Seeking Affordability, She Relocated from Miami to Colombia
Julie Balzano, originally from Long Island, made the bold decision to leave expensive Miami after three decades Seeking a more affordable and vibrant lifestyle, she found solace in Medellín, Colombia, known as the City of Eternal Spring
Living in Miami for approximately thirty years, Julie Balzano, who was originally from Long Island, found it challenging to maintain her cherished life due to the escalating cost of living. The "Magic City," which has been ranked as the tenth most expensive city worldwide on Julius Baer's annual Lifestyle Index, was causing financial strain for her.
Following the sale of her home in 2021, Balzano aimed to downsize but struggled to find a suitable option within her budget. Consequently, she opted to lease a townhouse for a year, anticipating the market to stabilize before making a purchase. However, as time passed, the divorced 60-year-old, raising two adult children, came to the realization that her plans were unlikely to materialize in the near future. Consequently, she recognized the need to devise an alternative strategy for her future.
Falling behind
Balzano packed up her life, selling and donating many of her belongings, and also put 14 boxes of items in storage.
Julie Balzano
"Property prices were soaring," Balzano tells CNN Travel. "My income was not keeping pace, and I was gradually but surely slipping behind."
With her rent steadily increasing," Balzano was determined to lower living expenses in order to retire, or at least contemplate retirement, in the foreseeable future.
"She pondered, 'How can I transition from my current situation to that place?'"
As she weighed up her options, she began considering the prospect of doing so herself.
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Accepting her friend's offer, Balzano, an Italian-American, decided in April to move to Medellin. With her lease ending in July, she planned to make the move then.
Afterward, she dedicated three months to essentially getting rid of all her belongings. She sold and gifted some items, donated others, and stored the remaining 14 boxes. Eventually, she was left with only two suitcases and two boxes filled with her personal belongings. Balzano mentions that her son and daughter, both in their twenties, offered their full support and encouraged her to take this leap.
Surreal experience
She boarded a plane from Miami to begin her new life in August, just three months after deciding to take the leap.
Julie Balzano
On August 2, Balzano hopped on a plane from Miami to Medellin to begin a brand new chapter.
"It's intriguing," she remarks, "since I had recorded myself at the airport. Furthermore, having resided abroad during my youth, relocating overseas wasn't entirely unfamiliar to me.
"However, being a married woman with a settled home, having raised my children, and having been present for my parents' end-of-life care."
"To discover myself in this phase of my life free from any other obligations except my own is an incredibly surreal, freeing, and somewhat unnerving encounter."
Despite initially entering on a 90-day tourist visa, Balzano, who specializes in marketing and business development, made the decision to pursue a digital nomad visa. She sought the assistance of a lawyer to navigate the application process, knowing that it would require renewal annually.
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"I submitted my application in mid-August, and I got my visa one month later," she explains.
Since then, Balzano, who is proficient in Spanish, has established her own residence, established a new venture, and initiated a Facebook community for expatriates in Medellin, now boasting hundreds of members. Emphasizing the substantial improvement in her quality of life, she highlights her increased physical activity, particularly through regular walks, and an overall sense of improved well-being.
"The weather is absolutely incredible," she declares, marveling at the fact that Medellin truly lives up to its reputation as the City of Eternal Spring.
Upon her arrival in Medellin, Balzano promptly commenced her exploration of alternative visa possibilities that could guarantee an extended stay. It soon became evident to her that an investment visa would likely be the most advantageous choice.
However, in order to be eligible, individuals must meet one of the following requirements: either make a direct foreign investment or invest in real estate, with the minimum amount for the latter option being 350 times the official monthly minimum wage in Colombia.
Coolest neighborhood
Balzano recently bought an apartment in Laureles, Medellin, recently named as Time Out's 'coolest neighborhood' in the world.
Kike Calvo/AP
"My window of opportunity was limited," Balzano explains. "So I just decided to go for it. And I started apartment hunting."
Balzano discovered a three-bedroom apartment in Laureles, Medellin, which was recently ranked as one of the "world's coolest" neighborhoods by global publisher Time Out. After an extensive search, she made an offer on the newly constructed apartment in October and finalized the purchase in early November. Presently, she is in the midst of applying for an investment visa.
Although she has decided not to reveal the exact amount she paid for her new house, Balzano highlights that she could not possibly afford a similar apartment in the same area of Miami.
"I am residing in the trendiest neighborhood," she further notes. "Moreover, the cost of living here is only about one-third of what it is in Miami."
This American couple's lives were completely transformed after purchasing a house in France for $36,000. Balzano revealed that her social life in Colombia has become much more dynamic, which she attributes to the favorable weather conditions there as well as the reduced financial concerns she now faces.
She says she is not concerned about going out for dinner with a group of people and being unable to afford her portion.
With Colombia being a culture that values family greatly, Balzano intentionally targeted her Facebook expat group towards individuals over 50 in order to connect with other older single women or those who understand the freedom that comes with being single at this stage in life.
Balzano, who acquired Spanish during her time in the Peace Corps, greatly benefits from her ability to effortlessly interact with the local population.
