The undeniable allure of suburban living
The pull of suburban life continues to be strong, especially with property developers giving rise to masterplanned communities that promise a more suitable living environment.
Beyond the white picket fences and manicured lawns, there are several reasons why these bedroom communities outside Metro Manila remain popular among prospective homebuyers.
Green open spaces
There’s no denying that Metro Manila is bursting at the seams. Traffic can be at a standstill in this concrete jungle, where vast green and open spaces are admittedly limited.
Suburban areas, meanwhile, tend to have less traffic and offer more breathable spaces. Here, the streets are quieter, more walkable and the overall vibe is more relaxed and less stressful.
Value for money
Properties in well-planned suburban communities can offer more value for money and are, most of the time, even more affordable. A home in the suburbs that can comfortably house four people usually comes at the same price as a small condo unit in the metropolis that can fit just one or two individuals. Plus, suburban estates usually include bigger amenities such as parks, playgrounds, swimming pools and clubhouses.
Green Meadows Iloilo, for one, is designed around Lake Victoria, a man-made lake where residents and their guests can go kayaking, boating or fishing. Iloilo’s first residential lake community, located in the outskirts of the towns of Pavia and Jaro, is created by trusted property developer Sta. Lucia Land Inc., which has long been known for creating masterplanned, strategically located communities across the country.
Aside from the 5-ha man-made lake, Green Meadows Iloilo also features a recreational pool, covered courts for basketball and badminton, a bowling center, billiards hall and function rooms, among others.
Accessible
Thanks to improved infrastructure, commuting from your house outside the city and back is not a problem. Expressways, railways and bypass roads have made suburban areas more accessible.
For instance, upcoming
infrastructure developments like the North-South Commuter Railway and expressways such as the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, North Luzon Expressway and South Luzon Expressway have reduced travel times between cities and suburbs.
Mixed-use communities
Suburban areas are not just residential enclaves. On top of recreational amenities, they also house commercial establishments, educational and medical institutions and business hubs. These make suburban communities self-sufficient, reducing residents’ travel time for their daily needs. Residents are thus able to benefit from a “city like” lifestyle minus the urban frenzy.
Many reputable schools have also set up campuses in suburban areas, so that families no longer need to stay in urban centers just to have access to quality education. Sta. Lucia Land’s South Springs Laguna in Biñan, for example, is a short drive to Colegio San Agustin-Biñan, Brent International School Manila, and La Consolacion College-Biñan, just to name a few.
Healthier lifestyle
Lush and green spaces, cleaner air, and the chance to engage in outdoor activities make living in a suburban area irresistible. Here, you can still be greeted by the sweet chirping of birds, breathe in the stimulating scent of freshly cut grass, and enjoy the cool breeze as you go about your daily routine.
A slower pace of life is another enticing aspect of suburban living. Living outside the metropolis, you are able to step back from being overstimulated and are able to recharge and destress more.
Colinas Verdes Bulacan in San Jose del Monte is a masterplanned development that is nestled on the foot of the Sierra Madre. Sta. Lucia’s residential community in this part of Bulacan may be just a few kilometers from major shopping centers and business hubs, but it is set against a backdrop of lush greens and trees, making it an idyllic refuge for its residents.
Your ideal home
Most of us share a similar mental image when we’re asked to describe where our ideal home should be: a quiet and laid back neighborhood that’s safe and surrounded by nature, yet not remotely far from basic services and essentials.
While such a property might be challenging to snap up in major cities, residential communities that tick all the boxes can certainly be found in its fringes. Property developers such as Sta. Lucia Land has dedicated itself to creating suburban communities that will allow prospective homeowners to bring their dream homes into being.
