Alyssa Bolaños, a 35-year-old creative freelancer, her Colombian-born husband, and their two young sons relocated from Orlando, Florida, to Medellín, Colombia, in August 2025. The family's decision was finalised during the second Trump administration, with school shooting threats being the pivotal factor.
"We absolutely did not want to raise our kids in a place with a threat of school shootings," Bolaños stated. "That's what really clicked with my husband and made him think, 'We can't stay here.'" The emotional process of leaving family, a cornerstone of Latino culture, and downsizing their belongings was completed within six months of the decision.
Embracing a Family-Oriented Culture
Since the move, the family has embraced Colombia's vibrant, community-focused lifestyle. Bolaños highlights the shift from a work-centric to a life-centric culture. "People work to live here, not live to work," she observed, noting the abundance of holidays and emphasis on family time.
Her husband is now a stay-at-home dad, while she works flexibly as a freelancer. They are currently homeschooling their children while awaiting school placements. "Actually being present with your kids is a blessing that you don't always get as a parent in the States," Bolaños said, describing long lunch breaks spent playing or exploring.
Adjusting to a New Pace and Building Community
The transition has involved adapting to a different pace of life. Bolaños admits the overall "lack of urgency" compared to American "hustle culture" can be stressful. "I got so accustomed to constantly moving and feeling like I was doing something wrong if I wasn't being productive," she explained.
While she misses her family and friends in the United States, and occasionally American chains like IHOP, she stresses that Medellín offers modern comforts. "People have this misconception that Colombia is a backward place, and it's absolutely not like that," Bolaños asserted, praising the city's innovation, walkability, and affordable public transport.
Affordability and a Note on Gentrification
The family has seen significant cost-of-living benefits. Their grocery bills for a family of four are lower, and Bolaños's mobile phone plan costs $30 per month. "Everything here has been much more affordable and accessible for us," she noted.
However, she issues a caution about the impact of foreign migration. "Colombia is experiencing a big problem with gentrification," Bolaños said. Her advice to new arrivals is to "support local Colombian stores and really integrate with the culture." The family has no plans to return to the United States, firmly committing to their new life in Colombia.