People living South of Metro Manila are often described as very relaxed and “chill lang.” This has a lot to do with the lifestyle and the environment that are distinctly its own. There’s more space to move around, families can relax enjoy the outdoors, and there’s a stronger sense of community. Here are more reasons why you should consider moving to the South, too – and be infected by all that good vibes.
1. Road infrastructure has made it very accessible to the rest of Metro Manila.
With roads such as the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), Manila-Cavite Expressway, Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway, South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), C5, and Skyway, getting to and from the South to the rest of Metro Manila and nearby provinces is fast and convenient.
2. It’s relatively flood-free.
Most cities South of Manila have remained safe from excessive flooding. This is a major game changer especially for people based in the North and have to deal with waist-deep – sometimes deeper than that – floods during the monsoon season. Of the 22 flood-prone areas identified by the MMDA, 11 are located in the North.
3. Cities are environmentally-conscious.
Muntinlupa City is the first local government unit in Metro Manila to ban plastic and styrofoam use. It has been plastic-free since January 1, 2011, setting an example for cities such as Las Pinas, Makati, and Pasay.
And because it’s not as congested as other areas of Metro Manila, the South has managed to maintain green, open spaces where residents can relax and breathe fresh, clean air.
4. You’re closer to your favorite weekend destinations.
Living in the South makes it easier to escape the city and go to some place calm and serene. You can drive to Tagaytay and savor the cool, crisp air; to Laguna and enjoy the hot springs and the fresh produce; or to Batangas to hike, be a beach bum, or scuba dive.
5. The country’s premier schools are making its way to the South.
You won’t have to travel far to get quality education; there are a lot of excellent high schools and universities when you live in the South. Taguig is poised to become a university city as the University of the Philippines (UP) and De La Salle University (DLSU) are opening campuses in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). The UP campus will host post-graduate studies and programs for its colleges of law, business, and engineering, as well as for its school of statistics. DLSU is setting up its College of Law campus there.
Make your way further down and you’ll find San Beda College and De La Salle Zobel in Alabang, Muntinlupa; Xavier School, DLSU, Don Bosco College, St. Scholastica’s College, Miriam School, and UP in Laguna; and DLSU campuses in Dasmarinas, Cavite and in Lipa, Batangas.
6. Developments are community and family oriented.
Mixed-use developments in the South such as BGC in Taguig and Nuvali in Sta. Rosa Laguna, have successfully integrated business centers with residential communities, leisure establishments, and recreational facilities, allowing individuals to live, work, play, and learn all in a single location.
Southerners can look forward to another exciting mixed-used development – Ara Vista Village in General Trias, Cavite. While mainly a residential community, this 50-hectare master planned township project from AMA Communities Inc. will be home to recreational facilities, commercial and business establishments, schools, and IT ventures, promoting a holistic lifestyle.
7. Property values are appreciating.
With a robust economy, new infrastructure projects, and real estate developments being built by major developers in the South of Metro Manila expect land values to appreciate steadily in the coming years. It’s definitely the right time to invest on your dream home.
Ready to experience Southern living? Start your home search here.
