As an Air Force service man from Clark AB in 1969-1970 I went to Baguio twice taking the rabbit (bus). I stayed in the small cabins that could be rented at John Hay Air Station. I was very impressed by the area. The local ladies were all very formal and wore traditional lace clothing. I just viewed a video tour of the city and has it grown. I was fortunate to experience it then as it now is too urban. I remember the climate was great compared to Clark AB. Thanks for your informative video.
American from LV moved to Baguio a little over a year ago. Can confirm everything he says. Renting a big 4 bedroom house with great view for 35k. Electrical just under 5k. Raining season is no joke. But even with that, you can’t beat the weather
@@semi5alpha for most of the Philippines you are right. Baguio is a high demand area. House is in secure subdivision. Great location. 3000 sqft. Awesome view. Basement is a full 1 bedroom apartment. So rental prices are higher here but with no AC our electric bill is 1/3 to 1/5 what it was in DAGUPAN so it’s almost a wash.
Hey Darin; I'm from LV also, moving there next year; once I close out my retirement from; planning to move in Bagiou or Nueva Vizcaya. What part of LV where you from? In SW LV towards Blue Diamond; I'm done here, getting the house rented and enjoy traveling with the family.
@@havenpersonalcare7968 we where in southern highlands so close to where you are. I worked a job supporting the hospitality industries. It was 100% commission so I was doing great before Covid and then went too $0. My company sucked, only offering us loans against future income. Moving to Philippines was the right decision. Initially planned on settling in Palawan but come to find out my Filipino wife hate hot weather. Baguio has been great. We are on the Itogon side of town so a little less traffic and slightly dryer. Good luck getting to retirement and let me know if there is anything I can do to assist
i’m a local of baguio,born and raised there, la trinidad is actually the one that is called the strawberry capital, a different municipality from baguio, and i agree that most baguio residents hate it when tourists flock during the holiday seasons,.
i also agree with the cons of living in baguio, water shortage really is the number one problem and actually thinking of moving to another place close to baguio where water is not a problem,. crime rate is actually rising since the peace loving locals are getting ousted and people from lowlands especially from manila are now becoming residents of baguio
Thanks for this video! Baguio sounds like a great place. I current live in Denver and definitely want to keep the mountain climate and great summers. This would be a great place.
Mindanao is pretty much a peaceful place. Have you been to Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Butuan, Iligan, Surigao, and other beautiful cities and municipalities in Mindanao? We have a lot of foreign retirees, happily married to their Filipino wives and enjoying living in Mindanao.
most retirees prefer an island life and the best places are siargao, palawan, cebu, iloilo, and dumaguete...pampangga is also attracting retirees from korea and japan...
The Flower Festival around February is stunning and well worth going to. We first went to Baguio in 1974 (or 1976 as my wife reminds me from upstairs) and were amazed to see the differences in our last visit several years ago. Much more crowded and the traffic was downright scary. The weather was still beautiful though. With all its pluses, I don't think it would be good for us to retire to as it is just too far from everything for us.
Understandable Rick. My Dad also says the same thing - He visited Baguio back in 1980 and he said it was much nicer and noticeably less crowded. Thanks for input! Great that you got to visit Baguio in a different light than what it is nowadays. Have a good one!
baguio was very quiet very clean very nice place.Not crowded and no traffic.There were only few stablishment private cars and nice vacation houses for wealthy filipino families.
yeah, this is why I recommend people to not move at Baguio, because it overpopulated and according to my teachers, it has been overpopulated for a really long time now. I remember my teachers discussing how Baguio wasn't meant to hold this much people which is why the road plans are so messy and unorganized.
The place sounds very nice but the cons vastly weigh out the pros for me especially with the overcrowding, lack of water systems, and of course the landslides. But this seems like a great place to visit.
I was born and grown up in Baguio City, Benguet near CampJohn Hay Air Base we have a nice weather. This is the place where you can hear country music which we adopted from the Americans.
I grew up in Baguio and I was there in 2019 -- crazy crowds/traffic. Yikes. I love the 'upgrades' -- Baguio would be perfect without the increased population.
It's a shame how crowded it's gotten. It was a hidden gem back then. Maybe I shouldn't have made a video on this place because it'll only draw more attention to Baguio 😂
@@TheSavvyExpat The climate is the draw. Not sure making the video significantly affected that. I noticed the shift to "the artsy atmosphere." I saw pics and videos during the early pandemic -- pristine! Thanks for sharing! BTW, I'm in Uptown/Edgewater ;)
Another great video. (But maybe adjust your camera-eye perspective so that you're not side-eyeing your adoring viewers!) Climate is pleasant but people may be shocked at the traffic congestion in Baguio. When I visited in the 80s it was a peaceful, green, clean-air mountain town, known mainly for the former US military base. On my visit some 5 years ago, I found Baguio City unfortunately chaotic and smog-filled.
It’s very true..Air quality in Baguio is really different .. before you can really smell the pines trees.... now you’re inhaling smog.. . The government of Baguio should really be strict on those jeepneys and trucks... you can see smoke belchers especially when they going up a hill .
I was there in Jan. 2019, visited 95% of the places he mentioned. Smog in the city is bad. Jeepneys blowing out black smoke as they climb the hills. Lots of rain and always going uphill or down was a deterrent for me. Not many scooters!
