Living in Medan Indonesia – Relocating to a new country is never a simple decision, especially when the place is culturally rich, busy, and dynamic like Medan, Indonesia. Whether you plan to move for work, study, marriage, or long-term settlement, it’s only natural to ask: Is living in Medan, Indonesia actually good?
To answer that honestly, we need to look beyond surface-level impressions. Many foreigners hear about Medan only through stories about its food, Lake Toba, or its “loud people.” But Medan is far more layered than that. It’s a city where different ethnicities live side by side, where multicultural interactions happen naturally every single day, and where culinary traditions from various backgrounds blend into something remarkable.
Before we discuss the pros and cons of living in this northern Sumatran city, let’s first understand what makes Medan unique.
Is Living in Medan, Indonesia a Good Idea?
Medan is known as one of the most diverse cities in Indonesia, both ethnically and religiously. It is also the third-largest city after Jakarta and Surabaya, inhabited by a wide mix of communities. You will find Bataknese, Javanese, Chinese, Malay, Indian, and several smaller ethnic groups living together in harmony.
Unlike many regions in Indonesia where a single ethnicity is dominant, no ethnicity truly dominates Medan. This alone makes the city quite special. In fact, this diversity contradicts the common stereotype in Indonesian pop culture that “people from Medan must be Bataknese.” Reality says otherwise: Bataknese people in Medan make up less than 35% of the population.
This diversity doesn’t just shape the city’s atmosphere — it shapes people’s character and how they interact.
1. Growing Up in Medan Teaches Genuine Respect
Someone who grew up in Medan once shared an insightful experience:
“Growing up in Medan unconsciously taught me cross-cultural communication and how to respect others sincerely — not because the law forces us to. I only realized this after leaving the city for college. In my new campus, discussions about religion and politics often felt insensitive to me, but most people acted like nothing was wrong. Maybe because 95% of them belonged to the same religion.”
The student continued:
“Even at public schools outside Medan, many don’t have close friends from different religions simply because less than 5% of their classmates were from other backgrounds. That was shocking to me because, in Medan, diversity is so normal that you don’t even think about it.”
This experience highlights something essential:
Living in Medan shapes you to be naturally tolerant. Not by rule, not by pressure, but simply by daily interaction with people who are different from you.
If you’re someone who appreciates multicultural environments, Medan might pleasantly surprise you.
2. A Strategic Gateway to Southeast Asia
One lesser-known advantage of living in Medan is how strategically located it is. The city is geographically closer to Malaysia, Singapore, and even Bangkok, Thailand, compared to some cities in western Indonesia like Bandung.
This makes international travel easier, and often much cheaper. For expats who enjoy occasional weekend trips abroad, this proximity can be a significant perk.
The Less Ideal Sides of Living in Medan, Indonesia
Like any growing city, Medan is not without its flaws. And if you’re seriously considering living here, it’s important to know what might feel less comfortable — especially from a foreigner’s perspective.
1. The Driving Culture Can Be… Wild
Most locals will admit this:
People in Medan drive aggressively.
Cars and motorcycles move fast, weave through lanes, and sometimes behave unpredictably. Traffic lights are occasionally treated as “suggestions,” not rules. If you come from a country with strict traffic etiquette, this could be a shock.
You may find yourself thinking: “Why is everyone in such a hurry?”
2. Not a Walkable City
Medan is not friendly to short-distance walking. Sidewalks are inconsistent, often blocked, or simply unavailable. The city is far more suited to motorcycles, ride-hailing services, or private cars.
If you love strolling to cafés or doing errands on foot, this may require some adjustment.
3. Loud Voices Are Normal — Not Anger
Another common impression foreigners have is that Medanese people speak loudly and seem easily irritated. But in reality: The loud tone is just how they naturally communicate.
Locals may shout across the street or speak with strong vocal energy even during friendly conversations. It’s cultural, not personal.
4. Avoid Walking Alone Late at Night
Medan is generally safe during the daytime, but walking alone late at night in certain areas isn’t recommended — especially if you’re unfamiliar with the surroundings. Like in many large cities, caution is simply practical.
5. Bad Drainage and Occasional Flooding
The city’s drainage system is still a work in progress. Even short rain showers can cause temporary flooding, often accompanied by unpleasant smells from water channels.
It’s frustrating, yes — but also something locals have learned to navigate.
Read also: Medan Airport and Transportation Options to the City Center
Is Living in Medan, Indonesia Worth It?
Despite those less ideal elements, many people still find Medan genuinely special. And one of the biggest reasons is: the food.
1. A Culinary Paradise
Medan is often considered one of Indonesia’s top culinary destinations. From traditional Batak dishes to Chinese-Indonesian specialties, Malay delicacies, Indian-Muslim cuisine, and modern cafés — everything is here.
Living in Medan means you’re not visiting the food scene. You are part of it. You can explore dozens of legendary eateries, night markets, and coffee shops without rushing like tourists do.
2. A City with Easy Access to Nature and Modern Activities
You can enjoy:
- Trips to Lake Toba
- The refreshing air of Berastagi
- Cultural sites, temples, and local markets
- Modern shopping malls
- Family-friendly parks and museums
For those with children, Medan is surprisingly great for short educational trips. Its historical spots — from old colonial buildings to heritage temples — provide rich learning experiences.
3. And Yes… There’s Mie Ayam Jamur H. Mahmud
If you plan to live in Medan, there’s one place you might end up visiting again and again: Restoran Mie Ayam Jamur H. Mahmud. This restaurant is iconic among locals. It’s the kind of place where you can:
- Enjoy a traditional Medanese breakfast
- Have lunch with colleagues
- Hang out for snacks like sate kerang
- Try Medan’s famous durian pancakes
- Grab coffee with friends
- Or simply enjoy a comforting bowl of chicken mushroom noodles
Once you settle in Medan, you can open Google Maps, check out the location, and add it to your weekly checklist. Try all the Medanese and oriental-style dishes they offer — that’s part of the fun of living here.
Read also: 6 Things To Do in Medan with Kids for a 2–3 Day Trip
Final Thoughts: Should You Live in Medan, Indonesia?
Living in Medan Indonesia comes with contrasts.
You’ll get:
- A multicultural environment
- Friendly and open-minded locals
- Affordable living
- Incredible food
- Strategic access to neighboring countries
But you’ll also face:
- Chaotic traffic
- Limited walkability
- Occasional flooding
- Loud communication styles
Yet for many people, Medan’s warmth, diversity, and culinary richness outweigh the imperfections.
If you value authenticity over perfection, culture over convenience, and genuine human connection over polished cityscapes, Medan might be a surprisingly great place to call home.
