According to Wikipedia, retirement refers to that of one’s permanent withdrawal from a position, occupation, employment, or active life. For most people, retirement seems to be this escape from the fast-paced and stressful way of full-time employment living. Basically, retirement is like a never-ending vacation, so we think it’s only fitting that you choose your retirement location wisely.
The Philippines is a tropical country situated in the southeastern part of Asia. It is home to 7,641 majestic islands and beaches, a primary reason why a lot of tourists over the last couple of years have patronized the country more.
While known for its archipelagic structure, the Philippines also possesses one-of-a-kind and vibrant cultures and traditions, hospitality, an English-speaking population, and, a tropical climate. The Philippines has so much to offer, and we could just keep going on.
With that, the country has then been regarded as one of the best places to retire in. In fact, a lot of expats now live happily and peacefully in the Philippines. Which brings us to this question: which specific places in the Philippines are actually good retirement places?
Turn your eyes onto the list below and find out more about the top cities in the Philippines where expats can buy their second homes:
Tagaytay
Tagaytay is always the first one to come in mind when looking for the perfect place to settle, go on quick getaways, or purchase a vacation home. This is primarily because of Tagaytay’s inviting nature.
Dubbed as the Second Summer Capital of the Philippines is Tagaytay City, a small town in the province of Cavite that has a year-round cold climate, which is obviously one of the top reasons why it has become a favorite getaway spot. More than that, many homebuyers today also look into Tagaytay as the perfect place to either settle or invest in a second home because of the weather, way of living, affordable goods, and tourist destinations, among others.
Batangas
Only about 90 minutes away from the city center is the province of Batangas, another one from the list that most expats, locals, and foreigners alike love.
Batangas is home to most of Manila’s white-sand beaches. Once you get here, you’ll be greeted by a whole lot of private beach resorts, which are perfect for quick weekend getaway trips with family or friends. However, other than its beach resorts, Batangas is also famous for its wide range of second or leisure homes perfect for expats or retirees who want to go on vacation trips every now and then.
Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas, for one, has extraordinary properties perfect for expats who are looking forward to settling someplace safe, peaceful, and quiet. Freia, Pico de Loro’s condo for sale, is one of Hamilo Coast’s most prized developments. it promotes beachfront living, and we all know living just right next to the ocean has its benefits. Not only will expats have a home, but they also get to enjoy their daily life as they engage in the different features, exclusive amenities, and activities the beach resort offers.
Laguna
Its close proximity to Manila is perhaps Laguna’s most significant advantage. It’s one of the very first provinces you get to visit because travel time only takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Not to mention, Laguna has also started to develop through the years, which only means that its towns and cities are now populated by many real estate establishments – particularly condominiums – that make it easier for expats to move into someplace other than Manila.
Way of living in this province isn’t much of a challenge. Transportation hubs are all over the place if you need to go to the city, like Makati. Malls and other essential establishments are also just around the area, making it easier for expats to roam around, search for entertainment, and buy their daily essentials.
Cavite
Neighboring Laguna, Cavite’s easy access to the city center is also what makes it a popular option among expats who wish to live in the Philippines. This town is highly accessible through two of the most important roads in the South, which are the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) in Muntinlupa City, and the Manila-Cavite Expressway in Pasay City.
Today, the province has become a real estate hotspot as real estate developers dominate the area. The whole region of Cavite is big enough to cater to the different wants and needs of expats, which makes it a perfect place to settle.
Subic
Want to stay at someplace clean and orderly? Then, head over to Subic as this town is surprisingly much cleaner and well-ordered as compared to Manila.
Subic is known for its beaches and wreck diving spots. But more than that, Subic is known to have this Americanized, suburban lifestyle, mainly because this is the exact same region where the Americans stayed during the colonization period. Subic is equipped with private hospitals, schools, churches, shopping malls, and grocery stores, which is yet another reason for expats to fall in love and move into this place. More than anything, it’s also very accessible through the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), making it easier to travel to and from the city center. While some expats may find this place a bit too sterile, some still enjoy the peace and quiet they get, preferring Subic over any other [busy] city in Manila.
Manila
How can we ever forget? Manila is the country’s capital – its city center. Manila has everything anyone will ever need. From real estate to transportation, leisure hubs to commercial buildings, business districts to accessibility, you name it!
If you’re the one who doesn’t really mind going through traffic or having to stay at someplace busy, then you should definitely get yourself a home somewhere in the city. Not only do you get access to almost everything, but it’s also easier for you to meet with friends and family (if applicable), explore the beauty of the city, learn more about the country’s history (Intramuros), and so much more.
Wrapping Up
Permanently withdrawing from the stressful environment of the employment life is one of the many ways you can reward yourself after years of hard work. Make sure that you spend the rest of your life in a place that can cater to all your needs and wants, somewhere you could actually destress and adjust to in just a short period of time. In this case, the Philippines is one of the best places in mind as the country also offers excellent retirement benefits, both for locals and foreigners alike.