Best places to live in the Philippines

Everyone is different

Golden Rule: Find an area of the Philippines you think you might like and live there for a while before ever considering buying a property. Also, choose an area that you like and do not be pressurised by others (partners, friends, family, agents) who have different aims. Your idea of heaven will be hell to someone else, so what? It’s your life and your preference. Every location has its good points and bad points and the “perfect location” simply does not exist.

This said, for retirees seeking a warm climate, friendly locals, relaxation and a modicum of activities and conveniences, there are several places in the Philippines well-suited to foreign retirees and expats.

The following is not a complete list of everywhere in the Philippines that expats live, but it does highlight the most popular locations for foreign retirees in the Philippines.

Dumaguete City

Dumaguete City is a costal city in Negros Oriental, on the island of Negros. It is home to a large and established expat community and is a popular seaside lifestyle choice. Dumaguete has the feel of a small town rather than a city, where retired expats spend lazy afternoons enjoying al-fresco dining and people watching on Dumaguete’s main avenue “The Boulevard”.

Dumaguete is quaint and welcoming. The sincere hospitality of its locals has earned Dumaguete the nickname “The City of Gentle People.” Dumaguete 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 for both 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 centres. There is also a city hospital that’s better than ones found in other towns, but as always, for specialist treatment you either have to travel to Manila or die!

Dumaguete has 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 are St. Paul University, Negros Oriental State University, and Silliman University, one of the top educational institutions in the Philippines. This being said, there are limited school and high school options available apart from local public schools. If you have younger children and take their education seriously, then Dumaguete is not a wise choice unless your children are old enough to attend one of Dumaguete’s universities.

Dumaguete downsides

The main east coast road that runs from Bacolod City in the north and through Dumaguete is similar to an A-road in the UK with a mix of single and dual carriageways. Almost on a weekly basis there are head-on collisions and I have personally known several locals and foreign retirees killed on this road. Driving standards in the Philippines are well known for not being very good and this particular road is a death trap, especially at night. Exercise extreme caution!

A popular area for retirees to live and buy property is Valencia, just south of Dumaguete City proper. If you wish to avoid over-priced beachfront land (and you don’t want your house to corrode from the sea air) many expats have built houses inland where there are mountains and a cool breeze. However, there are certain places in the area that suffer from land-slip, so be extremely careful when buying land. If the land is cheap – there is usually a good reason!

Apo Island

If you’re looking for a more active beach lifestyle, consider Apo Island, with its world-class diving, but only base yourself there if you want to live like Robison Crueso. Great for a short break, but too remote to live there full-time.

Olango Island

Northeast of Dumaguete is Olango Island, a tiny island just off Cebu that offers all the makings of a dream tropical lifestyle, including sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, sea grass beds, mangrove forests and coral reefs. Whilst the living is small-town, simple and rustic, Olango is near Cebu City, a major urban zone where you can access shopping and other modern amenities.

Baguio City

Known as “The City of Pines” (also known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines) has a mild and cooler climate compared to the majority of provinces in the Philippines due to the city’s elevation, which is nearly 4,810 feet above sea level. Because of this, fruits and vegetables are always fresh and you won’t overheat walking from one spot to the next. Such temperate weather seemingly puts residents into a good mood at all times.

Shopping areas include SM Baguio, Robinsons and Puregold supermarkets. Locals and tourists also flock to the famous Baguio City Public Market where you 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 genuine cultural immersion.

Baguio City also has lots 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 the 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 the highly rated Baguio Central University.

Bagio downsides

Heavy traffic during the Filipino summer months as people flock to the city to enjoy the fresh, cooler air and scenic beauty. However, even during the summer months Baguio retains its ‘arty vibe’ and laid-back atmosphere.

You would never knowingly buy a used car or motorbike that’s spent any prolonged period of time in Baguio. Driving up the mountains is a known car/bike killer with engines, gearboxes, cooling systems, break systems and anything else you care to think of being worn out.

Tagaytay City

When it comes to spur-of-the-moment, out-of-town trips, Tagaytay is always a top choice. That’s because it is less than two hours from Manila. Tagaytay sits on a ridge 2,100 feet above sea level, meaning the air is cleaner, the climate milder and the scenery more pastoral than the nearby capital.

Tagaytay is a region of mountains, lakes and lagoons. The exotic scenery, easy accessibility and the milder climate of Tagaytay makes it a popular destination for people residing in Manila. Considered as the second summer capital of the country (second to Baguio), Tagaytay boasts a mix of urban and rural atmospheres. Despite rapid urbanization, agriculture remains an important part of the city’s economic development.

Whether it’s a trip with a significant other, a group of friends, or a holiday with the whole family, the leisure and outdoor activities of Tagatay seem to attract everyone. Throw-in a breathtaking view of Taal Lake and it’s obvious why the area is so popular.

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 gorgeous views that diners can enjoy whilst feasting on sumptuous local specialties.

Tagatay City also has a good number of condominium complexes, making it easier for expats to find somewhere nice to live in retirement. Although often pricey, condominiums can be an ideal choice for foreigners wishing to own their own property as you cannot [directly] own land in the Philippines.