"It truly makes a significant impact," she admits. "English isn't widely spoken in this area. Many expats here struggle with Spanish - they are currently learning."
"I think those who dont speak Spanish have a more limited experience. But theyre getting by."
Kind culture
Balzano has successfully built a robust circle of acquaintances consisting of both expatriates and locals, fostering a sense of profound contentment.
"The individuals in this place exude such warmth, hospitality, and sincerity," she affirms. "The culture here is incredibly benevolent."
The lifestyle here is less intense compared to Miami, known for its high level of aggressiveness.
She only has positive words when talking about Colombia's healthcare system, which has been ranked at number 22 by the World Health Organization out of 191 countries. She had already experienced and appreciated it during her previous visits.
Many Americans mistakenly believe that US healthcare is the best in the world, but I strongly disagree with that notion. This misconception, however, led Balzano to pursue her long-awaited dream of starting her own consulting business, Global Connect Marketing Services, in June, thanks to the relatively manageable healthcare costs in the country.
"I could never accomplish it in the US due to the healthcare situation," she clarifies. "Obtaining health insurance becomes exceptionally costly when you are self-employed."
She is also an enthusiastic admirer of Medellin's exceptional shopping malls, renowned for their "world-class" status.
"They're full of life," Balzano adds. "Shopping centers in the US are facing difficulties maintaining a lively atmosphere. However, that is not the situation here."
She makes an effort to steer clear of buying imported products, which inevitably come with a higher price tag, but confesses to indulging in crunchy peanut butter occasionally.
Nevertheless, Balzano has discovered that wine is one specific item that is pricier in Colombia compared to her home country.
"The wine options are quite limited," she mentions, noting that a significant portion of the available wines are sourced from nearby Argentina and Chile. "Moreover, the ones you do come across tend to be relatively expensive."
Balzano acknowledges that people often raise concerns about safety when asking about her life in Medellin, a city that was formerly notorious for being the most dangerous in the world.
Despite Colombia being historically linked to drugs and gangs, the country has witnessed a remarkable decline of 82% in its murder rate from 1993 to 2018. Moreover, crime rates in Medellin have shown significant reductions over the years. Balzano recognizes the persisting issue of crime, but believes that it is comparable to "any major city in the US."
"Theres crime in most places," she adds.
Balzano goes on to describe how shes learned to be cautious with her cellphone or any "electronics or laptops" while out and about.
"According to her, it's important to refrain from strolling the streets while completely engrossed in MapQuest, as this requires a certain level of cultural adaptation."
"In my visits spanning eight years, I've never encountered any incidents that compromised my personal safety."
Balzano acknowledges that many travelers still hold preconceived ideas about Medellin. However, she expresses gratitude, along with her expat friends, for living there and views it as a somewhat undisclosed gem.
According to Balzano, "Medellin has undergone significant transformation. It may not be flawless, but it no longer resembles the Medellin of the past decades that people continue to assume."
Balzano, who was previously married to a Costa Rican, has lived in Latin America before and has always held a deep admiration for its culture.
"It's warm, welcoming, lively, and full of life," she expresses. "I strongly believe that Colombia deserves its moment of glory."
The place is stunning. The locals have worked hard to achieve the lives they currently enjoy.
According to her, she would recommend doing extensive research before considering a move to Colombia and approaching it with a realistic mindset.
"This isnt Europe," she says. "Its Latin America. And Latin America is grittier than I think a life in Spain [would be]. That [the grit] is part of what I like about it."
No regrets
Balzano says she's happier in Colombia and has a much better quality of life.
Julie Balzano
When asked what she misses about living in the US, Balzano concedes that not having a car - she doesnt feel comfortable driving in Colombia - has taken some getting used to.
"There are numerous motorcycles present, and they are permitted to navigate between the lanes," she elaborates.
"The thought of driving in this place fills me with fear. Therefore, I intend to rely solely on ride shares and taxis. I have no inclination whatsoever to possess a vehicle."
Balzano welcomes her friends from the US to visit her anytime they please, but she does not miss the divisive political atmosphere prevalent in America.
In fact, Balzano believes that gaining the ability to view the political situation in the US from a broader perspective has been rejuvenating.
"We [her and other US expats] can get out of our own echo chambers," she says. "And that has actually been very nice.
"Its been like a load lifted off our shoulders."
Balzano acknowledges that she no longer carries the burden of guilt for not fulfilling her "civic responsibility" of actively engaging in politics.
"I no longer fret about the political landscape in Miami," she remarks, clarifying that although she closely monitors the political climate in Colombia, as a mere "visitor" in the country, her level of personal investment differs significantly.
Though Balzano acknowledges that she is still adjusting to her new life and faces certain challenges, she emphasizes that she has absolutely no regrets and consistently chooses to concentrate on the positive aspects of her experience. "I deliberately opted to come here, so I consciously prioritize the benefits rather than the drawbacks," she clarifies. "Just like any other place in the world, Colombia has its advantages and disadvantages."
"But as long as the list of pros outweighs the list of cons, I think that this is the right place for me to be."
