Medellin real estate: Zone 3

Zone 3 is often overlooked by foreigners searching for Medellin real estate. This is a shame actually, as some neighborhoods in Zone 3 like Laureles and Bello are really quite nice. Not surprisingly, real estate prices in Zone 3 are about 25% lower than they are in typical Gringo neighborhoods like Poblado and Enviago. Really nice apartments in Zone 3 can be found for around $70 per square foot and in many cases much less than that.

Specifically, Laureles is a quiet neighborhood composed of upper-middle class single family residents and upscale apartment complexes. It has remained somewhat off the radar, but I know several Americans that have purchased apartments in Laureles over the last few months. Laureles is also very close to both Calle 33 and La 70, a popular hangout for young Colombians, especially at night. Those who are looking for something different than Parque Lleras might find Laureles interesting.

To the North of Laureles is Bello, an expansive neighborhood with around 500,000 residents. Bellos is actually a city within a city and is comprised of 81 seperate barrios with mainly residential and mixed-use buildings. Bello is home to many furniture designers and manufacturers, both big and small and many of its residents work in this industry. While it is true that some parts of Bello may not be 100% safe, there are several pockets within this large barrio that are quiet and safe. Real estate prices in Bello are considerably lower than Laureles and it seems to have the highest concentration of beautiful women in Medellin. I have spent alot of time wandering around the various subsections of Bello and have never felt unsafe. In fact, I have friends that refuse to hang out in Parque LLeras because the Zona Rosa in Bello is better. It is true that the women in Bello are much friendlier than their Poblado counterparts and always greet newcomers with a smile.