Long Term Rental. Best Bang For Buck?

[usa32]

What's the best place to look at, for long term rentals of say a year.

 

My needs are 3 bedrooms,  one for maid, one for me, and one as an extra.

 

I would like to be somewhat close to cebu or one of the major cities.

 

I am in the beginning stages of moving to phillipines atleast on a short term basis

 

Step 1 finding where to live.

 

I also want it to be safe for americans, and good for finding woman.

 

 

 

Any tips?

 

 

 

 

[robert k]

USA32, define safe? It's a country with much poverty, while the majority of Filipinos are honest in my opinion, it would not take long for something unattended to walk away. I think the rate of outright robbery and burgulary are low in comparison to North Hollywood Ca where I used to live or even Forest Hill on the west side of Ft. Worth Texas where we had home invasions occouring 11 years ago. and there were not particularly bad areas in the US. I found the great majority of Filipinos to be friendly, a few neutral to cool, a very few that really don't care for any foreigner at all. Not so different from anyplace else I have ever been. If you intend to live in a home that screams wealthy, and have a safe installed, I think someone would be around eventually to see how much will fit in a sack. Having a maid can both increase and decrease the chances of this happening because the inside job it the best way to get the most loot. The maid could also be your best defense, always home to speed dial the police and make alot of noise if someone wants to break in. Get references for your maid, it's common sense.

 

If an area looks sketchy and like you don't belong there, then you probably don't. This applies to any city in any country. Bling is probably not the best idea.

 

Zipper, button down and velcro closure pockets are not a bad idea, nobody has to pick your pocket riding on a jeepney, you can lose stuff just climbing in and out, same as in a cab, or bus. I lost a phone on a bus with about a months worth of pictures because I carried it in a belt clip case, stupid me, nobody lifted it off me, I miss those pictures I had not transferred yet.

 

I think there are parts of Mindanao where you would not be welcome under any circumstances except for ransom. There are places on Mindanao where you would receive a warm and friendly welcome, make sure you know which is which before you go there and use good judgement, not necessarily a girl you have been chattings judgement. I had one girl invite me to come visit her in Zamboanga city, where half a year ago the city was taken by terrorists and under siege by the government and people were being used as human shields, in her opinion all was fine now, I would beg to differ.

 

The above out of the way, any city is going to be good for searching for a special someone, because there is a greater concentration of people in cities, per square kilometer. Be pleasant and charming, strike up conversations, meet people, someone almost always has a sister, aunt, cousin, 6th cousin twice removed or whatever. I got to know people at the wet market and they were constantly inquiring if I had any unmarried friends, but only because I was accompianied already, had I been alone, I'm sure an introduction would have been forthcoming. Clean cut, smile, pleasant demeanor is about all it takes to get some interest. They will assume you are rich, and really when you think about it, we are the exotic people there. Much ado was made of my pointy nose, which is not particularly pointy.

 

My current plan is to move to the suburbs near Cebu, cheaper which is good but not necessary, cleaner and less congested which I highly prize. I would recommend you not settle right away, take a month or more before you sign a contract on some place, check different areas throughly, day and night. Welcome to the forum.

[Jack Peterson]

My current plan is to move to the suburbs near Cebu, cheaper which is good but not necessary, cleaner and less congested which I highly prize. I would recommend you not settle right away, take a month or more before you sign a contract on some place, check different areas throughly, day and night. Welcome to the forum.

 

 

 As usual Robert, spot on and well written  :thumbsup:

 

 

:tiphat:

[cebu rocks]

Go slow rent at resorts until you find where you want to settle

I hate the city but everyone is different

South of cebu in the province is better than north IMO better Beach's better traffic more shopping

As for finding girls this is the Philippines if you can't find a girl your hopeless finding a good one

is a lot harder

Safety on Cebu is pretty good do not drink with the local guys and you will be fine

If your hair on the back of. Your neck stands up trust your instincts do not gamble or drink with the locals and be wary of people you just met expats included

Cebu is friendly get your feet on the ground and meet people take all the advice you can get and decide for yourself what will work in your case

Good luck

[davewe]

What's the best place to look at, for long term rentals of say a year.

 

My needs are 3 bedrooms,  one for maid, one for me, and one as an extra.

 

I would like to be somewhat close to cebu or one of the major cities.

 

I am in the beginning stages of moving to phillipines atleast on a short term basis

 

Step 1 finding where to live.

 

I also want it to be safe for americans, and good for finding woman.

 

 

 

Any tips?

I wouldn't call a year long term. Many leases are for that length. But you might actually shoot for a shorter term lease, in case you don't like the place, your neighbors, etc. You can always extend. I also agree that renting in an inexpensive hotel until you have chosen your area is a good strategy.

 

Safety is partly based on the neighborhood but mostly based on you and your actions. It depends on how risky or risk-adverse your lifestyle is. I think you can be fairly safe in the Philippines but if you walk around downtown Manila (or even Cebu) in the middle of the night, you might have problems.

 

A place good for finding women in the Philippines? Hell, you don't even have to leave the airport for that! The first time my buddy landed in Manila the immigration lady stamped his passport, looked him up and down and said, 'Welcome to the Philippines, Mr. Guapo." So finding is easy; as others have said, finding a good one is a little more challenging.