5
Santa Rosa City: The Philippines' Detroit
The second largest city in the province of Laguna, Santa Rosa City is an up-and-coming commercial, industrial, and residential center. It is accessible through the Southern Luzon Expressway (SLEX), and travelers passing through the SLEX could see rice fields, factories, and amusement parks along Santa Rosa's stretch of the toll road. Despite its rapid development, man and nature coexist in this city, just as it has for most of its rich history.
From Suburb to City
Santa Rosa City was originally part of the larger towns of Cabuyao and Biñan before being founded as a separate municipality in 1792. A welcome arch commemorating that event, inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, stands proudly near the old town center, as do many other reminders of the town's colonial past. These include the Cuartel de Santo Domingo, the Museo de Santa Rosa, and the old Santa Rosa de Lima Parish Church.
The city's modern development started with the establishment of the Coca-Cola and Toyota factories in the 1970. Over the years, more automobile manufacturers set up facilities in the city, earning for Santa Rosa City the title "The Philippines' Detroit". Today, Santa Rosa accounts for 95% of the country's automobile manufacturing output.
Santa Rosa City is home to shopping malls, including SM Santa Rosa, Ayala Malls Solenad, and Paseo de Santa Rosa. The latter has become known for being the site of outlet stores, promising original branded goods at factory prices.
Buying a House in Santa Rosa City
Santa Rosa City has also become a residential center, with subdivisions catering to employees and executives working in Metro Manila and nearby cities in the south. Laguna Bel Airwas one of the first subdivisions built in modern-day Santa Rosa City, while newer developments such as Nuvali, South Forbes Villas, and The Sonoma are pushing the envelope in terms of amenities. House prices range from P950,000 to P55 million, giving the homebuyer a wide array of housing options.
