Top 7 Makati Districts: Best Manila Rental Hotspots for Foreign Expats & Investors
- bedandgoinc
- 6 日前
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April 8, 2025
When foreigners think of moving to Metro Manila, Makati often lands at the top of the list — and for good reason. It's the beating heart of finance, luxury, and urban lifestyle in the Philippines. But within Makati itself, there's a world of difference between neighborhoods. Whether you're a digital nomad, an expat executive, or a long-term visitor, the right district can make your stay infinitely more enjoyable.
Here are the Top 7 Makati Districts that foreign renters love—and why each one feels like home away from home.
1. Legazpi Village – The Ideal Live - Work - Play Area
Legazpi Village offers the rare combination of urban convenience and green tranquility, making it one of the most attractive neighborhoods for foreigners. It's filled with stylish condominiums like Escala Salcedo and The Columns Legazpi, and boasts lush escapes like Legazpi Active Park and Washington SyCip Park.
The village is also known for its walkable streets, artisan cafés, and weekend organic markets, offering a true “neighborhood” feel in the middle of a business district. Its proximity to Ayala Avenue, the main corporate artery of Makati, makes it a top pick for working expats who want quick access to the office but still enjoy a serene environment.
2. Salcedo Village – Urban Charm with a Cultural Pulse
Salcedo Village is another favorite, known for its polished residential vibe and cultural flair. The popular Salcedo Saturday Market brings in foodies and culture lovers, giving foreign renters an authentic taste of Manila life while living in high-end residences like Paseo Parkview Suites or The Fraser Place.
Embassies, law offices, and medical centers are all nearby, which adds a layer of security and convenience that many foreign residents appreciate. Plus, Salcedo's tree-lined streets and proximity to Ayala Triangle Gardens make it feel more livable and less rushed compared to other commercial hubs.
3. Rockwell Center – Exclusive Luxury and Security
For renters who seek high-end living with top-notch privacy, Rockwell Center delivers an exceptional experience. This master-planned community is home to Power Plant Mall, premium dining spots, and exclusive condos like One Rockwell and Joya Lofts & Towers.
Foreigners love Rockwell for its gated feel, 24/7 security, and upscale amenities, making it ideal for executives and families alike. The entire area feels like an elite, self-contained village—with walkable streets, international schools nearby, and reliable infrastructure.
4. Poblacion – The Hip, Creative Escape
A complete contrast to the luxury of Rockwell, Poblacion is Makati's vibrant artistic hub, edgy district. Popular among digital nomads, creatives, and adventurous expats, this neighborhood is buzzing with energy—from street art and rooftop bars to hostels-turned-coffee-shops and co-living spaces.
Despite its reputation for nightlife, Poblacion also offers modern accommodations like boutique condominiums and serviced apartments, often at lower price points than the central business district. Foreigners who enjoy cultural immersion and eclectic living gravitate to this unique slice of Makati.
5. San Antonio Village – Affordable Comfort with Local Flavor
San Antonio Village has quietly built a reputation as the hidden gem of Makati's rental scene. It's a more residential district, known for its affordable rates and a strong sense of local community.
It offers a slower pace and home-like atmosphere with smaller apartment complexes and townhouses ideal for foreign students, freelancers, or remote workers. The accessibility to both Poblacion and the Makati CBD also makes it a great spot for those who want value without being far from the action.
6. Century City – Modern Condos with Global Appeal
If you're looking for futuristic towers and luxurious living, Century City delivers on all fronts. Home to The Milano Residences, Gramercy Residences, and Knightsbridge Residences, this vertical village is a favorite among young expats and foreign investors.
What sets Century City apart is its mix of modern architecture, vibrant dining scenes, and convenience stores all within the complex. It's like having your own skyline community with everything you need a few floors down. Add in its close proximity to both Poblacion and the Makati CBD, and it's no wonder Century City has global appeal.
7. San Lorenzo Village – A Private Haven in the Heart of the City
San Lorenzo Village offers something that many other districts can't: privacy and space. This exclusive, gated subdivision is ideal for foreign families, embassy workers, and long-term expats who want to live in a house instead of a condo.
The wide streets, detached homes, and access to schools, churches, and malls like Greenbelt and Glorietta make San Lorenzo highly desirable. Though pricier than most residential areas, its strong community atmosphere and peaceful setting more than justify the cost for foreign tenants seeking a true home in the city.
From luxury enclaves to artistic corners, Makati offers a district for every lifestyle. Whether you're after walkability, affordability, nightlife, privacy, or modern convenience, there's a place here that fits your goals and personality.
These top 7 Makati districts—Legazpi Village, Salcedo Village, Rockwell Center, Poblacion, San Antonio Village, Century City, and San Lorenzo Village—represent the best of urban living for foreign renters. Each one has its own flavor, but all provide access to the vibrant energy that makes Makati a top-tier destination in Metro Manila.
So whether you're setting up for a year-long contract or just testing the waters in the city, finding the right district is the first step to making your Manila experience memorable—and truly your own.
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