Baguio is beautiful but just too far and pretty scary as it’s landslide prone area. It’s verycrowded now too. I would suggest Davao City for those retirees as it has the best of both worlds, a huge city, near to white sand beaches, there are cold areas (BUDA Marilog District), safe, people are much more disciplined, and food in abundance. Basically, you can enjoy both a city and fresh nature vibes in Davao.
@@croissants1280 The city governance is quite strict because of the neighboring regions insurgencies, but right now all is well, Davao City is still considered one of the safest city; Heavy traffic in Bajada, Matina and Ulas areas; lastly infrastructure, if compared to Manila and Cebu, it’s still lacking.
Yes traffic can be a pain in Tagaytay but I don't think it's too bad from all the times that I have been there. I don't like the heat but at least being away from the city in Silang it's not as hot there as it is in major cities. Plus every place that I have lived in the US we have always had hot summers. I would love to visit Baguio sometime when I'm in the Philippines again but my wife might not like it because of it being in the mountains. She doesn't like heights and she got nervous when we went to People's Park In The Sky and she refused to go to the top. As with the heat in Silang, Cavite I just drink cold water and cool off in front of a fan. Either way I always enjoy being in the Philippines.
I think your wife will love it when she comes to Baguio. Koreans, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, and Japanese loves it here. Why I know? They were my students hahaha
Baguio will always be my hometown, laidback small city vibe and weather will always be great. Can you also do La Union like San fernando, San Juan, Bacnotan, etc. Showcase the beauty of coastal living
I like videos like this that do not try to entertain us. We come here for information and this guy gets right to it. This video is full of pertinent information in a short time. Thanks so much and I am subscriber. I am planning to retire in Phils and I do not like hot weather or cities that are too busy. I am coming to stay 3 months and go into a life style , as opposed to a vacation life style, to see if i like it. I will try to find something outside the city
A few years ago I spent 4 days in Baguio, i would never ever consider living there. The traffic is awful its a real nightmare, with narrow streets and nowhere to widen them, then where do you park. Also your either walking up hill or downhill. For retirees walking down hill is brutal on your knees. Its almost constant rush hour like traffic. Nice place to visit, be sure to visit before you make up your mind to move their.
@@butchfajardo8832 Yes, I think you have it right. I'm considering moving to Baguio because I want to build a Japanese style garden. Traffic is only a problem if you're driving in it. I live in central Phoenix and rarely drive. Love walking almost everywhere. I walk past many people stuck in traffic, driving an hour home from work. Visiting is so different from living in a place, or can be, I almost think visiting can be misleading.
@@MrWaterbugdesign, before i buy property, i always see what kind of neighborhood it has. The biggest thing i don't like in Baguio city is the smog that's why I prefer to live outside the city. And a bit far from tourist areas. And because of this covid, I will definitely live far! Hahahaha!
We moved to Baguio a month ago we have a fantastic house for 300 dollars a month electric and WIFI included We have to buy water and the first month was 10 dollars We are 15 minutes from the city centre there is a jeap 16 peso or taxi 4 dollars 🙂
I've been to Baguio 2 times in the past, but only as a tourist and only for a few days each. I did like it's cooler climate and considered it a possible retirement spot but since have ruled it out as it's got lots of traffic, a hilly terrain, and is pretty far to travel to get to and from there. But this was a very well done video with lots of details and information that I was unaware of. Good job, you do excellent research.
Left the U.S. for good in 2015 my wife is from La Union but attended collage in Baguio. I first visited Baguio in 1983 and honestly was disappointed with how over developed it is now. Traffic and parking seem to be an after thought everywhere you go in the Philippines sadly 🙄. We own property we plan to build on just outside of town in Taloy Norte Tuba.
I left the US a year ago, not because things are that bad now, because the long term trend is moving in the wrong direction and I don't see any way to change it. The country I was born in no longer exists outside of a Norman Rockwell painting. So sad.
Become a Savvy Expat Patreon Member! www.patreon.com/thesavvyexpat I hope this video provided value to you Savvy Expats! If it did, be sure to show your appreciation by hitting that like and subscribe button. If you want to see a video on retirement in Iloilo next, let's get this video to 1,000 likes. Appreciate you Savvy Expats!
Ooh 35,000 pesos for all that?!?!? With cool weather on too of it... Say no more. I have to visit again definitely stopping in Baguio next time. Great video.
@Benny Neb in Palawan its a big German hospital ,very good with 1000 k / year insurance i make a trombosis surgery and cover the cost. My friend have Hip bone surgery with 5000 usd,all good.
Thailand is generally cheaper for accommodation, comparing like with like. You can get nice studios for $110 (3500 baht in most places. But then you've got visa and health insurance nightmares.
@@Chris-gi9ch For the retirement visa they make you buy (for 40,000 baht, say $1100 a year) ridiculously overpriced insurance, with a maximum payout of 400,000 baht. It's just a way of getting a bit of money out of you. The policies offered in the free market before that rule were way better. There's a set list of providers of the approved policies. It's a cash extraction extraction exercise.
