Less than two hours away from Manila, Lipa City offers a balance of rural charm and city living. | PHOTO: Patrickroque01 via WikiMedia Commons
Lipa City is known for its awesome coffee, mouthwatering lomi, and majestic cathedral.
Beyond the delicacies and destinations however, this scenic city in Batangas province offers an idyllic environment to build a home. If you’re wondering why Lipa is recently emerging as a hotspot for new developments, you’ve come to the right place. There are several reasons why you ought to buy or build a home in this lovely city.
Let’s explore Lipa City and all its exciting offerings.
Cool weather
For anyone who seemingly melts under Metro Manila’s sun, Lipa City offers cooler weather on most days. With the city elevated 1,025 feet above sea level, it enjoys a lovely tropical climate and an average annual temperature that is 5 degrees lower than Manila’s. While you don’t need to bring out scarves and gloves yet, the weather is just enough for you to enjoy the outdoors without fearing a heat wave.
Low chances of landslide and floods
If you’re wondering whether or not Lipa is prone to disasters, you’ll be relieved to know that it’s a pretty safe place to live in.
According to the Batangas Province hazard map developed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Lipa has low susceptibility to landslides and floods. The city is nestled between the Malepunyo Mountain Range and Mount Macolod, which serve as natural windbreaks during severe typhoons.
While Lipa is geographically near Taal Volcano, it is not within the danger zone, especially with Mount Macolod shielding it from lava flow. In fact, Lipa City is often designated as the evacuation area for those fleeing from the volcano eruption.
A haven of church architecture
Built in the 18th century, the Lipa Cathedral is an example of Romanesque architecture. | PHOTO: Ralff Nestor Nacor via WikiMedia Commons
Lipa City is the so-called “Little Rome of the Philippines” with its numerous Catholic churches. Whether you’re a devout Catholic or just an architecture aficionado, there are several places of worship in the city that are worth visiting.
The San Sebastian Cathedral, for example, is a historic structure that traces its roots all the way back to the 1600s. Known as the Lipa Cathedral, it features a massive Romanesque dome accentuated by ornate mouldings and painted images. In contrast, the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish in Lodlod, Lipa City features a modern structure with concave roofs. If you have great appreciation for historic buildings, Lipa is a great place to tour around on a warm summer day.
Proximity to Manila
Another attractive feature of Lipa City is its proximity to Metro Manila.
About one hour and 45 minutes away from the capital region, Lipa is considered a strategic location for urban workers. While the place still features some rural charm, it can easily accommodate city dwellers wishing to retreat to the countryside after a hard day’s work.
Moreover, Lipa City has recently been attracting immigrants due to its rising economy. People from Mindanao and Bicol have been migrating to the area. Even the sight of Indian and Korean nationals is becoming common. With this recent migration, Lipa City is slowly becoming a melting pot of interesting cultures.
The Lipa city government offers exciting opportunities for investors. | PHOTO: Patrickroque01 via WikiMedia Commons
Quality schools to choose from
If you’ve got a little one in the family, Lipa City may also prove to be a great place for you to enroll your child.
The city has a variety of great schools and takes pride in its 99.4 percent literacy rate. According to the local government’s website, the city hosts 95 private schools and 86 public schools. Some of the most recognizable ones are the De La Salle Lipa, Stonyhurst Southville International School, University of Batangas-Lipa Campus and the Kolegio ng Lungsod ng Lipa.
You won’t have to venture far from home to ensure your kids get quality education to prepare them for life.
Work opportunities
For those wishing to seek employment outside Metro Manila, Lipa remains a great place to hunt for jobs.
The LIMA Technology Center, located at the Lipa-Malvar area, is an industrial estate that provides work opportunities. The city is also home to numerous call centers such as Teletech, Alorica Philippines Inc. and Telezone Contact Center. Besides these potential employers, there are also numerous retail companies in the areas such as SM Mall Lipa, Robinsons Mall, Fiesta World Mall, Puregold, Super 8 and S&R. These big names not only provide jobs to Lipa residents, but they also open up options in terms of shopping and entertainment.
Fun activities all-year round
Lipa City offers numerous leisure spots that residents and visitors may enjoy.
With its fascinating history and culture, Lipa has no shortage of festivals and fun activities.
During March, the city celebrates BarakoFest, a three-day celebration of music, art, trade and food that centers around the famous Barako Coffee. The month of June, meanwhile, witnesses the celebration of the Lomi Festival, which pays homage to the lomi noodles of the city. This event hosts eating contests and cooking showdowns where visitors can taste the famous lomi for free.
Besides these festivities, the city also hosts concerts, car or motor shows, art shows and other public events occasionally for the enjoyment of locals and tourists.
Loving life in Lipa
When it comes to Lipa City, come for the coffee, but stay for the love of the grind.
If you’re keen to start a new life outside Metro Manila, there’s no better place to live in than Lipa. With its beautiful climate, strategic location, fun festivals and work offerings, you’ll have everything you need close by. A rising star in the south of Luzon, this city offers a bright future for you and your family.
Sources: denr.gov.ph; City – Lipa City; hellolipa.com; Patrickroque01, Ralff Nestor Nacor and Judgefloro via Wikimedia Commons