Where do most expats retire in Philippines?

filipino.united · 2011-06-21T08:31:33+02:00

Hi!Just helping out a friend.The place should be:· Nice (not big city or apartment)· Safe· Cheap· Have schools and hospitals· Shops nearby, etcAny suggestions?

filipino.united Member

15POSTS

14 years ago

Hi!

Just helping out a friend.
The place should be:
路 Nice (not big city or apartment)
路 Safe
路 Cheap
路 Have schools and hospitals
路 Shops nearby, etc

Any suggestions?

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filipinacity2010 New member

8POSTS

14 years ago

hi,
suggest angeles city to your friend.. a lot of expats are retiring there

1 member reacted to this post

angelstirera Contributor

130POSTS

14 years ago

[Moderated: Please use private messages]

dhnindc Serial expat

583POSTS

14 years ago

Davao

funkydelicguy Serial expat

285POSTS

14 years ago

dhnindc wrote:
Davao

i agree. Davao City is a modern metropolis bustling with life, verve and color, situated in a typhoon-free zone with a land area of 244,000 hectares touted as one of the world聮s largest.

From its fertile mountain ranges and valleys, down to the rich blue waters of the gulf, Davao City is abundant with natural wealth and wonders. Its potable water is considered second cleanest water in the world according to the World Health Organization.

filipino.united Member

15POSTS

14 years ago

Angeles, Pampanga is known for girly bars so I dont want him to be there.

Davao is in Mindanao, a place which I wont recommend for expats for safety reasons.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks for the replies anyway ^_^

angelstirera Contributor

130POSTS

14 years ago

As for the website i PM you.They suggest cebu, davao and marinduque i beleive.

funkydelicguy Serial expat

285POSTS

14 years ago

filipino.united wrote:
Angeles, Pampanga is known for girly bars so I dont want him to be there.

Davao is in Mindanao, a place which I wont recommend for expats for safety reasons.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks for the replies anyway ^_^

Don't generalize Mindanao as a dangerous place. Davao is totally a safe city. What i advice is only avoid ARMM area.

Try to visit Davao first.聽 Personally you can see the real situation and definitely you can say, the best place to retire in the philippines.

1 member reacted to this post

dhnindc Serial expat

583POSTS

14 years ago

+1 on Davao. I had read that its probably the safest city in Phils due to Mayors strict anticrime practise.

Well, every city in Philippines will have safety issues. You will get run over by a jeepney/bus well before any kidnapping terroist activity.

The only city to really stay away is Metro Manila. Just too many people, traffic and pollution. But upside is good restaurants, bars, social activities.

pinaymentor ViP

160POSTS

14 years ago

#10

we need to know your budget before we can send you any recommendations. what school, elementary, high school, university? do they like metro area or next big cities like Cebu, etc? is this a family of how many? narrow down your choices and needs.

pinaymentor

TheOtherGuy New member

5POSTS

14 years ago

#11

I think Palawan is the best/safest/cheapest overall, but Iloilo province is a close second.

aspca Member

13POSTS

14 years ago

#12

Second cleanest in the world, are you kidding me ?

funkydelicguy wrote:
dhnindc wrote:
Davao

i agree. Davao City is a modern metropolis bustling with life, verve and color, situated in a typhoon-free zone with a land area of 244,000 hectares touted as one of the world聮s largest.

From its fertile mountain ranges and valleys, down to the rich blue waters of the gulf, Davao City is abundant with natural wealth and wonders. Its potable water is considered second cleanest water in the world according to the World Health Organization.

GuestPoster254 Guest

0POSTS

14 years ago

#13

funkydelicguy wrote:
From its fertile mountain ranges and valleys, down to the rich blue waters of the gulf, Davao City is abundant with natural wealth and wonders. Its potable water is considered second cleanest water in the world according to the World Health Organization.

I would have to see the actual World Health Organization report, and not just second, third, nth-hand accounts, to believe it.聽 Any one has a copy?

