That is exactly how I feel. I am not close to retirement age; I have another 17 years to go. I figure to invest money in rentals and have a company manage that for me. This would provide steady income from the investment. For example, buy one house that has a storefront below and house on top. Maybe the cost could be around 150k and you could generate more or less 900 per month. So if you have some money to invest, perhaps this could be a good way. I really don't know as I do not live there at the moment, but it is what I thought to do for some steady income. There are some issues on how to manage that with the banks I suppose. I understand it is not always easy to open up a bank account and in some examples is impossible not to mention some stories of risk. Where do you think to live msaucey?

seattle comments on So who here on this site actually lives in Colombia?

My father-in-law,"a Colombian with 70 years of age" says that Bogota is safer than Medellin & Cali. He explains the history of the cartell and the way the gangs were formed as well as the whys. The end note of all his comments was that despite the improvements in colombia overall, the mentallity of the days of old still exist due to the large numbers of young people who were involved in gangs in the days of old. hmm.... I guess it makes sense that therre could be a kind of hang over mentallity still in existence. The difference is that these 2 citys were strongly influenced with the cartell. Pardon my spelling where it's incorrect. We actually went over the entire map of Colombia and its like so many places are sourrounded by dangerous groups whether farc, guerilla..... and just to think about living there is not a fast decision. On example is that my wifes grandmother had a wonder finca years ago and it still exists despite that she no longer is there due to her age. I however cannot go to visit there because it is too dangerous. La Palma. Not very far from Bogota. To hear of how my wife as a child would go to the farm and how the life was there with the mountains, cofee, and many other wonderful foods, how they used to prepare the foods, it truly sounds like something out of a story book. My Colombian family are very close and very careful. Hence, they say I cannot visit La Palma. What a shame it is and a sadness I feel to not be able to see a part of my wifes history that meant so much to her. We still dream for a way to find ourselves there, but first we must consider as much as we can in lite of our little ones. North of Bogota still sounds very promising. Anyone know anything about Guativita?

seattle comments on So who here on this site actually lives in Colombia?

Webmanco, cool link. I will follow up on that as time permits. Thanks

seattle comments on So who here on this site actually lives in Colombia?

the above was to vicshere:)

tomtom33, like your living life on a thread. If I was to even want to "mirar a las chicas, well that would really backfire what I've built over the last 10 years. Not worth it. If I look at the beautiful chicas, I pretty much would keep it to myself. I once had to tell my wife responding to her comment, that "yes, the chicas in colombia are very beautiful, but not as beautiful as you" ...

Beauty is only skin deep, whats the meaning?

seattle comments on So who here on this site actually lives in Colombia?

It is a hard truth about the lack of trust, however considering history it seems a likely consequence of the past. On the other hand, I have never met such people as I have met in colombia. That is the one thing I miss most about Colombia!

seattle comments on So who here on this site actually lives in Colombia?

Gee vicshere, that is a little too much information, but from your post i am thinking you teach. Is that right? English? As for waiting around in line at thte banks, ya I know what you mean. I've been there. I guess I should remember that when I am in line here in seattle and it is only 10 people in front of me with 2 tellers. Hardly a wait in comparison.

seattle comments on Costa Rica

Great, nice to hear that because we think Chia is more the setting we would prefer. Do you think secured living is necessary or do you know of gringos living liked dw? Is dw gringo?

seattle comments on Costa Rica

What do you mean robi666. elaborate....

seattle comments on Costa Rica

dwmte7
Thanks for the comment, it is nice to know how you feel. I guess my family is very protective and makes me think that you have to be very careful. I know that I stand out like a sore thumb and blending in is not possible for me. I want to work and live in Colombia and don't want to be worried about kidnapping, robbery ect.. due to the gringo thing. Are you gringo?
I have other posts regarding the desire of living out north from bogota ie: chia... any thoughts. We too prefer a finca type life, but with kids 2 of them just ninos will need access to education.

seattle comments on So who here on this site actually lives in Colombia?

As for the gringos living in colombia, what is your typical day like? Do you work? What do you do?

seattle comments on To Gringo or Not to Gringo

Ditto your comment "Philli" . My wife; very sucessful, very beautiful and 100% dedicated to all that encoumpasses her life. She got a man "me" that is the same. 2 good people for a good life together. Some people, who simply cannot see above the zipper line will never have more and are missing out on what life is really about.

seattle comments on So who here on this site actually lives in Colombia?

