Big city life has always been the dream — to live within a few steps from a fast-paced lifestyle of big sights and sounds, big opportunities and experiences, and big crowds to share it all with. Megacities like Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao are prime examples, being testaments to the rapid growth throughout many islands in the Philippines.

The COVID-19 situation, however, has given rise to an apparent shift: a recent study has shown that the pandemic has impacted property seekers’ preferences, and more and more people are now looking for a life outside these dense areas.

Working and schooling online has made it possible for people to live away from central districts in favor of a more laid-back, suburban living on houses and lots with wide-open spaces. Being surrounded by nature and greenery instead of by people makes it possible to set healthy boundaries between work and play — work hard throughout the day and step out for some fresh air while being socially distanced from others — helping lessen physical and mental burnout.

Premier real estate developer AboitizLand stays ready to meet the needs of these homebuyers as they offer up properties outside dense megacities that have, from inception, been rooted in sustainability and a love for a healthy living environment.

Exploring Luzon

One such property that perfectly melds exciting city living with laid-back suburban life is The Villages at Lipa — 49 hectares of residential units with wide-open spaces and lush green pocket parks. This village is complemented by the modern-and-buzzing LIMA Exchange for the residents’ basic needs, The Outlets at Lipa for leisure, retail, and dining, and LIMA Technology Center for work opportunities. Vecinos, which translates to ‘neighbors’, can look forward to living in homes that offer larger spaces for less, located within one of three villages, with two currently open: The Sierra Village for sophisticated families looking to expand their presence in the South, and The Brook Village for young, growing families and professionals. Although this village-within-a-village type development stands in Lipa City, far away from densely populated pandemic epicenters, residents can still enjoy the best of both suburban living and city conveniences.

A bit further south is a sanctuary by the sea: AboitizLand’s Seafront Residences located in San Juan, Batangas. Designed by BUDJI + ROYAL and brilliantly master-planned by DPZ CoDesign, Seafront gives vecinos the opportunity to live out a relaxed work-from-paradise lifestyle as they relish in breathtaking views of Mount Banahaw and Tayabas Bay, and get beachfront access anytime they want. Residents can soon enjoy big-city-like conveniences in the area, as they would be living in close proximity to soon-to-open shops and a wide variety of delicious dining options. The cherry on top is knowing that Seafront Residences — with its different offerings that range from condo-like-units to houses, and lot-only units — offers tremendous value over time. A Seafront house and lot now starts at PHP13.5 million versus its PHP6.6 million launch price  in 2017. Future residents can relax while knowing that the investment they put in grows steadily over time.

For affordable properties in a variety of locations in Central Luzon and close to progressive New Clark City, AboitizLand offers up its Ajoya Communities. Ajoya Capas, Ajoya Pampanga, and Ajoya Cabanatuan all boast of hectare-wide spaces, greenbelts and pocket parks, modern homes with porches, balconies and ventanillas, and even a Town Plaza where vecinos can safely converge and enjoy life within a progressive and self-sustaining community. Houses and lots are available for as low as PHP12,000 a month; lot-only units start at an affordable price of PHP7,000 a month.  Home-preneurs who want to continue working and earning from home can maximize their businesses through Ajoya’s clustered shophouses, while those still working in Manila can easily access it via Skyway Stage 3.

Skirting Cebu

Back at the place where it all started, AboitizLand continues to contribute to the development of Cebu, building properties that have always prioritized environmental sustainability. These developments are also located in the near outskirts of Metro Cebu, away from the most densely populated areas, for families who crave more open spaces and amenities.

The Foressa Mountain Town, for instance, inspires redefined outdoor living. This development offers lots that are located in the gorgeous mountain community of Cansomoroy in Balamban, Cebu, offering picturesque mountain views with easy access to bike and hike trails surrounded by over 800 species of flora and fauna. After quenching their adventurous thirst, residents can also easily access the city, with Foressa being an hour out along the Cebu Transcentral Highway.

For those looking to live life by the mountains and the sea, AboitizLand’s Amoa delivers. Its future vecinos can enjoy relaxing and breathtaking views, as well as a convenient wealth of amenities including its one-hectare Central Park. All 60 hectares of this residential development form a network of villages that become more intimate neighborhoods for that warm, friendly community vibe. The houses have a unique modern-minimalist Filipino touch, and the lot-only offerings are also spacious enough for homeowners to build their own dream abode. Whatever the choice, Amoa makes sure its residents will always feel right at home. Accessibility-wise, Amoa stands along Segment 2 of the proposed Metro Cebu Expressway, which will reduce travel time from Naga City to Danao City.

AboitizLand’s commitment to safety

As the charm of big city living slowly becomes a yearning for suburban life, AboitizLand ensures that, at the end of the day, these future homeowners still get the best of both worlds while ensuring their safety, health, and well-being.

Interested homeowners are invited to schedule viewings with property specialists, following strict national health and safety protocols. Visit https://aboitizland.com/ for more information.