Sydneygirl New member

9POSTS

14 years ago

#14

funkydelicguy wrote:
dhnindc wrote:
Davao

i agree. Davao City is a modern metropolis bustling with life, verve and color, situated in a typhoon-free zone with a land area of 244,000 hectares touted as one of the world聮s largest.

From its fertile mountain ranges and valleys, down to the rich blue waters of the gulf, Davao City is abundant with natural wealth and wonders. Its potable water is considered second cleanest water in the world according to the World Health Organization.

We're getting a bit off topic here, but I think you're not too far off from your statement. This study is base on the country not just Davao, so you might have a legitimate argument there. This is from a UNESCO study in 2003 not WHO, it ranked the Philippines #15 in the world for water quality.
Finland came in #1 and Canada #2 and New Zealand #3.

To my surprise, Australia came in #20 behind #19Iceland, #18Austria,#17Ireland,#16 Switzerland then Philippines at #15.

What happen to Belgium, dead last at #122. Mauritius at #112, hey Julien, don't drink your water Just kidding, peace Julien, peace!

There are a few people in this forum that love to bash the Philippines in general and we know who they are. I think it's time to cut that crap out. We know it's a third world country and has its problems and social ills. It has been beatened down so many times by the same member in particular.

1 member reacted to this post

angelstirera Contributor

130POSTS

14 years ago

#15

NO KIDDING!! I HAVE NO IDEA!! i guess i can drink top water then! hahaha!!

Julien- be safe!

Sydney girl- thanks for this!

ill brag this around! LOL

Sydneygirl wrote:
funkydelicguy wrote:
dhnindc wrote:
Davao

i agree. Davao City is a modern metropolis bustling with life, verve and color, situated in a typhoon-free zone with a land area of 244,000 hectares touted as one of the world聮s largest.

From its fertile mountain ranges and valleys, down to the rich blue waters of the gulf, Davao City is abundant with natural wealth and wonders. Its potable water is considered second cleanest water in the world according to the World Health Organization.

We're getting a bit off topic here, but I think you're not too far off from your statement. This study is base on the country not just Davao, so you might have a legitimate argument there. This is from a UNESCO study in 2003 not WHO, it ranked the Philippines #15 in the world for water quality.
Finland came in #1 and Canada #2 and New Zealand #3.

To my surprise, Australia came in #20 behind #19Iceland, #18Austria,#17Ireland,#16 Switzerland then Philippines at #15.

What happen to Belgium, dead last at #122. Mauritius at #112, hey Julien, don't drink your water Just kidding, peace Julien, peace!

There are a few people in this forum that love to bash the Philippines in general and we know who they are. I think it's time to cut that crap out. We know it's a third world country and has its problems and social ills. It has been beatened down so many times by the same member in particular.

Harmonie ViP

19273POSTS

14 years ago

#16

Hello some of you are going off-topic, please concentrate on the initial topic.

Thank you,
Harmonie.

1 member reacted to this post

Armand ViP

24785POSTS

14 years ago

#17

Sydneygirl wrote:
Mauritius at #112, hey Julien, don't drink your water Just kidding, peace Julien, peace!

Not relevant as we don't even have water to drink. Massive drought here at the moment

Indeed we are off topic so i suggest to create a new thread

Armand

GuestPoster254 Guest

0POSTS

14 years ago

#18

filipino.united wrote:
Hi!

Just helping out a friend.
The place should be:
路 Nice (not big city or apartment)
路 Safe
路 Cheap
路 Have schools and hospitals
路 Shops nearby, etc

Any suggestions?

Is your friend retiring or still going to do business here? I'm curious why he needs to be near schools. Is he planning to get a college degree or graduate studies? Or does he plan to bring any young ones, like his children or grandchildren?

I would recommend living in one of the small quiet towns of Batangas, perhaps somewhere that's also a short driving distance from Lipa, which has schools, hospitals and shops.

