Best Places to Live in the Philippines

Metropolitan Manila has long since carried the reputation of being a center of progress and economic growth. But as years passed, the cities have become congested, as large numbers of the population concentrated in one place.

Traffic, not just in the streets but also in services is evident. What places are competent enough to stand in line with the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila yet relaxing enough to provide a laid back lifestyle? The next wave of emerging cities in the Philippines might just be your new adventure.

Where to Live and Invest in the Philippines?

Metro Manila, especially big cities like Makati City, Taguig City, Quezon City, has long been a center for business in the Philippines. But as our population booms and cities become more congested, we look for other major cities that are still in ideal location outside the capital city to live in.

There is a need for balance to gradually guide progress from the center and expand it evenly to different parts of the country.

Placing one’s country on the map

Real estate is an essential legend to make one place relevant on the map. Homes bring in people; people bring in businesses, and businesses bring in jobs. From there, jobs bring in profit, and profit brings us all closer to better living standards.

Location, location, location

When buying a real estate property, “location, location, location” has always been the golden factor. The seemingly redundant intention is to express the importance of a good setting for your home before making a purchase decision.

We find ourselves attracted to the city life in metropolitan areas because of the convenient access to central business districts that bring essential amenities and facilities.

These are schools, hospitals, workplaces, churches, shopping centers, international airport, transport terminals, other places for leisure, access to neighboring provinces, and more importantly, a stable economy.

But there are prime communities outside of Metro Manila that offer the same convenience and profit for real estate investors.

Prime real estate properties may be considered expensive, with higher cost of living, but think of it this way – it is an investment for your future! Property developers like Camella offer you flexible payment methods and exclusive promos that make investing in these cities more attractive.

Next Megacities

The next big thing

We made a list of the best places to live in the Philippines, with prime locations in an urban setting and the option to satisfy your desire for a provincial experience.

One of the most valid reasons for these cities as the next big thing is they can support information technology business process management (IT-BPM) and business process outsourcing (BPO) companies within a business hub.

These areas are consistently entering charts in encouraging economic opportunities.

They are favorable destinations that you may consider to find your family house and lot or breaking ground for your entrepreneurial ventures based on their minor and major infrastructures, working sector inventory, and business environment.

Opening up to international communities

The presence of multinational companies in these emerging cities does not only bring in jobs and business opportunities. They also serve as invitation to expat families whose family members have been assigned to the country.

Serving the needs of the international markets

Many multinational companies consider a number of factors before bringing in their businesses and personnel some of which are : looking into the safest cities, world class hospitals that have expat health insurance services, international schools or prime universities like the de la Salle college, quick access to international airports like the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Clark International Airport, and the Mactan Cebu International Airport, and all the amenities and conveniences available in said places.

Other than being a bustling city or a financial capital, they also consider a city’s rich culture or its rich cultural heritage as well as natural resources and beauty like white sand beaches and local culture. Outdoorsy expats may give preference to living in a coastal city like Lipa City in Batangas City.

Those without families however may go after condominium units in a big city that cater more to an urban life and lifestyle like the Santa Rosa City in Southern Philippines.

Best Places to Live in the Philippines

Baguio City: Heating for Economic Growth

Baguio City, also known as the City of Pines, is located in the Cordillera Administrative Region or CAR. It has a mountainous topography of towering peaks, plateaus, and alternating patches of valleys.

The Cordillera mountain range bears a history as intricate as its mountainous curves — having abundant mineral reserves like gold, silver, copper, zinc, and other nonmetallic reserves.

Philippines’ Summer Capital

Baguio City is where the usual metropolitan heat is muted. While the rest of the country is frequently under the sun, it is blanketed by the opposite weather. Locals in the region enjoy a cool climate throughout the year, especially in highly elevated places. 

As a result, thousands of local and foreign visitors take their annual retreat to the city in March, April, and May. This earned the city its title as the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

The general climate is the dry season from November to April and the rainy season for the rest of the year, with average temperatures ranging from 15-23°C. 

Baguio City has become one of the major economic cores up North due to the steady growth of Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) in the area.

Real estate developers are keeping up with the city’s openings, building more projects to cater to the growing demand for BPO-friendly spaces and the continuous demands for accommodations, whether it is for new settlers or tourists.

The busy city buzz may be absent in the area, but it compensates with the peaceful surrounding that some investors prefer.

A Vacation Destination

It runs on its reputation as a top vacation destination, making most of the tourism-oriented investments, from small local stores, tour guide services, and raising bars with its well-known accommodations and restaurants. Currently, Six IT ventures are at the Baguio Economic. 

