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Olangapo City: Advice
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What advice would you give to someone who is moving to Olongapo, Zambales, Philippines?
johnnyjones
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What advice would you give to someone who is moving to Olongapo, Zambales, Philippines?
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Of course as an Olongapo native I will be biased. Olongapo City is the best city for me, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. This was true before, but something that I question every now and then. Nowadays there are a lot of people in Olongapo. It’s becoming congested. When I was younger, life was more simple, streets were safer, and you get a sense of community. If you were a native Olongapeno, you couldn’t walk a couple of blocks without running into someone you know. That was then. Anyway, here’s the pros for me: Olongapo City is a highly urbanized city, but cost-of-living is still not that expensive.Metro Manila is easily accessible from Olongapo City. I used to just take a bus and go shopping in Manila then go back the same day.More provincial areas (close to nature) are also accessible from Olongapo City.If you seek either the fast-paced life of the city or the laidback atmosphere of the province, you’re in a good place for both.Olongapo City has some sea and mountains. You can go hiking and also enjoy the beach in the same day, then go shopping in the afternoon, then hit the bars at night.The public transport is THE BEST!!! It’s color-coded, so you know where they’re going. I especially enjoy the yellow jeeps that just go around Rizal Ave-Magsaysay Ave because it’s the center of the city, so just by riding one jeep you’ll be able to go to most establishments.The Mardigras is the best if that’s your sort of thing.The cons for me: It’s now getting crowded, and the traffic is getting congested, especially the SM City Olongapo area, which unfortunately, is on the way to the hospital. So it was a real bummer for me when going to work.PARKING SUCKS!!! Not a lot of establishments have really good parking areas so you have to be really aggressive and smart when it comes to looking for parking spaces. It is a blessing in disguise, though: I am very comfortable with parallel parking as a result.That’s all I can think of now. If you need more recommendations and questions, don’t be shy to comment down below! I’ll be happy to answer your questions.
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Frankly, If you can afford living inside the former naval base complex. then do so. If living outside the complex, look for a place that is not flood prone like Old Cabalan or New Cabalan (especially Old Cabalan where it is still a few minutes ride to downtown). Mabayuan and Kalaklan (highside) are ok too. Some places North-West of Olongapo (near Subic, like Barretto, Matain, Calapacuan, ) are good as well. Beaches are a-plenty North-West of Olongapo where most of the retired servicemen are staying. There are some subdivisions just to the North-East of the city near the entrance of the former base complex (if you happen to have your own vehicle, for convenience). Living in Olongapo City is still much better than the capital but the place has become notorious for some crimes lately, due to the the influx of folks from nearby places, so just keep a low profile and stay alert. Avoid the night life if, at all, possible. If not, then, a night-life inside the base is relatively safer than downtown itself. Utilities are pretty much established in Olongapo City so it is no longer going to be an issue for you.