Medellin's Barrios: From Underdogs to Economic Powerhouses
Medellín's comunas are emerging as engines of the local economy
Many people believe that the economic impact of tourism and foreign investment has only benefited affluent areas of the city.
Thankfully, this is untrue.
Businesses in Medellín's poorest neighborhoods or ‘Comunas’ (Buenos Aires, Villa Hermosa, Aranjuez, Manrique, Doce de Octubre, San Javier, and Castilla) generated $14.1 trillion COP (around 3.5 billion USD) in revenue, a 34% increase from 2022.
What are ‘Comunas’?
The city of Medellin is divided in 16 comunas, the fanciest of which is Comuna 14 (El Poblado).
Historically, only marginalized neighborhoods were referred to as comunas.
Less wealthy areas like San Javier (also known as Comuna 13), Manrique, Castilla, and La Floresta are at the front, attracting attention for their growing commerce and restaurant scene, bringing in both residents and tourists.
What's fueling this unexpected boom?
Local entrepreneurs and foreigners are seizing the opportunity. They are opening businesses offering food, clothing, art, coffee, liquor, and more, catering to a new wave of customers.
Social media influencers are promoting these new businesses, spreading the word and attracting visitors.
Neighborhoods like San Javier, Manrique, Castilla, and La Floresta are solidifying as economic hubs, thanks in large part to the efforts of their residents. Some of these barrios were considered no-go zones by locals just a couple of years ago.
This positive development is driven by two key factors:
Local residents, particularly the younger generation, crave fresh experiences. They are going out of the traditional upscale areas and exploring new restaurants, cafes, and entertainment options in other parts of the city, looking for unique experiences and supporting local businesses.
Medellin's tourism boom is spilling over. As Medellín gains popularity as a tourist destination, visitors are exploring the comunas' offerings outside of the typical tourist areas, which helps to boost their economy.
As less prosperous neighborhoods gain popularity, they will become safer and more peaceful, just as Comuna 13 did. Legitimate economic activity has reduced criminal activity in the area, particularly territorial control imposed by local gangs known as 'combos'.
Some success stories:
Empire's Pizza in San Javier, owned by a local who learned the trade in the Big Apple, serves New York-style pizza. This location has become particularly popular among foreigners. Definitely a hidden gem.
Comuna 13: Previously known for its violence, Comuna 13 has undergone an incredible transformation. The installation of escalators and cable cars has improved accessibility, while innovative projects like "Comuna 13 Street Art Tour" showcase the neighborhood's incredible street art scene.
El Bulevar de la 68 in Castilla, a collaboration of local business owners, is a growing commercial corridor with a variety of businesses and nightlife offerings.
In short, the comunas are a story of local initiative and unexpected opportunity, and they are transforming Medellin's economy.