It also serves as a home to beautiful plants that wouldn’t usually grow elsewhere in the country. Beautiful flowers and vegetation are present in the city, and colorful houses are also abundant in the area.

They are one of the biggest suppliers of fruits and vegetables in the Philippines. It is often known that they offer more affordable prices for such goods. 

You can visit some of the iconic locations in the city for the complete Baguio experience, stroll around Burnham Park, Camp John Hay, Mines View Park, People’s Park, and the Baguio Cathedral.

A highly recommended local food for you to try is a steaming cup of strawberry taho. You can also go to a strawberry farm and pick some fresh fruits. It is easily accessible by bus or car.

Presence of Road Networks

With the addition of the nearly completed Tarlac Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) extension, the drive from Metro Manila to Baguio is now only at three to four hours. This improvement is making the city more attractive to investors as it becomes increasingly accessible.

Puerto Princesa City: More than a Tourist Gateway

Live in the Philippines’ Last Frontier

Palawan is a dream destination for many. If the photos online are doing an excellent job of enticing you into this beautiful city with its natural attractions, then it’s no wonder that you’ve already had countless plans to visit. These picturesque views are most likely true to their form.

But in the middle of Palawan’s majestic views is a booming economic city. Puerto Princesa City nestles in the province, and it has plenty of beaches and islands with pristine white sands to dig your feet into. How many times have we seen a jaw-dropping picture of El Nido or Coron?

Natural Attractions and Man-mass Tourist Spots

For those who have visited both locations, reviews and opinions from locals and tourists are the same – it’s beautiful. Aside from its natural beauty, the city also has man-made tourist spots that are worth experiencing.

You can visit the famous Baker’s Hill and buy their popular hopiang munggo and other baked goods. Plus, you can pose with the giant figurines and designs in the area. Also, you can feast your eyes on the colorful wings of different butterflies when you visit their Butterfly garden.

Palawan’s own version of Cherry Blossoms

In addition to these attractions, the Balayong (Palawan Cherry Blossoms) Park near the city hall has recently opened after years of construction and planting. It also includes an interactive water display. 

The geographical area of Palawan has no existing fault line; on top of that, the island is adorned with a wide array of flora and fauna. As it continuously brings in tourists, the local government makes sure to maintain its natural landscape.

The city proves its development by being more than just a cover page of tourism and by having major infrastructures in the making. 

Its accommodation of people from all walks of life contributes to its economic growth. Living in Palawan is an advantage to those inclined to venture into tourism and accommodations.

More Developments for Palawan

In 2019, the city also received a pledge for a P27-billion investment from different companies, meaning more developments along the way. 

Real estate has also built foundations, attracting more investments not just locally but internationally. It has long since opened its doors for new settlers or immigrants. Online sites and pages are available for viewing in guiding you to find your home in this paradise. 

Last year, the province welcomed 1.3 million tourists. It is evident in this figure that business growth is driven by dynamic tourism.

Island resorts, accommodations are promising business opportunities in the locale. With more infrastructure projects nearing completion in Palawan, the city will be in a better economic position.

Dasmariñas: Builders of New Economic Opportunities

Growing Economic Activity

Located in Southern Philippines, the City of Dasmariñas, also known as Dasma, is one of the fastest and most aggressive local government units in the province of Cavite when it comes to growing its economic activity, adding one agenda to another.

It is a first-class component city with multiple commercial establishments scattered throughout the city. These developments include major shopping malls, fast food, groceries, convenience stores, restaurants, and other service-oriented businesses.

University Capital in Cavite

Making an even stronger economic frontier, these establishments are mostly found in the City Center and the Central Business District. Other industrial establishments are on the outskirts of the city. It also offers unlimited career choices, with it having the greatest number of universities in the province. 

From an agricultural-based economy, the city has evolved into a highly urbanized, commercialized, and industrialized place, boasting industrial estates, factories, and business establishments scattered in the different barangays.

Dasmariñas is home to a sizable population of residents occupying residential subdivisions in the city. Here, residents have access to banks, financial centers, and other establishments, making the area a financial and commercial district of the municipality.

Presence of Road Networks

The Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) is an alignment connecting South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) that will cut travel time from two hours to 45 minutes. You can reach its neighboring provinces, also abounding in top tourist destinations in less than two hours.

It has continually braved its way into progress and has three economic zones: Molave Industrial Compound, Dasmariñas Technopark, and First Cavite Industrial Estates. Creating a foundation for the rise of mixed-use development is expected to lure investments and businesses into the country. 

