Places to settle down

#2 · May 22, 2023

There are people who like Manila, and those who prefer the lower cost and lifestyle of the rural areas in the provinces.

Personally, I like Manila, but will look into other smaller cities which are lower cost.

#3 · May 22, 2023

I was in Manila in December and definitely did not like it. Traffic and pollution so I highly doubt that I will settle down there.

Was also in Angeles and Subic and although it was a nice vacation its probably not the best place to live if I want to last a few years, lol

I guess for Dumaguete, the area around Rizal Boulevard is good to get a feel of the place, but I’m still a bit confused when it comes to Iloilo.

#4 · May 22, 2023

There is another problem – who do you trust ?

If you buy a condominium in a city, all is fine.

But if you buy a house, a foreigner is not allowed to own the land. So you pay for the house and land, but select a trusted Philippines citizen to own the land and lease the land for 25 year agreement which can be renewed another 25 years.

I have heard stories about the land owner figuring out how to steal the house.

So, who do you trust ?

Another option is to rent.

#5 · May 22, 2023

I’m planning to rent. If I ever by a condo, it won’t be until a few years into my retirement. I am aware of the rules regarding land, house and condos.

I plan to move around a bit in the beginning and find the place I like best. It’s not as if I will be busy with work or anything

#6 · May 23, 2023

Quite a few expats living in the Iloilo area although as I understand not so much as Dumagete. Lankford Inn was the expat meetup 1st & 3rd wed of each month. I have not gone since covid started so can only assume they still meet. I have lived in Mandurriao for almost 9 years now and have no plan to depart.

Fred

#7 · May 23, 2023

Thanks Martin

Depart Mandurriao or Philippines altogether?

#8 · May 23, 2023

Who’s Martin? Aside home is where you make it and little more, move and look around as we do before deciding.

Cheers, Steve.

#10 · May 24, 2023

What I meant to say is that I plan to live here until I expire and have no plans to live elsewhere.

Fred

#11 · May 24, 2023

Same Fred, found my little bit of nirvana.

Cheers, Steve.

#12 · May 30, 2023

Plenty of traffic in Dumaguete., this I know from experience… and plenty dodgy drivers espeically on main road at night from Dumaguete to Dauin…… and probably Ilo2 also.. sadly, almost everywhere in Philippines has traffic.

#13 · May 30, 2023

And bad drivers freebiefan, not just the Philippines either.

Cheers, Steve.

#15 · May 30, 2023

At the moment Dumaguete and Iloilo are high on the list. My plan is to stay a few days in each city to get a feel of it.

Can you help suggest areas within both cities that are close to restaurants, nightlife and some expat community?

That way I would stay in the areas where I would rent once I’m ready to make the move. Both hotels and Airbnb are possibilities for the visit.

In Dumaguete, I would stay in a hotel / guesthouse close to Lee Plaza or the boardwalk and explore the town on foot at first.
Have a morning coffee: McDonalds and Ground Zero attract friendly expats.
In the early evenings, take a stroll on the boardwalk to meet people.

#17 · May 31, 2023

As to Iloilo: I have only ever stayed in the downtown area.
I enjoyed walking around there. Definitely worth seeing. Just note, most shops in downtown close very early (like 7ish). I encountered very few expats there or in other parts, for that matter. But I was only there for a week, so I probably missed a lot of insider places.
Iloilo has several sub-centers (downtown, Molo, Jaro, etc.), each with their own plaza. The plazas are full of people in the early evening. Very nice. I think it was once several cities that grew into one
I have been to Smallville, one of their night life areas, but never stayed there.
Then there is a nice riverside boardwalk with joggers and walkers in the early evening.

Looking forward to your experience.

#18 · May 31, 2023

Welcome to the forum DavStro and some great advice to those that want to make their home on smaller islands and what you just mentioned to me was a no go… Stores in the “City” close at 7pm.

#20 · May 31, 2023

Couple of popular Dumaguete vLoggers I subcribe to on YouTube: .

#23 · Jun 1, 2023

Agree with buses, “how’s my driving?” means don’t call us.

Cheers, Steve.

#25 · Jun 1, 2023

I liked Makati, everything I want within 1 mike walk.
But next trip I will venture out further.

There are AirBnB places in Philippines