Gringogoinbogota
Where then do you think to go? I have not been living there, just spending some time over this last year on this site pondering the idea. We have some money from the equity of our home and thought I could at least invest some of it in one business with a home above and rent that out for steady income. As well, we would buy our apartment or home, my wife thinks: if a house, it must be with 24 hour security like the condos we see there. Her sister lives in Barranquilla in a condo w/security as alot of colombians do. The climate is very hot there, but as for the culture, I think my daughter would really love it for all the dancing the children do in the school. By the way, do you think it is going to turn around, the peso? What areas have you lived, and how long? What do areas of Colombia do you like the most?

seattle comments on Bed and Breakfast Medellin

Is there a website I can see the bed & breakfast?

seattle comments on So who here on this site actually lives in Colombia?

Just bringing this back up to the top of the list to see who else might say anyghing. The responses have all been great. Not too much said about the peso though.

seattle comments on Azul

Are you still around? Did you take off for Colombia?

seattle comments on Buying property in Colombia

Mecca Can you hook me up with viewpoint? Also, does any one know if like the US, in Colombia, there is appraised value data avail, ie: taxes based on appraised value etc... What resources are available for researching property value if any? Aztec, your living in Atlanta?

seattle comments on Buying property in Colombia

Aztec Did you read my comment to you?

Sindamanoy near Chia as you mentioned, what price range can one obtain a building lot for. Say a resonable sized lot (1 acre to 5)..?
What do you think of buying and building in Colombia. Have you done it befor? And.....are you gringo?

Is this impolite to ask on this site, I have found that many times there are no responses to questions?

seattle comments on Buying property in Colombia

JMCana Sounds like you have had experince there with building, is that right? Thanks for your comments. How long have you lived in Colombia? Are you from the states? If you are from the states and living there, how are you recieved by the people in general. What do you think of a gringo living out in the area you are telling me about. Sometimes we have thought that it is best to live in a secured condo, however that does not lend itself to gardening and the likes of the outdoor life. We have traveled many places, forgive my spelling if incorrect, but places like Melgar, Villa de Leyva, places in between as well as the coast. Liked them all and all very different. I have often thought about building a bed & breakfast in Villa de Leva. If you get outside of the main town, the country side is beautiful and a few years back we saw some homes for sale for cheap in dollars.

seattle comments on Buying property in Colombia

Aztec.. Sindamanoy near Chia as you mentioned, what price range can one obtain a building lot for. Say a resonable sized lot (1 acre to 5)..?
What do you think of buying and building in Colombia. Have you done it befor? And.....are you gringo?

seattle comments on Buying property in Colombia

Perhaps you could elaborate a bit Elreydelostrolls???? Are you trying to be funny?

seattle comments on Buying property in Colombia

Astec Thanks for the comments. Areas of Bogota you would recommend? What to do you think about building for a bussiness. Have you had any business there or retired? How long have you lived there? Are you gringo?

seattle comments on Buying property in Colombia

esanch36 Thank you for your comments, and I agree with you that I have not seen or know very well the mentality of the people. Could you elaborate what you mean about the mentality differences and that starting up a business is more difficult in Colombia than here. Why? I thought that it would be easier as far as requirements go. I am aware of some of the differences between the cultures of the capitol and the coast as I have been to Colombia 3 times. In total I have spent roughly 5 months of time in Colombia. Regardless, I appreciate what you are saying and agree with you that it would be best to be able to just live there awhile and see. However I do have my Colombian families help. Are you living in Colombia? If so, how long have you lived there? Appreciate any response. Chao!

seattle comments on Buying property in Colombia

frankdeboca How about you? Are you new to Colombia, live there???? Your comments of caution are appreciated. Thanks. I have been to Bogota and all the areas within an hour or so of Bogota. Also have traveled the coast from Cartagena to Santa Marta. Also been to the islands there. Love every bit of it. We actually have Barranquilla in our sites although the weather gets really hot there. However we do have family members there also and my wife grew up there when she was young. The culture of the coast we like more so than the culture of say Bogota. I have often thought of starting up a small food business ie pizza or ice cream shop on the coast.

