The Philippines is famous for its vibrant culture, hospitality, friendly English-speaking population, natural attractions, and tropical climate. It also has an open policy for retirees who can expect a good life at an affordable cost.
The country has a host of locations tailored for a retirees’ convenience. With 7,107 islands featuring gorgeous beaches, upland communities, and busy metropolises, the Philippines offers retirement options for almost any person of any lifestyle. Here are ten of some of the best locations that foreign retirees may consider moving to.
1. Santa Rosa City, Laguna
Proximity to Manila is perhaps this suburban area’s biggest draw. Immediately south of the capital, Sta. Rosa boast of an integrated township that includes gated communities, medium- and high-rise condos, offices, and retail shops. Sta. Rosa is accessible via the South Luzon Expressway. It has two exits: Santa Rosa (KM 38) and Greenfield City – ETON City – ABI (KM 42). Driving along the Sta. Rosa – Tagaytay Road is one of the easiest ways to reach Tagaytay City, a popular weekend getaway. The city is often called the Makati of the South due to its economic vibrancy as home to a number of special economic zones, industrial parks, and master-planned communities. For retirees, Sta. Rosa offers a modern suburban area with hardly any pollution. It is also a good starting point for easy travel to Alabang, Manila, and Makati in the north and Tagaytay, Silang, and Nasugbu in the south. Land area: 54.84 km2 (21.17 sq mi) Population: 353,767 Cost of Living: Starting at US$1,200 (₱60,900) for two people (inclusive of a ₱10,000 rental for a one-bedroom house) Hospitals: 9 Commercial Centers: 11 Tourist Destinations: Enchanted Kingdom, Cuartel de Santo Domingo, Museo De Santa Rosa, Ancestral Houses, Santa Rosa Arch, City Plaza, Solenad, and the Santa Rosa de Lima Parish Church.2. Calamba City, Laguna
Calamba is often referred to as the Resort Capital of the Philippines because of its many hot spring resorts located mostly in Barangay Pansol, Bucal and Bagong Kalsada. However, the city has as of late come to be known as a residential destination as well, thanks to the emergence of premiere developments around the area. Calamba lies on the northern slopes of Mount Makiling, a dormant volcano. The southern terminus of the South Luzon Expressway is in Calamba and this geographic position makes the city a gateway to the southern provinces of Luzon. 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. Land area: 149.50 km2 (57.72 sq mi) Population: 454,486 Cost of Living: starting at US$1100 (₱55,800) for two people (inclusive an ₱8,000 rental for a one-bedroom house) Hospitals: 10 Commercial Centers: 9 Tourist Destinations: Rizal Shrine, Calamba Rizal Park/The Plaza, Banga/Pot of Calamba, St. John the Baptish Parish Church, Republ1c Wakepark, Wonder Island Resort, and Hot Spring Resorts3. Cebu
Known as the “Queen City of the South,” Cebu City was previously declared by CBS MoneyWatch as one of the best and most affordable places to retire in. It combines all the conveniences of a major modern city with close proximity to beaches and mountains. Located in one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines, Cebu is the region's center of commerce, education, industry and trade. It's also home to four large private medical facilities, including the Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital which is considered one of the best in the Philippines. The city is readily accessible by air via the Mactan–Cebu International Airport located in Lapu-Lapu City which has direct international flights to Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, China, Taiwan, Los Angeles, Dubai and South Korea, Charter flights to Russia and domestic destinations. Land area: 4,943.72 km2(1,908.78 sq mi) Population: 2,938,982 Cost of Living: starting at US$1500 (₱76,100) for two people (inclusive of ₱15,000 rental for a one-bedroom house) Hospitals: At least 16 major hospitals Commercial Centers: 29 Tourist Destinations: There is a significant number of Filipino-Spanish heritage buildings in Cebu City such as Fort San Pedro, Basilica del Santo Niño, Magellan's Cross, and the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. The city hosts the Museo Sugbo and Casa Gorordo Museum. The Cebu Taoist Temple is also situated within the city.4. Clark
Already a top retirement area among Americans, it’s also fast becoming popular for locals as well in lieu of the low cost of living in the area. The opening of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) offered ease of mobility in the greater Clark region, which includes the cities of Angeles and San Fernando and the town of Mabalacat. Clark International Airport, which is also known as the international gateway to the North, has local and international flights daily. It gives a more convenient way for retirees to enjoy their trip without thinking about the hassles and inconveniences. Land area: 2,002.20 km2(773.05 sq mi) Population: 2,198,110 Cost of Living: starting at US$1000 (₱50,700) for two people (inclusive of ₱6,000 rental for a one-bedroom house) Hospitals: Global Gateway Logistics City inside the Clark Freeport Zone. The medical city is a state-of-the-art tertiary hospital facility that is equipped with the latest in medical technology. Commercial Centers: 10 Tourist Destinations: Clark Museum, SandBox Alviera, Paradise Ranch, Zoocobia, and Nayong Pilipino sa Clark5. Subic
Located on Luzon Island’s eastern side is Subic Bay, which is renowned for wreck diving and adventure parks. As a former American military base, it offers a Western-style suburban lifestyle, complete with private hospitals, good schools, duty-free shopping, hotels and resorts, and lively dining scene and nightlife. It’s also very accessible to Clark through the SCTEX. While there is plenty to do and see in Subic, one of its biggest draws as a retirement area is the location’s cleanliness and orderliness. Traffic rules are strictly enforced and it has its own police and fire service. Land area: 287.16 km2 (110.87 sq mi) Population: 104,771 Cost of Living: starting at US$1,500 (76,100) for two people (inclusive of ₱20,000 rental for a one-bedroom house) Hospitals: 3 Commercial Centers: 5 Tourist Destinations: Pamulaklakin Nature Park, Zoobic Safari, JEST Camp (Jungle Survival training)6. Baguio