Great info again. Not to out down anything in ph but I'm tall. Like a sasquatch over there. Tiny housing and small beds suck for me. Also hot weather. All that said I loved the month I spent there just before the pandemic. I can't wait to return and likely will retire there. Most of the people I met were really nice to me. One time I encountered a guy I thought might be bad. Who knows? Either way I'm looking for somewhere to retire or possibly own for a vacation home. I hear the coffee is good there. ❤️☕
That's great Paul. I'd suggest to continue to look into Baguio to make sure it's the right fit for you. I'm about 5'9 which is average in the U.S but I feel pretty tall here lol. Can't imagine what you deal with haha
Actually, inflation has gone up 10% and we can expect another 5%. I agree moving abroad might be the best option, but I would prefer Portugal or KL, Malaysia.
@@TheSavvyExpat : Yep, I know. Alas my wife wants to live near our son and grandson. I would prefer to move abroad. I hope a plan of going to live abroad at least during the Winter months will be an adequate compromise. We shall see.
Is there Public transportation? If so, you don't have to drive in the Traffic. AirBNB can be useful to find accommodations and to get reviews about the location and what's included, like WIFI, hot water, utilities, etc. Thanks for mentioning health care. In the US healthcare has become a travesty. It might also be worth noting that many hotels allow long term stays, that include all utilities in the rent (even WiFi, a telephone and international TV channels) along with housekeeping, clean towels and washcloths and maybe even continental breakfasts. This can be a decent deal compared to an apartment with all those additional expenses. If a certain hotel that you like doesn't allow long term stays, you could rotate between 2 or 3 hotels and stay about a month at each hotel. This would allow you to experience several different locations in town to learn which location you like the best.
i have decided to pick baguio as it is the best climate for me who lives in north america. i dont think i can survive low lands. to fix this water shortage, the government should collect rain water or let people catch rain water throughout rainy season. the only way for baguio to be sustainable is to have everyone grow there own vegetation.
It's has the finest range of restaurants of any city I have seen in the Philippines you can get any countries food you want and you don't even need to go there as grab food will deliver to your door for a few dollars
I like your videos. Could you cover a coastal town? I can't see moving to an Island Nation and not being on the coast or at least being able to see the ocean. Thanks!
No offense but I would double every estimate that anyone says it costs to live in PH. People have to remember the more western stuff you want, the more it is going to cost. Western stuff costs a LOT more in PH than it does in the west. If you want your own vehicle, that will be about 20% more expensive to purchase than in the USA. At least a brand new vehicle that isn't Chinese. If I want a Toyota or a Ford, I am going to pay for it. If I wasn't so tall, I would consider getting a Multicab. Even if you do not spend all that extra money, your entire support network is halfway around the world. So you need more savings. Always good to have extra money stashed for medical needs or to fly to Guam for Medicare. Six years left before I retire to PH. I am retiring early, but my pensions will total to approximately $3k a month. I feel I can live comfortably on that and not worry about getting into financial trouble someplace where I am not a citizen.
The videos on this channel point out over and over a person can choose to pay more, eating like a local is cheaper, running AC more costs more, etc... I thought these things are obvious but I guess not. Of course it's "always good to have extra money for...." well everything, not just medical. Come on, what adult doesn't know this? My entire support network will be in the Philippines.
Sounds like a solid plan. I made my decision in 2016 and thought those 7 years were gonna take forever! On June 1 I will have 1 year until I leave. The time passes fast, hang in there and best wishes on your future plans
Rain is good. It bats down pollution. Do a search on the cities you've mentioned in your videos and air quality. Example, 'air quality Baguio, Philippines'
I heard that summer in the Philippines occurs from March to May with temperatures peaking in April. And i think you may have left out the Baguio night market which i think is one of the best attractions there.
Love your videos. Well done and very useful. Your view on inflation was a little funny. Yes, gasoline is probably $6/gal someplace, but that would be extremely hard to find. Mostly about $3/gal with CA being more at $4. What you see on TV and online is more and more becoming entertainment and less about news. Exciting drama sells more advertising.
Thanks for the input! Yeah, that's great to hear from someone actually living in the U.S. My research is all online so of course, dramatized information is pushed out the most.
Pine trees and strawberries? I'm now in love with Baguio. Are there codes there that foreigners can invest in? If so, what are the prices like? Great video.
I really enjoy the format, pace, and content of your videos. Walk-throughs and day-in-a-life formats are fine, but sometimes I like to get to the info without all the long commentary...
I love the old school movie clips u put lol. I'm 44 what u know about those movies from my Era? Lol. Yeah I'm in Queens, NY looking maybe to head out there in a few years. I'm really liking ilo ilo, Davao and tagaytay. Great videos kid God bless.
I love your channel... I'm curious about what the Philippines offers for non-caucasian (people of color) AND LGBTQ people. Every time I've been there I had an awesome experience; in fact, my worst experience was while leaving and going back from my trips.
To be more specific, I am a Filipino and filipinos will not tell you upfront that they are racists. But generally, anyone who is fair skinned has better chances at anything in life here. Unless you come with lots of money? People will just deal with you casually. As for LGTBQ here? It is tolerated. Accepted? Not in broad strokes. And mostly in the key cities only. But if you want to retire in the provinces of the Philippines, being LGBTQ might work against you. It really depends on where you decide to live.
I am waiting for the PH to friggin open I am not vaxed and I have a Fi;ipino GF A farm a beach lot non of which I could afford in the USA, oh the land is on Palawan. let me know when I can go there to stay bee waiting 2 years, 2 months and 12 days
Well... it was nice! Now everyone already started going there. Is also the largest "2nd home" place for Manila owners. Mainly due to being the only city in Philippines not 90 degrees and 90 % humidity... is cool weather. Just have to do the 8 hour drive one way. Everyone there in last five years and prices... like Manila now.
