Discover the Best Bogotá Neighborhoods for Expats (Insider Tips)

Discover the Best Bogotá Neighborhoods for Expats (Insider Tips)hborhood (Expat Edition)

Are you planning to move to Bogotá, Colombia?  Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important steps in finding your ideal place to live.  With my years of first-hand experience, this guide will walk you through some essential tips and considerations to help you select a safe, comfortable, and convenient area that suits your lifestyle and needs.

1. Understand Colombia’s Strata System

In Colombia, housing areas are classified into six socioeconomic levels, known as “stratas.” This classification can significantly impact your cost of living and the level of services in each neighborhood.  Here’s a breakdown of each strata level:

• Strata 1 and 2:  Low-income areas with fewer services; ideal for those on a tight budget.
• Strata 3 and 4:  Middle-income neighborhoods, offering a mix of affordability and convenience.
• Strata 5 and 6:  High-income areas with premium services, typically associated with higher costs.

Knowing the strata of a neighborhood can help you gauge living costs, quality of services, and the general feel of the area.

2. Research Neighborhoods That Fit Your Needs

When searching for an apartment to rent or buy in Bogotá, start by evaluating factors that will impact your quality of life:

• Safety:  Look for areas where people of a similar socioeconomic background feel comfortable and where you see others walking around during the day and night.
• Accessibility:  Choose neighborhoods with good public transportation links and accessible roads.
• Proximity to Amenities:  Being near grocery stores, restaurants, shopping centers, parks, clinics, and hospitals makes daily life more convenient.  
  • Tip for beginners: ¨Hospital¨ in Colombian Spanish means it is public and ¨clínica¨ in Colombian Spanish means it is private. There are many highly rated private hospitals (clínicas) in Bogotá that you could live near.  Always remember to call it a private hospital (clínica or hospital privado) if that is what you want to go to or you may end up somewhere you don’t want to be.
• Low Noise Levels:  Avoid areas near busy streets, places with loud neighbors, or those with frequent noise from dogs if these factors affect your comfort.
• Green Spaces:  Access to parks and green spaces can improve your quality of life and offer recreational opportunities.  Your small dog will also enjoy it and help you meet other dog owners.

     Neighborhoods to consider in Bogotá

• Los Rosales, El Nogal:  Near Andino mall, Atlantis mall, and Zona T 
• Usaquen, Molinos Norte, Sagrado Corazon:  Near Unicentro mall, Hacienda Santa Barbara mall, and Santa Anna mall
• Chico, El Chico, Chico Norte:  Near Parque 93 park
• Chapinero:  Near Zona G restaurant district
• La Colina area:  Near Parque la Colina mall, post graduate police school, driving distance to Santafé mall

3. Use a Shopping Mall as a Reference Point

A simple way to narrow down options is to select a well-rated shopping mall and explore neighborhoods within a 15-minute taxi radius.  This will help you identify areas close to shopping, dining, entertainment, and medical services making your new home more convenient and enjoyable.

4. Connect with Locals for Firsthand Insights

Connecting with locals is one of the best ways to get to know different neighborhoods.  You can ask a trustworthy local for recommendations that fit your lifestyle and budget or join expatriate or city-specific Facebook groups.  Keep in mind that recommendations may vary based on personal experiences and their socioeconomic status, so always explore suggestions with your unique needs in mind.

5. Stay in a Nearby Hotel for a Trial Experience

Consider booking a hotel in a neighborhood you’re interested in to get a feel for the area. Staying in a hotel within the city, rather than near the airport, can give you a better sense of what life would be like in that neighborhood and help you determine if it’s a good fit.

6. Try a Short-Term Rental Before Committing Long-Term

Short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb.com and Booking.com allow you to experience a neighborhood as a local.  Staying in a rental for a few weeks or a month gives you insight into the area’s daily life, so you can determine if it suits your needs.

7. Commit to a Long-Term Rental When You’re Ready

Once you’re comfortable with a neighborhood, consider extending your lease for up to a year.  A longer-term commitment provides stability and lets you explore the area in depth, which can help you make informed decisions if you choose to buy property later on.  Immobiliara Bogota.com is a great place that you can look to see the going rate of properties for rent or sale in the area that you have chosen.  However, since you do not have any credit in Colombia, you will probably not pass their credit check in Colombia and will not be able to rent from them.  In that case you will need to rent from a private landlord who may work will you.   

8. Purchase a Property

When you’re ready to invest, buying an apartment in Bogotá can be a great option.  Consult with a qualified real estate professional and attorney to ensure all documentation is in order. Additionally, make sure you’re prepared to make payments through a Colombian bank account, as this is required by the Colombian government for tax purposes when buying or selling the property.  Opt for a highly-rated Public Notary to ensure a smooth and secure transaction.   It helps if the Notary you choose accepts credit cards for some of their fees.

Important Considerations for Apartment Selection:

• Avoid first and second floors:  These units can be more vulnerable to break-ins.   They may have issues with the patio leaking into the parking garage that you will be responsible to repair on older units that are out of the builders warranty.  Also, you will generally not have a view, except that of another building.
• Top-floor units:  Older buildings may have water leakage issues in top-floor apartments.
• 15th floor and higher:  Generally carry a premium price due to better views and having less street noise.  
• Corner units:   Generally carry a premium price due to larger apts and better views.
• Balconies:  Apartments with balconies are generally higher strata units, while those without balconies may be government-subsidized buildings in Bogota.
• Newer properties:  Apartments less than five years old usually require less maintenance and fewer repairs.
• Check the parking garage:  Walk around and look at the vehicles your neighbors in the building have to give you an idea if it is a place that you want to fit in or not.  Be sure to check your parking spot and make sure it doesn’t have any water leaks in the area.  Also, make sure that any vehicle with a tarp deserves it and that there are no water leaks.  That will give you an idea of how well the property is being maintained.

Final Thoughts for Expats: Enjoying Your New Home in Bogotá, Colombia

Choosing the right neighborhood and living arrangement in Bogotá is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.  By following these steps—learning about the strata system, consulting locals, staying in a hotel, short-term and long term rentals—you can find a neighborhood and apartment that truly feels like home.  Take your time, do your research and due diligence, and savor the adventure of discovering your perfect home in Bogota, Colombia!

See my other articles at PremierLifeBogota.com about living in Bogotá, Colombia

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