He can get a nice chunk of land and build a small house there, and the price is a lot less than in the city. I would recommend that he build his house close to the perimeter, as neighbors might decide to raise chickens and pigs, which could smell.

In one of these small towns is probably where I and my husband would retire in our golden years, if we're still in the Philippines. Hopefully, by that time, these small towns wouldn't get spoilt by big businesses and real estate developers. Safety / security would be an issue though, as the police are not quick to react. But safety is an issue anyways anywhere you go.

nilda_n Active member

28POSTS

14 years ago

#19

for me my choice is Bohol!!!

1 member reacted to this post

nestajr. Member

18POSTS

14 years ago

#20

for me its cebu.聽 where everything is so near. just be sure to live in the city.

Peter Clark Serial expat

242POSTS

14 years ago

#21

Its important to check the areas for a place unaffected by flooding and landslides. On the edge of a large city is beneficial for schools and shopping. Lipa is a good choice and close to the highway for trips to Manila/Batangas
You may look at San Pablo Laguna, it never gets flooded and had some interesting places nearby. There is also a new SM complex just been built. Fiesta time is remarkable with processions etc.
If a foreigner I would avoid the South and NPA areas.

beth_1130 Member

17POSTS

14 years ago

#22

For me i would suggest try Northern Luzon ' LA UNION'..Its a nice place and nice beaches..

1 member reacted to this post

Married Kano Active member

26POSTS

14 years ago

#23

filipino.united wrote:
Angeles, Pampanga is known for girly bars so I dont want him to be there.

Davao is in Mindanao, a place which I wont recommend for expats for safety reasons.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks for the replies anyway ^_^

There are places close to but not in Angeles that are quite good. At least close to Angeles there is pretty good medical care and everything is available at the many shopping malls here. If your friend likes being at the ocean, then I'd suggest Subic Bay area. Many good stores and new malls there as well. Subic is still less than one hour from Angeles area but much nicer.

Gene

Splint Member

2POSTS

14 years ago

#24

Bacolod City,

Not Big, all the shops they will ever need, schools and several hospitals, and I find it cheap buy my budget may be a fair bit different to your friends.

Cheers

Peter Clark Serial expat

242POSTS

13 years ago

#25

Most expats from our experience choose somewhere close to their wives family,..that is if financial support is bugetable.

It is easy to gain all the luxuries of life here in the Philippines from loyal lady wife to drivers and maids etc but without an interest or hobby to occupy your time you will become isolated and lonely. We've met some expats with similar lifestyles who end up drinking every day and pass there time like that....very sad!

There are guys who fall for a single parent and use there time bringing up a family again.

Some chaps choose expensive gated subdevisions but discover that the only social is the maid of the neighbour.

Most areas of the Philippines are hot but there are some places that catch the breezes and you can build there with carefully planned property that enjoys fresh air even during the heat of the midday sun.

There are expats and expats, some you would enjoy a regular meetup with and others you definnetly would not, some times its the expats wife you can't mix with or your wife doesn't see eye to eye with.

Whatever you decide, best to rent for a while and see how you feel. Easy to buy in the PI but not to sell....remember that.

2 members reacted to this post

barkz Active member

60POSTS

9 years ago

#26

funck whatever you must be real estate seller 2nd safest drinking water in the world OMG you must be dreaming , not in the typhoon belt another lie, typhoons hit anywhere in the philippines google it more typhoons hit philippines than any other country. ADVICE do not buy land or house in philippines on line you will be sorry i know of some who did this big mistake, one guy i know paid p1.3 million more than what the land owner wanted on a house lot, because of a agent

JakyMichael Active member

44POSTS

9 years ago

#27

I choose Talisay close to Cebu City, there is everything. Quiet and outside the big city but close enough to reach the city centre in minutes....

