Cartagena is considered the exotic jewel of Colombia’s Caribbean coast… It’s a beach resort city that is increasingly popular with foreigners and moneyed Colombians who enjoy living or investing in a Caribbean beach location.
Cartagena’s principal attraction is its Old City, particularly the inner walled district, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. It’s full of colonial architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and homes with overhanging balconies and shady patios.
Wandering leisurely and enjoying the street life, as well as the many plazas, shops, restaurants and bars, is the best way to experience the Old City… walking these streets could make a romantic out of just about anyone.
This is a place chock full of history, which gives the city an Old-World beach lifestyle. However, the city also has many modern amenities, including high-rise condos with spectacular water and beach views in addition to modern shopping centers.
Cartagena is different than much of the rest of Colombia. It’s more like being at an exotic Caribbean beach resort destination than being in South America. Here you can enjoy numerous water activities, from boating and jet skis to scuba diving and deep-sea fishing.
Cartagena is located on the northern coast of Colombia, right on the Caribbean coast. This oceanfront region is hot and steamy, enjoying a tropical climate that is typical of the Caribbean: year-round sun and a generally humid climate with occasional heavy storms.
The average daily high temperature in Cartagena ranges from 88 F to 90 F (31 C to 32 C), and the average daily low from 73 F to 77 F (23 C to 25 C).
Humidity is typically around 88% in the morning and drops to about 74% in the evening. Due to the climate, air conditioning is needed by most expats during the day.
Tropical storms are more common during its rainy season (September to November). During the wet season temperatures can increase into the high 80s or low 90s F during the day with sunshine before clouds arrive in the afternoon with sometimes heavy rainfall. Cartagena is not affected by hurricanes.
Cartagena boasts drinkable water along with dependable phone service, electricity, and high-speed internet.
The banks and financial services in the city are the same as you will find in biggest cities in Colombia; they are solid and dependable. You’ll find plenty of shopping options, from mom-and-pop stores to upscale boutiques. What’s more, the sizzling nightlife in Cartagena draws visitors from around the coastal region.
The real estate market here is active and undervalued. There’s a well organized real estate industry with a fairly generous inventory of quality properties. Construction standards are high— even in older buildings—yet prices are lower than you’ll find in many Caribbean markets… and amazing value when you consider Cartagena’s quality of life and amenities.
Crime here is a mixed bag depending on where you are—much as it is other cities in Colombia, Latin America, and around the world.
Touristy El Centro and the Walled City are considered the safest areas with petty crime such as scams and pickpocketing posing the biggest risk to tourists. Other tourist areas in the city like the beach neighborhoods of Bocagrande and El Laguito are likewise considered relatively safe areas.
A monthly budget of about $2,500 will put you in one of the city’s better neighborhoods in a higher end residence. If you wanted to live for less, you could easily do it by settling in a middle-class neighborhood.
Sincerely,
The Editors Of Live And Invest Overseas
