December, 2019 - FINANCIAL GOODNESS

Santa Barbara Is The Best Neighborhood In Bogota

Enjoy Living In Santa Barbara

Updated April 13, 2024. Santa Barbara is the best neighborhood in Bogota. Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, is brimming with hotspots that draw more and more locals and visitors each year. For example, Usaquén, and more specifically Santa Barbara, are definitely experiencing a renaissance. As a result, Santa Barbara is by far the city’s most vibrant one, packed with antique stores, modern cafés, outstanding eateries and a popular Sunday market.

Real Bogotanos Live In Santa Barbara

To illustrate the culture of the area, if you want to know how real “Bogotanos” live, look no further than Santa Barbara. Consequently, this is by far one of the most authentic and energetic neighborhood in the city. Additionally, if you look at the architecture of the buildings, the new urbanism is shaping the area with the property owners making the transitions with the construction companies to construct newer design buildings.

Map of Santa Barbara Neighborhood. Photo credit: Google Maps.

Santa Barbara Lifestyle

For those looking for new apartments for sale in Bogotá, Santa Barbara is the area to that promises exciting news. Accordingly, the northern neighborhood of Santa Barbara is taking a large move towards modern architecture. Furthermore, the new buildings have many amenities as well, including security, entertainment and community services rooms such as business suites that are all equipped with the latest smart technology.

For this reason, if you would like to find out more information go to Properati.com.co. Or click on the Neighborhood Guide and scroll all the way down to Santa Barbara, because for me, the best neighborhoods in Bogota include Santa Barbara. Quite simply, Santa Barbara is a gem of a neighborhood.

Price Comparisons

Let’s look at a price comparison of properties in the Santa Barbara area and compare that to the prices of properties in Cedritos, Bella Switzerland, and Chico. Likewise, if we glance at the website properati.com.co/guia_de_barrio/santa-barbara we can see that the price for apartments in Santa Barbara is just below $6 million.

Overall, the price of apartments in Santa Barbara is more than those in Cedritos and slightly more than those in Bella Switzerland, but less than the apartments in Chico Norte, which is just to the south of Usaquén on the south side of diagonal street named Diagonal 92.

In my opinion, Santa Barbara is the best neighborhood in Bogota. Santa Barbara’s new modern urban buildings are a buy for the price, the value, and strength of the U.S. dollar.

Price Comparison Of Santa Barbara

Price Comparison / m ² Properties

*Property comparison of prices of Santa Barbara with Cedritos, Bella Switzerland, and Chico Navarra. © Photo credit:* https://www.properati.com.co/guia_de_barrio/santa-barbara

Colombia Pesos To US Dollars

Let’s calculate the Colombian prices to US dollar prices. As of today, Tuesday, December 12, 2019, 1 US dollar (USD) equals $3,382 Colombian pesos (COP). By the same token, let’s also assume that the average price for Santa Barbara neighborhood is approximately $5,950,000 COP. Doing the math $5,950,000 divided by $3.382 equals 1.759 per m ². For those of you not used to thinking in square meters let’s take a look at what this can buy and you will probably be very surprised at the affordability.

Updated June 27, 2022. The US dollar exchange rate continues to climb against the Colombian peso. As a result, currently 1 US dollar (USD) equals $4,135 Colombian pesos. In short, this is an awesome time to invest in Colombia and take advantage of the great exchange rate!

Why Invest In Colombia?

The World Bank catalogues Colombia as the fifth country in the world, among 183 countries, and as the first in Latin America, to protect investors. In fact, the Colombian investment atmosphere has been considered as one of the most favorable for foreign investment. In addition, Colombia is one of the most open economies, in terms of percentage of property own by foreigners, in Latin America.

Four Apartment Examples In Central Santa Barbara

In our opinion, Santa Barbara is the best neighborhood in Bogota. Take advantage of the strength of the US dollar and invest in a residential home. Clearly, Santa Barbara’s new urban buildings are a buy for the price, the value, and strength of the U.S. dollar.

Here are four apartment examples that I found online today. To show a comparison, the first apartment is a brand new one bedroom apartment. However, the other three apartments were not new, but they are similar, modern apartments.

Finally, I was quickly able to find a one bedroom, two bedroom, and three bedroom apartments for comparison. All of these apartments are listed on the website by LA HAUS at lahaus.com.

