As the ecotourism industry grows, more and more of Rizal’s secret gems are coming to light. Rizal is definitely a nature lover’s paradise, with its crashing waterfalls, panoramic mountain views, historic hills, clean rivers, and stunning sunrise views. Rizal is a short weekend getaway from Metro Manila because it is only about 16 kilometers from the busy streets of the city.
Because it is close to the country’s capital, Manila, it has become a popular place for families and large groups to go for a day trip or a weekend break. So, when you go to Rizal, especially the town of Montalban, here are the best reasons to retire in Rizal City.
1. Accessible location and transportation
Rizal City is near Metro Manila, the country’s capital, which makes it easy to get to for both work and fun. Buses, jeepneys, and tricycles make it easy to get to other parts of Metro Manila and even farther away from the city. Getting to and from the city is easy from the Province of Rizal, whether you take your own car or public transportation.
With the new Metro Manila Expressway, getting to the state in the east is easier than ever. It will connect Rizal to the rest of the metro and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon). The highway will also make getting to EDSA and C-5 faster. It is also easy for people to get to and from Rizal. SM Megamall and Starmall Shaw Boulevard are only an FX ride away from the province.
The LRT-2 East extension, which started running in the middle of this year, has also made it easier for people to get to work. This makes the trip from Recto, Manila, to Masinag, Antipolo, about 40 minutes shorter.
2. Rizal City is known for having a low crime rate
This makes it a great place to live for people who care about safety and security. Rizal City in the Philippines is generally considered safe and is a good place for families to live. The city has a relatively low crime rate, and the local government has implemented various measures to maintain peace and order in the area.
Overall, Rizal City is a safe and enjoyable place for families to live, work, and thrive. However, as with any city, it is always important to practice common sense safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings, particularly when travelling at night or in less populated areas.
3. Living costs aren’t too high
Compared to other towns in Metro Manila, Rizal City has a lower cost of living, which makes it a good choice for people on a tight budget. Rizal City in the Philippines is generally known for having a relatively low cost of living compared to other cities in Metro Manila.
Housing, transportation, and basic commodities such as food and clothing are generally more affordable in Rizal City, making it an attractive option for those who want to save money or live on a budget. The cost of living in Rizal City can vary depending on factors such as location, lifestyle, and personal preferences, but overall, it is considered to be more affordable compared to other cities in the Philippines, particularly Metro Manila and its highly attractive to retirees!
4. Wide range of housing choices
Whether you want a small apartment or a big house, Rizal City has a lot of different housing options to suit different budgets and tastes. There are places to live that are getting better in each of its towns. Camella Sierra Metro East and Camella Meadows, for example, have a variety of house and lot for sale choices that are perfect for growing families and retirees. Both neighborhoods are close to the city and are especially good for students and people who work.
5. Rizal City has a lot of history and culture
There are a lot of landmarks and heritage places there that are worth seeing. The Rodgriguez Ancestral House in Montalban is well-known for how old it looks. Because Eulogio Rodriguez Sr. was a leader in the area, the house was turned into a personal museum to honor the Senate President. The culture in and around Rizal is also very rich and full of life. Whether it’s history, faith, the arts, or a mix of all three, Rizal has important landmarks that show all of these things.
The Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs are known as the oldest piece of art in the Philippines. They are a great example of how history and art can come together. The Pinto Art Museum is a great place for people who like modern art. It has some of the most expensive art collections.
Catholics who want to show their faith also go to churches like Antipolo Cathedral, Tanay’s Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, and Regina RICA. If you choose to live in Rizal, you can get to all of these culturally rich places more easily, which is something you wouldn’t be able to do often if you lived in the metro.
Here are a few of the most important festivals held in Rizal province:
- The Higantes Festival- This unique festival takes place in Angono, Rizal, and includes huge papier-mache figures called “higantes.” People dance and celebrate as they carry these huge images through the streets.
- Pahiyas Festival- Its most often linked with Lucban, Quezon, the town of Sariaya in Rizal province also celebrates it. During this holiday, houses are decorated with bright displays of rice, fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts.
- The Tiam Festival- its held in Morong, Rizal, and celebrates the town’s farming past. It has dancing in the streets, parades, trade fairs, and other culture events.
- Trek to the Wawa Dam- On Good Friday, people from all over go on a trek to the Wawa Dam in Rodriguez, Rizal. People climb the nearby mountains to get to the cross, where they pray, make amends, and think.
- Feast of Our Lady of Light- The patroness of the town of Cainta, Rizal, is honored at the Feast of Our Lady of Light. During the holiday, there is a big parade, dancing in the streets, and different religious activities.
6. Delicious food
Rizal City is known for its different kinds of food. There are many local and foreign restaurants in the city that offer a wide range of dishes to suit everyone’s tastes.
Here are some of the dishes that make the city famous. Suman is a famous rice cake that is made by wrapping sticky rice in banana leaves and then steaming it. Suman is often served with coconut jam or fresh fruit in Rizal City. Filipino rice cakes called kakanin are made with sticky rice, coconut milk, and sugar. Some famous kinds of kakanin in Rizal City are biko, sapin-sapin, and kutsinta.
7. Access to nature
Even though Rizal City is close to Metro Manila, it has a lot to offer in the way of mountains, rivers, and parks. Tanay is known for having a lot of mountains. You can walk or climb the mountains near Tanay, but Treasure Mountain, which is also called Treasure Mountain Educational Campsite, is a great outdoor spot that is easy for everyone to get to. It is a big piece of privately owned land in the Barangay Cayumbay neighborhood of Tanay. You don’t have to trek to get there, but you can do so slowly if you want. Since the road is easy to get to by car, not many people go trekking.
8. Excellent health care
There are many hospitals and clinics in the city that offer top-notch health care, making sure that the people who live there are well taken care of and its ideal for retirees.
Rizal City in the Philippines has several hospitals and medical centers that offer high-quality healthcare services to its residents. Some of the notable hospitals and medical facilities in the city include:
- Rizal Provincial Hospital System – Antipolo Annex: This government-run hospital is located in Antipolo City, which is adjacent to Rizal City. It offers a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and diagnostic services.
- Antipolo Doctors Hospital: This private hospital is located in Antipolo City, near Rizal City. It offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and internal medicine.
- Manila East Medical Center: This private hospital is located in Taytay, which is adjacent to Rizal City. It is a 230-bed hospital that offers a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and diagnostic services.
- San Juan Medical Center – Rizal: This private hospital is located in San Juan, which is also adjacent to Rizal City. It offers a range of medical services, including surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and internal medicine.
9. Strong local government
The city’s local government is committed to making the lives of its people better. It does this through a number of initiatives and programs that encourage sustainable growth and development.
10. Festivals and events
Throughout the year, Rizal City hosts a number of festivals and events, such as the Higantes Festival, the Hinulugang Taktak Festival, and the Morong 43 Memorial Run. These events give people a lot of chances to celebrate and have fun, especially retirees!