There’s a reason why Cebu is being populated by retirees—a peaceful lifestyle.
Where one lives greatly depends on their priorities. Fresh graduates or the working bracket tend to veer towards the city because it is close to their jobs and is the hub of city life. But when marriage and raising a family enters the picture, tables may turn and priorities shift. There are different considerations when looking for a place to stay, which is why some families decide to step away from the central district in search of a more family-friendly and accommodating city. If you’ve been thinking of starting a family somewhere other than the Metro, these insights will help convince you to consider Cebu.
Impressive Tourism
Philippines continues to draw in more tourists thanks to its breathtaking beaches and astounding islands. But Cebu alone is already topping the charts. It’s a blend of nature-inclined and developed attractions that keep local and foreign tourists on their toes. Cebu News Daily even pinpoints that in 2017, the number of tourists in Cebu have doubled. From roughly 130,000 in 2015 to a whopping 430,000 in 2017.
Mactan and Budlaan Falls are a few examples of natural treasures that have been tourist favorites. Mactan alone has been drawing in more people, with its picturesque waters and lively marine life.
Meanwhile, shopping districts and nightlife is also something to enjoy in Cebu. Cebu City has welcomed retail giants such as SM and Robinsons to the area. Adding unique spins as SM City Cebu has a viewing tower, and a seaside mall. For those thirsting for a bit of rave, there are numerous clubs to visit. Mandaue City is a popular choice for some nightlife and parties.
Steady Employment Rate
One of the biggest depending factors in a move is also the opportunity for income, may it be employment or business. Thankfully, Cebu remains to have a strong grip in its employment rate. The Philippine Statistics Authority shared that in 2017 when the national unemployment rate was at 6.6%, Cebu maintained an impressive 6.4%. Department of Labor and Employment Central Visayas director Exequiel Sarcuaga explained that this is due to Cebu’s ability to generate employment.
Rapid Real Estate Growth
One of the prime considerations of someone who is family-focused is purchasing or renting a home that is comfortable for everyone but is not too much for the purse strings. Unfortunately, for heavily populated areas such as Metro Manila, real estate because a difficult ordeal as housing costs a lot and spaces are more congested.
Cebu’s real estate story is much more different, the province is in its peak of developing communities and varied home infrastructures. In an interview with Business World in August 2018, Lamudi Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Bhavna Suresh shares that due to the uphill growth of Cebu City, many developers have swarmed in to meet the demand for housing and residential buildings.
Indeed, today, subdivisions and condominiums alike rise in different portions of Cebu. With it are the retail districts that draw in more family and encourage the growth of more communities. Developers such as Ayala and Filinvest Inc. has noted only sustained and thrived in the retail and commercial arena but is now giving attention to affordable living and residential spaces for the local growing population.
Aside from the residential state and the booming commercial scene, infrastructure is beaming in this Visayas province. Cebu Daily News reported in 2018 that Cebu City will soon be the home to the largest green office building in the Philippines. The project—to be developed by ArthaLand Corp.—is a prime example of how Cebu has gone beyond the necessary means of supplying more infrastructure but is taking the leap in moving forward with a more environmentally friendly growth.
Long-term Settlement
More than a few years’ stay, Cebu is a great place for retirement. In fact, it has become one of the most popular choices for retirees. Rappler testifies to this by reporting in 2013, “Cebu’s reputation as the quieter, more relaxed sister city to Manila has earned it a new niche in the real estate market – retirees.”
Many retirees are not necessarily locals, even expats from international countries are loving the scenery in Cebu. Seeing it as a great spot to settle down and spend their later years. It is probably why the Overseas Retirement Letter reported in 2014 that Dumaguate City is recognized as the best place to retire based on the 2014 Retire Overseas Index. Between 2012 to 2013, there was a leap of 83.9% growth in retirees settling in Dumaguete.
Cebu is certainly a place of rich culture, warm-hearted locals, investment opportunities, and a bright future. The region has found its balance between provincial peace and the uproar of urban development, paving way for bigger communities and a foreseeable home to many families. It is definitely the residence of choice.
