Ask long-term foreigners in Medellín where they’d live again, and many will say Laureles. It’s flat, green, walkable and lived-in, a neighborhood where families walk their dogs in the evening, students fill the cafés, and you can buy fruit from the same corner vendor every morning. If you’re looking for a furnished apartment in Laureles for a month or longer, this guide covers what to expect and how to choose.
Where Laureles is and what makes it different
Laureles sits west of the Medellín River in the Laureles–Estadio area (Comuna 11). Unlike most of Medellín, which climbs up the sides of the Aburrá Valley, Laureles is almost completely flat. That makes it one of the easiest parts of the city to explore on foot or by bike.
The neighborhood was planned in the mid-20th century with an unusual street layout. Instead of a strict grid, many streets curve in circular and diagonal patterns around small green spaces, so the area feels calmer and more residential than the city’s busy commercial districts. Its tree-lined streets are a big part of its charm. They’re also one of the reasons Laureles feels cooler and quieter than you might expect so close to the center.
What daily life feels like
Laureles is a real residential neighborhood. People live here, work here and send their kids to school here. For a monthly renter, that means:
- Local prices and local life. Bakeries (panaderías), small markets, fruit stands and neighborhood restaurants sit side by side with specialty coffee shops and international food.
- Walkability. Most errands, like supermarkets, pharmacies, gyms, laundromats and cafés, are within a few blocks of most apartments.
- A social, but not overwhelming, nightlife. You can have a lively evening without living on top of the noise.
Many remote workers like Laureles because it’s easy to build a routine: work in the morning, walk to lunch, gym in the afternoon, dinner in the park.
The main areas to know
Primer Parque and Segundo Parque de Laureles
These two small parks are the social heart of the neighborhood. They’re surrounded by restaurants, cafés, bakeries and bars, and in the evenings they fill with people. If you want to be close to the action but still on quiet streets, an apartment within walking distance of the parks is a great choice.
La 70 (Carrera 70)
La 70 is one of Medellín’s best-known streets for food and nightlife: restaurants, bars, music and long evenings. It runs near the Estadio area and gets especially busy on weekends and match days. It’s a fun place to spend an evening. If you’re a light sleeper, choose an apartment a few blocks away.
Estadio
The Estadio area is named after the Atanasio Girardot stadium, home ground of Medellín’s two big football clubs, Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín. Around it is a large sports complex with tracks, courts and pools that many residents use. The Estadio metro station (Line B) connects you to the rest of the city.
Getting around from Laureles
- Metro: Line B stations such as Estadio connect to the San Antonio hub downtown, where you can transfer to Line A toward El Poblado and Envigado.
- Taxis and ride apps: These are widely used, and El Poblado is usually a short ride across the river, depending on traffic.
- Walking and cycling: Because the neighborhood is flat, walking is the default for most errands. The city’s EnCicla public bike system and bike lanes cover parts of the area too.
Laureles vs. El Poblado: which is right for you?
There’s no wrong answer. It depends on how you want to live.
| Laureles | El Poblado | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Local, residential, relaxed | International, busy, upscale |
| Terrain | Flat, very walkable | Hilly |
| Nightlife | La 70 and around the parks | Parque Lleras and Provenza |
| Best for | Longer stays, routines, local immersion | Short stays, maximum convenience |
Many people start in El Poblado for a week and then move to Laureles for the rest of their stay. Others do it the other way around.
What to look for in a furnished Laureles apartment
Laureles has everything from older family homes to new, amenity-rich buildings. For a monthly stay, check:
- Air conditioning. Not every Laureles apartment has it. Newer buildings often do.
- Building amenities. Some newer buildings offer rooftop Jacuzzis, gyms, steam rooms and on-site cafés or restaurants.
- Workspace and internet. Look for a real desk, especially if you work remotely.
- Noise. Being right on La 70 or next to a busy park is fun but can be loud on weekends.
- Parking, if you plan to rent a car or motorcycle.
- What the price includes. Ask whether utilities, internet and the building admin fee are included.
Furnished monthly rentals in Laureles with MB Real Estate
Most of the apartments we manage are in Laureles, in buildings we know well. Every price is ALL IN: utilities, Wi-Fi and building administration are included, so there are no surprise bills.
- LoftGo (Laureles). Modern units with air conditioning, in a building with a rooftop Jacuzzi, gym, steam room, breakfast and lunch restaurant, and 24/7 security. Options range from compact one-bedrooms to units with a private patio Jacuzzi, like LoftGo 406.
- Bilbao (Laureles, near La 70 and the stadium). Two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments with private indoor parking and a washer and dryer, like Bilbao 402.
- Adjua Living. Spacious three-bedroom apartments with private elevator entrances and balconies with views over Medellín, like Adjua 401.
- Laureles Garden 201. A one-bedroom on a quiet street within walking distance of La 70, the stadium and the parks. See the listing.
See every current option and its ALL IN price on our Laureles rentals page.
Practical tips for your first week
- Get a local SIM. Colombian prepaid SIMs are easy to buy and make ride apps, WhatsApp and maps much easier.
- Learn a few Spanish phrases. English is less common in Laureles than in El Poblado. A little Spanish goes a long way, and locals appreciate it.
- Use the parks. Primer and Segundo Parque are the easiest places to get a feel for the neighborhood.
- Go to a match at the Atanasio Girardot, even if you’re not a football fan. It’s one of the city’s great experiences.
- Follow normal big-city habits. Keep your phone out of sight on busy streets, use registered taxis or ride apps at night, and keep valuables at home.
Find your apartment in Laureles
We’re a bilingual team, and we run our own cleaning company. It’s why people call us the trusted company of foreigners in Medellín. Tell us your dates and budget and we’ll send you the Laureles options that fit.
- 📲 WhatsApp: +1 859 229 4916
- 🏙️ All rentals: mbrealestatesas.com/rentals
- 🏠 Own a place in Laureles? See our property management services.