Colombia's Secret Sunset Factory For Under $1,000 a Month

Colombia's Secret Sunset Factory For Under $1,000 a Month
By Michael Huseby

When I step out on my balcony at 6 p.m., I'm greeted by orange, red, and purple. It gets me every time. Watching the Colombian sunset over the tree-lined horizon, I remember why this is the place I call home.

I came to Manizales unsure what to expect. I'd never heard of it before. I thought it must be better than working 60+ hour weeks in a crowded law office. As it turns out, I was right.

My adopted hometown delights me every day, and I couldn't be more excited to share it with you. Here are five reasons why Manizales holds a special place in my heart…

1. The Climate is Perfect. Leave Your Coat at Home.

The temperature in Manizales is remarkably consistent. Highs hover between 65 F and 80 F all year long. The lows never drop below 50 F.

You'll never need a warm jacket, but you'll never be sweating off your sunscreen, either. It's not like some cities where you instantly need another shower the moment you step outside. Manizales is consistently comfortable.

Manizales is no desert. You'll get some rain from time to time, especially in April and October. However, the rain brings forth beautiful nature, which is the next reason why Manizales might be the place for you…

2. Unparalleled Nature. Get Lost in Lush Vegetation.

Manizales is a city, make no mistake about it. With a population of 400,000, you'll find all the amenities you need. But look in any direction and you'll see rolling hills and trees as far as the eye can see.

Located in Colombia's coffee region, Manizales sits in the middle of refreshing nature. Hummingbirds drink nectar from colorful flowers. Your gaze will follow rivers as they wind through densely vegetated valleys.

Stroll through the city and find yourself on a dirt road that leads to natural hot spring...for less than $7. Feel your worries melt away as the steam rises around you.

You already know about the sunsets, but there's more to love about the Manizales sky. The air is pristine—none of the smog issues that plague big cities. When you breathe deeply, your lungs will thank you for making the trip.

3. The Ridiculously Low Cost of Living.

I'll be honest. After living in the U.S., I didn't realize prices like these were possible.

Let's start with my home. I pay $550 per month for a fully-furnished, modern, 11th-floor apartment. That picture at the top of this postcard? I took it from my balcony.

The apartment has everything I need. Washer and dryer. Fully-equipped kitchen. Top-floor gym.

I like to travel, so I only pay for the time I'm in the apartment—no long-term lease. If you want a year-long agreement, you can rent for cheaper. Muchcheaper.

I could talk for days about the affordable prices, here's a few highlights:

• A taxi from one end of town to the other costs $3.
• A nice dinner for two will set you back about $10.
• A movie ticket in a modern theater goes for $1.50 (I think this one's my favorite).

I live a verycomfortable life for less than $1,000 a month. You can, too.

4. Safety First. There's No Need to Worry.

Manizales is the safest capital of any department (Colombia's version of states) in the country. You can walk the streets with peace of mind.

But there's more to safety than lack of crime. You want to stay healthy.

Mosquitoes are nowhere to be found. At 7,000 feet above sea level, the pesky insects have decided it's not worth it to make the trip. You won't have to worry about exotic diseases with hard-to-pronounce names. You'll be just fine.

You can drink the water, too. I was skeptical when I first arrived, but after months of drinking straight from the tap, I haven't had a single problem. In fact, I haven't been sick a single day while living here. It's part of the Manizales magic.

5. The People. Welcome Home.

I've saved the best for last. If you're considering moving to a new country, the people are everything.

Since my first day in Manizales, I fell in love with the culture. The city accepted me with open arms. There's a warmth that I never felt while living in the U.S. I never knew I was missing it until I felt it.

There's a strong sense of community in Manizales...and you'll become a part of it. Unlike some bigger cities, you'll start to recognize your neighbors and know their names.

From the grocery store to the concert hall to the gym...everyone is welcoming and kind. I'm eternally grateful for my familia Colombiana. It's no exaggeration to say they've changed my life.