The Philippines is an archipelago with 7,640 islands. Each island is unique and offers a wide variety of culture, opportunities, and people. As the country continuously develops and progresses, the Philippines now witnesses a boom in the real estate industry. As a result, choosing the best place to live can be confusing. Here, we sorted out the best cities in the Philippines. Here, we sorted out the best places in the Philippines to live in 2022!
What to consider when choosing the best place to live in the Philippines?
Cost of Living
The cost of living differs significantly across the country. Households usually need to spend on rent, transportation, food, utilities, and many more. Knowing the expenses required to live a quality life in a particular place will help you decide whether or not you can afford to move to that location.
Culture
Fitting well and feeling welcomed by your neighborhood is essential when moving to a new home. That is why, before moving into a new place, you should look at the level of diversity in that area and predominating culture. This will help you diagnose whether you can easily integrate into that community.
Employment Opportunities
To support your needs and your family, you need to have a stable job. Therefore, when choosing the right place to live in, employment opportunities are essential. Each city has its specialized industry and business center. It would make sense if you moved into a home where you can maximize your potential in your chosen career while earning a decent income.
Ease of Transportation
Transportation is one of the factors worth considering when choosing the best place to live in. Ease of transport will allow you to maximize your time with your work or with your loved ones because you no longer have to spend hours waiting inside your car just because you are stuck in heavy traffic. In some cities, streamlined public transportation is also available. This significantly saves you a lot of money because you no longer have to invest in having your vehicle.
Education System
If you have children, the available school in a place would matter. You would want to ensure that the school you will be sending your children can give them a quality education. You would also like to send your children to a school accessible to your home and workplace.
Safety
When looking for a place to live in, it is crucial to look at the crime rate and crime statistics. While no one can ultimately reduce the risk of falling victim to a crime to an absolute 0%, knowing the crime statistics and looking for a place where the crime rate is low will still better protect you and your family.
What are the safest places to live in the Philippines?
Five cities have been named by Numbeo, an online database that provides information about the living conditions in countries across the globe, as part of the ten safest cities in Southeast Asia. These cities are Valenzuela City, Davao, Makati, Baguio, and Cebu.
Valenzuela City
When walking during daylight and night, Valenzuela’s safety is rated very high and high, respectively, by Numbeo. Crimes such as assault, armed robbery, corruption, and bribery are also low in this area.
Davao City
Davao City received the Safe Haven Award to recognise its effort to elevate public safety and sophisticated security measures to combat the threats of terrorism and other heinous crimes in the area.
Makati City
Because of the vast presence of businesses, hotels, and high-end shopping malls in this highly-urbanized city, law enforcement in the area has been stringent. Crimes such as assault and armed robbery in Makati City are low. When walking during daylight and night, the safety in Makati City is also rated high by Numbeo.
Baguio City
Baguio City has one of the lowest crime rates in the Philippines because of multiple factors. Fighting crime in Baguio City has always been a joint effort between the police and the community, making policing easier. The discipline law enforcers also enforce progressive safety programs that create more measures to ensure safety and order in the city.
Cebu City
The safety of walking alone in Cebu during broad daylight is high. There is a constant police presence in key areas to ensure public safety. The thriving local businesses in Cebu also incentivized the provincial government to devise better security measures.
Best Cities to Live in the Philippines
Baguio City
Baguio City is known as the Philippines’ summer capital due to its cool climate compared to other cities. You can find various commercial and local businesses in the city. From ukay-ukay stalls, fruit and vegetable markets, to shopping malls, Baguio has them all. Baguio City is the place for you if you want to experience a more laid-back atmosphere and wake up to scenic beauty.
Santa Rosa City
Sta. Rosa City is an industrial city in Laguna. The continuous development of Sta. Rosa paved the way for multiple residential developments in the city. Here you can find condominiums, exclusive villages, and luxury estates. Sta. Rosa is an area of greens and features many modern comforts and commercial establishments, not to mention that it is just a short drive away from Manila.
Iloilo City
Iloilo is a vibrant city situated on the island of Panay, Visayas. This city provides its locals with massive opportunities because of its emerging business and commercial centers. Iloilo is now also on par with most major cities in the country regarding public utilities and infrastructures. As a result, there is an increase of investors flocking into the city, giving rise to more residential developments.
Dumaguete City
Dumaguete City is dubbed as The City of Gentle People because of its genuine hospitality. The city offers a relaxed island living filled with fun activities and festivals. Dumaguete features a perfect balance of leisure, industries, and culture, making it an ideal living place.
Cavite City
Cavite City is one of the best places to live in because of its high accessibility from Manila through the South Luzon Expressway. Cavite City boasts a wide variety of industries that provide massive opportunities to the locals. In recent years, Cavite City witnessed a rise in residential developers. One of these developers is Bilkenn, one of the fastest-growing real estate developers in the Philippines that develops quality house and lot units in Cavite.
Choosing the right place to live can be confusing. We hope that, through this list, we can help guide you to find the perfect place for your ideal home that you and your family deserve.