Example Of A Brand New Apartment

The first apartment is located at Vita 118 location in central Santa Barbara. The unit has one bedroom, two bathrooms, and two parking spaces for a total of 73 m ². The price is $511 million.

You can see this apartment online at www.lahaus.com/p/vita-118-apartamentos/bogota. The description of the new apartment at Vita 118 says the amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center, and a jazucci. As equally important, the outside aesthetics of the building are quite simply beautiful and amazing.

New one bedroom apartment in Santa Barbara Central, priced at $511 million COP. Photo credit: lahaus.com.

More Apartments In Santa Barbara Central

Firstly, I scrolled down the web page of Vita 118 until it said “More Properties in Santa Barbara Central” and clicked to enter to search for more real estate for sale. My computer immediately went to lahaus.com/propiedades/bogota/santa-barbara/santa-barbara-central.

Secondly, I was looking for a one, two, and three bedroom apartment. Ideally, I was looking for apartments that were newer and modern as a way to reduce overhead maintenance costs. Moreover, I was also looking for better priced deals. For this reason, I found these four apartments to do a price comparison, but there were other apartments in the same price range, as you can see in the chart I created below.

Santa Barbara Central Apartments

Bedrooms m ²Price COP Price USD

1 BR – New	73	$511,000,000	$151,094
1 BR – Modern But Not New	55	$315,000,000	$93,140
2 BR – Modern But Not New	79	$480,000,000	$141,928
3 BR – Modern But Not New	117	$540,000,000	$159,669

Comparisons: Santa Barbara Apartments

In general, the price for the brand new one bedroom apartment was definitely higher at $511 million COP or $151,094 USD. In addition, the outside of the apartment complex is beautiful, possibly has a more exclusive address, and the amenities could make a difference.

However, from a real estate investment point of view, the one, two, and three bedroom apartments, that are also located in the same Santa Barbara Central area, were all newer and modern. In addition, the total prices were much more affordable.

In conclusion, if you are looking to purchase one of these apartments for yourself as a home or as a rental, we would have to suggest that the better deal would be to buy a newer, modern apartment for a much better price.

Furthermore, for the last ten years the prices of real estate continue to increase in value annually. Therefore, going forward, if the prices of real estate continues to increase, as it has been doing in the last ten years, you will be glad for the future equity in your property.

Below are the details of the modern residential apartments that are for sale with the current owners. However, please do your due diligence to determine the IRR for these properties. In conclusion, our outlook is that there are some good deals for buying a house for your family or for added rental income if you look in the Santa Barbara area of Usaquén neighborhood.

One Bedroom Apartment:

Firstly, this one bedroom apartment that I found at lahaus.com, says it has one bedroom and two bathrooms, with one parking space. Also, this apartment has good lighting and ventilation, with a functional fireplace in the living room. Additionally, it is close to a wide range of shopping centers, restaurants, and banking. This one bedroom apartment is near Carrera 15, Calle 127, and Autopista Norte. Finally, the price of this one bedroom apartment is $315 million COP.

Two Bedroom Apartment:

Three Bedroom Apartment:

First, I scrolled down and found a three bedroom, three bathroom apartment that looks new and modern. In particular, the description says this duplex penthouse is strategically located close to the Unicentro Bogotá Mall and is close to supermarkets and parks.

Second, the area is quiet and well lit. The first level contains dining room, remodeled kitchen, laundry, and bathroom. The second level contains the three bedrooms, a study, and two bathrooms, one with a jucuzzi. In addition to this, there is an elevator and two parking spaces. Finally, the price for this three bedroom 117 m² apartment complex is $540 million.

Modern three bedroom apartment house in Santa Barbara Central, priced at $540 million COP. Photo credit: lahaus.com.

Conclusion

In our opinion, Santa Barbara is the best neighborhood in Bogota. At this time, Santa Barbara’s new urban buildings are a buy for the price, the value, and strength of the U.S. dollar.

What popular articles and blogs do you recommend?

Further Reading on FinancialGoodness.com: For more articles and blogs on real estate investing, check out our guides to Real Estate Investing Strategies That Work Every Time and the Best Real Estate Strategies To Make 7 Figures.