seattle comments on Buying property in Colombia

aztec y mecca Are you gringos or colombian or what? If you would be inclined to share a little about yourself I'd appreciate it. Do you live there and for how long. Do you like it well enough and feel comfortable enough ie:secure from having to watch your back. Do you think the idea of a gringo and his children comming there to live with his Colombian wife and family is an okay idea or is it something you would not recommend?

seattle comments on Buying property in Colombia

Thinking to live in Bogota I am thinking to live in Bogota or out on the coast. For having children and needing good school access I am wondering what would be the best for them. We have been thinking Bogota although we do like the coast. As for opportunities in starting up a business we can see that Bogota or the coast will work. We will need a 3 bedroom apartment or house in a secure area. We love the countryside, but wonder about the means to get the children to school and back as well as the safety issues. What do you think of buying property and building houses as a business. This is what I do for a living here in Seattle. I am not a licensed architect although I do work for one. I am thinking that I may be able to buy a lot there and build a house to sell or just rent and then do it again. What do you think of this as a means of making a living in Colombia? By the way, thanks for the response.

seattle comments on looking for property

Azul, are you still in Seattle? Hope you had a good Christmas & New year. Do you still plan to retun to Colombia? Are you from Colombia?

seattle comments on American thinking of living in Colombia

seattle
seattle

seattle comments on American thinking of living in Colombia

Living in Colombia, safety & medical care I've had great experience in Bogota with medical care & dentistry. Safety? Well I was never left alone by my inlaws, however I never felt any problem. My view is it just depends on where you go and what you do. I think life is very different in Colombia than here in the great northwest and it is a trade-off of what things are most important to you compared to others. I wouldn't just move there without doing the research. For me, the reasons to go to Colombia are: Family, culture, medical cost & the ability to stretch my money further and thereby have more opportunity to achieve some of my pipedreams. Reasons not to go to Colombia: the need to be more cautious than I am here and all the attributes that go with that ie: my wife from Colombia says since she has been here (seattle) the difference between her anxiety level is the difference between nite & day (however she is from Bogota not Santa Marta), a lack of efficenty in the goverenment and day to day things like paying bills and smog could be a deturant depending where you want to go, (bogota is not fun in that regard). I am wanting to go to Colombia, but need to research it more.

seattle comments on looking for property

Where I am from. Thanks for the web sites, and yes I am from seattle. My wife is from Colombia... Beautiful people and places... . Seattle is also beautiful. I think to live in Seattle is to live in the most beautiful place in North America.

seattle comments on Still wanting to live in Colombia, but here's the real story.

Gator & DonGringo You guys seem like about the most long timers living in Colombia that have replied to my posts. Could you reiterate your opinions on making the move with my wife & children. Your thoughts of school, safety... the B&B idea, opinions of investing in cows, buying a farm and/or haveing a small coffee shop/pastry... in the interm. What do you do for a living if that's okay to ask as well as the city you live in. Do you have children? My wife would have no problem working as she is a professional with several contacts there. However as a gringo and one who loves his inlaws, wife & children, I do not want to endanger any of them and want to make the best choices for our life. To be in Colombia would enable us to have family, one of our most treasured values. As I know the typical life in Bogota for example, it doesn't seem to be so dangerous, but I have not tried to live there. Only been there for a few months once & 2 other times for a month each. Hardly enought time to really get a grasp on the reality, and I'm guessing that living and working would probably be alot different than my impressions perhaps. I have traveled the coast, San Andres, Providencia & Bogota. I liked Santa Marta, Cartagena & the countryside of Bogota very much. Never been to the other major cities.

seattle comments on Still wanting to live in Colombia, but here's the real story.