The apartments are just one room not really what one would hope to retire in not a home just a place to sleep. Decent housing can be found but it's not cheap. The days of living here for 800$ per month are over maybe twice that for a couple .
Dude, there was a time when a person could live for $100 / mo. And a time when $10 / mo was possible. I get it, Cokes were a nickel once. What are you complaining about? That you don't own a time machine? Let it go.
Hello! I will not move to America for my future marriage and family life. I am definitely choose the Philippines because I was born and raised here and I am happy to live in the Philippines. I am planning to stay permanently in Baguio City, Benguet due to my studies for master's degree and my personal life. ❤️🔥🇵🇭
Excited awaiting ur nxt video though l have been to many places in Philippines still reminiscent of past places / cities /provinces that u have visited re-energised my mood to visit d Philippines again n again. D adrenalin is high 😍👍🙏
If ure only after the cooler temps, stay in the outskirts of the city towards LU or Pangasinan, cheaper and experience the same weather but not as crowded and much cheaper, especially so for RETIEEES. U do not need to go town everyday anyway, only when u need a big grocery or shopping haul. U can always gp downtown when attending special events. I would rather goa bit farthwr and buy a bigger lot where i can grow cool climate fruits and flowers.
This is just the info I was looking for. Thanks! The house you showed...Is it in a secure location? I'm in L.A. I'd rather have a lot of rainfall than severe drought like we have. I'll sell my house in a few years. We'll be fine in Baguio. I will visit this December.
As an Air Force service man from Clark AB in 1969-1970 I went to Baguio twice taking the rabbit (bus). I stayed in the small cabins that could be rented at John Hay Air Station. I was very impressed by the area. The local ladies were all very formal and wore traditional lace clothing. I just viewed a video tour of the city and has it grown. I was fortunate to experience it then as it now is too urban. I remember the climate was great compared to Clark AB.
Thanks for your informative video.
This has got to be the best informative video on Baguio I have come across so far!
Means a lot Tom!
Now that I have been there watching this video is all the more special and I will go back to visit on my next trip to the Philippines this September.
American from LV moved to Baguio a little over a year ago. Can confirm everything he says. Renting a big 4 bedroom house with great view for 35k. Electrical just under 5k. Raining season is no joke. But even with that, you can’t beat the weather
Thanks for speaking from experience Darin 💯 more retirement videos to come
35k is still expensive for 4 rooms. Thats 4 storeys 10 rooms.
@@semi5alpha for most of the Philippines you are right. Baguio is a high demand area. House is in secure subdivision. Great location. 3000 sqft. Awesome view. Basement is a full 1 bedroom apartment. So rental prices are higher here but with no AC our electric bill is 1/3 to 1/5 what it was in DAGUPAN so it’s almost a wash.
Hey Darin; I'm from LV also, moving there next year; once I close out my retirement from; planning to move in Bagiou or Nueva Vizcaya. What part of LV where you from? In SW LV towards Blue Diamond; I'm done here, getting the house rented and enjoy traveling with the family.
@@havenpersonalcare7968 we where in southern highlands so close to where you are. I worked a job supporting the hospitality industries. It was 100% commission so I was doing great before Covid and then went too $0. My company sucked, only offering us loans against future income. Moving to Philippines was the right decision. Initially planned on settling in Palawan but come to find out my Filipino wife hate hot weather. Baguio has been great. We are on the Itogon side of town so a little less traffic and slightly dryer. Good luck getting to retirement and let me know if there is anything I can do to assist
i like the realistic approach , thanks for clearing things up ..
No worries!
If I’m going to live in Philippines I choose Baguio. I’m just fascinated with the place.
@@emilyacana341 right? I definitely want to visit someday.
i’m a local of baguio,born and raised there, la trinidad is actually the one that is called the strawberry capital, a different municipality from baguio,
and i agree that most baguio residents hate it when tourists flock during the holiday seasons,.
i also agree with the cons of living in baguio, water shortage really is the number one problem and actually thinking of moving to another place close to baguio where water is not a problem,.
crime rate is actually rising since the peace loving locals are getting ousted and people from lowlands especially from manila are now becoming residents of baguio
Thanks for the video, brother. I think you have me talked into retiring in Baguio. Peace.
Thanks for this video! Baguio sounds like a great place. I current live in Denver and definitely want to keep the mountain climate and great summers. This would be a great place.
You did a really good job presenting Baguio.
Mindanao is pretty much a peaceful place. Have you been to Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Butuan, Iligan, Surigao, and other beautiful cities and municipalities in Mindanao? We have a lot of foreign retirees, happily married to their Filipino wives and enjoying living in Mindanao.
Everything was ok until he talked about Mindanao, haays! Thats sad. He needs to do more research about places in Mindanao.
It's about foreigners not locals
Thanks for the video! It's weird to think that water shortage is one of the cons when Baguio receives so much rain.
most retirees prefer an island life and the best places are siargao, palawan, cebu, iloilo, and dumaguete...pampangga is also attracting retirees from korea and japan...
The Flower Festival around February is stunning and well worth going to. We first went to Baguio in 1974 (or 1976 as my wife reminds me from upstairs) and were amazed to see the differences in our last visit several years ago. Much more crowded and the traffic was downright scary. The weather was still beautiful though. With all its pluses, I don't think it would be good for us to retire to as it is just too far from everything for us.
