Cartagena is an old-world beach city with a cosmopolitan, Caribbean flavor. It has the charm of a historic UNESCO World Heritage Site and modern conveniences to support any lifestyle you desire.
The old town is so compact that it is easy to explore on foot. You can wander in and out of 500-year-old churches, discover quiet shaded corners beckoning for a rest, and enjoy the unique fusion of cultures that makes Cartagena so special.
You can choose to eat in at local restaurants or cook your own meals at home. Either way, you will be able to tailor your food budget to your personal lifestyle. The cost of living in Cartagena is significantly less than oceanfront cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale. In addition, it is a lot cheaper than Boston or Chicago!
A variety of restaurants offer cuisines from around the world. You will also find a wide selection of cafés, gelato shops and bakeries. The best part is that everything is fresh and delicious, especially the seafood!
The sultry Caribbean sun is a big draw for many people. After a long walk around the city, there is nothing more refreshing than a cold coconut. You can buy a whole coconut with a straw inserted or order one that has been cut open and scooped out of its shell so you can enjoy the delicious juice!
If you are not into a chilly beverage, there are plenty of fruit vendors throughout the city that sell freshly squeezed juices or smoothies. They can be a great alternative to expensive, air-conditioned cafes and restaurants in the hottest times of the day.
Many parks have flowers, trees, statutes, ponds, fountains, birds, comfortable benches, and plenty of people to meet. You will quickly see why these areas are a favorite with residents of Cartagena. These places are the perfect place to relax, reflect and take in the sights, sounds and smells of this magical city.
Cartagena is not just a beautiful place to visit, but it is an amazing city in which to live! Its rich history seems to mellow the inhabitants into a peaceful and slower pace of life while instilling a sense of pride that is uniquely Colombian and wholesome.
In the city, you will find all of the modern conveniences needed to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. There are grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, real estate offices, shopping malls, and medical care nearby. Most expats choose to live in the high-rise apartments that face the water in the neighborhood of Bocagrande or in the more laidback and residential neighborhood of Manga. However, there are several inland neighborhoods that have a good mix of apartments and homes that are more affordable and in close proximity to the airport. Lifestyle in Cartagena