With the growing opportunities, it is not rare to hear stories of people who visited once and came back to settle in Iloilo.
We are currently living in a stressful environment. Frequently, we experience breakdowns and look for time to rest. We can find this opportunity to relax while living in the city.
Living in the metro has its pros and cons. While it puts you close to opportunities and the biggest establishments, it also means enduring the traffic queues, cramped spaces, and polluted surroundings.
But what if you can live in a city that lets you enjoy a peaceful and laid-back lifestyle? You can realize that ideal life here in Iloilo City.
Living in Iloilo
A Highly Urbanized City on the Panay Island
Iloilo City is one of the major cities in the Philippines. Formerly labeled as the Queen City of the South before Cebu, it is a highly urbanized city on Panay Island, endowed with beautiful landscapes and surrounded by remnants of rich history through its historical landmarks.
City of Gastronomy
Recently, UNESCO has recognized Iloilo as the City of Gastronomy, honoring the local dishes and delicious food unique to the town.
Iloilo Province’s capital city also caught everybody’s attention because of its sustainability efforts. Fresh seafood also abounds in the province.
With the growing opportunities in the city, it is not rare to hear stories of people who visited once and returned to settle in Iloilo City.
Why You Should Settle in Iloilo City
Iloilo has been dubbed as one of the most livable cities in the Philippines. If you are curious about what makes people stay in Iloilo City, we give you all the reasons below:
There are Business Opportunities and Economic Development
Iloilo City, despite being smaller compared to other major cities like Cebu City, Davao City, and Manila, has attracted investors over the past years.
Iloilo city offers endless opportunities for local and foreign investors alike, leading to the opening of more business establishments like hotels, shopping malls, business process outsourcing (BPO) companies, and restaurants.
This does not only provide job opportunities but also ensure that the province remain financially stable.
Efficient Local Government
The local government is also active and attentive in pooling infrastructure projects in the city as well as implementing smart rules for the public.
As a result, entrepreneurs flock in as the city becomes more diverse and competitive, creating more job openings across many industries and drawing job hunters.
Known for its friendly people, Iloilo City also offers a safe environment for its visitors as well as investors.
Moving towards a service-based economy, the city’s growth becomes stable with more opportunities for long-term jobs and sustainable life.
Iloilo City is Designed to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle
A Blend of Old and New
Iloilo City is well-planned compared to most highly urbanized cities in the Philippines. It is also notable that while there is much new infrastructure, the city managed to preserve its historic streets and old mansions, and heritage houses with Spanish influence.
Proffering Healthy Lifestyles
Along the city highways, you can find well-maintained, tree-lined bike lanes and pedestrian paths that encourage people to take alternative routes to work, the grocery store, or any other errand.
Within the city, itself is the Esplanade, which is a long jogging path along the Iloilo River with recreational parks.
This makes physical activities more enjoyable as residents and visitors catch fresh air. On top of that, Iloilo city also offers activities such as free Zumba classes to the public.
Iloilo city itself is not far from the beauty of nature, with numerous white sand beaches accessible from the city.
Gateway to Beautiful Beaches and Other Tropical Paradise
With the Iloilo International Airport and Seaport that allow convenient access to other cities with top tourist spots as well as international destinations, Iloilo is also the gateway to well-known beaches, including Boracay and Guimaras Island.
The province also has many destinations such as rivers, mountains, waterfalls, and caves that you can enjoy over the weekend.
Colorful Festivals and Delicious Cuisine
Known for its vibrant and colorful festivities and delicious local cuisine, Iloilo City’s major crowd drawer is the Dinagyang Festival held annually every fourth Sunday in January.
A cultural and religious festival in Iloilo City held right after Cebu City’s Sinumog and the Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, Aklan. Considered one of the biggest festivals in the country drawing over a million local and international tourists every year.
The Dinagyang Festival has been awarded Best Tourism event by the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines (ATOP) in 2006, 2007, and 2008 and back to back in 2020 and 2021. Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival is also a record holder for the highest number of Aliwan Festival victories.
Aliwan is an yearly competition that showcases diverse cultural celebrations across the country. With all the accolades, Dinagyang Festival is often billed as “The Queen of all Philippine Festivals.”
The 100-day countdown to the Dinagyang Festival 2024 with the theme “Pagdayaw kay Señor Sto. Nino, Padayaw sang mga Ilonggo!” was led by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas who said, “We bring back the honor and glory to our dear Señor Sto. Nino as we continue to be nothing but extremely proud of our resilience.”