In conclusion, are you interested in taking advantage of the excellent opportunities in the capital city of Bogota, Colombia? In this case, if you are interested in purchasing a rental property, but are not sure about how to complete the process, please read my blog on how Everyone Can Buy And Own Property In Colombia. Overall, this article has many details about how to buy the affordable real estate in Bogota or Medellin that have the potential for excellent returns.

Last Updated on April 13, 2024 by Financial Goodness

Financial Goodness

George Alexander Roy III and our team are experts in helping you to seek wealth through investing and tips on how to succeed. Join us at FinancialGoodness.com to increase your knowledge through education in the areas of personal finance, real estate, and investments. George has been an owner of a real estate investment business that focuses on wholesaling, fix & flip, and long-term buy-and-hold property strategies with a consistent increase of annual revenues. Consequently, as an entrepreneur, researcher, writer, and speaker he has sought the truth in everything he does, no matter how difficult. Hopefully this value and service will help each person achieve their financial freedom sooner.

Best Real Estate Neighborhoods In Bogota, Colombia

Updated April 13, 2024. Let’s meet the best real estate neighborhoods in Bogota, Colombia! Bogota neighborhoods in the northern part of the city, or what are called Bogota North neighborhoods, are absolutely exquisite. As a result, the North Bogota areas are definitely the nicest when looking for a real estate home or an investment property.

In addition, these homes have a higher level of security. Thus, the Bogota North neighborhoods are the best and safest neighborhoods to look for a home or apartment in Bogotá, Colombia.

Similarly, let’s take a look at some of my favorite neighborhoods for buying a home or for investing in real estate. In my opinion, they are the neighborhoods of Usaquén and Chapinero.

Usaquen and Chapinero Neighborhoods

First, we will focus at the beautiful neighborhood of Usaquen and then we will take a look at the trendy neighborhood of Chapinero.

Usaquen

The best real estate neighborhoods in Bogota, Colombia would not be complete without Usaquen. Usaquen is a beautiful and charming area in the Northern part of Bogotá. Nevertheless, Usaquen still has a nice small-town feel.

Specifically, Usaquen is among the 20 localities that make up the Capital District of Bogota. However, Usaquen was a separate municipality of Cundinamarca until 1954, when it was annexed into the city. As a result, Usaquen is the 1st locality of Bogotá, capital city of Colombia, and is located in the northern part of the city.

Similarly, today Usaquen is home to more than 474,000 inhabitants as of 2017. In addition, this district is mostly inhabited by upper middle and upper class residents.

Usaquen Location

Usaquen is bordered on the north by 240 Street. To the south by 100th Street in the town of Chico. In the west, by the North Freeway, located in Suba. Finally, on the east by the Eastern Hills, a long chain of hills forming the eastern natural boundary of the Colombian capital of Bogota.

Map of Usaquén neighborhood. Photo credit: Google maps.

Usaquen Sites Of Interest

The Country Club of Bogota, in fact, is the largest golf course in Bogota (the green area that is just above the word Usaquen on the map.)
Hacienda Santa Barbara, a colonial style Hacienda that now serves as a shopping mall
Unicentro, Bogotá shopping mall, dating back to the mid seventies
Santa Ana Centro Comercial, a shopping mall

Awesome Restaurants in Usaquen

Usaquen has many outstanding restaurants housed in colonial buildings. For example, Trendy Usaquen is a foodie hotspot. In particular, the Asian fusion eateries, upscale French bistros and mellow garden cafes cluster around Usaquen Park, the district’s focal point. Similarly, the brew pubs and chic cocktail bars keep the scene buzzing until late.

Usaquen Sunday Morning Stroll

If you need rest and relaxation combined with a little exercise after a night out on the town in Bogota, the neighborhood of Usaquen is the perfect place for a Sunday morning stroll. For instance, the neighborhood of Usaquen is known for its Sunday flea market. You can walk around to see hundreds of artisans, featuring street musicians, gourmet food stands and stalls selling handmade jewelry.

Excellent Urban Cycling

If there’s one area in which Bogota is a world leader, its urban cycling in Bogota. Moreover, the great news is that the cycling route goes right through Usaquen! The metropolis of Bogota is credited with initiating the world’s first ciclovía in 1974.