Although the City of Pines and the country’s summer capital has experienced quite a huge dose of commercialization, it has retained its old charm, with quaint bed-and-breakfast, charming cafés, and fresh produce from neighboring La Trinidad Valley. A major drawback, though, is its distance from Manila, which even with the improvement of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the opening of SCTEX and the first section of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) is still at least six hours away. Baguio sits about 5,300 feet above sea level in the Luzon tropical pine forest ecoregion. Expats in the area can enjoy outdoor activities such as golf, horseback riding and biking, as well as Baguio’s many festivals and art gatherings. Land area: 57.51 km2 (22.20 sq mi) - highly urbanized area 1,094.79 km2 (422.70 sq mi) - metro Population: 345,366 Cost of Living: starting at US$1,500 (₱76,100) for two people (inclusive of ₱13,000 rental for a one-bedroom house) Hospitals: 5 Commercial Centers: 6 Tourist Destinations: Burnham Park, Mines View Park, Teacher's Camp, and Baguio Cathedral7. Davao City
Davao City is a growing business hub and a popular tourist destination that many expat retirees have chosen as their retirement destination. It also has the distinction of being the only Philippine city to reach the top 100 in the London-based City Mayors Foundation’s world’s fastest-growing city 2011. The United States, Japan, Palau, and Malaysia have consular offices here. 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. Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak, can be found in Davao, along with luxury beach resorts in the neighboring Samal Island. And interestingly, for such a fast-growing city, the cost of living in Davao is still relatively affordable. Land area: City: 2,443.61 km2 (943.48 sq mi) Urban: 293.78 km2 (113.43 sq mi) Metro: 3,964.95 km2(1,530.88 sq mi) Population: 2,516,216 Cost of Living: starting at US$1,000 (₱50,000) for two people (inclusive of ₱8,000 rental for a one-bedroom house) Hospitals: 31 Commercial Centers: 18 Tourist Destinations: Philippine Eagle Foundation and Nature Center, Mount Apo, Gap Farming Resort, the Davao Crocodile Park, Malagos Garden Resort, Eden Nature Park, and People's Park8. Metro Manila
Metro Manila, believe it or not, is still the Philippines’ main magnet for retirees. As the country’s nerve center, it is home to world-class hospitals, exciting lifestyle and leisure options, and a mature property market. The fact that property development in the Philippines is concentrated in Metro Manila also gives retirees plenty of options. The biggest downside, however, is its deteriorating quality of the environment and the traffic. Land area: 613.94 km2 (237.04 sq mi) Population: 12,877,253 Cost of Living: starting at US$1,500 (₱76,100) for two people (inclusive of ₱15,000 rental for a one-bedroom house) Hospitals: 179 Commercial Centers: 28 Tourist Destinations: Intramuros include the Baluarte de San Diego, Club Intramuros Golf Course, Cuartel de Santa Lucia, Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, Palacio Arzobispal, Palacio de Santa Potenciana, Palacio del Gobernador, Plaza Mexico, Plaza de Roma, San Agustin Church and its newest tourist attraction, the Ayuntamiento de Manila9. Dumaguete
Dumaguete is the capital, principal seaport and largest city in the Philippine province of Negros Oriental. And has been consistently named as one of the best places in the world to retire in, as per the Retire Overseas Index, International Living, Forbes and others. Its affordable beachfront living and good climate are just some of its biggest draws as the city is full of beach resorts, dive sites, and other attractions. Land area: 33.62 km2 (12.98 sq mi) Population : 131,377 Cost of Living: starting at US$1,500 (₱76,100) for two people (inclusive of ₱13,000 rental for a one-bedroom house) Hospitals: 3 Commercial Centers: 5 Tourist Destinations: Rizal Boulevard, Paseo Perdices, Silliman Hall-home of University's Anthropology Museum; St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral, and Campanario de Dumaguete10. Tagaytay
Just two hours away from Manila, Tagaytay is known as the “Second Summer Capital of the Philippines”. Tagaytay City is a very comfortable place to live in. Although it is a fully developed city with many housing properties to choose from, Tagaytay still feels bucolic and refreshing. It is known for its beautiful scenery and cooler climate – a function of its high altitude – rests on the shores of Lake Taal, in the center of which sits Taal Volcano Island. Although its popularity as a vacation spot makes it quite costly to live in, the surrounding 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. The city also teems with restaurants, hotels, golf resorts, and many other leisure options. Land area: 65.00 km2 (25.10 sq mi) Population: 71,181 Cost of Living: starting at US$1,500 (₱76,100) or two people (inclusive of ₱13,000 rental for a one-bedroom house) Hospitals: 2 Commercial Centers: 4 Tourist Destinations: Taal Volcano and its surrounding lake, SM Sky Ranch Amusement Park, Ayala Malls Serin, Robinsons Summit Ridge, Picnic Grove Complex, and People's Park in the SkySaving up for retirement
It may seem like you still have a lot of time to prepare for retirement when you’re still young, because it feels like a lifetime away. However, getting ready for it requires long and careful planning, that’s why you’re better off preparing as soon as you can if not now. The later you prepare in life, the more more you have put away every month. This is due to the power of compounding interest, where the longer saving period you have, the more your time your fund will have to grow. There isn’t really any shortage of places for a comfortable (and inexpensive) retirement in the Philippines. Take your pick: a life beside the beach, up on the mountains, or at the center of an exciting city. It’s all here. The first step to make this happen is to start planning and saving up for your retirement now. Population as of 2005 census by psa.govThe post Top 10 Places For Retirement In The Philippines appeared first on iMoney.ph.
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