Views on living in Naga City

djb wrote:

Can anyone give me ideas on living in Naga City Bicol ?

Hi djb, welcome to the forum, perhaps introduce yourself here or the introductory forum so we can know more about what you are looking for and potential needs.
I have been to Naga several times while working in Cam Sur and was not a choice for living/retiring to ever, perhaps  but that's only my opinion and Legazpi rated higher perhaps closer to the ocean in my opinion.

Though only a couple of weeks spent in Naga over a 6 month work stint in Caramoan well east of Naga actually felt unsafe/uncomfortable in that city, was stalked/followed twice and harassed on one of those occasions and escaped by retreating to a close by bank with security, not had that situation anywhere else I've travelled in PH. The city itself is like most others and only an observation really comes back to why one chooses any city or back block province, usually love, no different to me choosing La Union north north west of Manila.

Cheers, Steve.

Naga is in an area of the pacific coast that is prone to typhoon hits.  Whether just south or north of Naga, they seem to experience a lot of heavy winds and rains.  Something to think about.

I would also consider things like:
Water 
Electricity
Internet
Shopping
Entertainment
Hospitals
Government offices like the BI
Airport
Transportation

Many  areas in the RP are subject to near daily electrical brownouts or low voltage problems that can damage your electrical appliances.
Intermittent water supplies can also be an issue as many rural communities do not have dependable water supplies.

Is the area you choose prone to flooding or earthquakes? 

Bottom line would be boots on the ground before making any long term commitment to the area.

Regards.

Thanks Steve for your observations - I am an older married expat with 40 years experience in both living & working in P.I. - Usually now only reside in Manila for 6 months of the year, but am considering setting up another residence in Naga City - need to know if there are any expats living there I can contact  etc.

djb wrote:

Thanks Steve for your observations - I am an older married expat with 40 years experience in both living & working in P.I. - Usually now only reside in Manila for 6 months of the year, but am considering setting up another residence in Naga City - need to know if there are any expats living there I can contact  etc.

An older post with some comments from an expat or two living in Naga.

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=819281

Certainly is much better than the Naga of Cebu Island!
Rode through there many times on the way to Catanduanes or points much further south. Seems a nice city but as it's landlocked and may still be surrounded by rice plantations, could be a mite stale for someone who wants the occasional foreigner-styled restaurants and more amenities. Although close to a number of 'cone-shaped' volcanic mountains and thermal springs - Mayon, Iraga, Tiwi, etc. - may suit someone whose lifestyle is fairly laid-back already. When I was exploring the country to find the best city to settle in, fairly-close Legaspi was on my list of top 5.
What draws you to Naga?