With 7,107 islands featuring gorgeous beaches, upland communities, and busy metropolises, the Philippines offers retirement options for almost any
person of any lifestyle. Thousands of islands can be challenging to
choose from, especially if you are a nonresident retiree. Fortunately,
by taking into combined consideration cost of living, the presence of
basic necessities, and the overall retirement atmosphere of an area, it
becomes just a little bit easier to narrow the list down.
1. Imus, Cavite
Imus, Cavite. Photo by Ramon F Velasquez via Wikimedia Commons
Imus is an ideal retirement location because it is very close to Metro
Manila (approximately 19 km south of the capital), giving foreign
retirees a quiet suburb to live in that is not too far from the
conveniences of the capital. Earning cityhood in 2012, Imus itself is
not one to lack in lifestyle amenities, as it is currently home to 14
commercial centers. While very urbanized, Imus still retains most of its
provincial charm. There are also a number of residential developments
to choose from, a few of which are upcoming projects by Ayala Land,
Vista Land, and Megaworld.
Rent per month: Range from Php4,000 for a two-bedroom townhouse to Php13,000 for a three-bedroom house and lot
Hospitals: 5
Commercial centers: 14
2. Bacoor, Cavite
Bacoor, Cavite. Photo by Lawrence Ruiz via Wikimedia Commons
Widely described as a bedroom community where many of its residents are
employees who commute to and from Metro Manila, Bacoor is currently
transitioning from being a mainly agricultural economy to one that’s
focused on residential and commercial development. Property developers
have been keen on developing projects in rural–urban fringes like
Bacoor, which will become the future southern terminus of the Manila
Light Rail Transit System. Also, part of the city will be traversed by
the future Cavite–Laguna Expressway, making travel to nearby Laguna very
easy.
Along with several shopping centers, the city has a number of resorts,
cultural landmarks, and festivals. And similar to Imus, it is very near
Metro Manila but still has a laidback, rural atmosphere, making it an
ideal place for retirees.
Rent per month: Range from Php6,500 for a three-bedroom house to Php25,000 for a house in Avida Settings Cavite
Hospitals: 8
Commercial centers: 14
3. Tagaytay City
Taal Lake and Volcano as seen from Tagaytay Ridge. Photo via Shutterstock
While widely known as a tourist destination, Tagaytay City is also an ideal
retirement destination thanks to its cool climate. Located in relatively
short distance from Metro Manila, it is still far enough to provide the
peace and quiet that many come to the area for—not to mention
spectacular views of the Taal Lake and Volcano. Although Tagaytay’s
popularity as a vacation spot makes it quite costly to live in compared
to the other cities on this list, Cavite’s agricultural areas ensure
that fresh produce here at least is very cheap. Further, if retirees
suddenly feel a need to soak up some sun, the sandy coves of Nasugbu are
just a short drive away.
Hospitals: 2
Commercial centers: 4 (including partially opened Twin Lakes’ retail area)
4. Cebu City
Downtown Cebu City. Photo via Shutterstock
Among the Philippines’ top three cities, Cebu may not seem like the best
place for a retiree. But on the contrary, it is actually ideal because
of the comprehensive urban amenities it offers. And being an island
locale, it is very near a good number of tropical resorts and natural
attractions, including the white sand beaches of Mactan Island.
Properties can sometimes be a little costly in Cebu given that it is a
major city, but this also means that there are many options available in
various estates developed by some of the country’s biggest real estate
companies.
Rent per month: Range from Php18,000 for a two-bedroom townhouse in Lahug to Php140,000 for a five-bedroom house in Banilad
Hospitals: At least 16 major hospitals
Commercial centers: 29
5. Santa Rosa, Laguna
Santa Rosa City poblacion area. Photo by Ramon FVelasquez via Wikimedia Commons
Another area predominantly serving as a suburban residential community of Metro
Manila, Santa Rosa is situated a mere 38 kilometers south of the
National Capital Region. The premiere city and hub of South Luzon, the
city is often called the Makati of the South due to its economic
activity sans the density and level of urbanization. The city is popular
for being the location of Nuvali, a massive estate developed by Ayala
Land. Sta. Rosa is also home to a number of special economic zones,
industrial parks, and master-planned communities resulting in the
increase of the city’s comprehensive modern amenities.
Rent per month: Range from Php19,000 for a newly built house in Avida
Parkway to Php80,000 for a five-bedroom house in Pramana Residential
Estates
Hospitals: 9
Commercial centers: 11
6. Calamba, Laguna
View of Mount Makiling from Calamba. Photo via Shutterstock
Calamba
is often referred to as the Resort Capital of the Philippines because
of its many hot spring resorts located on the slopes of Mount Makiling.
However, the city has as of late come to be known as a residential
destination as well, thanks to the emergence of developments like
Ayala-Greenfield Estates and Ciudad Verde.
To complement the resort-like living retirees can enjoy in Calamba, its
local economy is fueled by a number of lifestyle and commercial centers,
providing residents’ basic needs. If the city gets too crowded for a
retiree’s liking, however, the very laid-back campus of the University
of the Philippines Los Baños and the National Arts Center are just a
short drive away.
Rent per month: Range from Php8,000 for a one-bedroom house to Php150,000 for a six-bedroom house in Brgy. Canlubang
Hospitals: 10
Commercial centers: 9
7. Subic Freeport Zone, Zambales
Subic Bay. Photo via Shutterstock
Renowned for being a former overseas U.S. military installation, the Subic
Freeport Zone the Philippines. Along with its duty-free shopping, there
are also a number of great schools, hospitals, and hotels and resorts in
the city. While there is plenty to do and see is perfect for foreign
retirees who want to continue their American suburban lifestyle in in
the Freeport Zone, probably one its biggest draws as a retirement area
is the location’s cleanliness and orderliness.
