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4 Best Cities to Live in the Philippines Outside of Metro Manila

4 Best Cities to Live in the Philippines Outside of Metro Manila

Metro Manila can be a great place to settle in if you want to benefit from all the perks of urban living. Most of the time, living in the metro means having access to a hodgepodge of business establishments, job opportunities, socio-civic institutions, and entertainment options. As the country’s main business and cultural hub, Metro Manila is a megacity that puts its inhabitants in the middle of all the action.

That said, choosing Metro Manila as your permanent residence also has downsides. Apart from relatively pricier properties and rental rates, the overall urban environment can be overwhelming to some people. Residing in any metropolis can be stressful, especially for those who are less attuned to the fast-paced life.

Fortunately, public and private efforts are being done to make a living outside Metro Manila more enticing to homeowners. If you’re a prospective property owner setting your sights beyond the capital region, here are some alternative location options you may want to consider.

Lipa City, Batangas

If you’re looking for an environment that combines provincial vibes with the conveniences of modern living, you may want to check out Lipa City, Batangas. The largest city in the province, Lipa is considered an emerging “next wave” city with its remarkable economic growth, particularly in the cyber sector. Also known as the Little Rome of the Philippines, Lipa has a thriving business landscape largely driven by the tourism, agriculture, and tech industries. Lipa also continues to attract local and foreign investors with its business-friendly laws, resulting in the boom of IT and business process outsourcing (BPO) companies in the area.

On top of that, Lipa’s strategic location near Metro Manila allows residents to stay away from the hustle and bustle while remaining close enough for day trips to the capital. Infrastructure developments such as the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) make it easy for residents to travel back and forth by car or bus.

Lastly, Lipa promises an abundance of good schools, business establishments, and public institutions that make it worth buying a Lipa City house and lot for sale. Of course, one should not discount the flavorful local delicacies, fresh air, and stunning scenery that the city also offers. 

Santa Rosa, Laguna

Santa Rosa in Laguna is another prime location in Southern Luzon worth considering for long-term settlement. As most Filipinos know, the city is the home of Enchanted Kingdom, the country’s biggest theme park. But beyond that, Santa Rosa is also well regarded for its business potential and attractive, family-friendly environment. Moreover, living in Santa Rosa means being near Laguna’s top attractions, such as its hot springs, resorts, and hiking trails.

Despite its suburban atmosphere, Santa Rosa is a thriving destination for businesses and commercial establishments. You can enjoy high-end dining options in the city along with generous land areas for shopping activities. And just like Lipa City in Batangas, Santa Rosa has the benefit of being connected to road networks such as SLEX and Cavite Laguna Expressway (CALAX), which make trips to the metro a lot easier.

San Fernando, Pampanga

San Fernando is the capital city of Pampanga known for its colorful local culture and high quality of life. As one of the province’s first income-class cities, San Fernando is an up-and-coming regional hub for business opportunities. In 2021, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) cited San Fernando as one of the most competitive cities in the Philippines in terms of infrastructure, economic dynamism, resiliency, and government efficiency.

The city government actively engages in efforts to attract local and foreign investors, resulting in a blossoming economy and steady employment in industries such as manufacturing, retail, finance, and IT-BPO. And similar to the two previous locations on this list, San Fernando is only a couple of hours away from Metro Manila at most.

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Aside from its economic competitiveness, San Fernando is also a great holiday destination for families. San Fernando, also known as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines, is home to the annual Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul) as well as the Sinukwan Festival and Frog Festival (Fiestang Tugak) held during the “-ber” months.

Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

Although a bit farther from Metro Manila than the other cities on this list, Bacolod City in Negros Occidental is also worth a shot for modern homeowners. This Visayas tourist hotspot is known for its rich heritage, pedestrian-friendly urban planning, good food, picturesque architecture, and transparent governance. Many Filipinos have opted to settle in Bacolod due to the city’s well-managed traffic system, safe streets, clean air, and overall high quality of life. 

Even with its urbanized environment, Bacolod still manages to exude an air of suburban calm mixed with local culture. Bacolod is mostly popular for its chicken dishes as well as its pastries—a not-so-surprising fact considering that the city is the Sugar Bowl Capital of the Philippines. But aside from just desserts, Bacolod is also known for being the City of Smiles with its charming people and lively festivals, particularly the annual MassKara Festival.

Looking Beyond the Metro

Home-hunting in the Philippines doesn’t have to stop within the bounds of Metro Manila. While living in the center has its advantages, one shouldn’t veer away from underrated destinations in the provinces. These up-and-coming residential hubs offer the same level of convenience and opportunity without the hassles commonly associated with the metropolis. Regardless of your reasons for settling down, your location should perfectly fit your lifestyle to make it worth the investment of a lifetime.

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