Neighborhoods to keep in mind
There is a good reason why many are obsessing at the thought of acquiring a property in some of the country’s most reputable villages and subdivisions.
Living in a self-contained, tightly guarded neighborhood provides one an unmatched level of comfort, ease, and convenience. And in the Philippines, there are already a number of villages that carry that badge of approval by real estate experts and industry stakeholders alike.
While the availability of space in the metro remains a challenge, the good news is that there are remaining areas that can be developed. Practically every nook and cranny in Metro Manila is now being developed to cater to the growing demand of buyers still wanting to own a small slice of the metropolis that they can call their own.
Global real estate website Lamudi has put together a list of soon-to-be-popular areas and neighborhoods in Metro Manila. So if you are looking for value-for-money projects and still covet a city address, here are some areas that may serve as an alternative to pricey business districts.
1 Barangay San Antonio, Makati
Being a couple of minutes away from the Makati central business district (CBD), Barangay San Antonio is now touted as an extension of the Makati CBD. Condominium units here are still much affordable compared to those in either Salcedo or Legaspi Village.
This prime location represents a vibrant food scene, ranging from carinderias, hole-in-the-wall joints, and concept restaurants which include Charaptor, a popular place for grilled fares; Pat Pat’s Kansi; and the local branch of the famous Zubuchon. Nights will not be dull as San Antonio is home to one of the more established music bars, saGuijo which is located along Guijo Street.
Upcoming projects in the area include Megaworld Corp.’s San Antonio Residence, Avida Land’s One Antonio, and Shang Properties’ The Rise Makati. Completed condos in the area include Belton Place, The Linear, and Avida Towers Makati West.
2 Barangay Ususan, Taguig
Barangay Ususan’s main selling point is its strategic location.
Located beside C5 Road, this Taguig neighborhood is a stone’s throw away from both McKinley Hill and Bonifacio Global City. In addition, the ongoing development of C5 Extension, including a bridge that will cross the South Luzon Expressway, will mean quick and easy access to the airport and other areas such as Parañaque, Las Piñas, and the Manila-Cavite Expressway.
Acacia Estates of DMCI Homes is one of the most well-known developments in the area. In addition, this barangay is also home to SMDC’s Grace Residences while close by is the new Vista Mall Taguig. Other condo developments located near or within Barangay Ususan are Cypress Towers and C5 Mansions.
3 Santa Ana, Manila
The heritage district of Santa Ana is strategically located where the cities of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, and San Juan meet. As such, it is often regarded as a convenient location to easily reach these key destinations.
Because of its proximity to the Makati CBD, Santa Ana is a popular choice among professionals who work in Ayala Avenue, while Ortigas Center is also within a short driving distance via Kalentong Street and Shaw Boulevard.
Santa Ana is also close to President Quirino Avenue, which is one of the exits of the soon-to-be-completed Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3. Once fully operational, the MMSS-3 will make commute from Santa Ana to as far north as Balintawak fast and easy.
Two of the most popular condo developments in Santa Ana are the Manila Rivercity Residences and Rivergreen Residences of CDC Holdings. Likewise, a branch of White Knight Hotel will soon open in Santa Ana this year, offering both hotel units and dormitory type rooms for female renters.
4 Tandang Sora, Quezon City
Metro Manila’s largest city still has a lot of places to be developed. But for now, growth is definitely coming to Tandang Sora given the number of exciting projects around the area.
For instance, Vertis North, Quezon City’s up-and-coming business and lifestyle district, is set to reinvent Quezon City and Tandang Sora will be the first to feel the progress as it is located close to this upcoming mini city. Another real estate project close to Tandang Sora is the UP-Ayala Land TechnoHub, a 20-hectare business district that is home to IT and outsourcing companies.
New improvements are also underway to better serve this part of Quezon City, one of which is the ongoing construction of MRT-7. This commuter railway, which will run from EDSA–North Avenue to San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, will benefit Tandang Sora and other parts of the city.
One of the most high profile residential developments in Tandang Sora is DMCI Homes’ Zinnia Towers. In addition, the area is also teeming with plenty of newly built townhouse projects, some of which can be had for as low as P3.9 million.