Hospitals: 3
Commercial centers: 5
8. Dumaguete City
Dumaguete City. Photo via Shutterstock
More popularly known as the “City of Gentle People,” Dumaguete City is the
capital and primary seaport of Negros Oriental. Typical of a provincial
capital of an island province, the city is full of beach resorts and
dive sites, and is considered one of the best places for beachfront
living on a budget. In fact, the city was listed among some of the most
affordable and ideal places to retire to in the 2014 Retire Overseas Index.
Rent per month: Range from Php13,000 to Php18,000
Hospitals: 3 (tertiary)
Commercial centers: 5
9. Bacolod City
Bacolod City. Photo via Shutterstock
Identified by the Department of Science and Technology as a center of excellence
for business process outsourcing (BPO) and information technology, the
city hosts a number of BPO companies and voice call centers. While this
has resulted in rapid urbanization, sugarcane plantations and heritage
houses are still typical sights in the city. Like the island locale that
it is, Bacolod also has a number of beach and resort properties
suitable for retirement.
Hospitals: 10
Number of malls/commercial centers: 20
10. Cagayan de Oro City
Cagayan de Oro Press Freedom Monument. Photo by Amarkgio via Wikimedia
Cagayan de Oro City has long been Mindanao’s melting pot. Situated along the
northern shores of the island, its economy is driven by agricultural
activity and real estate developments, most notably commercial and
leisure projects. However, the city also offers plenty of natural
attractions, including white-water rafting in Cagayan de Oro River.
While highly urbanized and currently ranked the 10th most populated city in
the Philippines, Cagayan de Oro is ideal for retirement thanks to still
being somewhat rural and laid-back but also being a place with plenty of
leisure and medical facilities. The city is also very accessible, with
regular scheduled flights to Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
Rent per month: Range from Php16,000 for a fully furnished three-bedroom house to Php90,000 for a five-bedroom, 400-sqm house
Hospitals: 11
Commercial centers: 18
11. Davao City
Davao City’s Chinatown. Photo by Shubert Ciencia via Wikimedia
Arguably Mindanao’s commercial and business center, Davao City is a budding
business hub and a popular tourist destination that many expat retirees
have chosen as their retirement destination. It helps that the United
States, Japan, Palau, and Malaysia have consular offices here. For such a
fast-growing city, the cost of living in Davao is relatively
affordable. The city is served by an international airport with regular
scheduled flights to Manila, Cebu, and even Singapore, while it is also a
jump-off point to Samal Island for those who would like a weekend
R&R.
Rent per month: Range from Php18,000 to Php90,000
Hospitals: 31
Commercial centers: 18
12. Baguio City
Baguio City. Photo via Shutterstock
Although Baguio City has experienced rapid urbanization in the last two decades,
the City of Pines has retained most of its old charm. It continues to
have the trappings of a highland resort, such as quaint B&Bs, cozy
cafés, breezy tourist spots, and fresh produce from neighboring La
Trinidad Valley. This, coupled with the cool climate, makes the city
popular with vacationers and retirees alike. Although it is
significantly smaller than other cities like Manila or Cebu, it is by no
means inconvenient. It has a good number of commercial centers, BPO
centers, good schools, and hospitals within its boundaries.
Rent per month: Range from Php13,000 to Php110,500 for a forest cabin-style property
Hospitals: 5
Commercial centers: 6
13. Tagum City
Kayaking in Nabintad River, Tagum City. Photo by S5Switch via Wikimedia Commons
Although this city has always been overshadowed by its more popular neighbor
Davao City, Tagum (the provincial capital of Davao Del Norte) has been
getting a lot of attention in recent years. It is cited as one of the
most livable cities in the Philippines, and is home to a number of
festivals including one that celebrates music and another that
celebrates bananas (one of its main crops is the beloved fruit enjoyed
all over the world). The city also has a number of good hospitals,
branches of national banks, tertiary schools, and shopping centers, and
is conveniently accessible to Davao’s international airport through the
Pan-Philippine Highway.
Hospitals: 6
Commercial centers: 4
14. Lipa City
Lipa City’s poblacion area. Photo by Ramon FVelasquez via Wikimedia Commons
A recreational, religious, commercial, industrial, and educational center
for the province of Batangas, Lipa City offers an adequate deal of
urban amenities set upon a rural backdrop. Its location between Mount
Malarayat and Mount Makulot gives it a relatively cooler climate
compared to its neighboring towns, making it an ideal location for
leisure estates that target vacationers and retirees alike. It is home
to a number of health resorts, golf estates, and gated communities.
Rent per month: A typical newly built, three-bedroom house rents for Php25,000
Hospitals: 10
Commercial centers: 2 (major shopping malls)
15. Batangas City
Port of Batangas. Photo via Wikimedia Commons
The largest city and provincial capital of Batangas, it is deemed as one of
the fastest growing cities in the Philippines. Dubbed as the industrial
port city of the CALABARZON region, Batangas City’s economy is mainly
driven by trade, services, and manufacturing. Despite all this, the city
is still relatively laid-back. Living in Batangas City gives retirees a
central location that is accessible to beach resorts and trek sites. It
is also the jump-off point to Puerto Galera in Mindoro Island.
Rent per month: A typical newly built, three-bedroom house rents for Php25,000
Hospitals: 5
Commercial centers: 9
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