Living in the Suburbs: Chía, Cajicá, and La Calera
Not everyone wants to live in the city. If you're looking for a house with a yard, mountain views, clean air, and quiet — Bogotá's suburban municipalities deliver all of that. The trade is car dependency and a commute that ranges from tolerable to brutal depending on the time of day and which suburb you choose.
Three municipalities north of Bogotá have become magnets for retirees and families seeking space: Chía (closest, most commercial), Cajicá (quieter, artisan character), and La Calera (mountain views, most isolated). Each serves a different lifestyle.
Chía: The Closest and Most Commercial
Chía
Chía is the default suburb for families who want space without total isolation. It's the most developed of the three — Centro Chía mall, Unicentro Chía, multiple supermarkets, restaurants, banks, and medical clinics. The housing stock features casas campestres (country houses) with gardens, as well as modern conjuntos cerrados with pools and sports facilities. International schools (Gimnasio Los Caobos, Colegio Rochester) are nearby.
Commute Reality: 30 minutes to northern Bogotá off-peak via the Autopista Norte. During rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM), this extends to 60–90 minutes. The Chía–Bogotá corridor is one of the most congested routes in the region.
| Property Type | Rent (COP/mo) | USD/mo |
|---|---|---|
| 3BR House (conjunto) | 2,500,000–5,000,000 | $675–$1,350 |
| Casa campestre (standalone) | 4,000,000–8,000,000 | $1,080–$2,160 |
| Apartment (modern tower) | 1,800,000–3,500,000 | $485–$945 |
Cajicá: The Quieter, Artisan Alternative
Cajicá
Cajicá sits 10 km beyond Chía and trades commercial density for character. The town center features a charming colonial plaza, a growing artisan scene (ceramics, craft beer, organic markets), and a pace of life that's genuinely slower. The air quality is noticeably better than Bogotá. A small but growing community of international retirees is establishing itself here — attracted by the space, the quiet, and the Colombian small-town culture that Bogotá lost decades ago.
Commute Reality: 45 minutes to northern Bogotá off-peak, 75–120 minutes during rush hours. The extra distance beyond Chía adds a meaningful increment to commute times. Most Cajicá residents treat trips to Bogotá as planned excursions, not daily commutes.
| Property Type | Rent (COP/mo) | USD/mo |
|---|---|---|
| 3BR House (conjunto) | 2,000,000–4,000,000 | $540–$1,080 |
| Casa campestre | 3,500,000–7,000,000 | $945–$1,890 |
| Finca (larger estate) | 5,000,000–12,000,000 | $1,350–$3,240 |
La Calera: Mountain Views, Maximum Isolation
La Calera
La Calera climbs into the Eastern Hills east of Bogotá, offering dramatic mountain views, clean air, and near-total quiet. The scenery is stunning — rolling green hills, eucalyptus forests, and panoramic views of the Bogotá savanna. Restaurants (Andrés Carne de Res is nearby) are destinations, not daily conveniences. Grocery infrastructure is minimal — plan weekly trips to Bogotá.
Commute Reality: 40 minutes to Usaquén off-peak via a winding mountain road (some sections single-lane). Rush hour adds 30–60 minutes. Fog and rain make the road slower and more hazardous. This is a commitment — you're choosing mountain living over urban convenience.
Comparison Table
| Factor | Chía | Cajicá | La Calera |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance to Bogotá | ~25 km north | ~35 km north | ~18 km east (mountain) |
| Off-peak commute | 30 min | 45 min | 40 min |
| Rush hour commute | 60–90 min | 75–120 min | 70–100 min |
| Commercial density | High (malls, shops) | Moderate (town center) | Low (minimal) |
| Character | Suburban commercial | Artisan small-town | Mountain retreat |
| Best for | Families wanting space + services | Retirees wanting quiet + culture | Nature lovers, second homes |
| 3BR house rent | $675–$1,350 | $540–$1,080 | $675–$1,620 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically yes, with Uber/DiDi, but practically it's very difficult. Ride-hailing availability is inconsistent outside Bogotá, and you'll spend COP 800,000–1,500,000/month on rides. Most suburban residents own or lease a car.
Chía has several bilingual schools (Gimnasio Los Caobos, Colegio Rochester). Cajicá has fewer options — most families send children to Chía or Bogotá schools via bus. La Calera has no international schools.
Chía has clinics and a hospital for routine care. For anything serious, you'll go to Bogotá — Fundación Santa Fe or Clínica del Country. Factor in the commute time when evaluating suburban living, especially for retirees with ongoing medical needs.
Yes, noticeably. Bogotá struggles with air quality due to traffic and industrial activity. Cajicá and La Calera sit at higher elevations with less traffic, and residents consistently report better air. Chía is close enough to Bogotá that the improvement is modest.
In Cajicá, fincas (larger country properties) start at COP 3,500,000–5,000,000/month ($945–$1,350). La Calera fincas are more expensive due to views. Chía fincas tend to be the most commercial and most costly. For the best value-to-space ratio, Cajicá wins.