It is the Gateway to Multiple Beaches and Destinations in the Entire Panay
The Iloilo International Airport is one of the major airports that offers domestic and international flights. Singapore, Hongkong, and Korea, which are popular destinations for Filipino travelers, are just one fly away.
Gateway to Numerous Travel Hubs
Connecting passengers to nearby cities and popular destinations in the country and abroad, Iloilo City serves as a gateway to different travel hubs in Western Visayas and around the country.
Prominent tourist attractions are also within reach of the city. Beaches, mountains, and falls are a few hours away from the metro and are easily accessible by either bus, boat, or short flight.
Panay Island Slew of Beaches and Landscapes
Some of the destinations you can visit in Panay Island are the beaches in San Joaquin, Isla de Gigantes, Mt. Napulak, the island and province of Guimaras, Boracay Island in Aklan, and Mararison Island in Antique. You can find a great place or two to unwind at budget friendly rates.
There are also countless options for accommodations, from a decent house if you are a big group to bed and breakfast type, and hotel accommodations – from banal to luxurious.
There are countless spots you could easily visit when you are living here in Iloilo City. If you are a person who loves weekend escape or adventure, living here will fill your weekly itinerary.
You Get to Live Immersed in History and Culture
Monikered the Most Loyal and Noble City
One unique thing about Iloilo is its rich culture and history. During the Spanish period, the city was dubbed the Most Loyal and Noble City, suggesting its strong connection with the Spanish crown.
As a result, many historical relics that can be traced back for decades or centuries are still preserved and functioning around the city, representing its rich cultural heritage.
Even some of the streets have well-kept colonial structures and heritage houses downtown and around the city proper.
Enjoy a Gastronomic Journey
Iloilo City is also home to great food and an exciting stop for a gastronomic journey. The famous La Paz batchoy and Pancit Molo are some of the distinctly Ilonggo foods you must try.
If you are in for the classics, the KBL, kansi, guinamos, and linutik would certainly leave an impression on your taste buds.
With fishing as one of the main industries in the city, it became the home of the best seafood dishes and restaurants as well.
You can find a long strip of these along the city’s coastline, where restaurants have long been serving trademark Ilonggo dishes.
Though there are food recipes that have evolved along with time, the Ilonggo cuisine has maintained the centuries-old culinary tradition.
Some of the famous restaurants that you should not miss in Iloilo City are Madge Café, Netongs, and Balay Camina.
You Get to Enjoy the Perks of the Metro while Living in Peace
Unhurried Life
Living in Iloilo City is not as busy as those in other urban cities. There is considerably lower air pollution and population is still not as dense unlike in other major cities in the country. Salaries are competitive, and stretching your income is more feasible.
Top Educational Institutions
Quality schools like Central Phillippine University, University of the Philippines Visayas, and West Visayas University are also within Iloilo City with reasonable fees.
Traffic is also more manageable in the city, unlike other urbanized cities. It is not overcrowded and it does not have massive pollution problems, making the city less stressful and problematic.
Lastly, people are friendly and warm. They are hospitable and welcoming.
Constantly Rising
Iloilo City is constantly developing, making it an ideal city to settle in. Location-wise, the city is not overpopulated, and the surroundings are well maintained, keeping you at peace despite how busy your everyday routine is.
Apart from that, the hospitable and caring Ilonggos making it ideal for raising a family.
Living in Iloilo City is Less Costly
Based on a comparison index, you can save on your estimated monthly costs if you live in Iloilo City than in Metro Manila, Davao City, Cebu City, and other major cities. That is because consumer prices are much lower in Iloilo.
According to the same index, housing is much cheaper, with rent as much as 80% lower in Iloilo City. That said, buying an apartment or a house and lot for sale in Iloilo is also cheaper.
You can buy 20% more groceries to stock up your pantry with the same amount you spend in Metro Manila. That also means the same quality for a lesser price on sports, leisure, clothing, shoes, and other services.
With these cost of living comparisons, you would only need around half of the money you spend in other big cities to maintain the equivalent lifestyle in Iloilo City.
Where to Live in Iloilo City?
If you want a peaceful and secure lifestyle with easy access to Iloilo City’s best offerings, Camella’s house and lot in Iloilo is your perfect choice.
With Camella Savannah, you are only a few minutes away from the convenience of the city.
Live in Iloilo City. Live in Savannah
This master-planned community also brings the city closer to you, with Vista Mall just right outside your neighborhood gates.
Here, you can find everything that you need, from groceries and coffee to entertainment and home improvement needs.
To know more, check out Camella’s catalog of house and lots for sale and browse other properties for sale across the Philippines.
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