The city of Tagaytay is one of the Philippine’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s beginning to attract the attention of foreign retirees, as well. Although it is only about an hour’s drive from the sprawling metropolis of Manila, there is nothing urban about Tagaytay. This is a small mountain resort town surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Tagaytay sits atop a ridge that runs along the north side of beautiful Taal Lake and the Taal Volcano. Thanks to its elevation of 2,100 feet, the air in Tagaytay is clean and the climate is mild. This is one of the few places at this latitude where you could live comfortably with neither heat nor air conditioning.

The mild climate makes Tagaytay a perfect choice for a retiree who enjoys the outdoors. There are many fresh-air activities available, including riding horses, the summit of Taal Volcano, picnicking, golfing, swimming, gardening and al fresco dining.

The standard of living is higher in Tagaytay than in most Philippine towns and cities. Many wealthy Manila businessmen and politicians maintain holiday villas here. The government has worked hard to promote tourism in the area, and, as a result, the local economy is comparatively prosperous. Housing options include many attractively landscaped gated communities and subdivisions with big clubhouses and views that extend beyond Taal Lake all the way to the distant Laguna de Bay.

Perhaps the greatest appeal to the idea of retirement in Tagaytay is the cost of living. A couple couldlive comfortably here on a budget of about $1,100 per month. However, it’s also possible to live better than comfortably in Tagaytay, even on a modest budget. You could rent a large villa with a killer view for less than $600 per month.

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