| When it comes to retirement locations in the | | | | overdevelopment. There is not much in the way of |
| Philippines, one has many options - major urban cities, | | | | night life and entertainment, but there is plenty of |
| larger rural cities, beach resorts, mountain retreats. | | | | golf and plenty of cool weather, both of which are |
| Each has its own unique and attractive features. The | | | | the main draws for retirees. |
| major advantage of retirement in a mountain retreat | | | | TAGAYTAY |
| is cooler weather and a lower cost of living than in | | | | Tagaytay is located approximately 60 kilometers |
| the major urban cities. The most popular retirement | | | | south of Manila and has a population of approximately |
| spots in this category are in (i) Baguio City and (ii) | | | | 60,000 permanent residents. It is a rapidly growing |
| Tagaytay. | | | | area, due to its proximity to Manila. It sits at about |
| BAGUIO CITY | | | | the 650 meter level along a ridge near the extinct |
| Bauio City, located at an elevation of 1,450 meters in | | | | Taal volcano - lower than Baguio City, but still cool |
| the Cordillera mountain range north of Manila, has a | | | | and blessed with breezes off the South China Sea. A |
| population of approximately 300,000. It is vibrant, | | | | lot of new residential gated communities have |
| woodsy and cool by Philippine standards. Baguio City | | | | sprouted up in this area in the past few years, as |
| is a favorite "get away from the heat" retreat. Lush | | | | many foreigners have found this place to be |
| with pine trees and their ever present smell, one | | | | attractive due to the cool weather and closeness to |
| would think they were somewhere in northern | | | | the big city lifestyle of Manila. Cost of housing is |
| California. There are throngs of college students in | | | | higher here than in Baguio City. During the week, it is |
| the city. It was initially constructed as a mountain | | | | a very quiet and relaxed place, but on the weekends |
| retreat by the US military forces in the early 1900's. | | | | it is busy and crowded as the hordes of visitors |
| The main threat to the beauty of the area is now | | | | arrive from Manila. |