Understandable Rick. My Dad also says the same thing - He visited Baguio back in 1980 and he said it was much nicer and noticeably less crowded. Thanks for input! Great that you got to visit Baguio in a different light than what it is nowadays. Have a good one!
baguio was very quiet very clean very nice place.Not crowded and no traffic.There were only few stablishment private cars and nice vacation houses for wealthy filipino families.
yeah, this is why I recommend people to not move at Baguio, because it overpopulated and according to my teachers, it has been overpopulated for a really long time now. I remember my teachers discussing how Baguio wasn't meant to hold this much people which is why the road plans are so messy and unorganized.
Another high quality informational video. 👍💕
The place sounds very nice but the cons vastly weigh out the pros for me especially with the overcrowding, lack of water systems, and of course the landslides. But this seems like a great place to visit.
Agreed. Personally wouldn't live in Baguio but, it's a nice weekend getawayv
@@TheSavvyExpat Where do you recommend living in The Philippines?
not to mention poor air quality and terrible traffic!
❤❤❤Love this, thank you SO much!!! US citizen planning on retiring there!
Tuli,
Great video. Thank you for sharing. I love Baguio. I found Baguio to be very peaceful. I love the climate.
I love your channel.
So much better than the usual Vlogger
Well done.
My friend's filipina wife recommended Baguio to me as a great place to retire. Hopefully it won't change in the next 4-5 years.
I was born and grown up in Baguio City, Benguet near CampJohn Hay Air Base we have a nice weather. This is the place where you can hear country music which we adopted from the Americans.
My wife’s family were freezing at 70 degrees f or 21 c but I loved it.
Thanks for the info in the video. I'm seriously considering retiring to the area.
Best of luck!
I love how you include video. I can’t stand other RUclipsrs who just sit and talk and you don’t see anything other than their face.
Awesome video. Its also nice if Philippine Military Academy was included in the attractions.
Good point
I grew up in Baguio and I was there in 2019 -- crazy crowds/traffic. Yikes. I love the 'upgrades' -- Baguio would be perfect without the increased population.
It's a shame how crowded it's gotten. It was a hidden gem back then. Maybe I shouldn't have made a video on this place because it'll only draw more attention to Baguio 😂
@@TheSavvyExpat The climate is the draw. Not sure making the video significantly affected that. I noticed the shift to "the artsy atmosphere." I saw pics and videos during the early pandemic -- pristine!
Thanks for sharing! BTW, I'm in Uptown/Edgewater ;)
Hehehe loving the upgrades but not the population....which enabled the upgrades.
I'm really starting to enjoy your videos. I never even thought of or heard of this place. Thanks.
No problem Corey 💯
Another great video. (But maybe adjust your camera-eye perspective so that you're not side-eyeing your adoring viewers!) Climate is pleasant but people may be shocked at the traffic congestion in Baguio. When I visited in the 80s it was a peaceful, green, clean-air mountain town, known mainly for the former US military base. On my visit some 5 years ago, I found Baguio City unfortunately chaotic and smog-filled.
You're right. It's a shame but what can you do?
It’s very true..Air quality in Baguio is really different .. before you can really smell the pines trees.... now you’re inhaling smog.. . The government of Baguio should really be strict on those jeepneys and trucks... you can see smoke belchers especially when they going up a hill .
I was there in Jan. 2019, visited 95% of the places he mentioned. Smog in the city is bad. Jeepneys blowing out black smoke as they climb the hills. Lots of rain and always going uphill or down was a deterrent for me. Not many scooters!
I like it !!! I like Pine Trees and I like Strawberries. Nice wheather too. Thanks for showing me a beautiful place. 👍👍👍
Baguio is beautiful but just too far and pretty scary as it’s landslide prone area. It’s verycrowded now too. I would suggest Davao City for those retirees as it has the best of both worlds, a huge city, near to white sand beaches, there are cold areas (BUDA Marilog District), safe, people are much more disciplined, and food in abundance. Basically, you can enjoy both a city and fresh nature vibes
in Davao.
Good info! What are some of the con of Davao, please?
@@croissants1280 The city governance is quite strict because of the neighboring regions insurgencies, but right now all is well, Davao City is still considered one of the safest city; Heavy traffic in Bajada, Matina and Ulas areas; lastly infrastructure, if compared to Manila and Cebu, it’s still lacking.
Thanks. What area would you recommend to stay in Davao City?@GAMINGCHANNEL27
Your videos popped up. Moving to Makati area on Feb 1 from Chicago. Good informative videos.
Right on. We moved from Chicago to BGC. You're gonna love it out here.
Best video on Baguio. nice job. Super helpful.
Appreciate that John
Yes traffic can be a pain in Tagaytay but I don't think it's too bad from all the times that I have been there. I don't like the heat but at least being away from the city in Silang it's not as hot there as it is in major cities. Plus every place that I have lived in the US we have always had hot summers. I would love to visit Baguio sometime when I'm in the Philippines again but my wife might not like it because of it being in the mountains. She doesn't like heights and she got nervous when we went to People's Park In The Sky and she refused to go to the top. As with the heat in Silang, Cavite I just drink cold water and cool off in front of a fan. Either way I always enjoy being in the Philippines.
