Top Three Places To Live in The Philippines For Expats

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Keep in mind that this list of places is in general for most expats. Of course depending on the individual, we all have our personal preferences on where to move. If you enjoyed this video, leave a like and subscribe. Appreciate you Savvy Expats! Support the channel - www.patreon.com/thesavvyexpat

[@edjaytemplado316]

My foreign friends are retiring in Cebu, specifically in Southern Cebu where its near to mountains, beaches, and foreign communities!

[@keemoe007]

I'm amazed how you speak so clearly yet pronounced the Filipino words very well. Good job!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thank you 🙌

[@ricknolte6846]

Prior to Covid I have made many trips to the Philippines and fell in love with Cebu City. There is a hotel called The Galleria I stayed in, that was connected to a Robinson's mall as well as a new, modern condo complex. You could live in the condos, have dinner at the restos in the mall and grocery shop without ever leaving the air conditioning! Perfect for a heat sensitive westerner like me. At the time I was looking (2019) prices were only slightly less than US prices, but that may have changed. You should do a video about the process and funds needed to buy a condo as an expat. It is much different than the US. Awaiting the day when I can return to visit.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Sounds like a great lifestyle when you were out here! Thanks for watching Rick 💯

[@theWyattearp-xd5gb]

funny that you said that we should check out Mt. Pinatubo, i was stationed there when it last erupted. i was in subic bay naval station at the time

[@perdidoatlantic]

I lived in the Philippines for two years. It’s the best place in the world.

[@danielnetz7539]

You hit the nail on the head. I used to struggle with whether I wanted to live in the city or in the province. But now I am certain I want condo living in Manila, right across the street from a large SM or Robinson's mall. I don't want to be anywhere near crowing roosters, barking dogs, or loud karaoke music. Plus regular swimming in the condo pool seems very refreshing. And ofcourse I can always travel to the province when its time for a getaway. This is a really good video and I enjoy all of your content.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

I'm with you on that Daniel. Perhaps the best part about living in Manila is the modern conveniences plus you can visit the province whenever you please. At least for me, I get sick of living in the province very quickly so it's more of a once and a while thing for me. Btw, new video on Patreon 💯

[@Sunmoon-gj9gy]

Agreed, I also like the anonymity of living in a city , in small towns all over the world thier is gossip and jealousy

[@shahedarjomand9234]

Pls let us know if hepatitis vaccines will be required n encouraged.

[@GreenManalichi]

Living in a province and visiting the cities, I prefer the cities. For me, provinces are much much cheaper, but the cities offer much more to do. If a quiet and humdrum lifestyle is what you want, look into a province.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

@@GreenManalichi exactly Mark

[@markbannister5586]

Evan, another great job of addressing what concerns most expats the most: medical care, internet, night life and a variety of comfort foods found in the U.S. Hey, if you can find a Texas Roadhouse, that pretty much satisfies the palate. Oh, yes, you can find a little bit of Americana almost anywhere these days and that is sooo cool. Way to go bro, you keep me yearning to get over there. 🇵🇭😁✌🏾

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Absolutely Mark! There's no shortage of good eats in Manila, especially in BGC. Take care my friend!

[@jamesclaire115]

Tuli, I have a small condo in Manila and a nice home in the Province of Marinduque. We can live very cheaply and still live like a king. We have great hospitals in Manila and decent clinics in the province. Our wifi is decent. English is a great advantage in both areas. Traffic is terrible in Manila but not bad in the province. The night life and eating out is great in both areas. Tuli, thanks for sharing. Stay blessed and stay safe.

[@stecar9122003]

My wife and I have a home in Silang, Cavite because she knows that I prefer the country environment more than the city life. Her side of the family lives in Meycauayan, Bulacan. I'm very happy where we live even if it is only 19km (about 12 miles) away from the Taal Volcano which I got to witness the eruption on January 12, 2020 at a safe distance. We did get lots of ashfall there and I lost count of all the volcanic earthquakes that we had. After all of that I still wouldn't change where we have our house except if we were on the beach or in the mountains but my wife doesn't like being high up so the mountains would be out plus they're far from so many places like grocery stores.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

That's great Steven. As long as you're safe and you enjoy the place you're in, that's all that matters.

