The National Capital Region (NCR), popularly known as Metro Manila, comprises of 16 cities. Manila is one of them and it is the capital city of the Philippines. It is your premier destination once you visit the Philippines because of its vibrant, rich, colourful, fun, and everything in-between. It is also known for having the right blend of city life and a laid-back vibe, as well as a diverse range of places and activities for you and your family to enjoy. Metro Manila is considered also one of Asia’s premier regions composed of 16 cities and 1 municipality, with major central business districts in the capital Manila, Makati, Quezon City, Parañaque, Pasay, Muntinlupa and Taguig City its Bonifacio Global City dubbed the Metro’s lifestyle hub. Additionally, Metro Manila has four divisions: Capital which is the Manila, Northern, Eastern, and Southern part. This time we will be focusing on the Northern Division which is composed of the cities of Caloocan, Valenzuela, Malabon, Navotas and Quezon City.
So, the following are the top 10 reasons why to live North of Manila:
1. Accessibility
This is dependent on where you wish to move, where you work, and where you attend school. It also depends on whether you drive or take public transportation to these locations. Of course, living and working or studying in the same location is preferable. If not, residing in the north or south is a major consideration. As a starting place, consider center Manila. If you're coming from the south, traveling is quick and easy, but you'll have to pay a lot in tolls. If you're traveling from the north, the LRT and MRT are your greatest options for getting from point A to point B. It is less expensive and quicker, but it is quite inconvenient.
2. Cost of Living
One of the most important considerations when purchasing a property or looking for a place to stay is the area's cost of living. This can help you determine if you can maintain your current lifestyle and whether you have the financial means to cover essential needs such as housing, food, health care, and entertainment. In terms of land and rental costs, the northern region of Metro Manila has a cheaper cost of living. It's roughly Php1,000—Php30,000 per square meter, according to the Bureau of Internal Revenue's zonal estimates. A two-bedroom flat may be rented for Php 10,000 per month by a family. Land values and rental rates are substantially higher in the south, which is home to major business centers in Metro Manila.
3. History and Culture
Manila is the Philippines' capital and largest city. The city serves as the economic, political, social, and cultural hub of the country. Former President Manuel Quezon built Quezon City, which served as the Philippines' capital from 1948 until 1976. With its artistic qualities, the north is similar to the east coast. A variety of museums and historical sites may be found there.
4. Schools and Education
The center of education has traditionally been in the northern cities. It is home to the top four universities in the Philippines including the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Ateneo De Manila University, De La Salle University, and the University of Santo Tomas – Metro Manila’s oldest university. Aside from that, the area is home to a number of local universities and colleges are situated here.
5. Medical Facilities
Health care is an essential requirement in cities. Each city's capacity to handle health issues among its citizens will be influenced by the quality and number of available facilities. A number of key health institutions in the country are located in the north. Quezon City is home to a number of major medical institutes, including the Philippine Lung Center, Philippine Health Center, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, and Philippine Orthopedic Center. The Philippine General Hospital and St. Luke's Medical Center are both located here. As a result, for unique emergency situations, this is the place to go.
6. A Set-up that allows you to do more in less time
The majority of individuals, particularly OFWs, choose to live outside of Metro Manila because of the ease with which they can live. They may just ride their bikes to the closest public market or drive a few minutes to the nearest retail center. There are rarely any traffic delays to be concerned about. People are not in a rush since they have lots of time on their hands. This unusual privilege of having discretion over when to accomplish things while also being able to slow down is only available to dwellers in the north.
7. Cleanliness and Green Practices
People increasingly prefer a greener lifestyle as more Filipinos become more mindful of the environment and its conservation. As a result, they're looking into more environmentally friendly city living.
Quezon City was one of the first communities in Metro Manila to create a plastic bag reduction law in 2012, putting the city in the forefront of implementing green practices in the country. In the city, proper trash management is also a top responsibility. Manila, on the other hand, remains crowded and dirty, since the city has failed to shake its image as a haven for many squatters who live in the streets.
8. Flood Situation
The flood situation in Metro Manila has long been a problem for many of its residents. With the unpredictable weather conditions in the Philippines, people are concerned about flooding issues in their areas, especially during the rainy season. In the year 2014, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) identified 22 flood-prone areas in Metro Manila. Out of these locations, 11 are located in the north. Most of them are found in the City of Manila and Quezon City.
9. Safety
Manila is a safe city as well. Your visit will be safe and memorable if you take the usual measures that any major city requires. There is also a well-established expatriate community, complete with clubs and social events.
10. Work-life balance is important.
There is no other city in Metro Manila that provides the same degree of ease for both work and life. Most individuals find it simple to get to work or meet up with friends and family when they live in the North, especially in Quezon City. QC is home to several offices, from Novaliches in the north to Cubao in the south. But it's not just about employment when you live here.
Metro Manila the capital city of the Philippines has always been divided into North, East, and South. And if you grew up in the province, when we were all young the dream has always been to live in Manila the center of everything. But little did we know that even at the North of Manila, a lot has been going and on and is just waiting for you to move in.
Written By: Sheryl Ann D. Damgo
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