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considering moving to Davao area

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bkbernie
  12/2/2010 14:49 EST

I am retiring next year and want to move to my wife's home town of Davao del Sur and am seeking any information, both good and bad, about such a move. I am an American and have lived in Colorado all my life. I've visited the area but really don't know a lot about it, such as where would be the best area to live in as an expat, cost of living, cost of housing to purchase, thought we don't want elaborate housing. Anyone that could share with me some of their experiences about the area from and American perspective woudl be greatly appreciated.

Jay43
  12/3/2010 01:30 EST

I have lived in several cities and regions of the Philippines and would have to say Davao City is one of the best if not the best city to live with a family, housing, shopping, medical, schools, clean enviorment, etc. I moved away from there in 2002 and now live in Thailand but suggest yo start looking in the Rolling Hills area of Davao City as a place to live.

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ANSTEY
  12/14/2010 22:19 EST

Dear Friend ,
Take my advice as a global traveller , multi-linguist , International Businessman .I am British , know Colorado , and worked for three large American Plc's. I have lived in Spain , France , Germany , Africa ( Blackfrancophone ) , and Thailand . Done business all over the world for 40 years . Oh Yes !! Davao , the worse place in the world you could choose .
Poverty , nothing done about it .
Corruption , accepted and nothing done about it .
Murders , regular feature go without effect .
Tourist areas , do not fall into the dictionary .
I am now talking with first-hand experience of each of the above topics ....My eight months is nearly over ........BUT NOT " Thank God " , because neither HE or ME , can do what a country will not stop .
My wife is from Davao city ,
My 8 months has been trying to understand to problems , from a business aspect .
In conclusion , do not come here , unless you like a few American compatiots and have plenty of money to pass under the table ! .
Take care , and My Heart goes out to the 33% of the population living on less than a us$ (43pesos), a day .
Peter

garywigle
  1/19/2011 21:15 EST

Davao City is the safest city in the Philippines. Housing is high priced in my view. I live 55 km away in Tagum City. I know one man that pays 5,000 pesos per month for a room in Davao. I pay the same for a 80 sq meter apartment. 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. Clean too.

73,
Gary

garywigle
  1/19/2011 21:19 EST

Peter,

I feel so sorry for your wife. You are one unhappy person. Davao is a great place. Perfect? Nope but I don't know of such a place on this earth. If the UK was such a great place you would still be there.

73,
Gary

bkbernie
  1/20/2011 11:59 EST

Hi Gary,
I appreciate your comments regarding my proposed move to Davao or Digos del Sur. I realize everyone has an opinion, and I can take many with a grain of salt. What would a decent say 3 bedroom home in a nice location with a good view cost me in Digos? Any idea. Any hints or concerns you can point out to me? Overall costs of living?

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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ANSTEY
  1/28/2011 13:37 EST

Hi Gary , In this world people are prevented from speaking what they feel . I said what I truely believe about Davao City . I have bought a house and large plot in Davao area , during my stay . I am now back in England , missing The Philippines , BUT , that does not change my opinion of Davao city . I think you should become closer to the true way of life , and see what a disaster it is . Oh by the way I shall be back soon , as England is so expensive and changed so much , not worth living in anymore . Too many immigrants !!! . Please Davao city , look at yourself , CHANGE SOON !! . Thailand is worth a visit , I was there before Philippines .

joebombero
  1/29/2011 00:06 EST

Sorry but I had to add my two cents. I grew up in the US, lived for a few months in Japan and Colombia also. Then lived on the Texas Mexico border, with a lot of experience traveling through Mexico. I traveled through Europe for expended vacations every few years from the 80s on- last trip to France was 2009. Yet I can never spend enough time in the Philippines. It is such a beautiful place. Last year I spent a few days in General Santos and loved it. I am definitely going to explore Davao as a possiible retirement destination (have wife's family and friends throughout the country). I feel sad for someone who goes there and does not see the beauty of the place. I hope you do not give Peter's post much thought.

