Chicó Norte

Chicó Norte Overview

Chicó Norte covers the blocks between roughly Calle 88 and Calle 100, from Carrera 7 west to the Autopista Norte. It's Bogotá's executive district — a neighborhood defined by modern high-rise apartment towers, corporate offices, embassies, and some of the city's best restaurants and shopping. If Usaquén is the village and Chapinero is the cultural hub, Chicó Norte is the polished urban core.

The neighborhood's central draw is its location. The Zona T commercial corridor (Calle 82–85 between Carreras 11 and 15) offers upscale shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. Parque de la 93 — a beautifully maintained public park surrounded by restaurants and cafés — is the social anchor for the area. And the Andino, El Retiro, and Atlantis Plaza shopping centers are all within walking distance.

Residential buildings in Chicó Norte tend to be newer and taller than in Usaquén or Santa Bárbara. Many were built in the last 15–20 years and come equipped with modern amenities: gyms, swimming pools, social rooms, children's play areas, and round-the-clock security. For renters coming from cities where building amenities are standard, Chicó Norte feels immediately familiar.

Apartment Market

The rental market in Chicó Norte is competitive and well-supplied. One-bedroom unfurnished apartments start around $550–$700 USD per month, two-bedroom units run $700–$900 USD, and larger three-bedroom apartments can reach $1,000+ USD. The premium reflects the location and building quality — you're paying for modern construction, amenities, and proximity to everything.

Estrato 5–6 classification means utility costs are on the higher end: $100–$150 USD per month is typical for a two-bedroom apartment. Administración fees vary significantly by building — a basic mid-rise might charge $60 USD, while a full-amenity tower can reach $150–$200 USD. As always, confirm the total monthly cost before signing.

Lease availability is good year-round, with slightly more inventory opening up between November and January when corporate tenants rotate. Many of the newer buildings are managed by professional inmobiliarias, which can simplify the process for international tenants — they're accustomed to handling expat paperwork and alternative guarantee arrangements.

Living in Chicó Norte

Daily life in Chicó Norte is convenient and urban. Supermarkets (Carulla, Éxito, Jumbo) are all within easy reach. Banking, pharmacies, medical clinics, and professional services cluster along the major avenues. You can handle most weekly errands on foot, which isn't true of every Bogotá neighborhood.

The dining scene is strong. Beyond Zona T's restaurants and bars, the streets around Parque 93 host some of Bogotá's best culinary options — from upscale Colombian to international fine dining. Casual spots, food courts in the malls, and delivery options (Rappi is ubiquitous) round out the picture.

Transit options include TransMilenio stations on the Autopista Norte and Carrera 7, plus dense bus coverage on the smaller avenues. The neighborhood is also well-connected by Uber and InDriver, with typical rides to the airport taking 35–50 minutes depending on traffic. The future Metro Line 1 will pass through or near the southern edge of Chicó, adding another transit option.

One consideration: noise. The blocks closest to Zona T can be loud on weekend nights, especially Thursday through Saturday. If quiet evenings matter, look for apartments a few blocks north of Calle 85 or east of Carrera 11, where the residential character is stronger.

Who Is Chicó Norte Best For?

Chicó Norte works best for professionals who want modern apartment living with urban convenience — people who value walkable restaurants, shopping, and services, and who prefer a newer building with full amenities. It's also a strong pick for couples without children who want to be close to nightlife and dining without sacrificing residential comfort.

It's less ideal for families seeking green space and quiet (try Usaquén or Santa Bárbara) or for budget-conscious renters (Cedritos offers similar modernity at lower prices). But for location, convenience, and building quality, Chicó Norte is one of Bogotá's strongest long-term rental markets.