7 Underrated Localities in Metro Manila to Look for Your New Home

Location is an important factor when searching for a home. But sometimes, well-known cities tend to overshadow other areas that also offer great living experience simply because they have gained popularity for being the “It” location to buy a property.

Here are seven localities in Metro Manila that you might have overlooked when looking for a home:

1. Binondo, Manila

• Best for: Yuppies, families
• Property investment potential: Binondo itself is perhaps the first central business district in Manila.
• Transport situation: The two-lane roads make some of the main thoroughfares (Ongpin Street, for example) the busiest. But Pasig Ferry is your secret weapon when you need to make the trip from Binondo to some key areas in Metro Manila.
• Neighborhood access: Nearly everything from churches, schools, to malls and nearby tiangges is walkable. The skyline of Binondo is also changing. Traditional, old buildings are giving way to high-rise condominiums to answer the needs of millennials and urbanite families.

2. Kapitolyo, Pasig

• Best for: Yuppies, newlyweds, families
• Property investment potential: Kapitolyo is a couple of blocks away from the central business district of Ortigas Center. It is also a short drive to several townships such as Bonifacio Global City, Uptown Veritown, and McKinley Hill.
• Transport situation: The main roads of EDSA and C-5 are accessible to people living in Kapitolyo. For those in a hurry for their next meeting and can’t wait for a jeepney ride, there is a tricycle terminal beside Robinson’s Pioneer Mall.
• Neighborhood access: While Kapitolyo is primarily a residential area that enjoys a quiet environment, it also serves as headquarters to some local and international manufacturing companies. There area has become a well-known foodie haven in Metro Manila, thanks to a growing number of dining options ranging from hipster 24-hour hole-in-the-walls to exclusive fine dining establishments. Its proximity to Ortigas Center makes it easy to go to popular shopping malls like SM Megamall and Shagri-La Plaza.

3. Ususan, Taguig

• Best for: Starter families, retiree couples
• Property investment potential: Ususan is near the upcoming Arca South and Uptown Veritown developments plus emerging districts like McKinley Hill and Bonifacio Global City.
• Transport situation: Cayetano Boulevard (formerly known as Levi Mariano Avenue) makes C-5 Road and other areas more accessible to those in Ususan. One can take a jeepney or tricycle ride to get around the area, but having your own private transport will make the travel easier.
• Neighborhood access: Ususan is home to several residential enclaves and condominiums that are family-friendly. Most of them have preschool and daycare facilities for children. This small community also takes pride in being part of the flood-free areas in Metro Manila. It’s prime location within Taguig gives people convenient access to BGC’s popular spots like Market! Market!, SM Aura, and Bonifacio High Street plus McKinley Hill’s trendy Venice Piazza.

4. Alabang, Muntinlupa

• Best for: Growing families, retiree couples
• Property investment potential: Filinvest Corporate City, one of the premier CBDs in the south, is located here. Another business district making its home here is the new Spectrum Business District, with its prime residential and commercial developments.
• Transport situation: The South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) plays a vital role in shortening the distance between Alabang and the other key areas in Metro Manila including Makati CBD and BGC.
• Neighborhood access: Alabang’s Filinvest Corporate City features residential condominiums and office buildings. These high-rise buildings blend well with the wide, green space that gives the surrounding an exclusive and luxuriousvibe. Two world-class medical institutions are located here. Malls such as Starmall Alabang, Alabang Town Center, SM Southmall, Festival Mall and S&R are also located nearby.

5. Bay City, Pasay

• Best for: Yuppies, newlyweds
• Property investment potential: The reclaimed area of Bay City in Pasay City is an emerging business district featuring condominiums, office spaces, and entertainment. It is also near Newport City and Pagcor City.
• Transport situation: Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard and Roxas Boulevard are two main thoroughfares accessible to Bay City residents and commuters. From the area, you can also reach EDSA road in a matter of few minutes, which makes it easy to get to other locations. Public transportation including the MRT lines, buses, jeepneys, and taxis are available.
• Neighborhood access: Living in the Bay City makes access to modern conveniences literally right at your doorstep. The neighborhood is modern and busy as it features SM Mall of Asia, which is touted as the largest shopping mall in Asia thanks to its numerous restaurants, retail shops, and more. Bay City is also close to the three main airports in Manila, which would be perfect for urban dwellers who are always on the go.

6. Wack Wack, Mandaluyong

• Best for: Growing families
• Property investment potential: The business districts of Ortigas Center, Rockwell Center, and Bonifacio Global City plus newer townships in the metro are a short distance away.
• Transport situation: The barangay of Wack Wack is surrounded by three major roads including Ortigas Avenue, Shaw Boulevard, and EDSA. Commuters coming from here take advantage of the MRT to reach their destination, particularly during rush hour.
• Neighborhood access: Known for its exclusive golf and country club and gated subdivisions, Wack Wack is now creating a community that will fit the lifestyle of active and modern urbanite families. Check out how momtrepreneur Tisha Escalona and her family found their dream home in Wack Wack.

7. Bagumbayan, Quezon City

• Best for: Yuppies
• Property investment potential: Bagumbayan features the township of Eastwood City, the first live-work-play development by Megaworld Corporation in Quezon City.
• Transport situation: C-5 road’s wide lanes, more or less, ensure a smooth commute. But you can also choose to ride on the Pasig Ferry to beat the rush hour.
• Neighborhood access: The booming business processing outsource companies have made the neighborhood of Bagumbayan livelier than ever. Residential and office skyscrapers, bars, restaurants, and trendy retail shops now dominate the scene. The area is also near Camp Aguinaldo for the military people and Camp Crame for the police, so you can expect tighter security within the area.