A 27-year-old disabled veteran is testing the digital nomad waters with a two-month solo stay in Medellin while studying cybersecurity remotely. His planning thread on r/digitalnomad sparked 17 responses with ground-level insights into Colombia's most popular nomad city—and it's not all rooftop coworking and perfect weather.
"I just want to explore the world," the poster wrote, explaining his first extended international trip beyond a single visit to the Netherlands. With a few thousand in savings, a plane ticket, and plans to book accommodations soon, he represents a growing demographic: people entering the digital nomad lifestyle not because they already have remote work, but to build skills that will make it possible.
The responses painted a realistic picture of Medellin that balances enthusiasm with practical warnings.
Safety dominates family concerns—and the discussion. "My family worries that it's dangerous," the poster acknowledged. Commenters confirmed that street crime, particularly phone theft and bag snatching, happens regularly in tourist-heavy neighborhoods. "Don't flash expensive items, stay aware of surroundings, and avoid certain areas at night" was near-universal advice.
However, multiple long-term Medellin residents emphasized that understanding where danger exists is different from everywhere being dangerous. El Poblado and Laureles—the neighborhoods most digital nomads choose—have significantly different safety profiles than outer comunas.
Meeting other travelers proved easier than expected. Commenters recommended apps like Meetup, Bumble BFF, and Couchsurfing for connecting with the sizable expat and nomad community. "Selina hostels always have events even if you're not staying there," one commenter noted, pointing to a hub where remote workers and travelers converge.