Peter Clark Serial expat

242POSTS

9 years ago

#28

Yes house agents are despised but they do have contacts and primarily because a Filipino property owner is not keen to advertise the sale which indicates that he is short of money, strange but true.聽 The agents can be used on both sides to advantage and will accept anything from 3 to 5% of the sale price, for you, just add this onto the price!

amaglow2 Active member

50POSTS

8 years ago

#29

I have been to Davao 3 times and each time I Wished I had looked before I bought and built in Northern Samar. It is extremely clean , wide streets , safe to wonder at night and expats there living say , keep this your Secret聽 . Good Resturants ,shopping and nightlife . And people so friendly

amaglow2 Active member

50POSTS

8 years ago

#30

Talisay , I would say is a good choice too . Cebu has everything to offer and not far to travel to . Whatever you need , shopping , airport , nightlife , casinos , history , Beaches and all the adventure and Fun you could Want .

FortuneFavorsTheBold Banned

736POSTS

8 years ago

#31

Why would anybody want to live in Angeles City?

mugtech ViP

4730POSTS

8 years ago

#32

FortuneFavorsTheBold wrote:
Why would anybody want to live in Angeles City?

Trying to find their youth, having served in the US armed forces.

Peter Clark Serial expat

242POSTS

8 years ago

#33

Its easy to say that but its the only place where there are many expats and when you have been in the Philippines over 10 years its refreshing to be among your own species.

Something affected me, maybe its being surrounded by Filipinos and stared at everywhere who knows for sure, but a short break in Angeles made one hell of a difference....and you can eat "Sausage and Mash".

1 member reacted to this post

samangelevski Banned

292POSTS

8 years ago

#34

Peter are you talking about Angeles in Clark? and where is Sausage and Mash place,

Peter Clark Serial expat

242POSTS

8 years ago

#35

I can find it on foot but the name escapes me.聽 The place is run like an old English bar and has rooms for rent. It is behind the fields avenue. Take a turn off the avenue and it does a dogs leg to higher up the main drag.聽 There is a pool table and dart board, but for us it was the bangers and mash that we went for, even give you a small jug for the gravy聽 mhmh.

FortuneFavorsTheBold Banned

736POSTS

8 years ago

#36

". Davao City is a modern metropolis " hahaha What planet are you on? I want to join your alternate reality.

Peter Clark Serial expat

242POSTS

8 years ago

#37

Before taking the plunge to settle down with your new Filipina, please do the home work and discover the financial liability that it imposes on you.聽 Some chaps are okay with living near the relatives where the majority of the family are working or supported by other members.聽 A few questions will put you right and even living temporarily close by will give you pointers. We have lived here over 10 years and could relate harrowing stories that could have been avoided with some forethought. Families children are so sweet and come to ask the expat for money for books and candy....but EVERY DAY?聽聽
Stop the giving and no one speaks to you, can you live with the atmosphere it causes? So check out the background before taking the plunge.

1 member reacted to this post

samangelevski Banned

292POSTS

8 years ago

#38

You right Peter, I had the same problems the first year here, and as you I got kind of sick of me running out of my own money, all because of the family members, they do put pressure on you, and it is so hard to say NO, but when time come that I had non then they all thought of me as a bad person, and now I see no one coming to my house to visit, my Wife's sister ask me what am I doing for the family, that in it self finished me with all of them, like they forget I have my own family my wife my Son, and they can say what I do for family, just a joke, I think the family should be happy that I took their daughter or sister to give her good life, they should be thanking me every day, but then shows how they have no respect for us, any way my life is much batter now then ever it was here, even my Wife not going to visit there much, I am not stoping her but watching every thing that is happening, the truth is I lost my trust in this people..

OZZYPEZ New member

6POSTS

8 years ago

#39

That鈥檚 a pity they turned on you that way once you ran out of money. All take no give.

samangelevski Banned

292POSTS

8 years ago

#40

Ozz all this could be my fault as well, maybe from very start do not give so that way they will not expect, but if you give to one, the other will ask as well, so it is like chain reaction that is happening, then when you have not much to give visitetions stop,