Right on Steven! Silang is a great location as it's just right outside Tagaytay and still pretty close to Manila 👌
I think your wife will love it when she comes to Baguio. Koreans, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, and Japanese loves it here. Why I know? They were my students hahaha
@@sherinick7523 It's nice to hear that and I know that they all had a great teacher. Hopefully one day we will be lucky to get to visit Iloilo.
Great video! New subscriber to your channel. Question. Is there a nearby and less crowded alternative to Baguio?
Thank you so much for featuring baguio as one of the best alternatives to retire.i can't thank you enough.i love baguio! New subsctiber fton nevada
Excellent commentary and good advice; now I’m leaning toward Baguio instead of Tagaytay to retire
Baguio will always be my hometown, laidback small city vibe and weather will always be great. Can you also do La Union like San fernando, San Juan, Bacnotan, etc. Showcase the beauty of coastal living
Sure thing, I've heard a lot of good things about La Union
...little bro I see your channel is growing pretty fast. Good stuff. Oh...chicken wings prices are out of control, at least double.
I like videos like this that do not try to entertain us. We come here for information and this guy gets right to it. This video is full of pertinent information in a short time. Thanks so much and I am subscriber. I am planning to retire in Phils and I do not like hot weather or cities that are too busy. I am coming to stay 3 months and go into a life style , as opposed to a vacation life style, to see if i like it. I will try to find something outside the city
A few years ago I spent 4 days in Baguio, i would never ever consider living there. The traffic is awful its a real nightmare, with narrow streets and nowhere to widen them, then where do you park. Also your either walking up hill or downhill. For retirees walking down hill is brutal on your knees. Its almost constant rush hour like traffic. Nice place to visit, be sure to visit before you make up your mind to move their.
Exactly 💯 it's best to visit first off
In all our tourist spots here, when tourists arrives, traffic is hell.
@@butchfajardo8832 Yes, I think you have it right. I'm considering moving to Baguio because I want to build a Japanese style garden. Traffic is only a problem if you're driving in it. I live in central Phoenix and rarely drive. Love walking almost everywhere. I walk past many people stuck in traffic, driving an hour home from work.
Visiting is so different from living in a place, or can be, I almost think visiting can be misleading.
@@MrWaterbugdesign, before i buy property, i always see what kind of neighborhood it has. The biggest thing i don't like in Baguio city is the smog that's why I prefer to live outside the city. And a bit far from tourist areas. And because of this covid, I will definitely live far! Hahahaha!
AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL VLOG. A LOTS OF IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BAGUIO.👍❤🇵🇭❤👍
Excellent video gotta say kid you got the right stuff Keep at it you gonna do well
Thanks Nick 🙏
We moved to Baguio a month ago we have a fantastic house for 300 dollars a month electric and WIFI included
We have to buy water and the first month was 10 dollars
We are 15 minutes from the city centre there is a jeap 16 peso or taxi 4 dollars 🙂
Smart move ,no need to live in the center of any big city
How are you liking it now?
I've been to Baguio 2 times in the past, but only as a tourist and only for a few days each. I did like it's cooler climate and considered it a possible retirement spot but since have ruled it out as it's got lots of traffic, a hilly terrain, and is pretty far to travel to get to and from there. But this was a very well done video with lots of details and information that I was unaware of. Good job, you do excellent research.
Appreciate it Daniel 🙏
Best video! I'm choosing where to retire from Florida 😊
Very impressed with your vlog.
Really great young man keep up the good work. Really enjoyed your funny inserts of clips.
Left the U.S. for good in 2015 my wife is from La Union but attended collage in Baguio. I first visited Baguio in 1983 and honestly was disappointed with how over developed it is now. Traffic and parking seem to be an after thought everywhere you go in the Philippines sadly 🙄. We own property we plan to build on just outside of town in Taloy Norte Tuba.
Nice 👍🏻 video. Informative.
Glad you liked it
Good video, very honest and informative!
Very good information. Thank you.
I left the US a year ago, not because things are that bad now, because the long term trend is moving in the wrong direction and I don't see any way to change it. The country I was born in no longer exists outside of a Norman Rockwell painting. So sad.
Thank you, I really appreciate your videos!
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I hope this video provided value to you Savvy Expats! If it did, be sure to show your appreciation by hitting that like and subscribe button. If you want to see a video on retirement in Iloilo next, let's get this video to 1,000 likes. Appreciate you Savvy Expats!
Can't wait for you to cover Iloilo City next
Foreigners are normally charged more.. 35k is a 4 storey,10 rooms. If you know how to negotiate, you'll get better deal.
You'll be hard pressed to find disadvantages for Iloilo. Climate? I'll wait for what you have to say. =)
@@rexdelsardianala1736 Iloilo is actually on my list for places to cover on retirement! Stay tuned for that.
Ooh 35,000 pesos for all that?!?!? With cool weather on too of it... Say no more.
I have to visit again definitely stopping in Baguio next time. Great video.
Absolutely!
I’m retiring in Palawan , the best place to retire
I'll be making a video on Palawan soon.
@Benny Neb in Palawan its a big German hospital ,very good with 1000 k / year insurance i make a trombosis surgery and cover the cost. My friend have Hip bone surgery with 5000 usd,all good.
Thailand is generally cheaper for accommodation, comparing like with like. You can get nice studios for $110 (3500 baht in most places. But then you've got visa and health insurance nightmares.
