Bogotá Suburbs: Your Guide to Living Outside the Big City
So maybe Bogotá’s hustle and bustle isn’t quite your speed. Maybe you’re dreaming of more space, fresher air, less traffic, and a slower pace while staying close to Colombia’s vibrant capital. Luckily, Bogotá’s northern suburbs offer a fantastic alternative to city living, combining modern amenities with a more relaxed lifestyle that is perfect for retirees. If you’re considering a move to the Bogotá area, here’s everything you need to know about its charming suburbs, like the Chía – Cajicá area, and the exciting developments in the future near there.
Why Consider Bogotá’s Suburbs?
Living outside the big city doesn’t mean sacrificing convenience. In fact, Bogotá’s suburbs to the north, particularly the Chía – Cajicá area, offer the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. These areas are close enough for an easy commute to Bogotá (on good traffic days and at the right time of day, at least) and boast shopping centers, schools, and recreational opportunities that make them ideal for families, retirees, expats, and anyone looking for more breathing room.
Recently a football (soccer) star named Radamel Falcao García Zárate returned home to Colombia from playing in Europe for many years and making millions of euros. He decided to play for the local Bogota team called the Millonarios another season or two before he retires and hangs up his cleats. Where did he and his family decide to finally call their temporary home when they returned to Colombia? It is suspected that they ended up in the Chía – Cajicá area, possibly at Elaia Condominio (and they couldn’t be happier, except for the traffic when they have to drive into Bogota).
Chía and Cajicá: Northern Suburbs with Big Appeal
Chía
For your everyday needs, Centro Chía Mall is a long-standing favorite with a range of stores, supermarkets, and restaurants that my family enjoys going to.
Cajicá
A little further north is Cajicá. It is perfect for those seeking a more laid-back lifestyle. The area has seen significant growth in recent years, with modern gated communities popping up alongside its traditional neighborhoods.
If you’re craving something a little more upscale, head to Fontanar Centro Comercial, located just a short drive away that my family enjoys visiting. Fontanar mall is the newest of the two in the area. It also has a very large gated community right next door, so it has easy walking access to the mall, making groceries, errands, restaurants, and outings incredibly convenient.
Guaymaral Airport
For anyone with money to burn, Guaymaral Airport (SKGY) serves the Chía – Cajicá area. You can park your private aircraft there when you are not in Cartagena or Santa Marta on holiday (see my other article). Having this airport is a serious perk for those of us with an aircraft or those of us who charter a flight on a private jet.
Lagos de Torca: The Future of Bogotá Urban Living?
If you’re looking for something cutting-edge, keep an eye on Lagos de Torca (video), an ambitious planned city project currently under development between Bogotá and the Chía – Cajicá area. Billed as the “New Bogotá,” this massive undertaking aims to create a sustainable, bike rideable, walkable city with residential, commercial, and recreational areas seamlessly integrated.
While it’s still in the works, Lagos de Torca promises to be a game-changer for the region. With its modern design and focus on green living, it could be the perfect option for those wanting the best of both worlds—proximity to Bogotá with all the perks of suburban living.
Real Estate: Getting More Bang for Your Buck
One of the biggest draws of living in the suburbs is the value you get in real estate. Compared to Bogotá’s increasingly expensive property market, the Chía – Cajicá area offers larger homes, more outdoor space, and better prices. Gated communities are a popular choice, offering added security, green areas, playgrounds, and amenities like pools and gyms.
I saw a couple actual 2-story houses with roof patios that were really nice and a good size and price compared to what you might see in Bogota for that price when I was looking for places to live. The only drawback was that some of the roads to get to them were in less than desirable condition, so an SUV would be a good idea if you go that route.
Whether you’re looking for a modern apartment, condo, a spacious townhouse, house, or a luxurious villa, the northern suburbs have something for everyone.
Outdoor Activities
For those who enjoy equestrian sports (Club Ecuestre La Casona), golf courses (Briceño 18), private clubs like Club El Rincón de Cajicá where you can play golf, tennis, or go swimming cater to these hobbies, making it easy to stay active and social. Did I mention football clubs? No shortage of those. The only thing that seems almost as big as football is bike riding. Plenty of bicycling occurs every Sunday for those who are into riding bicycles. Kinda reminds me of something like the Tour de France with all the bikes on bike paths, roads, and even some highways. That is why most people drive on the left lane of a two lane highway on Sundays. Paintball fields are also near the area cater to those who prefer that sport.
Your Bogotá suburbs guide is perfect for those who enjoy the suburbs.
The northern suburbs of Bogotá offer a fantastic alternative for those looking to escape the chaos of city life without sacrificing convenience or modern amenities. These areas are rapidly becoming some of the most desirable places to live in Colombia.
Proximity to Bogotá: Enjoy the best of both worlds—quiet suburban living with easy access to the capital and all of its amenities. And with exciting developments like Lagos de Torca on the horizon, the future’s looking brighter than ever for suburban living near Bogotá.
The suburbs have something for everyone. Ready to make the move? You just might find your perfect home and your ideal location.
See my other articles at PremierLifeBogota.com about living in Bogota, Colombia
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