[@stecar9122003]

@@TheSavvyExpat Yes sir

[@yodaarthur]

Nice.so informative..retiring in pampanga this year!!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

That's great, all the best with that

[@shahedarjomand9234]

Very good info,good job.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks Shahed

[@nonicanzon4503]

Very much enjoying your vlog...I had the good fortune to live in the PI during my teen years and am married to a Filipino. We travel often to the PI but obviously not during these past two years--am missing time spent there greatly! Your vlog is informative and creative--keep up the good work you Savvy Young Person you!!!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏 hope you guys get to visit soon

[@marvinledesma729]

Im from Iloilo city but i would say that Tagaytay/Cavite will be best suited for foreign/expat people who wud want to live in the Philippines bcz of its cool fresh and clean environment and very close to manila

[@spincube5734]

Great info, thanx !!

[@MC-bw5fc]

Excellent info..

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thank you

[@gregmedbourn5347]

Absolutely fantastic... Great Great job 👍

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@iraskutch6981]

Wow, an excellent video without the politics. I knew you could do it! I'd hire you as a real estate salesman.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks Ira!

[@erniejopanda1132]

Good informative Vlog! Thanks

[@TheSavvyExpat]

My pleasure!

[@surfboy344]

Another great video. Very informative. Thanks again.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Anytime Jimbo, thanks for watching

[@dovygoodguy1296]

How easy is it to live in such a huge city such as Manila, are there sny quiet areas enjoyed by older people? Where can you live that's not in the middle of the skyscrapers, quiet and green? Cebu City sounds like a better, quieter choice.

[@Danny35763]

Thank you for the great information

[@jameslonergan5840]

Thanks for the information. Keep up the good work! Take care and stay safe!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks, you too James.

[@dr.michaellittle5611]

Great overview👍👍

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thank you 👍

[@jmfarrell5]

Great video. Thank you.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks for watching 🙌

[@vgwalldecals]

Don't over look Cavite. It has all the conveniences of Manila being close by but with housing costs a little bit cheaper in a suburbia type setting. At least check it out.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Cavite is a good place. Lot of subdivisions.

[@Collusion10]

Volcano. NO

[@budphillips8235]

Thank you for another insightful vlog, I'm not a fan of large cities, outside of Cebu has come to mine, Maasin City area possibly Naga City area, I'm not sure yet I just want a simple life, keep up the great work

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Absolutely Bud, to each their own. A lot of expats coming to the Philippines prefer the simple living life you mentioned. Thanks for watching 🙌

[@dorisdalanon6663]

Thanks for this vlog. Continue your passion, stay safe & God bless!!!

[@charlesstanfa3969]

Hi,you should do a video on apartments rentals in bgc and cebu and utilities cost

[@waterheaterservices]

Keep going young brother, you are doing well.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

For sure Jim 🙌 thanks for the support

[@asiahand3846]

You are a very talented presenter

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks 🙏

[@dovygoodguy1296]

How do expats handle the constantly high heat and humidity in the Philippines, and the fear of hurricanes and monsoons??

[@PaulFujiyama]

Good job! What about Subic?

[@MultiPasswordman]

You said that St. Lukes can be expensive and you're right, it CAN be but when you compare the prices to USA, it is a joke! I saw 2 doctors and received care from 4 nurses, bought medication all for $100. It is a LARGE amount in PH but a bargain in the US

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Wow! Thanks for sharing, I didn't realize that it was that affordable compared to the U.S. Fortunately, I've never had to go to the hospitals here.

[@MultiPasswordman]

@@TheSavvyExpat Oh absolutely! It is VERY affordable. Chemotherapy there is only $60-100 (in PH) compared to whatever outrageous prices we have in the US. A doctors visit is easily 150-200, then they want you to see a specialist which adds up, then meds (if your insurance covers it...if not, expect to pay more). There is a reason why many Americans go to Mexico for treatment/medication!

[@liv9534]

@@MultiPasswordman I still won't retire in Philippines coz of healthcare. America will revive you even if you don't have money. Not in Philippines.

[@kantokuu]

@@liv9534 Might revive you but still die when drowned in debt lol

[@liv9534]

@@kantokuu It's free in America if you have Medical Medicare. And even if u don't they will not kill u to pay. Many their bill gets wiped out coz unable & just file.