Tagatay downsides

Traffic on the weekends is a nightmare. There always seems to be just one-way in and one-way out! Weekenders, especially on public holidays create chaos.

Lipa City, Batangas

If you’re a beach bum who loves peace and quiet, you’ll never grow tired of the province of Batangas. Whether you’re after fine white sand or rocky shores, it has various beach resorts for solitude-seekers. The province also caters to hikers and climbers, thanks to its numerous walking and mountain climbing options. Lipa City is a popular choice for retirees too, due to its nature, cooler climate and close proximity to Manila. Known as “The little Rome of the Philippines” because of the numerous beautiful and historic churches in the area it also has an extensive road network making it the main transportation hub for Batangas.

Lipa City is also a culturally rich city with numerous festivals celebrated by locals and people from neighbouring cities. The city has been recognised as one of the ‘Top 10 Next Wave Cities’ and is viewed as one of the country’s next centres for the Information Technology and BPO sectors.

Shopping, dining, and leisure options are also made available by malls such as SM City Lipa and The Outlets.

There are major campuses and universities in the city such as the Batangas State University, The Mabini Academy, Lipa City Colleges, and De La Salle Lipa.

Santa Rosa City, Laguna

Laguna is home to various historical spots, nature parks, hot springs and a popular theme park called Enchanted Kingdom. So, if you’re someone who’s looking to move somewhere green yet modern, the booming Santa Rosa City is a good option. Santa Rosa is a first-class city just a short drive away from Manila. Once open fields the area has developed into a conducive, family-friendly environment with pleasant open spaces and plenty of shopping choices.

Santa Rosa was initially a site for huge manufacturing plants, but numerous housing developments, vibrant commercial hubs, and theme parks have combined to make Santa Rosa more than just an industrial city. It is now known for its perfect mix of city life and rural appeal, making it a great place to live.

Nuvali and Eton City are master-planned communities in Sta. Rosa that have transformed their location into a lively commercial and business district, teeming with offices, restaurants, and shopping outlets. These developments have also resulted in the rise of residential developments, ranging from condominiums and gated communities to luxury estates and rural properties. There are properties to suit all budgets and with its close proximity to Manila and relatively safe environment Santa Rosa has become popular with expats.

Sta. Rosa is considered 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.

Most parts of Laguna and Cavite are no more than 1-2 hours away from Metro Manila, which means that access to world-class medical facilities are not far away. Similarly, expressways provide easy access to the international airport.

Subic, Zambales

Subic has become popular among adventure-seekers because of thrilling rides, wreck diving and some popular beaches. The area is also a sought-after residential spot, offering both rural and urban living. Subic has some unique shopping and dining options as well as old-time beer bars. Driving around the centre of Subic is quite safe as traffic rules are strictly implemented in the base area.

Subic Bay falls under the province of Zambales. A former US Naval base, Subic is a popular location 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. However, flights are limited as the airport is really only a small domestic airport. The main Clark International Airport is not too far away though.

Subic is often visited by people from Metro Manila because of its numerous duty-free shops where you can sometimes buy imported items for lower prices. There are plenty of resorts, spas and restaurants catering to locals, tourists and expats. There is also an excellent American private school should you have children of kindergarten – high school age.

Tourist attractions include scuba diving sites, zoos, amusement parks, beaches, water parks and nature trails. While a lot of people flock to Subic for various reasons, the area maintains a smooth flow of traffic due to the area previously being a well planned-out naval base.

Makati City

Despite being amidst the horrendous Manila traffic, Makati City stands out in the National Capital Region. Luxury condominiums are available (at a price!), which are certainly convenient if you work in the area or simply prefer to enjoy city life. Makati’s government is known to strictly implement security and traffic rules that improve the overall safety of the area.

Bonifacio Global City

Bonifacio Global City (also referred to as “BGC” or “The Fort”), is a financial and lifestyle hub in Metro Manila similar to Makati City.

BGC has experienced rapid commercial growth, with many shopping areas and dining options opening up to present a good lifestyle to locals. The area has numerous residential condominiums such as Essensa, Pacific Plaza Towers, Serendra, The Luxe Residences and the Regent Parkway. It is also home to corporate buildings such as Bonifacio Technology Center and Net One.

Most locals in BGC prefer to walk as everything is situated close by and Bonifacio High Street is a good place to dine and shop.

St. Luke’s Medical Center (one of the top healthcare institutions in the country) is also within BGC.

Expats with children of school age are also served well, as BGC is home to very good educational institutions that include the British School Manila, International School Manila, Korean International School, Everest Academy, Leaders International Christian School, and more.

Cebu City

The Visayas Region’s main business hub, Cebu boasts the perfect combination of urban and natural attractions. You can easily immerse yourself in good food, entertainment, rich culture and world-class beaches, such as those in Malapascua, Sumilon and Bantayan.

Cebu is the location of the grand Sinulog Festival, plus there’s a number of growing industries for expats seeking possible career opportunities. In addition, Cebuanos are regarded as accommodating and welcoming people.

