Best Places to Live in the Philippines

by Ronel Forbes

April 28, 2022

The Philippines, with its over 7,000 islands, is blessed with incredible provinces and cities, all of which can serve as your new home.

You may be thinking about what will best suit your needs, budget, and lifestyle if you are intending to relocate. The good news is that you’re not the only one who has this thought.

It’s never easy to leave your home and move into a new and unknown environment. This is exhausting not only physically, but also mentally and financially.

Here’s a list of the top places to live in the country to help you out.

Things to Think About When Choosing the Best City or Province for You

When selecting which location is best for you, there are many factors to consider. Here’s a list of items to think about while you examine your relocation choices.

Living Costs

When deciding where to relocate, your finances should always come first. Keep in mind that the initial costs of moving, such as paying for removals and hiring movers, must be covered.

Apart from that, you must consider the costs of essential necessities such as rent, food, and utilities, as well as the more hidden and less evident charges such as transportation, gas, auto repair, and emergency medical expenses, among others.

Job Opportunities

Keep in mind that employers are very significant elements to consider wherever you decide to relocate. Because looking for a job takes time and effort, you must be certain that you will have a steady source of income.

Look into career opportunities in the location you’re considering moving to if at all possible. You can accomplish this by looking on job boards online or asking around. This is not an issue if you work from home.

Safety

When looking for a location to reside, one of your top objectives should be safety. You will not be able to completely appreciate your new house if you do not feel safe, no matter how nice it is.

If you have children, safety is even more important. Examine the crime rate, the state of peace and order, and the social atmosphere.

If you have friends in the region, don’t be hesitant to ask them about the safety of the area.

Transportation and commuting

You may not realize it, but the time you spend commuting every day is time spent. If the location you are going to requires more time spent on the road, you should reconsider.

If you don’t have a car, consider alternate modes of transportation in the area, such as public transportation, such as jeepneys or tricycles, and taxi cabs. If you plan on returning to Manila frequently for work or to see family and friends, you should think about the convenience of travel.

Proximity to family and friends

Your family and friends are the individuals you care about the most. Choosing a location close to your family or friends can make you feel more at ease.

Climate and weather

The Philippines, like any other country, has a wide range of weather and climate conditions. Consider those regions while looking for a place to live if you have a strong affinity for a particular type of weather and environment.

System of education (if you have kids)

If you have a family, finding a new home in an area with a decent school system is critical. You want to be certain that your children will receive a better education in the area where you will be living.

Thankfully, the Philippines has a large number of strong educational systems that provide an excellent education.

Lifestyle

This is an extremely significant and personal consideration. You must ensure that the area to which you relocate offers the lifestyle you desire.

Do you wish to live in a city or in the country? Do you want to be near the beach or in the city? Do you want to be close to your family and friends, or do you want to live somewhere you can call home?

These questions may seem insignificant, but picking a location that fits your lifestyle will make it easier to adjust to your new home.

The Philippines’ Best Places to Live

Davao City

If you’re considering relocating to Mindanao, Davao City is one of the best places to call home.

Davao, the Philippines’ largest city, is an excellent example of a location that has it all, from safety and security to world-class healthcare and top-notch education.

Davao City is one of the most affordable cities to reside in the Philippines in terms of cost of living. It boasts cheaper rent prices than other large cities, as well as lower grocery, utility, and transit costs.

Tagaytay City

If you are looking to relocate to Luzon, Tagaytay, a tranquil and peaceful city, is an excellent place to start. It’s noted for its beautiful scenery and intriguing locations to visit.

Aside from the cool mountain air and pleasant weather, Tagaytay City has one of the best views of the adjacent Taal Volcano. Tagaytay City is also quite safe and tranquil, making it an excellent area to start a new life.

Some of the most notable landmarks in Tagaytay include People’s Park in the Sky, Our Lady of Manaoag at Tierra de Maria, and Breakfast in Antonio’s.

Baguio City

If you’re considering relocating to Luzon, Baguio City is one of the greatest places to start. It has a lot to offer, from being a business center to being a historical city. The education system in this country is likewise well-regarded.

Apart from education, Baguio City has a diverse range of activities. It’s renowned as the Philippines’ summer capital, and it has a number of noteworthy attractions, including Camp John Hay and Mansion, Mines View Park, and the Igorot Village, to name a few.

Cebu City

Cebu City is a great place to live if you wish to relocate to the Visayas.

It’s a lively metropolis with a diverse range of activities. Cebu City is well-known for its easy access to white-sand beaches and is the greatest destination to visit for a holiday.

Aside from that, its numerous retail malls and entertainment areas make it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. This bustling metropolis is known for its warm and inviting culture, making it ideal for newcomers. In addition, the city is incredibly safe and pleasant.

Iloilo City

Iloilo City is one of the country’s most underappreciated cities. It is one of the largest cities in the Visayas and a regional transportation hub.

If you’re thinking of moving to the Visayas and want to live a relaxed lifestyle while still having access to a good education and good healthcare, this is the place to go.

Apart from education, Iloilo City is known for having a diverse range of fun things to do and visit. The Iloilo International Airport, the Iloilo Convention Center, and the Iloilo Business Park are some of the city’s most notable landmarks.

Laguna, Santa Rosa

If you’re looking to relocate to a nearby Metro Manila province, Santa Rosa, Laguna is one of the greatest options. It’s not far from the capital, and its position makes it an excellent choice for individuals seeking the best of both worlds.

Santa Rosa is known for its unpolluted and pure environment. Furthermore, Santa Rosa has a diverse range of activities, making it a popular tourist destination.

The Enchanted Kingdom, Museo de Sta Rosa, and Sta. Rosa is some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Elena Golf & Country Club is located in Elena, California.

Batangas City

Despite being only an hour and a half away from Metro Manila, Batangas City feels like a planet away. If you need to commute to Manila frequently, this is also a good spot to live because of the reliable and large road networks.

Despite being in a densely populated location, moving to Batangas will provide you with direct access to the beach.

Batangas City is also known for its beautiful scenery and clean environment. Calatagan and Nasugbu are two of the most interesting sites to visit.

Thoughts

Find a place in Luzon if you’re looking for a place with a lot of hospitality and investment prospects. However, if you’re looking for a more laid-back lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty, Visayas might be the place for you. Mindanao is also worth considering if you want to see everything the Philippines has to offer, from beaches to woods and rice terraces.