The lure of suburban living

By: Din M. Villafuerte – @inquirerdotnet
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 03:57 AM March 03, 2018
For some, living in the city has become less appealing, no thanks to cramped spaces, pollution, high cost of living, and traffic that would you as soon as you step out of the house. The idea of acquiring property in the suburbs has gotten more and more charming.
The only thing that holds tired urbanites from living outside the metro is the supposed ease and convenience of being in the city—being near their work, commercial centers, schools, hospitals and other recreational facilities.
Fortunately, property developments right outside the city now abound. The drive might be a bit longer but nothing beats coming home to your very own relaxing space, away from the noise and chaos of residing right in the middle of the urban jungle.
It’s a bonus that today’s suburban developments feature resort-like amenities such as pools, sports facilities and areas where you can retreat and enjoy some peace and quiet after a stressful day at work in the city.

Palo Alto
On the boundary of Antipolo, Tanay and Baras in Rizal lies Palo Alto, a 200-ha prime residential and commercial estate. Easily accessible via the Ortigas, Sumulong and Marcos Highways, Palo Alto is nestled on an elevated terrain, surrounded by a pristine forest reserve.
Sizes of estate lots range from 7,000 sqm to 1 ha, which should be spacious enough should you decide to build your family home there or set up a farm once you retire.
Everything you need should be a few minutes drive away—commercial establishments, schools and universities, leisure and entertainment centers, and medical facilities.
And if you think residing outside the city will bore you and make a dent in your social life, think again. Palo Alto has a multipurpose clubhouse where you can do sports or socialize with friends and family. There’s also a pool, a tennis court, a bowling alley, a game room, a fitness gym, a restaurant, a snack bar, as well as a coffee shop.


Brookside Residential Estates at Summit Point
Brookside Residential Estates at Summit Point
A residential community with breathtaking views of the Malarayat Mountain Range, Brookside at Summit Point is located just off Lipa City in Batangas. This gated residential estate features modern facilities including a clubhouse, pool, pocket gardens, parks and efficient water, electrical and security systems.
The Brookside at Summit Point is conveniently located near SM City Lipa, De La Salle Lipa, and other key establishments and commercial areas.

Stradella at East Bel-Air
Stradella at East Bel-Air
Developed to cater to young, modern professionals looking for a place to rest and invest, East Bel-Air Residences is Sta. Lucia Land’s offering in Cainta, Rizal. It features Stradella, the second of six mid-rise buildings within the development.
The first four floors are composed of condotel units while the fifth and sixth levels offer premium residential units which give you fantastic views of both the calming gardens and the exciting cityscape. Amenities such as a swimming pool, a play area for the kiddos, a basketball court and clubhouse are added bonuses.
One can choose from studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. Owners also have the choice to rent out their own units through a leasing option offered by Sta. Lucia.