The rapid development of the city and its inevitable growth will reach its peak because of the presence of different local and international business ventures focusing on educational and health institutions.

In addition, a growing number of house and lot subdivisions are built to accommodate its increasing population.

Prime Developments of Vista Land

Real estate developments have flourished in the area, and there is still a high demand for more. In 2014, Vista Land launched Vista Alabang, a township of 1,500 hectares spanning the space where Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Bacoor, and Dasmariñas meet. This housing initiative started the real estate boom in the city.

Vista Alabang, a township of 1,500 hectares spanning the area where Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Bacoor, and Dasmariñas meet, was launched by Vista Land, starting a real estate boom in the city.

 Camella Dasma at the Islands is a first-class house and lot development designed for high-quality living for local Filipinos and Filipinos abroad. The project is located in Paliparan II, Dasmariñas City, Cavite, about 15 minutes away from Alabang via Daang Hari Road and 45 minutes from Makati via SLEX. 

It remains one of the top choices of well-to-do families largely due to its accessibility to several commercial establishments, schools, and hospitals. 

Camella in Praverde, a brand new Mediterranean-inspired house and lot development in the area, is now being built and strategically located as it is close to the National Capital Region.

Dumaguete: In Pursuit for Aggressive Development

City of Gentle People

Coined as the “City of Gentle People,” Negros Oriental is most recognized for the kind-hearted nature of its locals. The place is fitting to satisfy your thirst for exploration and laid-back travel for relaxation. Dumaguete is the capital of the province of Negros Oriental and is referred to as a university city.

Educational Destination for Local and Foreign Students

It is a biggest city popular as an educational destination for students because of the presence of four universities and a variety of other colleges where students of the province converge to enroll in tertiary education.

The city is best known for Silliman University, the country’s first Protestant university and the first American university in Asia.

One of the hotspots in the city is the historic Saint Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral, right beside the 200-year-old Dumaguete Belfry. You can also visit Quezon Park and the Ninoy Aquino Freedom Park landmarks.

Let’s not forget the scenic Rizal Boulevard, a place to unwind while witnessing it bustling with activity day or night.

Third Best City in the Visayas

The City is recognized as the third-best city in the Visayas in 2020’s Competitiveness Index Rankings of cities and municipalities. The cities were ranked based on overall competitiveness scores determined by the values of actual and complete data on economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, and resilience.

It can be said that the rise in the city’s modernization program might still be in its early stages, but this is also an excellent time to consider investing in Dumaguete City’s real estate investment and expect it to appreciate over time. The city is listed 5th in Forbes Magazine’s “7 Best Places to Retire Around the World”.

Rich Culture and Natural Attractions

Dumaguete has a considerable number of local and foreign tourists. Visitors are drawn to the availability of beach resorts and dive sites and dolphin and whale watching in nearby Bais City. It has rapidly modernized its beautiful landscape, complementing the kind-natured citizens living in the city.

The rich history present in Dumaguete is further appreciated by their accommodation of visitors and the student population.

Beyond its tourism, Dumaguete is rapidly modernizing and becoming a hub for communications with more infrastructure developments. Dumaguete City’s economy is hopeful for more businesses to form more jobs, given that it is home to educational institutions and tourism sites.

There has also been an increased presence of business process outsourcing (BPO) and information technology (IT) companies.

One of the critical features of the city is its power source, which comes from the geothermal power plant in Palinpinon, Valencia. Infrastructure projects are also in full swing in the town.

The Metro Dumaguete by-pass and diversion roads aim to decongest traffic along the national highway progressing to Dumaguete City. The project was completed within the year 2020. 

Despite this, the cost of living in Dumaguete City is relatively affordable especially good for those who intends to live there on personal finance.

Presence of Road Networks

The Bacolod-Dumaguete- Bayawan Priority Corridor, meanwhile, is a collaboration project of three DPWH (Department of public works and Highways) engineering districts, linking Bacolod City to Negros Oriental. This ease of access between the two Visayan provinces is set to increase trade, economy, and tourism.

Davao City: Thriving in Harmony

A Good Mix of Natural Grandeur and Economic Vitality

Nestled in the southern part of the Philippines, Davao City is a witness to nature’s grandeur and economic vitality. Renowned for its harmonious coexistence of urban developments and natural wonders, Davao City is hailed by many as the best place to live in the Philippines. It is also considered a one of the safest cities in the country where even the traffic rules are strictly enforced and adhered to.

Unique Geography and Topography

Davao City’s geography is a stunning blend of coastal beauty and lush greenery. With the majestic Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak, as its backdrop, the city boasts a diverse landscape that includes pristine beaches, fertile plains, and rolling hills.