As a result, Bogota has one of the world’s most extensive bike-route networks, with more than 375 km of separated, clearly marked bike paths called CicloRuta. In addition, free Bogota maps from PIT information centers show the CicloRuta paths. PIT stands for Punto de Información Turística Centro Histórico. PIT is located at Cra. 8 #9-83.

Photo of Ciclovía Bogotá. Photo credit: https://www.bicitravesiasbogota.gov.co/ciclovia-bogota

In total, about 121 km of city roads in Bogota are closed to traffic from 7am to 2pm on Sundays and holidays for the citywide Ciclovia, a well-run event to get Bogota out and bicycle around the city. If you feel like biking, you can rent a bike at Bogota Bike Tours.

Ciclovia runs along Carrera 7 all the way from La Candelaria to Usaquen. In particular, I have seen the Autopista Norte, in Usaquen, many times on Sundays. The left lane of traffic is closed with a long line of orange cones to separate the cars and the bicycles. Besides the bicycles, the bicycle lane also contains some rollerblades, scooters, skateboards, pedestrians and anything else without a motor.

Indeed, this much-copied two-wheeled happening regularly attracts around two million participants – 25% of Bogota’s population! In fact, it is amazing that so many people who ride their bikes on Sundays have smiles on their faces. Consequently, it makes me proud of the people of Bogota and their innate happiness for life.

The Ciclovia bicycle route. Photo credit: https://www.bicitravesiasbogota.gov.co/ciclovia-bogota

Usaquen’s Beautiful Park

Torca, located at the extreme north, is the largest park of Usaquen. Notably, the Country Club’s polo area was acquired by the District and transformed into a metropolitan park for northern Bogota. Undoubtedly, the Torca area is a place of absolute beautiful.

The Estratos Of Usaquen

The social classes of Usaquen are primarily the upper middle class and upper class. Hence, the socio-economic estratos are four, five and six. Consequently, in the highest estratos of five and six (six being the highest estrato), the residents pay an increase in the utility bill price for water, gas, and electricity.

Yet, when I drive around the Usaquen neighborhood it reminds me of the nicer, beautiful neighborhoods in the larger metropolitan cities of the US; London, England; Paris, France; or Madrid or Barcelona, Spain. Consequently, I really love the Usaquen area and believe it is one of the best real estate neighborhoods in Bogota, Colombia.

Usaquen Malls And Business Center

Unicentro Mall: being one of the largest malls in the city with people not only from the town of Usaquén, but from the entire city of Bogotá.
Hacienda Santa Bárbara Mall: unites the modern with the colonial architectural styles. Built on the grounds where the hacienda (the estate) was originally located.
Santa Barbara Business Center: a set of nine modern buildings between Calle 112 and 116 and between Carrera 7 and Carrera 9.
Santa Ana Mall: located on Avenida Carrera 9, is one of the most exclusive, upscale retailers in the city.
Cedritos 151 Mall: located on Calle 150 with Carrera 16.
Palatino Mall: located on Calle 140 with Carrera 7.

Unicentro Shopping Center in Usaquén. Photo credit: https://www.semana.com/contenidos-editoriales/esta-bogota-promete/articulo/unicentro-bogota-y-sus-programas-de-responsabilidad-social-y-ambiental/548004

Santa Barbara Business Center in Usaquén. Photo credit: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centro_Empresarial_Santa_B%C3%A1rbara#/media/Archivo:Centro_empresarial_St_b%C3%A1rbara_Bogot%C3%A1.JPG.

Important Neighborhoods in Usaquen

Furthermore, if you are interested in this area, I would highly recommend further research for the important neighborhoods in the Usaquen area. These great neighborhoods include:

Lijacá
Verbenal
San Antonio
Servitá
San Cristóbal Norte
Toberín
Barrancas
Cedritos
Bella Suiza
La Carolina
Santa Ana
Santa Barbara
San Gabriel Norte
Cantón Norte
Francisco Miranda
Las Margaritas
San Patricio
The colonial heart of Usaquén

Chapinero

The best real estate neighborhoods in Bogota, Colombia would not be complete without Chapinero. Indeed, Chapinero is touted as the hipster area of the city.

