Choosing a condo? It’s still about location of public infrastructure

Today it’s a matter of looking at where all the major infrastructures are. We’re talking about where the planes,trains and automobiles will be most convenient, and the stress of going around – whether it’s commuting, driving or getting to the airport – will be hassle-free.

And from the looks of it, here are developments that could dictate where you should plant your roots.

If you’re a fan of rail travel, take note of where the MRT 7, the Metro Manila Subway, and the North Avenue Grand Central Station will be passing through. The MRT 7 is slated for completion in 2025, with the mostly elevated line starting at San Jose del Monte in Bulacan and ending at the North Triangle Common Station in Quezon City. The line will benefit residents near Quirino Highway, among others. The Metro Manila Subway, meanwhile, is set to be fully operational by 2029 and will connect Valenzuela, Quezon City, Pasig, Taguig, Parañaque, and Pasay, with 15 stations along the route from East Valenzuela to Bicutan. The subway will serve as the country’s second direct airport rail link, including a branch line to NAIA. Most of the public infrastructure coming up in the metro will give access to the North Avenue Grand Central Station. It will be the hub for the LRT Line 1, MRT Line 3, and MRT Line 7, and the nearby Metro Manila Subway. It will have convenient access to some of the NCR’s largest shopping malls, too.

These rail projects are seen to be interconnected even to other modes of transport. The subway, for example, will serve as the country’s second direct airport rail link, including a branch line to NAIA.

Speaking of airports, the Bulacan International Airport, also called the “New Manila International Airport”, will connect to Metro Manila by an airport toll road, as well as the North Luzon Expressway and Radial Road 10, and by rail to the MRT Line 7 through the MRT 7 Airport Express project. When fully built, it will have six times the current capacity of NAIA.

Another important public infrastructure that should be factored in your condo choice is the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10. It connects the North Luzon Expressway to the Port of Manila and Quezon City. More importantly, from the currently operating Valenzuela–Navotas link, there is possible future access to Cavite.

A big convenience right now is the Skyway Stage 3, the elevated highway connecting the NLEX and SLEX with access to NAIA via the NAIA Expressway and bypasses major roads and highways in the metro. Skyway Stage 3 begins in Libis Baesa, and a possible connection to a future toll road to New Manila International Airport in Bulacan is at that exit.

Now judging from these major infrastructure projects, Novaliches in Quezon City is a good bet for a strategic location to benefit from the convenience and accessibility once everything is built and interconnected.

The good news is, there are already existing developments in this general area. If we’re to pinpoint one, it would have to be something that has access to the main arteries leading to the infrastructures above.

One such development is SMDC’s Hill Residences, which leads to Gen. Luis St. an entire 5.7-km stretch lined with schools, banks, and commercial establishments. The better news is, you don’t have to wait for the development to be completed; there are already units that are ready for occupancy.

It’s affordable convenience: starting at Php2.3 million for a 20-square meter dwelling, Php3.2 million for a 28.5 sq m option, and for just a little bit more at Php3.7 million, it’s 32.5 square meters of living space.

At SMDC Hill Residences, you’ll be where 68 percent of the total area is dedicated to open spaces of recreation or just simply for the eyes and the soul to take a breather. All the expected amenities of a development by SMDC also comes with Hill Residences, such as a swimming pool, a covered court, a function area, not to mention 24/7 security and backup power.