[@Tony99992000]

You can receive U.S. mail at the Retiree Activity Office in Angeles City which is a huge benefit for military retirees at Clark!

[@edmondpharez5028]

THANK YOU EVAN

[@TheSavvyExpat]

No problem Edmond

[@jayfromthebay9795]

Living and retiring in Bohol …..still close to mactan airport and Cebu city by ocean jet.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

I'll be making a video on retirement in Bohol soon

[@jayfromthebay9795]

@@TheSavvyExpat awesome looking forward to it. My wife has family here and we have a beach condo in Panglao and all I have seen is an influx of expats and tourists. Pretty soon my private sanctuary won’t be so private. Oh well….

[@TomandAmyinthePI]

I'm in Chicago! Waiting to get in to the P.I. to live with My GF Hopefully around April/May Likely will be in Fairview/QC area

[@TheSavvyExpat]

You're not alone Tom! So many of my viewers are also awaiting a loved one in the Philippines. Hoping PH opens up soon.

[@villasisbacag]

Thank you for this information, considering this video is 2 years old. Is the information in this video relatively accurate?

[@xo7454]

I need 2 homes. One in the north and another in the south. So I can move back and forth if there is typhoon. But I need these places to have an international airport and good internet connection (for work). Any recommendations?

[@TomBTerrific]

Angeles City and Davao . I don’t think typhoons bother Angeles City and They have converted Clark AFB into a nice international airport.

[@stevenbaer9061]

Hmmm, the air pollution in Manila but you show a shot of San Francisco, I can see the famous Transamerica Pyramid and the Salesforce Tower, that ain't Manila.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Did I? My editor made this one... I'll have to tell him to fix up these little things.

[@stevenbaer9061]

@@TheSavvyExpat No biggie, not sure many people will notice it, but I lived in the SF Bay Area, home of 49ers who regularly kicked the Bears butts, but I regress. Keep up the good work on the vids

[@TheSavvyExpat]

@@stevenbaer9061 😂😂

[@dovygoodguy1296]

What is the comparison between expats moving yo the Philippines versus so many Filipinos moving to the US and Canada???

[@andjustenjoytheshow]

SBMA's a great place for expats too!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Where's that?

[@Hicks-g1m]

What about Steak and Shake and sonic and golden corral arbys wendys are they here in the PHilippines?

[@apostolicboymom5713]

My husband wants to bring our young family to the Philippines. We have five young boys, and I homeschool. He wants us to find something quiet, with trees and friendly neighbors. We don’t care about malls or nightlife. We do appreciate natural wonders. Where should we be looking?

[@gif24gt60]

Any inexpensive, healthy food in cebu city?

[@cc1ec1]

Nice review thank you. All of those places you mentioned might be attractive for different reasons. For us, Davao makes the most sense. Decent American-ish type schools for an American pre-teen, although learning Filipino/Bisayan will be a bit of a challenge. Might be a bit easier in Manila. Davao has good universities. Plenty of resto's. Less pollution. More for your money. Sustaining a high quality of life for many years in retirement is easier there than in other places you mentioned where you would probably live in a condo with lots of nearby neighbors. You can own a big house in a Davao gated community, beach or mountains (provided you are married to a filipina). Davao will soon be passing up Cebu in population and development, it already landwise is the biggest city in the Philippines. But I like Manila and Cebu, no hate, just different reasons for different age groups and their "plan" for life.

[@raylemar2386]

I have to live somewhere , where I don't hear roosters. Any suggestions.

[@ohno-zx4if]

If I lived in in one of those high rise buildings BGC and someone from the USA mailed me a package would it be delivered to my address and how long would it take if it was shipped with ups of FedEx

[@ArnoldGumere-lq7mh]

Thank you for this amazing video thank yoU sir

[@morrishooks7536]

what is the less noisy place to live at here???

[@KM-vc7iy]

How safe are these places though?

[@robjohnson7878]

I stayed in Makati in 2016, didn’t care for the traffic and pollution in Manila and food prices, rent and RE prices were the same if not more than the US….. isn’t that why expats move there? Yes I realize everything is dirt cheap in the province but I also don’t want to hear roosters at 4am. Lots of expats moving to Vietnam which I’m going to try as well.

