Choosing a place to live (expat)

[KurtVD]

Hello everyone, new forum member here.

 

I’m just under 50 years old and I live on a disability pension. I’ve been spending time in different countries in SE Asia over the last few years, and I’ve decided that for now, I will “try” the Philippines on a semi-permanent basis. It's my favorite by far, but of course I don't know how it will be to live here. 

 I’ve just spent a few weeks in Puerto Galera (White Beach) and Makati, and some time in Angeles City and Boracay a few years back, and I would like to rent something cheap in Manila, but not in Makati. I don’t need that much action and nightlife. What other areas would you recommend, that are reasonably close to the airport, or easy to get out of for day trips, maybe an area with an expat community, but certainly nothing upscale - I like it simple, I don’t even use the A/C. I will use this place as a “half home base”, eg I will spend about a month in the Philippines, and then a month back home at first. My reasoning is, that by staying in Manila first, I will be able to explore the country further. I’ve heard from an expat that condos in the price range between 5-10k P are easy to find in Manila, 24/7 security (manned gate) included. Is this true? On my last visit, a local recommended the area or city called Muntinlupa. Would this be a good place?

 

Any input would be appreciated

Kurt

[scott h]

1 hour ago, KurtVD said:

rent something cheap in Manila

google BF Homes, Paranaque

[KurtVD]

4 hours ago, scott h said:

google BF Homes, Paranaque

Thank you. I've checked on Google Maps, Paranaque is just about 10 km away from Muntinlupa, which has also been recommended to me. Are these two places similar, and why would you prefer one over the other? Muntinlupa seems closer to the sea (on the map), so maybe the air quality is a bit better?

[scott h]

Ill give some detail Kurt. BF Home is one of the original "sub divisions" in southern Metro Manila. Quite large in area, but gated. Inside there are sub gated areas, so in effect you need to go through two guard posts to get to your home. It is near the Air port (traffic permitting lololol) Mall of Asia and the new casinos. Also at each main entrance are big SM Malls (3 major entrances). It is right between NLEX and cavitex. so getting on the freeways south is pretty easy. NLEX, going north is a bit of a pain, but hey, its the Philippines. It is not far from Asian Hospital, (ayala alabang) (where my wife and I get treatment) which is one of the better hospitals in the country. 

Now Muntinlupa is a bit further south, right on the SLEX it is near Ayala Alabang whih is the most exclusive sub division in southern Manila. As for close to the sea, are you sure you are not looking at Laguna de Baie? That is really a huge inland lake that is very polluted and almost entirely taken up by fish farms lololol. 

Personally, if my wife had not inherited property in Paranaque, we probably would have lived in BF homes.

hope this helps, please ask any specific questions you might have 

[bows00]

Hey KurtVD,  I am a recently retired US federal engineer traveling the country to find that sweet place to settle from roots.  So far, the area's I have ventured are 1) Bonifacio Global City, 2) Tagbilaran, 3) Dumaguete, 3) Subic Bay, and 4) Angeles City.  My current plans are to check out Davao next month.  

All the locations have their pros and cons, but I am currently leaning towards Dumaguete, only because Silliman University has offered to enroll me in the MBA program.  Recommend you check it out - lots of expats in Dumaguete...

[KurtVD]

4 hours ago, bows00 said:

Recommend you check it out - lots of expats in Dumaguete...

I know, I’ve seen that name popping up a lot in the forums here, it’s definitely on my list. As I mentioned, I will be going back home regularly at the beginning, so I’ll start with something not too far from Manila airport. How did you like Bonifacio?  Is it quite lively (nightlife, bars), or rather calm? (I prefer the latter)

[Jollygoodfellow]

11 hours ago, KurtVD said:

My reasoning is, that by staying in Manila first, I will be able to explore the country further. I’ve heard from an expat that condos in the price range between 5-10k P are easy to find in Manila, 2

Cebu is the second biggest island in the Philippines where you can also use as a base if you dont want to be in Manila. 5-10k condos, somehow doubt it in Manila. ?

[KurtVD]

2 hours ago, Jollygoodfellow said:

Cebu is the second biggest island in the Philippines where you can also use as a base if you dont want to be in Manila. 5-10k condos, somehow doubt it in Manila. ?

I wouldn’t know, as I’ve said, someone told me that. In your experience, what would be a reasonable budget for a small condo in one of these areas (Parañaque, Muntinlupa, or Dumaguete)? At the low end of the scale? I’ve seen a few ads for houses (3 bedrooms, Las Pinas) for 15000, but if I rent a house, i would need to pay someone to keep an eye on it while I’m in Switzerland, that’s why I prefer condos. 

[scott h]

22 minutes ago, KurtVD said:

(Parañaque,

4-6 million peso 1 bedroom condos are all over the place 

[Snowy79]

I was renting in Stamford Executive Residences, Taguig at 19,000 peso per month for a 24 sqm rabbit hutch. Next door to the Venice Mall. Nice area with lots of restaurants but no real bars for nightlife. 

Edited May 24, 2018 by Snowy79