's most upscale neighborhood. Safe, English-friendly, expensive. Home to Parque Lleras nightlife.
Tree-lined streets, excellent cafes, local culture. Better value than Poblado. Most recommended for long-term.
Charming municipality south of Poblado. Authentic paisa culture, affordable, very safe. Growing expat community.
Colombia's smallest municipality. Excellent restaurants, strong sense of community. Very safe and affordable.
Between Poblado and Laureles. Excellent restaurants, craft breweries, creative scene. Walking distance to both.
Large diverse neighborhood west of center. Good value apartments, authentic local life. Metro via San Javier.
Sports-centric near Atanasio Girardot stadium. Great metro access, local vibe. Popular with budget expats.
Trendy Poblado strip. Rooftop bars, brunch spots, boutique shopping. Heart of expat social scene.
Famous transformed neighborhood. Outdoor escalators, vibrant street art, graffiti tours. Visit with guide only.