@@craigross341 What's the problem with the medical? I've been reading that it's top notch.
@@Chris-gi9ch For the retirement visa they make you buy (for 40,000 baht, say $1100 a year) ridiculously overpriced insurance, with a maximum payout of 400,000 baht. It's just a way of getting a bit of money out of you. The policies offered in the free market before that rule were way better. There's a set list of providers of the approved policies. It's a cash extraction extraction exercise.
Great info again. Not to out down anything in ph but I'm tall. Like a sasquatch over there. Tiny housing and small beds suck for me. Also hot weather. All that said I loved the month I spent there just before the pandemic. I can't wait to return and likely will retire there. Most of the people I met were really nice to me. One time I encountered a guy I thought might be bad. Who knows? Either way I'm looking for somewhere to retire or possibly own for a vacation home. I hear the coffee is good there. ❤️☕
That's great Paul. I'd suggest to continue to look into Baguio to make sure it's the right fit for you. I'm about 5'9 which is average in the U.S but I feel pretty tall here lol. Can't imagine what you deal with haha
I assume you've checked Da Lat Vietnam? Similar climate and they're way into coffee.
Great videos. Thanks for the info.
I'm in Davao region and by God's grace I'm completely safe till now.
True, Davao is one of if not the safest place is the Philippines
Actually, inflation has gone up 10% and we can expect another 5%. I agree moving abroad might be the best option, but I would prefer Portugal or KL, Malaysia.
Kerry, Portugal is great retirement option! If I were to retire anywhere it would be Portugal. It's also the top ranked country for retirees.
@@TheSavvyExpat : Yep, I know. Alas my wife wants to live near our son and grandson. I would prefer to move abroad. I hope a plan of going to live abroad at least during the Winter months will be an adequate compromise. We shall see.
Is there Public transportation? If so, you don't have to drive in the Traffic. AirBNB can be useful to find accommodations and to get reviews about the location and what's included, like WIFI, hot water, utilities, etc. Thanks for mentioning health care. In the US healthcare has become a travesty. It might also be worth noting that many hotels allow long term stays, that include all utilities in the rent (even WiFi, a telephone and international TV channels) along with housekeeping, clean towels and washcloths and maybe even continental breakfasts. This can be a decent deal compared to an apartment with all those additional expenses. If a certain hotel that you like doesn't allow long term stays, you could rotate between 2 or 3 hotels and stay about a month at each hotel. This would allow you to experience several different locations in town to learn which location you like the best.
Thank you for your honesty!
i have decided to pick baguio as it is the best climate for me who lives in north america. i dont think i can survive low lands. to fix this water shortage, the government should collect rain water or let people catch rain water throughout rainy season. the only way for baguio to be sustainable is to have everyone grow there own vegetation.
It's has the finest range of restaurants of any city I have seen in the Philippines you can get any countries food you want and you don't even need to go there as grab food will deliver to your door for a few dollars
True :)
Great job, keep it up!
Thanks Ransome 🙏
Good work, keep it up.
Thanks Mike
I like your videos. Could you cover a coastal town? I can't see moving to an Island Nation and not being on the coast or at least being able to see the ocean. Thanks!
Sure thing!
Check out Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro 💯😎👌💯🌴💯🥥💯🍌🏆😉
Boracaaay 🤍
@@briankendall65 for sure Brian. Great suggestion 👌
@@DanZieVlogs coming up 👀👀
No offense but I would double every estimate that anyone says it costs to live in PH.
People have to remember the more western stuff you want, the more it is going to cost. Western stuff costs a LOT more in PH than it does in the west.
If you want your own vehicle, that will be about 20% more expensive to purchase than in the USA. At least a brand new vehicle that isn't Chinese.
If I want a Toyota or a Ford, I am going to pay for it. If I wasn't so tall, I would consider getting a Multicab.
Even if you do not spend all that extra money, your entire support network is halfway around the world.
So you need more savings. Always good to have extra money stashed for medical needs or to fly to Guam for Medicare.
Six years left before I retire to PH. I am retiring early, but my pensions will total to approximately $3k a month.
I feel I can live comfortably on that and not worry about getting into financial trouble someplace where I am not a citizen.
True. It's always better to have more than not enough.
The videos on this channel point out over and over a person can choose to pay more, eating like a local is cheaper, running AC more costs more, etc... I thought these things are obvious but I guess not. Of course it's "always good to have extra money for...." well everything, not just medical. Come on, what adult doesn't know this?
My entire support network will be in the Philippines.
@@MrWaterbugdesign Exactly. There is no definite cost of living. It depends on the personal expenses.
Sounds like a solid plan. I made my decision in 2016 and thought those 7 years were gonna take forever! On June 1 I will have 1 year until I leave. The time passes fast, hang in there and best wishes on your future plans
Wonderful video.... Thanks
Anytime Jim. More retirement videos to come 🙏
Rain is good. It bats down pollution. Do a search on the cities you've mentioned in your videos and air quality. Example, 'air quality Baguio, Philippines'
True
I heard that summer in the Philippines occurs from March to May with temperatures peaking in April. And i think you may have left out the Baguio night market which i think is one of the best attractions there.
Night market was mentioned and featured.