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 rain, which makes it pleasant most of the year. Presenting a seamless mix of urban and rural influences, Cebu 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 rich with business and career opportunities.

Cebu downsides

The ‘good beaches’ are on neighbouring islands. The beaches of mainland Cebu are mostly average.
Cebu City was for many years the capital of the Philippines, therefore it is highly developed and busy. Traffic in and around Cebu City is generally horrendous and chaotic at the best of times.

Bacolod City

In 2017 Bacolod City was named as the best place to live in the Philippines. Such awards should always be taken with a pinch of salt. However, Bacolod City does provide quality amenities and a clean, green-conscious environment. Bacolod City does not suffer traffic chaos like other popular cities and the cost of living is lower than other cities in the Philippines too.

The locals are known for being friendly, welcoming and hospitable, which is why Bacolod earned the nickname “The City of Smiles.”

Bacolod City restaurants and pastry shops provide a taste of how sweet life can be within the “Sugar Bowl Capital” too. Yet another reason why Bacolod has consistently been recognized as one of the country’s best places to live.

At the time of writing, Ayala Land has plans to construct a major mall that will merge with the iconic Capitol Lagoon. Ayala Land are targeting the area to impact its rival SM Prime Holdings. It has been confirmed that the Enchanted Kingdom, (the Philippines’ most famous carnival) will expand in Bacolod City.

See also: 5 Reasons to visit Bacolod City

Iloilo City

Iloilo City is the jewel of the Western Visayas. The locals, commonly known as Ilonggos, are some of the warmest and friendliest people that you will ever meet in the Philippines.

Iloilo’s central location has attracted emerging business and commercial centres, whilst maintaining a relaxed atmosphere with few traffic jams. Cyclists will appreciate the bike-friendly lanes and leisure hubs such as the Iloilo River Esplanade, that offer leisurely afternoon walks and great seafood restaurants.

Opportunities for hitting the beaches and island-hopping are also close, since Iloilo City is near the islands of Boracay and Guimaras.

And of course no self-respecting city in the Philippines would be without its annual festival, and Iloilo is no exception. The Dinagyang Festival (the city’s biggest cultural festival) takes centre stage annually.

Bohol

Bohol has long been one the country’s top travel destinations mainly due to its unique and spectacular landforms such as the famous “Chocolate Hills”, beaches and diving spots of Panglao and Balicasag islands.

The province of Bohol has recently seen significant growth in land development and real estate. The island of Panglao and other picturesque areas are already considered a hotspot for luxury properties and vacation homes.

Bohol is gaining a reputation as a model for eco-tourism with strong efforts in environmental conservation . A prime example would be the creation of its own manmade forest. The capital Tagbilaran is known as “The City of peace and friendship”, a title that really does apply to the province as a whole.

Davao City

Davao City is renowned as a safe city with a low crime rate due primarily to strict governance. As Davao City is easily accessible via land, sea and air it has become the main business hub for the southern Philippines. Although Davao City has developed rapidly, the public utilities and infrastructure are well maintained.

As the third most populous metro in the country, Davao serves as the main hub of trade, commerce, and industry of Mindanao. Options for dining, shopping, and leisure are abundant and there is a pleasant mix of urban and natural landscapes.

Davao usually has fantastic weather conditions as it is located outside the typhoon belt and it is shielded by the mountains that surround it. 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. 

Beach Resorts

Buying and managing a tropical beach resort in one of the many idyllic tourist destinations dotted around the Philippine islands is the dream of many expatriates who have visited the Philippines. But it’s a dream that can only be realised by those with a Filipino spouse (or a Filipino partner they can trust) because of restrictions on foreigners owning businesses in the Philippines.

However, many have done this by putting the business in their spouse’s or partner’s name and are living the dream in exotic locations such as Boracay, Puerto Galera, El Nido, or Coron. Others are doing it in lesser-known tourist spots all over the country.

There are countless examples of failed businesses, life savings lost, matrimonial disputes over money and a plethora of reasons why any such venture is foolhardy – but it does work for some folks, however much the exception to the rule they are!

Provincial Options

For some retired expats, their dream retirement is a small farm or a rural property in one of the provincial regions of the Philippines. There are many expats already doing this, but for non-Filipinos, the only option is to lease, as non-Filipinos cannot buy land. Yes, of course it can be held under your partner or spouse’s name – but buyer beware!

For those seeking a rural lifestyle, it is vital to do your research and get local advice on security issues prior to any financial commitment. There are separatist groups such as the New People’s Army (NPA) that are active in some provinces and petty crime is a common problem due to rural poverty and high unemployment.

Most gated communities and residential farm estates in provincial areas have armed security guards for this reason.

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Summary

Whatever location you choose, be it urban, beach, or rural, expats should always keep a low profile in the Philippines and never get involved in local politics. You should also consider your health, access to general and emergency healthcare and if where you choose to live will remain suitable as you age. It is never as easy to sell a property as it is to buy one!

Finally, avoid living like a hermit. Do not rely solely on your partner/spouse for company. Make new friends! Get to know your neighbours and become an active member of the local community – which of course is good advice for expats worldwide.