Metro Manila is one of the biggest centers of progress and advancement, also known as the Philippines’ National Capital Region. Whether you are an expatriate from a foreign land or a Filipino from a distant province, you may find yourself moving to Metro Manila and navigating its winding roads. Here are a few things you should consider when moving to the vast metropolis.
Get an accessible place
Finding an area that’s located in a good hub connected to a bustling workforce, nearby hospitals, and malls can make your life much more convenient. Getting a good location that is accessible to cars and emergency services can also give you peace of mind.
If you’re planning on making the move, it could be wise to look into preselling condo units at business districts, like Ortigas Avenue, since this would put you at the center of the metro right inside Ortigas’s tech district and between the bustling domains of Quezon City and Makati.
Even though Metro Manila is traversable, accessibility has to do with the ease of going about your place. You have to consider the density of properties and the local population.
After all, Metro Manila has one of the highest densities of people in the world, seeing up to 15 million people in the daytime and averaging around 43,000 people per square mile. The easiest way to navigate is by living in a space that is built with the population in mind. It should be near crucial locations like banks, clinics, police stations, and the like.
Make sure you’re prepared for the traffic
Because of its massive population, Metro Manila sees a lot of traffic on its streets. Although there a lot of awesome places to explore, you’ll need to take into account the time it would take to travel there. It should also factor in when you’re considering buying a new vehicle or bringing a car with you when you move in.
If you’re keen on saving on the effort of driving through the slow pace every day or having to find a parking space, it may be wiser to opt for public transportation. There are a lot of options for commuting in Metro Manila, like jeepneys, buses, the metro and light rail transit systems, taxis, UV expresses, app-based rides and rentals, and even tricycles.
Using public transport, however, means you have to contend with other commuters and rely on getting a ride before even hitting the road. So, figure out which pros and cons you are more willing to take on when planning your move.
Consider the weather
Metro Manila only sees sunny days and rainy days, but depending on where you are in the region, it can be hotter, colder, or more prone to floods. You’ll have to sort out the gear and clothing you have packed, depending on where you decide to settle in the metro.
Certain zones have better air quality but have a lower flood line. At the same time, other areas are entirely urbanized and very busy but are precisely that because they are less prone to such unwanted weather problems. Even if you find a space that suits you perfectly, you may have to start wearing lighter fare to cater to warmer temperatures brought on not just by the tropics but the packed cities full of people and tall infrastructures built closely together.
Metro Manila has a lot to offer and is a sparkling region that welcomes a variety of people. Knowing its challenges can help you to acclimatize properly and be able to enjoy it to its fullest.