This unique topography has shaped the city’s aesthetic appeal and contributed to its rich agricultural productivity.

One of the city’s standout features is its moderate and pleasant climate. Shielded from extreme weather conditions, residents enjoy a comfortable atmosphere throughout the year.

The absence of scorching heat standards in other parts of the country makes Davao City an inviting haven for those seeking a respite from the tropical temperatures prevalent in many Philippine cities.

This climate and strategic location have positioned Davao City as a preferred destination for local and international visitors. The city thrives as a year-round attraction, drawing tourists with its festivals, cultural events, and natural wonders.

Tapestry of Davao Life in its Colorful Festivals

The famous Kadayawan Festival, celebrated every August, showcases the rich indigenous culture of the region, becoming a magnet for those eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Davao life.

The economic landscape of Davao City is equally captivating. As a hub for agribusiness, the city plays a pivotal role in the country’s agricultural sector. It is a major producer of fruits such as durian, pomelo, and banana, contributing significantly to the nation’s export industry.

The city’s proactive approach to sustainable agriculture has attracted investors keen on participating in the growing demand for organic and locally sourced products.

Mindanao’s Primary Business Hub

Furthermore, Davao City has become a focal point for businesses looking to establish a foothold in Mindanao. The local government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and a strong emphasis on safety and order has made Davao City an attractive destination for investors and entrepreneurs alike.

The city’s economy is diversifying beyond agriculture, with sectors like information technology, business process outsourcing, and tourism experiencing rapid growth.

Concern for the Environment

In addition to its economic prowess, Davao City is celebrated for its commitment to environmental conservation. Efforts to balance urban development and ecological sustainability have earned the city recognition as one of the cleanest and greenest in the Philippines.

As the city continues to evolve and embrace progress, it remains firmly rooted in its commitment to providing its residents with a high quality of life. The availability of modern amenities and the natural beauty surrounding the city make Davao City an exceptional place to call home.

Whether you seek the tranquility of nature or the excitement of economic opportunities, Davao City seamlessly weaves these elements into a tapestry of urban living unlike any other in the Philippines.

Iloilo City: Serene and Progressive

Balanced Urban Development and Natural Splendor

In the heart of the Visayan region, Iloilo City emerges as the epitome of balanced urban development and natural splendor. Known for its vibrant economy, world-class beaches, and thriving real estate market, Iloilo City has become a beacon for those seeking a harmonious and fulfilling lifestyle in the Philippines.

An Agricultural Hub

Once an agricultural hub, Iloilo City has transformed into a first-class urban center, marked by many commercial and industrial establishments. The city’s growth is most evident in its central areas, where major shopping complexes, restaurants, and service-oriented businesses create a dynamic cityscape.

The Central Business District and City Center stand as a testament to the city’s commitment to economic progress, offering residents and visitors many options for leisure, shopping, and dining.

A key contributor to Iloilo City’s economic prowess is the strategic presence of the Iloilo International Airport. As a gateway to domestic and international destinations, the airport facilitates seamless connectivity, making the city an attractive hub for business and tourism.

The airport’s modern facilities and efficient operations contribute to the city’s reputation as a thriving economic center.

Coastal Beauty

For those with a penchant for coastal beauty, Iloilo City boasts world-class beaches that rival the best in the archipelago.

The pristine shores and crystal-clear waters of these beaches make them popular tourist destinations and cherished havens for locals seeking relaxation and recreation. From the famed white sands of Boracay to the hidden gems along the Panay coastline, Iloilo City offers a diverse array of beach experiences within easy reach.

Real estate investors find Iloilo City to be a compelling destination, driven by the city’s sustained economic growth and increasing demand for housing. The real estate landscape has flourished, with various developments catering to the diverse needs of residents and investors alike.

The city’s commitment to mixed-use developments creates a foundation for a vibrant and sustainable living environment.

The Iloilo City real estate boom is characterized by projects like the Iloilo Business Park and other residential subdivisions strategically located to accommodate the growing population.

These developments offer accessibility to commercial establishments, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities, making them attractive choices for local Filipinos and those living abroad.

Iloilo City remains committed to balancing progress and serenity as the city evolves. The local government’s focus on sustainable development ensures that the city preserves its natural beauty while providing a conducive environment for economic growth.

With its world-class facilities, thriving economy, and commitment to a high quality of life, Iloilo City is the best place to live in the Philippines, offering a harmonious blend of urban excitement and coastal tranquility.

If a real estate investor like you finds any of these places worthy of your investment, you may check out Camella’s properties for sale across the Philippines.