Comments & Questions (Miamimike) Are you living in Colombia? Our desire is to be as close to our family as possible. So far I am still thinking on Colombia. It is just finding possibilities and weighing the pros & cons. The cow thing is something I've though about because I've know a person that has done it there outside of Bogota.
(Cali373) Costa Rica would be the choice if safty in Colombia is a problem for us, however, the times I've been to Colombia, I've never had a problem so again, I am still thinking Colombia and want to be near my family. (rubito) You are living in NY and going to Colombia without your family? Sounds hard to me. I am also a muscian but solo (for myself & family). We write songs. Perhaps you could tell me more about what you intend to do in Colombia. Do you have contacts in the music business? (bufalo) I don't know the location of where you are living, but I am going to look it up on a map. I take it that you are a gringo. How did you meet your wife. I met mine here and knew each other for 3 years befor we married there in Colombia. I think working for yourself is the best way to go. At least that has been my experience for most of my life. (dibbs) I think both are great ideas. The one person I know in Colombia that had cows started out with 4 and in the end sold out with 25 cows. He said that they multiplied quickly. He did well. What do you think of the farm/bed & breakfast idea for my family? We have thought that the bed & breakfast would be later because the kids need to be in the city for their education we think. I tell you, if I could edcuate them living out on a finka as well as in the city, I would. The city life is not so exciting. Nevertheless, we think to live, work & invest in the city while planning & building the bed & breakfast. Please tell me more of what you think. Are you currently living in Colombia and for how long. Do you live in Bogota? Thanks all for the responses!

seattle comments on Still wanting to live in Colombia, but here's the real story.

Moving to Florida? Why would I want to work in Colombia? No, although I've thought about it. For sure the price is right for flying to Colombia, but I am set on researching the move to Colombia or Costa Rica. Then only reason to really go to Colombia as I said, is that my wife's family is there and to think of being together is invaluable as well as the culture which to me seems to embrace family more than I see here. Don't get me wrong, I love it here, but there are differences therein lay the choices. Working is not an option for us as we need to build our future. Despite the good situation we have, we need to continue. My wife is a professional, I am a designer in the architectural field. A strong pipe dream of ours is the bed & breakfast idea and to actually design and build it. However, the security issues? Is it true, (jnlondon) about the 50K for a nice finka? What city are you living in if that is okay to ask? Dressing down is not necessary as I am never dressed up, you know, bluejeans and t-shirts is my style. I thought the bed & breakfast idea would keep us kind of low profile as our business is more or less our home. However that might not playout as well in the immeadiate future because we need to be located in a place in order to provide adaquate schooling for our children. How long have you been in Colombia (jnlondon). (Rubito) I am working for myself & have for most of my life. I appreciate your posts as well as all the posts. An internet cafe? Sounds intresting. How long have you been living there? What area if it is okay to ask? It sounds like you make your money by investing. I am don't know very much about that way of making money although I do have a some stocks. Haven't done very well with that. Thought about buying some apartments aside from our own residence and doing the rent thing using an agency like my father-in-law does. What do you do with your time if you are not doing a regular job thing? (To all posters), tell me why you live there? what makes you want to live there? Thanks for all the responses, but the conversations regarding investing is more or less way over my understanding level, not that I don't know what stocks & bonds are mind you.

seattle comments on US citizen population in Colombia

Taxes Taxes Taxes???? What is all this talk about taxes about? I am under the impression that if I live in Colombia & work in Colombia earning pesos, that I'd pay taxes to the Colombian Gov. Am I also still paying taxes to the US Gov as well?

seattle comments on US citizen population in Colombia

Citizenship??? If you are married in Colombia and living in the US, and then move back to Colombia, can I a non-citizen of Colombia apply for Citizenship of Colombia? How does that work?

seattle comments on US citizen population in Colombia

DonGringo Your perspective of life there is one I share in. Although I have not been exposed to the real extreams of poverty in Colombia, I have seen the less extream and it is very sad to know. I don't imagine my self to ever become numb to this reality. The idea of a business is infact one that I am dreaming with, and it is within our reach. But first things first. But on the side of my main focus, what do you think of the safety for a gringo having a business and acutally operating it? One like the pizza place where I might want to actually participate daily, except when I can go away for vacation?

seattle comments on US citizen population in Colombia

Gator Thank you for your response. I am wondering if you have much contact with other xpats there in Bogota? Also if you know, what is the source of the estimated 35,000 US Citizens. I have many other questions, but for now I am focused on this question.

seattle comments on US citizen population in Colombia

US Citizens Thank you for your response. I am wondering if you have much contact with other xpats there in Bogota? Also if you know, what is the source of the estimated 35,000 US Citizens. I have many other questions, but for now I am focused on this question.

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