3 Underrated Metro Residential Locations for Singles and Families

While almost everybody wants to relocate to the metro's top CBDs (Makati, BGC, and Ortigas) and other prime locations in the city, there seems to be a limited supply for an overwhelming demand. With this huge gap, prices go up and options become limited, especially for young working individuals and families who are just starting to work towards owning a home.

If you're looking for an option that offers accessibility and convenience at a lower cost, we've listed down some of the most underrated locations in the metro that you should explore:

New Manila, Quezon City

Great option for: starting families, people looking for a more affordable first home, those searching for a peaceful and quiet residential community

Why consider New Manila: It is tucked in an area with roads conencted to major thoroughfares and CBDs. 

• Close to: Aurora Blvd., Gilmore Ave., and E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave. that connects it to other top CBDs in Quezon City and Ortigas
• Top schools in the vicinity: La Salle Greenhills, Immaculate Conception Academy
• Top nearby universities: UP Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University
• Nearby hospitals: Cardinal Santos Medical Center, St. Luke's Medical Center
• Shopping malls and retail centers: Robinson's Magnolia, Araneta Center, Greenhills Virra Mall and Shopping Center

Flood-prone: No
Type of community: Home to some of Metro Manila's old affluent families (from Filipino-Chinese and Filipino-Spanish), political clans (Aquino, Roxas, Estrada)
Attractions and cultural sites:  La Mesa Watershed and Eco-Park, Araneta Coliseum, Ninoy Aquino Parks  and Wildlife Center, Quezon City Memorial Park and Shrine
Suggested residential development/s:  53 Benitez Rockwell Primaries
Unit types and specs:   1-bedroom (54 sqm), 2-bedroom (63 sqm) and 3-bedroom (101 sqm)
Unit price:  2-bedroom (starts at 6.2-M with balcony and parking) and 3-bedroom (starts at 10.3-M with balcony and parking)

Sucat, Muntinlupa

Great option for: families, people opting to invest in a commercial residential community, people looking for places near the Alabang CBD, those looking for great alternatives to residential developments in CBDs

Why consider Sucat: It is close to Makati CBD and the rising Alabang Filinvest CBD development. 

• Good healthcare program for Muntinlupa residents (subsidy of up to 75% of the patient charges at the city hospital)
• Top schools in the vicinity: La Salle Greenhills, Immaculate Conception Academy
• Top nearby universities: UP Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University
• Nearby hospitals: Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Alabang Medical Center, Ospital ng Muntinlupa
• A great place for shopping spree and food trip at the city's shopping malls, weekend markets, and commercial centers: Alabang Town Center, Festival Supermall

Flood-prone: No
Type of community:  Close to Ayala Alabang, one of the biggest and wealthiest communities in the metro, and upscale communities like BF Homes
Attractions and cultural sites:  Jamboree Lake, Memorial Hill, Director's Quarters, The Japanese Garden Cemetery, Muntinlupa Sports Complex
Suggested residential development/s:  TRIbeca Private Residences by Landco
Unit types and specs: Studio (25.5 sqm), 1-bedroom (38 sqm.), 2-bedroom (46 sqm)
Unit price: Studio (starts at 2.3-M), 1-BR (starts at 3.8-M), 2-BR (4.3-M)

Addition Hills, San Juan

Great option for: small families, people who want to relocate to an upscale community, people aiming for travel convenience, those wanting to invest in a residential property that's similar to CBDs' but at a lower price

Why consider Addition Hills: It has a very convenient location: city is bordered by Mandaluyong on the south, Manila on the west, and Quezon City on the north and east 

• Connected to Makati through the Makati-Mandaluyong bridge
• Top schools in the vicinity: Xavier School, ICA, OB Montessori Center, La Salle Greenhills
• Nearby hospitals: Cardinal Santos Medical Center, St. Luke's Medical Center
• Place is near some of the best dining spots, arcades and entertainment centers, shopping outlets, and wellness centers

Flood-prone: No
Type of community:  Peaceful and safe community, surrounded by top residential villages (i.e., Greenhills, Corinthian Gardens, New Manila)
Attractions and cultural sites:  Pinaglabanan Shrine, Museo ng Katipunan, San Juan River Bridge, Spirit of 1896 Monument
Suggested residential development/s:  Baron 3 Gardens by Wee Community Developers, Inc.
Unit types and specs: Only penthouse units are available, 3-bedroom and baths (143 sqm)
Unit price: Penthouse 3-BR and bath starts at 13.9-M