Newcomers interested in settling in Barranquilla often wonder what the best neighborhoods to live in are. Nestled along the picturesque Caribbean coast of Colombia, Barranquilla stands as a vibrant and culturally rich city, enticing residents and newcomers alike with its charm and dynamic lifestyle. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, known as “barrios” in Spanish, offer a plethora of options for those seeking an ideal place to settle down. From the bustling streets to the serene suburbs, Barranquilla’s neighborhoods have something for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best neighborhoods to live in within this enchanting Colombian city.
1. El Prado: Where Elegance Meets Modern Living
El Prado is often referred to as Barranquilla’s most established and prestigious neighborhood. This area exudes an air of sophistication with its tree-lined streets, beautiful colonial and neoclassical architecture, and well-maintained parks. El Prado is also home to some of the city’s finest restaurants, boutique shops, and cultural attractions. Residents of El Prado enjoy a balanced blend of tranquility and proximity to the city’s vibrant cultural scene. It is also conveniently located near the Gran Malecón boardwalk along the Magdalena River. You can also find the historic El Prado Hotel here.
Estrato: mostly 4
2. Alto Prado / El Golf: A Fusion of Residential Bliss and Urban Convenience
Adjacent to El Prado, Alto Prado offers a more residential vibe while maintaining easy access to urban amenities. This neighborhood is known for its well-designed apartment buildings and modern infrastructure. Residents here benefit from a bustling atmosphere while still being close to shopping centers, schools, and recreational facilities. Many restaurants and bars are found in this neighborhood. Padel enthusiasts can play at Gran Padel on the top floor of the Le Meridiem Golf Mall.
Estrato: 4, 5, 6
3. Riomar: Sports and Modern Living
Riomar features a mix of luxurious apartments and houses, along with a vibrant commercial area that includes shopping centers, restaurants, and sports venues. Viva mall is located in this neighborhood. Tennis enthusiasts can play at Parque Bosques del Norte. At the Edgardo Schemel Stadium, you can play some softball, or you can take skating lessons at the Patinodromo Rafael Naranjo. Riomar is one of the largest and best neighborhoods in Barranquilla. This area is home to a number of hotels.
Estrato: 4, 5, 6
4. Villa Country
If tranquility and green spaces are on your list of priorities, Villa Country might be the perfect match. This residential neighborhood is known for its spacious houses, often surrounded by lush gardens and private pools. Villa Country is centrally located and maintains access to essential amenities and services. This neighborhood is also home to the Villa Country shopping center. You can find a modern gym and movie theater at this mall.
Estrato: 4 and 5
5. Ciudad Jardín: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Ciudad Jardín, translating to “Garden City,” lives up to its name with its leafy streets and a mix of architectural styles. This neighborhood strikes a balance between traditional Colombian design and modern living. Ciudad Jardín features numerous parks, schools, and local businesses, creating a sense of community that appeals to families and individuals alike.
Estrato: mostly 4
6. Buenavista / Altos del Limon / Altos de Riomar: Modernity and Shopping
Buenavista harmonizes the contemporary with the traditional seamlessly. As you wander its streets, you’ll witness the contrast between sleek high-rise buildings and charming colonial-style houses. More than just a commercial area, Buenavista embodies a thriving community spirit. Residents and businesses collaborate frequently to arrange events, art exhibitions, and cultural fairs that honor Barranquilla’s heritage. Buenavista stands out as a renowned shopping and entertainment center that caters to both locals and visitors. The expansive Buenavista Mall is a haven for shoppers. Within its premises, you can discover a diverse selection of international and local brands, enjoy meals at gourmet restaurants, catch the latest blockbuster movies, and even engage in recreational pursuits like arcade games. Tennis and racquetball aficionados have the opportunity to play at the Parque Distrital de Raquetas.
Estrato: 4, 5, 6
7. Villa Santos: Vibrant Community
Considered one of the best Barranquilla neighborhoods to live in, Villa Santos is striking due to its architectural diversity. The streets are lined with an array of buildings that showcase a blend of colonial and contemporary styles. Sports and outdoor enthusiasts are also well-catered to in Villa Santos. The neighborhood boasts well-maintained parks and recreational areas where residents can engage in various physical activities. Whether it’s a friendly game of soccer or a leisurely jog along tree-lined streets, there’s no shortage of options for staying active and enjoying the outdoors.
Estrato: 4 and 5
8. Villa Campestre: Suburban Serenity
Villa Campestre entices those seeking respite from the bustling urban life with a breath of fresh air. Its tree-lined streets, well-manicured gardens, and spacious parks characterize the neighborhood. Here, one can escape the noise and fast pace of the city while still relishing the convenience of modern amenities. Villa Campestre boasts contemporary architecture that stands out. Modern residences, from luxurious apartments to stylish houses, populate the neighborhood. Despite its serene setting, Villa Campestre remains convenient. Its strategic location places it near malls, restaurants, schools, universities, and healthcare facilities. Padel enthusiasts can play matches at Casa Padel. Villa Campestre stands as one of the best suburban Barranquilla neighborhoods to reside in.
Estrato: mostly 4 and 5
9. Miramar: Green Spaces
Miramar is a neighborhood located in the northern area of the city, with lovely apartment buildings, mostly estrato 4. This neighborhood is also home to Miramar Park which is one of the largest parks in the area. Parque Miramar has an open-air gym, bike path, small football field, a kids’ playground, space to walk your dog, and parking. A new green space, the Miramar Urban Forest, is currently under construction and will include a mountain biking path and camping areas. The Urban Forest is expected to partially open by early 2024. Another area of interest is the Miramar Mall which is located on one of the only hills in the entire city.
Estrato: 4
How can I find an apartment?
Your first stop should be the Barranquilla Apartments group on Facebook. Most of the apartments are available for rent direct from the owner. If you’re already renting an AirBnB, we recommend you speak directly with the owner and come to a monthly rental agreement. Lastly, your third, but hardest option, is to find an apartment using a real estate company. Bear in mind to take advantage of this option you usually need to show you have income in Colombia and have a good credit score. We recommend contacting real estate attorney, Astrid Hamburger, to assist you with your search. She is also a realtor and can assist you with finding furnished and unfurnished units direct with the owner.
Can I have a pet?
Colombia is a very pet-friendly country and almost all apartments and buildings will allow pets in an apartment. If you have a furry friend, chances are you should be fine renting an apartment even if you have a large-breed dog. One thing to consider is that if you are returning to the USA, you must follow certain CDC regulations for importing dogs to the USA. You can read more about those regulations by clicking HERE.
Recent Recognitions
Oxford Economics published its annual Global Cities Index report 2024 and ranked Barranquilla as the third-best city in Colombia. This report ranks 1,000 cities worldwide based on categories such as economic performance, human capital, quality of life, environmental commitment, and governance.
In April 2024, fDi Intelligence ranked Barranquilla third for Latin American and Caribbean cities with the fastest-growing foreign direct investment.
In July 2024, World Travel Awards announced Barranquilla as the winner of South America’s Leading Festival & Event Destination 2024.
ProBarranquilla also reported a remarkable 130% increase in foreign direct investment in 2023 by BPOs.
Conclusion
Once you’ve found the perfect place to live, read our article on “Things to do in Barranquilla” or check out the latest upcoming events in the city. If you miss American shopping, remember, you can order most items from Amazon and they ship directly to Colombia for free.
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