[@frankkluz9787]

Sounds expensive ? Perhaps even frivolous ? --- Yet it's surely cheaper than Chicago ? --- Or NYC or LA ? --- Many however are looking for the real budget savings often so famously reported ? --- Dumaguete which is a famous retirement destination for several years attracts many and for good reasons. And it certainly is much less of a 'snobby' place to retire !

[@stephenlee6098]

Is there any Vegan restaurants?

[@lmorris1953]

You said living in Manila is one hour away from the airport unless you’re in a really bad traffic jam I don’t understand how that’s possible.

[@GreenManalichi]

I want someplace where it's more urban, but allows me easy access to go fishing whenever I'm in the mood

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Cebu City would make a good place for that. It's nearby Mactan Island and other beaches.

[@GreenManalichi]

@@TheSavvyExpat thnx Evan

[@BluffyMoo]

Dammit, Mark. You posted my exact thoughts. I suppose all outdoor sportsmen think alike. 😂

[@claytoncohen4804]

Are there places in the Philippines that I can get some cigars?You never talk about specialty stores

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Humidor Manila in pasig is my go-to cigar shop

[@LR-je7nn]

Same quality as Chicago. Laughter is the best medicine.

[@LR-je7nn]

My wife's brother lives in Chicago under a bridge. He is a veteran and cousin of a famous Hall of Fame Chicago Bear. He says bullets ricochet past his tent all night. Unbelievably, this is the life he chooses. At least, that's what he says.

[@LR-je7nn]

I was wondering why you changed your opinion from a video a few months ago? Although it's good to look at the whole country before choosing.

[@LR-je7nn]

Walk ability index would be good to include for older expats and those who just no longer enjoy driving.

[@LR-je7nn]

@@Resmith18SR I feel the same way, but I want a beach and at 73 I don't like crowds. But now four years after liver cancer surgery and other problems I would be stupid not to want access to the best hospitals. But like you said it Has to open up with no restrictions.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

@@LR-je7nn what do you mean by a change in my opinion?

[@briankendall65]

#ITSMOREFUNINTHEPHILIPPINES

[@TheSavvyExpat]

💯🇵🇭

[@Galavantin]

How can one have a peacefull life in the province if there are roosters crowing, dogs barking, and karaoke ? I always thought the cities were the noisiest. I'm a country boy so I like peace. Is this possible in the Philippines ?

[@TheSavvyExpat]

It absolutely is possible. It depends on where you are living. Beach areas from my experience are the most peaceful.

[@evelyndennis9199]

Mmmmm I don't know about cebu . .

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Why is that?

[@donnlowel2387]

That ship on the side of the island probably a ship for smuggling drugs. I remember when i went to Iloilo with my girlfriend and we went to ukay ukay (used clothings for sale) there are brand new bras but all of them has hole on the side and i suspect drugs was sewed inside the bra and sold the bras after recovering the drugs. Thats how they smuggled drugs in the Philippines.

[@LR-je7nn]

We use to go to Florida every year after the Christmas holidays for a month. There was a Chinese buffet where five couples would meet at lunch. They all lived about a mile away and would walk to the restaurant. Over several years they dwindled down to none of them showed up. Then one year the Chinese restaurant had been torn down. Then we stopped going to the Daytona Beach area, because it had become to dangerous. A quiet, friendly place like near the old military base sounds like a good place to start looking when it opens up with no restrictions.

[@LR-je7nn]

I see billions of people becoming Very angry with the people in power in the next few years, so I am content to just wait for now. Comment number two.

[@LR-je7nn]

For years I have wondered what was going on with Elon Musk's Boring company. It seemed that all tunnels went to Denver International Airport and under the sea by the Naval Base North of Los Angeles. Comment number 3.

[@LR-je7nn]

You wonder how disgusting thing like Denver International Airport can exists in the United States. And then you wonder is this the country the media and propaganda have shown the world or something else. Comment number 4.

