Exotic natural beauty, a fast-growing economy, and a people known for their hospitality -there are plenty of good reasons for deciding to build your home in the Philippines. As more and more people fall in love with this pearl of the orient, the country now sees exponential parallel progress in real estate alongside its tourism industry. In fact, the real estate sector is listed as among the country’s top three industries in which to invest today.
And so, from over 120 cities in 80 different provinces, we bring our list of the best places to live in the Philippines.
1. Makati City
Makati City is perhaps the most upscale area nestled in the lap of big Metro Manila. From high-end shopping malls, fine dining restaurants to luxurious five-star hotels, this posh city is where the affluent locals gather. It is also considered as the commercial, financial, and economic center of the Philippines. The Philippine Stock Exchange is located in Makati and there are also numerous multinational corporations present in the city.
Cost of living in Makati is higher compared to other cities in the Philippines, but it’s still considerably cheaper than other cities in the world. The city is pedestrian-oriented so you can easily walk around the central business district and the major landmarks such as Greenbelt Chapel, Ninoy Aquino Monument, and Ayala Museum. The populated areas of Makati are safe at day or night, but avoid venturing out on lonely streets as beggars and touts may harass you.
Check out our article about the Top Central Business Districts of the Philippines.
2. Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Bonifacio Global City, also known as the BGC or The Fort, is a financial and lifestyle hub in Metro Manila, easily accessible from the central business districts of Makati and Ortigas. BGC has experienced rapid commercial growth, with many shopping areas and dining options opening up to present a good lifestyle to locals. This area has numerous residential condominiums such as Essensa, Pacific Plaza Towers, Serendra, The Luxe Residences, and Regent Parkway. It is also home to corporate buildings like Bonifacio Technology Center and Net One.
Most locals in BGC prefer to walk as everything is situated in close proximity. Bonifacio High Street is a good place to shop and there are some amazing establishments like The Fort Strip, Hossein’s Persian Kebab, and Pier One. St. Luke’s Medical Center, one of the top healthcare institutions in the country, is also within the vicinity. BGC is home to good educational institutions such as British School Manila, International School Manila, Korean International School, Everest Academy, Leaders International Christian School, and so on.
3. Baguio City
Situated in Northern Luzon is the vibrant city and hill station of Baguio. Named as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, the mild and cool climate of Baguio is due to the city’s elevation which is nearly 4,810 feet above sea level. People around the world flock to spend summer in the city to enjoy its fresh air, laid-back atmosphere, and scenic beauty.
Shopping areas include SM Baguio, as well as Robinsons and Puregold supermarkets. Locals and tourists also flock to the famous Baguio City Public Market where one can find the freshest produce sold at really low prices. If you go shopping at Harrison Road, you can see the characteristic ukay-ukay stalls. The city is culturally rich and is teeming with natives and local artists, making it an ideal location for a genuine cultural immersion.
There are also plenty of dining options to choose from, such as Flying Gecko Restaurant, Forest House Bistro, Barrio Fiesta, and PSD foods. Baguio’s healthcare sector is dominated by private hospitals such as Notre Dame de Chartres, Hospital of Sacred Heart, Filipino-Chinese General Hospital, and so on. Educational institutions and universities are also present in the city such as the Philippine Military Academy, Saint Louis University, and Baguio Central University.
Learn more about Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines.
4. Tagaytay City
The exotic scenery, easy accessibility and mild climate of Tagaytay make it a popular destination for people residing in Manila. Considered as the second summer capital of the country, Tagaytay boasts a mix of urban and rural atmosphere. Despite rapid urbanization, agriculture is an impotent part of the city’s economic development. The city is home to a good number of condominium complexes, making it easier for one to find a residential property in Tagaytay.
Tagaytay is also known for having gorgeous views of Taal Lake and its surrounding nature and cityscapes. Being a popular destination for quick getaways, Tagaytay has been home to numerous establishments that cater to both locals and tourists alike. The area’s major landmarks and attractions include the People’s Park in the Sky, Picnic Grove, and The Pink Sisters Convent. Dining options in Tagaytay are endless. There are numerous restaurants that offer Tagaytay’s famous Bulalo dish, and most of these dining establishments boast of gorgeous views that diners can enjoy while feasting on their sumptuous specialties.
5. Sta. Rosa City
Santa Rosa is a first-class city in the province of Laguna, just a short drive away from Manila. It was initially a site for huge manufacturing plants, but numerous housing developments, vibrant commercial hubs, and theme parks like the Enchanted Kingdom made it more than just an industrial city. It is now known for its perfect mix of city life and rural appeal, making it an ideal place to live in.
Nuvali and Eton City are master-planned communities in Sta. Rosa that has transformed their locale into a lively commercial and business district, teeming with offices, restaurants, and shopping outlets. This development has also resulted in a rise of residential developments in the area, from condominiums, gated communities, to luxury estates. Sta. Rosa is the main commercial hub of South Luzon with major industrial parks such as Laguna Technopark, Toyota Special Economic Zone, Greenfield Automotive Park, and Toyota Special Economic Zone.
6. Lipa City
Lipa City in Batangas is known as the Little Rome of the Philippines because of the numerous churches present in the area. But there is more to this city than just beautiful and historic churches. Just a short drive away from Metro Manila, Lipa boasts of pristine beaches that have made it a popular destination for beach lovers who want a quick seaside getaway over the weekend. The city’s extensive road network has also made it a transportation hub in Batangas.