ANSTEY
  1/30/2011 10:08 EST

Hi , You Yankees always Know best , thats why we Europeans wherever we are stay well clear !!! .
I have worked for three very large American Corps , globally and fought alongside your soldiers . You just be very carefull of Davao City , and I mixed with the locals , and I speak the " lingo " , I experienced the lot . So keep your two cents , for the poor . I like a bit of banter , maybe we will meet in Davao one-day ?

melcardona
  1/30/2011 13:59 EST

humm...well gents....it's obvious that you all have good experiences.that have tought you something about davao....and it's a good thing that some are much different then others...in that it will keep all that read this on there toes...we are all going to see life with eyes open....but...some are more open then others....and lets face it...not every loc is for every one...this is like me explaining to my students ,why is it there are people that hit deer every year (with there car)...and others that never....thay all drive the same roads.. at the same times.....what gary,anstey, and pete had to say all had merit....every one that is considering moving to the phili ..needs to heed..that it is not the the US...nor any other country...it is a country that $$ can buy most anything...and if you flaunt it to much as a expat...it could have a neg response... but for the loc....it is common...the police are not going to be of much help...the mob that runs that aria ..is...key...some like expats some don't...and crime is every were...and also are the poor...what can expats do...some will hire loc to help around the house...others to help with the biz....but make no mistake...people talk...if you are the type to only take...and not even buy from the loc guy .....what thay say might not be very good...the best advice I've heard was....smile........be friendly..... and know your neighbors...this...is not the norm for most westerners...incl me...but when the day comes and i live in the phili...i know i can't please every one...but why would i foolishly create a problem....thank you all...i am learning much...........mel..oh and sorry for butting in...there is my cent and a half.......blessings 2 you all

jglans
  1/30/2011 19:14 EST

Very well said.......particularly the portion about being able to smile, be friendly, and getting to know your neighbors........not so much so that you can trust them, but so that you will be entrusted by them. We're ALL foreigners in the Philippines.........whether it be American, British, Swedish, or Australian, etc....

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William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Golfguy
  2/6/2011 17:18 EST

I first visited Davao May 2010. Loved it, been back in July, October, December and will be there for the month of March. Married a local lady with kids and am moving thedre when I retire soon. This is one of the safest cities in Asia, period. There is some brit who keeps harping on how much he hates it, but he stays on this forum?????? Shows you the mentality....don't listen to such ignorant people. Water is clean in Davao and their virtually no crime.....if you are a gangster, the authorities will catch you, do not deal drugs, the authorities will catch you and YOU WILL DIE.....get the idea? As regards cost to live here. The American dollar is down about 20% since I first visisted in May. But yoiu can still live nicely on about $2,500 a month. Rent on a large home/condo of around 2,000 square feet, 3BR, 3BA with maids quarters in a gated community is around $650 (P30,000). Like to golf, its here. Like to scuba, some of the best inthe world. Want to enjoy great restaurants? This aint't the place! Have someone in the family who like to prep fresh fish and fresh veggies and fresh fruits.....you'll be a happy man. All in all, quite a nice place to spend your later years - AND - when you need care this is the original home of the global care givers. Enjoy!

creativeblox
  12/12/2011 14:07 EST

I lived in Davao 2008 and 2010. I read some of the warnings and i was a bit confused. Are they talking about the same city I lived in? I never had a single problem while i was there. Maybe i was just lucky. or maybe i just avoided trouble. not sure. but Davao or Tagum is where i would go if given a choice.

kpeek2000
  11/9/2012 04:01 EST

I'm sorry about your experiences but you are just plain wrong. Davao is the safest city in all the Philippines. I've been to Manila, Pasay, Quezon, all over the country and have never once seen anything go wrong in Davao. Yes there is some poverty but the Philippines are considered a 3rd world country, perhaps a bit of research would have prepared you for that. I never once heard about murders in Davao, never once experienced corruption. Perhaps it's your British cynicism. I have visited London twice, once when I was a teen and again for the Olympics and both times I was never shown a single sign hospitality. Just gloomy, cold people. The opposite of what I saw in Davao City.

peter7
  11/11/2012 08:50 EST

Live in the real world

brodavid
  6/17/2015 08:02 EST

Hello. I read an old post that you wrote about tagum city. Can you give me a idea of a few good/clean subdivisions in Tagum city? Please email me at [email protected] or send me a p.m. thanks much!!

chance2013
  6/17/2015 11:00 EST

I come from London and no its not over friendly, went to New York a couple of years ago and guess what it was not very friendly either. Come on not all Brits are full of gloom and doom same as not all yanks are big and brash. I have never been to Davou but the mayor rules with an iron fist, he is not the only mayor that does this, the Mayor of Rosario cavite is a really good Mayor just as long as your not a criminal and a pusher. Salvage is very common here. As for poverty in Davou, philippines is a poverty stricken country they are everywhere. Philippines is a beautiful country but as I have said before beautiful but harsh place to live in

mootpoint20
  5/27/2016 13:50 EST

One elevated, but negative, fellow recounted his world wide experience, denigrating Davao. I think we could crown him, "Prince Charles" or Pretender to the Throne. We should give him the respect he deserves.

jerissamae02
  5/27/2016 15:37 EST

Hi, if you need any help on housing I can help you. Email me
[email protected]

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