[@LR-je7nn]

I walked into our local Walmart about 2 AM maybe eight years ago. They were doing some digging in the middle of the building. I couldn't exactly see what was going on, but a large area was ribboned off with guards posted all around stopping anyone from going in the area. I have built some Walmarts and we never had any guards. Comment number 5

[@TheSavvyExpat]

It got dangerous in Daytona Beach? I didn't realize that until now. Yeah, Clark Pampanga is peaceful and safe place to move to.

[@sweproductions1]

Is metro Manila friendly black expats that is always my concern when watching these type of Vlogs

[@TomBTerrific]

I don’t think your color matters as much as your attitude. Filipinos can be intimidated, angered or scared easily by things you might think is nothing. So you can’t be dominating, aggressive or rough in your actions.

[@johnmycroft3065]

smart kid

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks for watching John 💯

[@KB3TLE]

Much too extravagant to be "Savvy" in Manila for most American's looking for frugal (?) which many see as synonyms with "Savvy" ? -- Those from only the expensive areas in the US see it as 'affordable' ? Places like Chicago NY or LA. - - - Essentially the only places really "affordable" or cheap to live - are in the undesirable places for the most part ? - - - Saving $ is a high risk adventure over there w/o a small fortune put back for any emergency's ?

[@WaterfallWhispering]

For me, if you want to live in a big city, just stay in the USA. If I want traffic, smog, and crime I don’t need to move anywhere. The smaller communities and more secluded beaches or diving spots, waterfalls, hiking are what I am looking for. The downside is definitely the goddam roosters though.

[@JamesBondEsq.]

@Lorenzo Valdez I agree. But there are more Filipinas in The Philippines than in the good old USA! Hence, BGC here I come! 🤣

[@WaterfallWhispering]

@@JamesBondEsq. I already married one 👍

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Definitely understandable. After all, most foreigners moving to the Philippines move here for the Philippine island life.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

@@WaterfallWhispering did you meet your wife there in the states or in PH?

[@WaterfallWhispering]

@@TheSavvyExpat my wife is a dual citizen and we met in the USA. She was already a duel citizen when we met.

[@frankiefernandez9225]

BGC IS THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE👍🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Agreed!

[@MrRafa52]

So I just stumbled on to your channel and honestly I’m a big confused. Are you a realtor in the Philippines selling property? You seem to be awful young !

[@TheSavvyExpat]

haha I understand. No I'm not a realtor but I like sharing real estate deals with you guys :)

[@philippinecowboy]

The best 3 places to live in are Iloilo, Cebu and Davao.

[@mohamediqbal9764]

Davao its a nice place?

[@philippinecowboy]

@@mohamediqbal9764 Yes!

[@mathieul7553]

How to find a apartment to rent there ?

[@richardmoss5546]

My father has decided to live in Davao City. Left retirement a little late. 78😅 but he's lived in Phillipines before and my auntie is going to help him set up. He should be fine.

[@CycoPatPonfe]

Yes, EXPATS those are the best Cities to live and Retire. Iloilo, Cebu and Davao. Don’t forget MANILA, stay there and move there. Thank you for promoting Manila! 👍

[@Handle12345handle]

Makati is extremly exoensive😢

[@MisterKimPH]

Maybe your opinion on the top 3 places is influenced by you being from Chicago- I am from just outside of Chicago. Maybe you are too young to understand this subject - I strongly disagree with your opinion on what retirees (expats) are looking for. I have spent quite a bit of time with business in all 3 places you list, and I believe these places are actually the worst that the Philippines have to offer, and I have no expat friends that disagree with me. Maybe you like Manila and Cebu City because of your Chicago influence, and Clark? Have you spent any time there at all?

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Understandable Kim. Well this list is in general for most expats which is why most expats do live in these areas. Again, it comes down to personal preference. You may be the type to prefer more provincial areas. In that case, my list would be - iloilo, dumaguete, and bacolod from my latest research.

[@curtneilson5502]

title's clickbait? no "manilla/luzon"? devils in the details, bro. camera's usually too close to your face; you're a good looking dude, but counting nose hairs aint fun, jus saying....n those videos of that small sample group of 8 random (largely ignorant) people bashing the states is annoying for those same reasons. cheers though~

[@jamestopeka2236]

I don't like Manila

[@christopherflynn6743]

The house's are SUPER expensive!!! Good luck getting any house for under 200k that isn't a shack 🤣