Why Medellín? This is a question I have received countless times since I started living in Medellín over eight years ago.  I have been asked “ Why Medellín?” by many friends, family and coworkers in the U.S.  In addition, I have been asked why I chose Medellín by many tourists visiting and considering living in the city.

Medellín still has a bad reputation to overcome from the days of Pablo Escobar, but Pablo is long gone.  However, when the average American hears “Medellín” thoughts tend to turn towards the scenes in the popular Narcos series – drugs and widespread violence and Pablo Escobar.

Once you start living in Medellín, you come to realize that the current reality in the city is very far removed from the time of Escobar and the violence depicted in the Narcos series. The city has achieved a remarkable turnaround since the time of Escobar, who died over 23 years ago.

So, I decided to put this list together to answer the question “ Why Medellín ?” I have traveled to over 40 countries and have yet to find another place to live I like better than Medellín.

The following is a list of 27 reasons why I chose Medellín and continue to live in Medellín. Note these reasons are in no particular order. Also the above photo is of El Poblado taken from Pueblito Paisa.