There is no “summer” in Philippines,just two seasons, wet and dry season
Love your videos. Well done and very useful. Your view on inflation was a little funny. Yes, gasoline is probably $6/gal someplace, but that would be extremely hard to find. Mostly about $3/gal with CA being more at $4. What you see on TV and online is more and more becoming entertainment and less about news. Exciting drama sells more advertising.
Thanks for the input! Yeah, that's great to hear from someone actually living in the U.S. My research is all online so of course, dramatized information is pushed out the most.
@@TheSavvyExpat I live here in San Francisco. Gas price here is $4.81/gal. It was over $5.00 / gal just last week or so.
This comment didn't age well.
@@garrydye2394 yeah seriously, he forgot who was in charge
Great video thank you!!
Pine trees and strawberries? I'm now in love with Baguio. Are there codes there that foreigners can invest in? If so, what are the prices like? Great video.
Great video brother👍
Thanks!
I really enjoy the format, pace, and content of your videos. Walk-throughs and day-in-a-life formats are fine, but sometimes I like to get to the info without all the long commentary...
Big time Roti 💯 straight to the point and direct is where it's at
Nice work💯👏👏👏
🙏
I love the old school movie clips u put lol. I'm 44 what u know about those movies from my Era? Lol. Yeah I'm in Queens, NY looking maybe to head out there in a few years. I'm really liking ilo ilo, Davao and tagaytay. Great videos kid God bless.
Thanks man, gotta love the classics. God bless
You've done a good job !
I love your channel... I'm curious about what the Philippines offers for non-caucasian (people of color) AND LGBTQ people. Every time I've been there I had an awesome experience; in fact, my worst experience was while leaving and going back from my trips.
Sadly, it is not stressed enough that Filipinos are also racists.
To be more specific, I am a Filipino and filipinos will not tell you upfront that they are racists. But generally, anyone who is fair skinned has better chances at anything in life here. Unless you come with lots of money? People will just deal with you casually. As for LGTBQ here? It is tolerated. Accepted? Not in broad strokes. And mostly in the key cities only. But if you want to retire in the provinces of the Philippines, being LGBTQ might work against you. It really depends on where you decide to live.
Yes definitely five or six months I am going to go down to.IIigan City yeah definitely with my wife she’s a Filipino God bless🇨🇿
God bless Scott 🙌
Great video and one of the best I've seen on Baguio. Well done!!!!
Appreciate man!
I am waiting for the PH to friggin open I am not vaxed and I have a Fi;ipino GF A farm a beach lot non of which I could afford in the USA, oh the land is on Palawan. let me know when I can go there to stay
bee waiting 2 years, 2 months and 12 days
haha you've been really counting the days huh? As soon as PH opens, I'll make a video on it.
Excellent review.
Well... it was nice! Now everyone already started going there. Is also the largest "2nd home" place for Manila owners. Mainly due to being the only city in Philippines not 90 degrees and 90 % humidity... is cool weather. Just have to do the 8 hour drive one way. Everyone there in last five years and prices... like Manila now.
Well done.
Thanks.
One of the best videos of the area I have seen..makes me want to go back there again..keep up the good work.
Glad to hear that John. Thanks for watching 🙏
Thinking of studying here for my nursing degree! I’m from the bay area.
That's awesome!
The apartments are just one room not really what one would hope to retire in not a home just a place to sleep. Decent housing can be found but it's not cheap. The days of living here for 800$ per month are over maybe twice that for a couple .
Dude, there was a time when a person could live for $100 / mo. And a time when $10 / mo was possible. I get it, Cokes were a nickel once. What are you complaining about? That you don't own a time machine? Let it go.
Hello! I will not move to America for my future marriage and family life. I am definitely choose the Philippines because I was born and raised here and I am happy to live in the Philippines. I am planning to stay permanently in Baguio City, Benguet due to my studies for master's degree and my personal life. ❤️🔥🇵🇭
GREAT VIDEO BROTHER ! VERY INFORMATIVE, EDUCATIONAL. KEEP 'EM COMING
Will do bro!
,...it " rains cat's and dogs " ,... BUT... there is a Water Shortage ,.... welcome to the Philippines...mm😮
Excited awaiting ur nxt video though l have been to many places in Philippines still reminiscent of past places / cities /provinces that u have visited re-energised my mood to visit d Philippines again n again. D adrenalin is high 😍👍🙏
Awesome 🔥
If ure only after the cooler temps, stay in the outskirts of the city towards LU or Pangasinan, cheaper and experience the same weather but not as crowded and much cheaper, especially so for RETIEEES. U do not need to go town everyday anyway, only when u need a big grocery or shopping haul. U can always gp downtown when attending special events. I would rather goa bit farthwr and buy a bigger lot where i can grow cool climate fruits and flowers.
how about earthquakes or volcanos? there was a bad earthquake in baguio a few years ago..
This is just the info I was looking for. Thanks! The house you showed...Is it in a secure location? I'm in L.A. I'd rather have a lot of rainfall than severe drought like we have. I'll sell my house in a few years. We'll be fine in Baguio. I will visit this December.
Love Baguio!!!
Nice vid - is there a red light district in Baguio?
great video! didn't skip the ads 👍🏻 keep up the content 😎😎
Thanks 👑
Thanks for another great video. I appreciate the content provided.
You got it Steven 👊
I could not take the heat or humidity any where else in the Philippines.
No kidding, it can be pretty brutal at times. I guess it just depends on your heat tolerance.
Man. I just subbed you and then searched for this.