Some things that have stimulated my interest in Bacolod to the point of considering a visit just to check out that one place.

-- A big city where you don't need a vehicle.

There is a main road in town where most everything is on or radiates from it.

Public transport options are excellent and cheap. Not limited to tricycles or jeepneys. You've got aircon buses and of course Grab and Bolt (very affordable). Depending on where you live, many walkable areas. The city has wider streets and SIDEWALKS.

-- A lower budget place that still offers a lot.

Iloilo is arguably a higher quality and more expensive choice.

I think Bacolod will always be more affordable than Iloilo for multiple reasons -- no world class river walk, no close access to white sand beach islands, fewer top medical care options (apparently only one in Bacolod). A great white sand beach option near Bacolod is 90 minutes away though.

-- Multiple large shopping malls. Two of the "Costco" style bulk stores (two different brands).

-- A growing but not big expat scene. Nothing like Drama-guette. Locals aren't anywhere near sick of seeing foreigners. (GIve them time I suppose.)

-- A city identified with culinary culture both local and international. A growing scene and wide adoption of Grab Food delivery.

-- Many many condos at different prices points (so lots o competition) including one with a direct indoor walkway to a major mall.

-- What I've hears is an efficient immigration office.

-- A Chinatown (shopping and food)

-- Cleaner air / less traffic than big cities like Cebu

-- A famous annual festival

-- Reputation for some of the friendliest people in the country

-- Not a place for seeking wild nightlife. Most retired people are good with that.

-- Of course not specific to Bacolod but English widely spoken, and retirement residence security offered with the SRRV visa.

Peso for your thoughts?

Beyond Budget: Unveiling the Real Reasons Expats Love Retiring in Bacolod - RichestPH

www,richestph.com/beyond-budget-unveiling-the-real-reasons-expats-love-retiring-in-bacolod/

Beyond Budget: Unveiling the Real Reasons Expats Love Retiring in Bacolod

Bacolod, Philippines isn’t just a cheap place to retire, it’s a vibrant city offering a compelling lifestyle that attracts expats seeking a fulfilling second chapter. The “City of Smiles” boasts a unique blend of affordability, community, cultural richness, and surprisingly good infrastructure, making it more than just a budget-friendly option.

Beyond the Peso: What Makes Bacolod Special?

Forget the generic “tropical paradise” descriptions. Bacolod offers a specific set of advantages that resonate with expats looking for a slower pace of life without sacrificing comfort and convenience. It’s a smaller city compared to Manila or Cebu, which translates to less traffic, less pollution, and a stronger sense of community. Imagine knowing your neighbors, having storekeepers greet you by name, and enjoying genuinely friendly interactions daily. This is Bacolod. Consider that the Philippines is one of the top destinations for retirees per Global Retirement Index as evidenced in a report by International Living. This shows the country’s attractiveness for retirees.

You want to live in BaconLand?