There are major campuses and universities present in the city such as the Batangas State University, The Mabini Academy, Lipa City Colleges, and De La Salle Lipa. It is also a culturally rich city with numerous festivals celebrated by locals and people from nearby cities. The city has been recognized as one of the ‘Top 10 Next Wave Cities,’ which means that it is seen as one of the country’s next center for information technology and BPO sector. Shopping, dining, and leisure options are also made available by malls such as SM City Lipa and The Outlets.
7. Subic, Zambales
Situated along the northern coast of Subic Bay, this city falls under the province of Zambales. A former US Naval base, Subic is one of the most sought after locations for expats looking to retire in the Philippines. The Subic Bay International Airport is situated on the southern side of the town, easily accessible via private or public means of transportation.
Subic is often visited by people from Metro Manila or its nearby cities because of its numerous duty-free shops where one can buy imported items for lower prices. Resorts, spas and fine dining restaurants catering to locals, tourists, and expats are also present in the area. Tourist attractions include scuba diving sites, zoos and amusement parks, beaches and water parks, and nature trails. While a lot of people flock to Subic for various reasons, this area maintains a smooth flow of traffic because of the strict implementation of traffic rules and well-disciplined locals.
8. Cebu City
Nicknamed “Queen City of the South,” Cebu is one of the most popular and bustling seaports in the country. The climate is mostly dry and sunny with occasional rains, which makes is pleasant most of the year. Presenting a seamless mix of urban and rural influences, the city flaunts a great selection of world-class beaches, as well as numerous dining, leisure, and entertainment establishments. It also has natural and cultural attractions such as Jose R. Museum, Provincial Capitol, Santa Rosa Falls, and Taoist Temple.
Cebu City is also a significant center of education in the region, being home to major educational institutions such as Cebu Normal University, University of Cebu, and Cebu Technological University. As one of the most established economic centers outside of Metro Manila, the city is also rich with business and career opportunities.
Discover more interesting topics about Cebu.
9. Bacolod City
Bacolod is a highly urbanized city where the cost of living is still relatively low. It offers conveniences that one would find highly urbanized areas but without the traffic problems and hubbub that usually come with it. As a result, a lot of people, especially expats, prefer settling down in this beautiful and relaxing laid-back city. The locals are also known for being friendly and welcoming, which is why Bacolod earned the nickname “City of Smiles.” With all the good that comes with it, Bacolod has consistently been recognized as one of the country’s best places to live in.
A city that values culture and tradition, Bacolod is home to significant historical and religious sites. It also hosts the annual MassKara Festival, one of the most spectacular and colorful festivals in the Philippines, flocked by locals and tourists who want to witness the talent and creativity of the people of Bacolod.
10. Iloilo City
Iloilo City is a city located on the island of Panay, Visayas. The locals, commonly known as Ilonggos, are perhaps one of the warmest and friendliest people that you would ever meet in the Philippines. The city is easily accessible and well-connected to its neighboring areas. It is a 4 to 5-hour drive to Boracay, 2 hours to Roxas City, and 3 hours to Kalibo.
Iloilo’s central location has given the city an incredible potential and provides locals with a lot of opportunities. As an emerging business and commercial center, Iloilo has seen a rapid growth in investors and businesses setting up offices in the city, leading to an increase in residential developments in the area, as well as leisure hubs such as the Iloilo River Esplanade.
11. Dumaguete City
Dumaguete is a quaint coastal city in Negros Oriental. The sincere hospitality of its locals has earned Dumaguete the nickname “The City of Gentle People.” The city presents a laid-back island atmosphere and an active community that stimulates close relationships and harmony among its members through fun activities, festivals, and events, making it an ideal city to live or retire in for Filipinos and expats alike.
Dumaguete is served by a domestic airport with daily flights to and from Cebu and Manila. It has just the right amount of establishments, with a good balance of leisure, business, and healthcare centers. Dumaguete also earned the name “Center of learning in the South,” with numerous universities in the city that produce talented graduates. Some of the universities present in the area would be St. Paul University, Negros Oriental State University, and Silliman University, one of the top educational institutions in the Philippines.
12. Davao City
Davao City is perhaps the cleanest and safest place in the country, where crime rates are low and the locals are well-mannered and disciplined. As the third most populous metro in the country, Davao serves as the main hub of trade, commerce, and industry of Mindanao. The city is a vibrant and bustling metropolis teeming with well-maintained facilities and outstanding infrastructure. Options for dining, shopping, and leisure are also abundant. Despite all these developments, Davao has maintained a great mix of urban and natural landscapes.
Davao usually has fantastic weather conditions as it is located outside the typhoon belt and the mountains that surround it shield it from natural disasters. The city is served by an international airport which makes it easier for locals to travel in and out of the city or the country. Davao is also home to some of the major educational institutions in Mindanao such as Ateneo de Davao University, San Pedro College, and the University of Mindanao.
Discover more about Davao, Philippines.
13. Bohol
Bohol has long been one the country’s top travel destinations mainly due to its unique and spectacular landforms such as the famed Chocolate Hills, and the beaches and divings spots of Panglao and Balicasag islands. However, the province has also seen significant growth in land development and real estate in recent years.
Its newly-opened international airport is also expected to encourage further economic growth and many experts agree that today is the best time to invest in real estate in Bohol. In fact, the island of Panglao and other picturesque areas are already considered as a hotspot for luxury properties and vacation homes.
Coinciding with the outpour of land development, Bohol is gaining a reputation as a model for eco-tourism with its strong efforts in environmental conservation with moves such as creating its own man-made forest. The capital and the only city in the province, Tagbilaran, is known as the “city of peace and friendship”, and it is a title undoubtedly suitable for the rest of the province too.
Discover more about the province of Bohol.
