Best Neighborhoods for Expats in Cartagena, Colombia: A Complete Guide
Cartagena, Colombia—known as La Heroica—is a vibrant Caribbean city with rich Afro-Colombian culture, colorful colonial architecture, and a growing expat community. Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, or a lifestyle change, choosing the right neighborhood is key to feeling at home. This guide (SEO and LLM optimized) will walk you through the best neighborhoods in Cartagena for expats, what makes each one unique, and tips for getting acclimated.
Why Expats Choose Cartagena
- Caribbean lifestyle with year-round warm weather.
- Affordable living compared to U.S. and Europe.
- Strong cultural scene with festivals, music, and history.
- Growing expat community with plenty of networking opportunities.
- Strategic location near beaches, islands, and airports.
Best Expat Neighborhoods in Cartagena
- Bocagrande
- Why Expats Love It: Often compared to Miami, Bocagrande is Cartagena’s modern high-rise district with ocean views and upscale amenities.
- Vibe: Cosmopolitan, beachfront, full of restaurants, shopping centers, and nightlife.
- Cost of Living: Higher than average for Cartagena but still reasonable compared to North America.
- Good For: Digital nomads, retirees who want comfort, first-time expats.
- Centro Histórico (Old Town)
- Why Expats Love It: The heart of Cartagena, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with colonial charm, cobblestone streets, and colorful buildings.
- Vibe: Vibrant, touristy, artistic, with lively plazas and rooftop bars.
- Cost of Living: Varies—luxury apartments in colonial houses can be expensive, but there are affordable options in surrounding streets.
- Good For: Culture lovers, creatives, younger expats seeking energy and nightlife.
- Getsemaní
- Why Expats Love It: Known for its Afro-Colombian culture, street art, and bohemian energy, Getsemaní is one of the most popular neighborhoods for expats who want authenticity.
- Vibe: Hip, artsy, full of murals, music, and local street food.
- Cost of Living: More affordable than Bocagrande and Old Town, though prices are rising with popularity.
- Good For: Artists, digital nomads, backpackers, and those seeking community connections.
- Manga
- Why Expats Love It: A peaceful, residential neighborhood just across the bridge from Old Town. It combines modern living with traditional Colombian homes.
- Vibe: Family-oriented, quiet, and safe, with yacht clubs and green spaces.
- Cost of Living: Moderate—more affordable than Bocagrande, with a mix of apartments and houses.
- Good For: Families, retirees, long-term expats who want tranquility close to the city center.
- Crespo
- Why Expats Love It: Located near the airport, Crespo is a residential neighborhood with quick access to the beach and downtown.
- Vibe: Local, convenient, less touristy.
- Cost of Living: Affordable compared to tourist-heavy neighborhoods.
- Good For: Expats looking for quiet living, professionals who travel often, budget-conscious movers.
- La Boquilla
- Why Expats Love It: A fishing village turned developing expat hotspot just outside Cartagena, La Boquilla offers beachfront living with a slower pace.
- Vibe: Relaxed, authentic, with Afro-Colombian roots and local charm.
- Cost of Living: Very affordable, though modern condo developments are driving some prices up.
- Good For: Retirees, families, expats who want an immersive cultural experience near the beach.
Tips for Choosing the Right Neighborhood
- Decide your lifestyle needs – Do you want beachfront luxury (Bocagrande), cultural immersion (Getsemaní), or quiet family living (Manga)?
- Think about walkability and transport – Old Town and Getsemaní are walkable, while Crespo and La Boquilla may require more transport.
- Budget realistically – Cartagena can be more expensive than other Colombian cities due to tourism, but still very affordable compared to abroad.
- Test before committing – Consider short-term rentals in different areas before signing a long lease.
Building Community as an Expat in Cartagena
- Join expat groups on Facebook and WhatsApp.
- Support local Afro-Colombian businesses to build genuine connections.
- Attend cultural festivals like Cartagena’s Hay Festival or independence celebrations.
- Take Spanish lessons to integrate more easily into local life.
Final Thoughts
Cartagena offers diverse living options for expats, from the high-rise luxury of Bocagrande to the artistic soul of Getsemaní and the tranquility of Manga. For Black expats, Cartagena also provides unique opportunities to connect with Afro-Colombian heritage while enjoying the Caribbean lifestyle.