Thoughts on this area to live

[JasonE]

I have been looking at some different areas around Cebu, recently I have been in contact with a guy has a place to rent (studio) in the area of Calderon Compound, Banawa/Guadalupe, Cebu City.

From what I could find it seems like a decent area, close to the mall and markets. 

I wanted to see if anyone has any information on the area. I want to make sure I will be living in fairly safe area.

Thanks,

Jason

[Larry45]

Yeah, that's a nicer part of Cebu City, but still close enough to everything.  I wouldn't consent to any long term lease until you arrive here and check out the area.  Most guys just stay in a hotel for a few days or weeks until they feel their way around the city.  You will always find better deals on long-term housing once you are here.

 

edit:  the problem here with housing is that you really need to assess the neighbors for a while before moving in.  They might have nonstop barking dogs, roosters in the early morning, karaoke all night, or other disturbing and annoying nonsense.  It's very different than the US, as there's not much you can do if you end up living next to inconsiderate people.  Best to take some time, look around, and find housing that fits you.

Edited June 25, 2016 by Larry45

[JasonE]

Sound advice, thanks.. I didn't plan on committing to anything till I was there. They do 6 and 12 month leases so if decided to move in there I could be out in 6 months if needed. Plus it can't be noiser then staying at my sisters house with her 4 kids...lol

 

[Dave Hounddriver]

Just now, JasonE said:

Plus it can't be noiser then staying at my sisters house with her 4 kids...lol

You think so?  Mwah ha ha!  If you get a little bit unlucky you will know how noisy it can get, but with luck it will be all good.

[JasonE]

I'm voting for a little luck, I should email the guy and ask how the noise is.

I can tolerate a little noise as long as its not over done and not past 2am... Lol maybe asking lot..haha

[scott h]

13 hours ago, JasonE said:

I'm voting for a little luck

Here in the Philippines, people make their own luck . You asked for the opinion from those who are here on the ground, and if you look at almost any thread the vast majority will advise that a person get here on the ground and check things out before signing any type of lease or putting money down.

One thing we learn here is "BUYER BEWARE". There is no better business bureau, no consumer protection agency and very few money back guarantees.  

6 months of roosters, barking dogs, a butcher shop chopping meat starting at 4 am, poor water pressure, a mosque nearby a guy that turns his daytime motor bike repair shop into a karaoke bar at 10pm for extra money (I have seen all these things in "residential areas" )

You and I are Yanks, we grew up with the slogan "let your fingers do the walking", here it really is your feet that do the walking and eyes and ears that do the seeing and hearing.

15 hours ago, JasonE said:

I want to make sure I will be living in fairly safe area.

Unless your prospective area is a well secured housing development with gates and guards, anyplace can be safe or unsafe. Keep in mind there are very few zoning laws here, and those that there are, are routinely ignored. Near where I live I could point out a 3 house well to do family compound with Mercedes and BMW's in the drive and next to it a commune of squatters (informal settlers, sorry) where men pee in the gutter and kids run around naked all day.

I might be painting a slightly gloomy picture, but I doubt if any of our members will vehemently disagree with me on this one .

Bottom line? Don't put any cash down on ANYTHING until you see it for yourself.  

[JasonE]

Thanks for you're comment, I appreciate the advice. I won't be signing or agreeing to anything till in country and can view for myself.

I guess its going to come down to a judgement call once I arrive and check things out. 

I'm just want to get as much info I can before I get so I don't have to check out to many places.

I am continusly doing research online to make sure I have all my ducks in a row. 

I appreciate you not sugar coating.

Thanks again!

[DavidK]

Well I lived in Guadalupe until earlier this year and still have a condo there. Generally I'd say it's a pretty safe area but that also depends on where you are there, what you're doing and what time of day it is. Noise levels can vary as is the way in the Philippines. Scott sums it up accurately.

[mogo51]

Good luck Jason with your new journey.  I am sure you will be prudent enough to find the appropriate domicile.

But at least you are now forewarned and can be aware of such pitfalls.

Unless you are stuck on Cebu, there are many other wonderful places in Philippines to consider.  Are you retiring?

[frosty (chris)]

The thing with the P.I. is everything can change so very very quickly. We were renting a town house in a great ( I thought) secure sub division and for the first 6 months it was great. Then the squatters moved in behind us and the music started at mid night till around 5 a.m. The gut next door to us was an expat, older, quiet, never really saw him. He had a difference of opinion with the owner and moved out, it was taken over by locals that never seemed to work but partied most nights, I would get an invite to these parties and sometimes go, but not often. Usually in the early hours of the morning these pi$$ ups would be moved into the street outside their house with all the usual loud noises that accompany local get togethers. In the end we just had to move, we just weren't getting any sleep. My advice would be if and when you check your place out, don't just go in the early afternoon and look, this is the time of siesta here when even the animals actually shut up for awhile. Good luck with whatever you do.