As an example, in this neighborhood, you’ll find Bogota’s under 30 creatives, young professionals, students, and a large LGTB community. Overall, the feeling of the area is a bit more underground. Specifically, enjoy the hip eateries, coffee shops, and independent design boutiques to discover around every street corner.

Map of Chapinero neighborhood. Photo credit: Google maps.

Chapinero Location

Chapinero is located in the north of the city and is one of the more affluent districts of the city of Bogota. Consequently, this district is mostly inhabited by upper class residents. Thus, the boundaries are Calle 39 in the south, Avenida Caracas in the west, Calle 100 in the north and the Eastern Hills in the east.

Chapinero is the 2nd locality of Bogota, capital of Colombia. As well, Chapinero is among the 20 localities that make up the Capital District of Bogota. Hence, Chapinero has its own local administration that is under the jurisdiction of the District’s Government secretariat.

Chapinero’s Economy

Generally, the Chapinero economy is one of the most important commercial and economic zones of the capital city of Bogota. Banking and financial centers are headquartered along Calle 72, Carrera 7 and Calle 100. Whereas, the major shopping areas located along Carreras 11 and 15.

Furthermore, several universities are based in the located in Chapinero, including:

Chapinero Restaurants

As well, the zone of Chapinero also includes popular dining areas and nightlife centers. For instance, look for the Zona Rosa, the Parque 93, and the Zona G (G stands for Gourmet), known for its wide selection of upscale restaurants.

Chapinero Points Of Interest

Chicó Museum (Museo del Chicó): which includes an old manor house and a surrounding park.
Our Lady of Lourdes Basilica (Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes)
93rd street park (93 Park; Parque de la 93): which is also a hot spot for upscale restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Shopping centers:
- Avenida Chile (formerly known as Granahorrar)
- Centro Andino
- Atlantis Plaza
- El Retiro

Chapinero Alto

Finally, the best real estate neighborhoods in Bogota, Colombia would not be complete without mentioning Chapinero Alto. In contrast to the flatness of the city, Chapinero Alto (Upper Chapinero) is located between Carrera 1 and Carrera 7, as the streets begin to slope up into the mountains.

Chapinero Alto lies roughly between Calle 40 in the south and Calle 70 in the north. As a result, a lot of students live around Calle 45. This is due to its proximity to the Universidad Javeriana, one of the country’s oldest, most traditional, and prestigious institutions.

Likeable Neighborhoods In Chapinero

Finally, I would highly recommend further research for the likeable neighborhoods in the Chapinero area. These neighborhoods include:

El Nogal
El Chicó
Antiguo Country
Rosales
Villa del Cerro
Chapinero Central
Chapinero Alto
La Cabrera
El Lago
El Virrey
Quinta Camacho
Pardo Rubio
Marly
La Salle
Bosque Calderón
La Porciúncula

Conclusions

In conclusion, the neighborhoods of Usaquen and Chapinero are my favorites whether you are buying a home or looking for investments in real estate. Therefore, please research these neighborhoods further and I am sure that you amazed by the amenities and possibilities that these locations have to offer.

Again, the best real estate neighborhoods in Bogota, Colombia are in the north. The Bogota North neighborhoods are absolutely beautiful. In my opinion, the best neighborhoods are located in the neighborhoods of Usaquen and Chapinero.

Neighborhoods For Investment

If you are looking to invest in Colombia, please read my blog on the Real Estate Investing Strategies That Work Every Time. Therefore, these three real estate strategies are: residential rentals; wholesaling; and rehab and resell. All in all, these three strategies are among the most popular real estate strategies that produce consistent results regardless of the timing. Additionally, these investment strategies will increase your families long-term wealth.

If you are interested in learning the best ways to to improve your rental property cash flows, please read our blog on the three ways to Boost Your Rental Property Cash Flows. As a result, these strategies will help you build your long-term wealth as a real estate entrepreneur.

What popular articles and blogs do you recommend?

In addition, if you are interested in Becoming A High-Net Worth Individual, please read my blog and watch the YouTube video by a fancinating guy named Andrew Hendersen, founder of Nomad Capitalist. In short, he believes that the world has changed forever and says it’s time for you to “go where you’re treated best.”

That’s it for now. By and large, I hope you have received value. Lastly, I look forward to providing you with more information and value on the great real estate investments in Colombia. Best wishes.