Utilities can be a concern as many areas have daily brownouts and water can be an issue. With $4k a month you should be able to live comfortably nearly anywhere, providing your lifestyle is not extravagant. If you choose an area where it is hot, (lowlands or close to the beach), then brownouts also mean no AC to cool you down. Water can be a well, but with no power, no water.
If you rent and that is advisable until you decide where you want to grow roots, condos and apartments sometimes have generator backup but usually only in a higher end building. Cheaper is not always better and with apartments and condos cheaper usually does not mean better and also noisy. The balcony is where you go to talk loudly on your phone so the whole world can hear.
We have chosen our area near Tagaytay Cavite, for these reasons. Cool climate, dependable Meralco power, Silang water district water, proximity to three hospitals, approximately 1 hour from Manila and the airport and government offices, 3 hospitals within 15 minutes, recreation close by, yes plenty of expats, restaurants, 2 major malls and 1 small mall within 20 minutes with a District mall nearing completion in Tagaytay, considerably less traffic than Manila and it's suburbs except for the weekend tourist traffic, 3 open air markets within 15 to 20 minutes, plenty of qualified craftsman and 20 mins from the Toyota, Honda, Ford and Mitsubishi auto dealers (if you want a car). Public transportation and major highways close by.听 We have Cignal satellite TV (Dish) and Globe internet (some areas have fiber to the home). We have found both to be very dependable and our wireless internet works great with having close proximity to three cell towers.
We built a home on a lot in a subdivision with great amenities, our choice (not for everyone), in a place without fault lines or flooding problems. Fresh water springs and a clean developed stream with swimming and also pools, walking path and picnic facilities on site. Crime is limited to an occasional drunk and the surrounding area is clean and peaceful.
Areas around us include, Silang (our home on the Tagaytay border), Amadeo, Mendez, Indang and Alfonso. All areas where the climate is cool and beaches are about 45 minutes away.
You can start checking online for homes and rentals, etc., with online papers such as:
Ayosdito听 听 or
OLX (formerly Sulit)
Most of the storms roll in from the Pacific side making the South China sea side of the Islands a little calmer when it comes to the rainy and typhoon season.
When buying anything in the Philippines do your homework first, check double check and recheck especially with land and automobiles. Don't flash your cash and humility and a friendly smile go a long way. Don't give to beggars as they are usually in groups and if one sees you handing out cash, you will be mobbed and maybe pickpocketed. When taking a taxi, check for registration numbers on the cab and painted in the cab. Don't make trip deals, use the meter and the yellow cabs in Manila may cost a little more but they are usually a little safer. If the cab has another passenger in it, walk on by. Check to see if the door handles and locks work from within and the AC is working, windows up avoids unwanted attention and a snatcher.听
Younger women will also treat you like you're Brad Pitt and a real stud. Are you?听 If not, watch out, you do have a dollar sign on your forehead to some and scammers in the night life scene abound.听 A good woman is generally not in most bars and clubs in the big city.
I have not had any problems while living in the Phil and find my life here with my family is peaceful and relaxing. The above cautions are something anyone who lives here for awhile are aware of. Be alert, be smart and you'll be safe and have a great time.
