Street Vendors in Manila, Phillipines



Best Neighborhoods for Retirees in Manila

By Joshua Wood, LPC

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Summary: If you're retiring in Manila, here are some of the best neighborhoods in Manila for retirees.

Manila, the vibrant capital of the Philippines, offers a unique blend of urban energy and traditional Filipino culture. For expats and retirees, choosing the right neighborhood is crucial for a enjoyable and comfortable living experience. Here are eight of the best neighborhoods in Manila for retirees, each offering a unique blend of amenities, safety, and community.

Makati

Makati is a highly urbanized city within Metro Manila, known for its upscale living, high-end malls, and excellent healthcare facilities. Retirees can enjoy a variety of activities, from cultural events at the Ayala Museum to leisurely walks in the green spaces of Ayala Triangle Gardens and Greenbelt Park. The area is also known for its vibrant food scene, offering a mix of local and international cuisines.

Location: Central Metro Manila

Real Estate: Average Rental Price: 2BR - Php 40,000, 3BR - Php 60,000. Average Purchase Price: 2BR - Php 10,000,000, 3BR - Php 15,000,000.

Healthcare: Makati Medical Center, one of the top hospitals in the country, is located here.

Where to Eat: Try Greenbelt's various restaurants, or head to Poblacion for a more eclectic dining experience.

Interesting History: Visit the historic Nuestra Senora de Gracia Church, one of the oldest churches in Makati.

Volunteer Organizations: Caritas Manila and Habitat for Humanity Philippines have chapters in Makati.

Parks: Ayala Triangle Gardens and Greenbelt Park are popular green spaces in the area.

Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

Bonifacio Global City is a modern and cosmopolitan district with a mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces. Retirees can enjoy various activities such as golfing at the Manila Golf Club, visiting The Mind Museum, or strolling along the vibrant High Street. The area is also known for its art installations and bustling food scene.

Location: Southeastern part of Makati

Real Estate: Average Rental Price: 2BR - Php 50,000, 3BR - Php 80,000. Average Purchase Price: 2BR - Php 12,000,000, 3BR - Php 18,000,000.

Healthcare: St. Luke's Medical Center, a leading private hospital, is nearby.

Where to Eat: Explore the diverse dining options at Bonifacio High Street and Serendra.

Interesting History: BGC is part of the former military base, Fort Bonifacio.

Volunteer Organizations: The Rotary Club of Fort Bonifacio has various community service programs.

Parks: Track 30th and Terra 28th are popular parks in the area.

Ortigas Center

Ortigas Center is a bustling commercial and business district that also offers a variety of residential options. Retirees can enjoy shopping at upscale malls, dining at various restaurants, or taking leisurely walks at the Ortigas Park. The area is also home to several cultural institutions like the Meralco Theater.

Location: Boundary of Pasig, Mandaluyong, and Quezon City

Real Estate: Average Rental Price: 2BR - Php 35,000, 3BR - Php 55,000. Average Purchase Price: 2BR - Php 9,000,000, 3BR - Php 14,000,000.

Healthcare: The Medical City is a renowned hospital in the area.

Where to Eat: Try the various dining options at Estancia Mall and Capitol Commons.

Interesting History: Ortigas Center was once part of the vast Hacienda de Mandaloyon.

Volunteer Organizations: The Ortigas Foundation offers various community programs.

Parks: Ortigas Park is a popular green space in the area.

Alabang

Alabang is a suburban district in the southern part of Metro Manila, known for its upscale residential areas, shopping centers, and golf courses. Retirees can enjoy various activities such as golfing, shopping at Alabang Town Center, or taking leisurely walks in the area's green spaces. The area is also known for its fine dining options.

Location: Southern part of Metro Manila

Real Estate: Average Rental Price: 2BR - Php 30,000, 3BR - Php 50,000. Average Purchase Price: 2BR - Php 8,000,000, 3BR - Php 12,000,000.

Healthcare: Asian Hospital and Medical Center is a leading hospital in the area.

Where to Eat: Explore the dining options at Alabang Town Center and Molito Lifestyle Center.

Interesting History: Alabang was once a vast hacienda during the Spanish colonial period.

Volunteer Organizations: The Rotary Club of Alabang has various community service programs.

Parks: River Park and South Village Park are popular green spaces in the area.

Quezon City

Quezon City is a vibrant and historic city with a mix of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. Retirees can enjoy various activities such as visiting historical sites like the Quezon Memorial Circle, exploring the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, or dining at various food hubs like Maginhawa Street and Tomas Morato.

Location: Northeastern part of Metro Manila

Real Estate: Average Rental Price: 2BR - Php 25,000, 3BR - Php 40,000. Average Purchase Price: 2BR - Php 7,000,000, 3BR - Php 10,000,000.

Healthcare: St. Luke's Medical Center and Philippine Heart Center are renowned hospitals in the area.

Where to Eat: Explore the diverse dining options at Maginhawa Street and Tomas Morato.

Interesting History: Visit the historic Quezon Memorial Circle, a national park and shrine dedicated to Manuel L. Quezon.

Volunteer Organizations: The Quezon City Government has various volunteer programs for senior citizens.

Parks: Quezon Memorial Circle and Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center are popular green spaces in the area.

Pasig City

Pasig City is a vibrant and historic city with a mix of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. Retirees can enjoy various activities such as visiting the Pasig City Museum, exploring the Pasig Rainforest Park, or dining at various food hubs like Kapitolyo and The Grove by Rockwell.

Location: Eastern part of Metro Manila

Real Estate: Average Rental Price: 2BR - Php 30,000, 3BR - Php 50,000. Average Purchase Price: 2BR - Php 8,000,000, 3BR - Php 12,000,000.

Healthcare: The Medical City is a renowned hospital in the area.

Where to Eat: Explore the diverse dining options at Kapitolyo and The Grove by Rockwell.

Interesting History: Visit the historic Pasig City Museum, which showcases the city's rich cultural heritage.

Volunteer Organizations: The Pasig City Government has various volunteer programs for senior citizens.

Parks: Pasig Rainforest Park and Greenfield District Central Park are popular green spaces in the area.

Taguig City

Taguig City is a modern and cosmopolitan city with a mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces. Retirees can enjoy various activities such as visiting The Mind Museum, exploring the Venice Grand Canal Mall, or dining at various food hubs like Bonifacio Global City and McKinley Hill.

Location: Southeastern part of Metro Manila

Real Estate: Average Rental Price: 2BR - Php 45,000, 3BR - Php 70,000. Average Purchase Price: 2BR - Php 11,000,000, 3BR - Php 16,000,000.

Healthcare: St. Luke's Medical Center is a leading private hospital in the area.

Where to Eat: Explore the diverse dining options at Bonifacio Global City and McKinley Hill.

Interesting History: Taguig was once a thriving fishing community during the pre-colonial period.

Volunteer Organizations: The Taguig City Government has various volunteer programs for senior citizens.

Parks: Track 30th and Central Park are popular green spaces in the area.

Muntinlupa City

Muntinlupa City is a suburban city in the southern part of Metro Manila, known for its upscale residential areas, shopping centers, and natural attractions. Retirees can enjoy various activities such as exploring the Jamboree Lake, visiting the Muntinlupa City Museum, or dining at various food hubs like Alabang Town Center and Festival Mall.

Location: Southern part of Metro Manila

Real Estate: Average Rental Price: 2BR - Php 25,000, 3BR - Php 45,000. Average Purchase Price: 2BR - Php 7,000,000, 3BR - Php 11,000,000.

Healthcare: Asian Hospital and Medical Center is a leading hospital in the area.

Where to Eat: Explore the diverse dining options at Alabang Town Center and Festival Mall.

Interesting History: Muntinlupa was once a vast forest area during the pre-colonial period.

Volunteer Organizations: The Muntinlupa City Government has various volunteer programs for senior citizens.

Parks: Jamboree Lake and Filinvest City Central Park are popular green spaces in the area.

San Juan City

San Juan City is a historic and cultural city with a mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces. Retirees can enjoy various activities such as visiting the historic Santuario del Santo Cristo, exploring the Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine, or dining at various food hubs like Greenhills Shopping Center and Promenade.

Location: Central part of Metro Manila

Real Estate: Average Rental Price: 2BR - Php 35,000, 3BR - Php 55,000. Average Purchase Price: 2BR - Php 9,000,000, 3BR - Php 14,000,000.

Healthcare: Cardinal Santos Medical Center is a renowned hospital in the area.

Where to Eat: Explore the diverse dining options at Greenhills Shopping Center and Promenade.

Interesting History: San Juan was the site of the first battle of the Philippine Revolution against Spain.

Volunteer Organizations: The San Juan City Government has various volunteer programs for senior citizens.

Parks: Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine and San Juan City Garden are popular green spaces in the area.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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