Living in IT Park: Pros and Cons of Cebu’s Most Walkable District

Introduction

If you’re moving to Cebu and searching for a modern, safe, and convenient place to live, IT Park in Lahug is likely to be one of the first areas recommended to you. Designed as a mixed-use, master-planned business hub, IT Park has grown into a bustling district filled with global BPO offices, high-rise condominiums, international restaurants, coworking spaces, and more. But is it the right place for you?

In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of living in IT Park, based on real experiences from expats, digital nomads, remote workers, students, and young professionals.

What is IT Park?

IT Park is a 27-hectare development in Lahug, Cebu City, originally designated as a special economic zone for technology and business process outsourcing (BPO). Over time, it evolved into one of the city’s most dynamic and livable districts.

The area is home to:

• Global offices (Accenture, Amazon, JP Morgan, etc.)

• Condominiums like Avida Riala, 38 Park Avenue, and Calyx Centre

• Restaurants, cafés, banks, and fitness centers

• Hotels, night markets, coworking spaces, and green zones

Pros of Living in IT Park

1. Walkability and Convenience

IT Park is one of the few areas in Cebu where you truly don’t need a car. Everything—from groceries to gyms, pharmacies to fine dining—is within walking distance. Sidewalks are wide and well-lit, and traffic is moderate compared to other districts.

“I love that I can live, work, and eat all within 300 meters of each other,” says Mark, a digital nomad from the UK.

2. Safety and Security

IT Park is heavily guarded and monitored 24/7. Security personnel are stationed at every corner, entrances are gated, and CCTV is everywhere. Crime rates in the area are significantly lower than other parts of the city.

3. Strong Internet Infrastructure

As the heart of Cebu’s tech industry, IT Park offers some of the most reliable internet in the city. Fiber-optic connections from PLDT, Globe, and Converge are widely available.

4. Expat-Friendly Environment

With its mix of expats, tourists, BPO employees, and students, IT Park is incredibly inclusive and foreigner-friendly. Most staff in establishments speak English fluently, and socializing is easy through coworking hubs and Meetup events.

5. Dining and Café Scene

There’s no shortage of places to eat. From Korean BBQ to vegan cafés, Cebuano lechon to French pastries, IT Park has it all. Notable venues include:

• The Pyramid: Wine & dine with architecture like the Louvre

• Yolk Café: Specialty coffee and brunch

• Sugbo Mercado: Cebu’s biggest weekend food market

6. Coworking and Coliving Options

IT Park hosts several top coworking spaces:

• The Company Cebu

• ASPACE Crossroads (nearby in Banilad)

• Nomads Hub (just outside Mango Ave)

Some buildings also offer coliving options with included Wi-Fi, utilities, and housekeeping.

7. Accessible Location

• 15 minutes to Ayala Center

• 30–40 minutes to Mactan Airport (non-peak)

• Easy access to jeepneys, Grab, and Angkas

• Near hospitals like Chong Hua and Cebu Doctors’

Cons of Living in IT Park

1. Higher Cost of Living

Rent in IT Park is noticeably higher than in other parts of Cebu. Studio condos typically range from ₱20,000 to ₱30,000/month. Restaurants and cafés also charge premium prices, especially in comparison to local eateries outside the park.

2. Limited Space and Nature

While IT Park is clean and organized, green space is limited. The area can feel “concrete-heavy” to those seeking a more natural or peaceful setting. There are parks and landscaped areas, but no beaches or large public gardens nearby.

3. Noisy at Night

Thanks to its 24/7 BPO economy, IT Park never sleeps. You’ll hear street performers, food delivery bikes, and occasional karaoke sessions even past midnight. Light sleepers should choose upper-floor units or condos facing away from Sugbo Mercado.

4. Traffic Just Outside the Gates

While traffic inside IT Park is controlled, the surrounding roads (Salinas Drive, Archbishop Reyes) can get congested, especially during rush hour or rainy days. Commuting to other parts of Cebu during peak times may require patience.

5. Condo Competition and Booking Issues

Because of high demand, good condo units are often snapped up quickly. Short-term rentals (Airbnb-style) can be overpriced during peak tourist seasons or Sinulog Festival.

6. Less “Authentic” Cebuano Life

If you’re looking to deeply immerse yourself in Cebuano culture—such as by shopping at wet markets, joining barangay fiestas, or speaking Cebuano daily—IT Park might feel a bit “too international.” It’s often compared to a “bubble” within Cebu.

Who Should Live in IT Park?

✅ Digital Nomads: Fast internet, coworking spaces, cafés, safe surroundings
✅ Remote Workers: Easy routines, walkability, productivity-friendly
✅ Young Professionals: Social life, networking, dining
✅ Short-Term Expats: Convenient, English-speaking, modern
✅ Students: Proximity to language schools and night life

Who Might Prefer Other Areas?

❌ Families with children: May find it too crowded or noisy. Banilad or Maria Luisa is better.
❌ Retirees: Might prefer Mactan or the hills of Busay for peace and nature.
❌ Budget Travelers: Mabolo or Guadalupe offer cheaper rent with decent access.
❌ Beach lovers: Consider Lapu-Lapu or Moalboal for beachfront access.

Cost Breakdown for Living in IT Park (Monthly Estimates)

Total Estimated Monthly Cost: ₱40,000 – ₱65,000
(~USD $700–$1,200 depending on lifestyle)

Tips for Living Comfortably in IT Park

• Book Early: In-demand condos like Avida Riala and Calyx fill up fast.

• Negotiate: Long-term leases may give you leverage for lower rent.

• Use Grab or Angkas: Avoid stress during peak hours.

• Join Facebook Groups: Great for furniture deals, meetups, or job opportunities.

• Bring Noise-Canceling Headphones: Nightlife can get loud.

• Explore Nearby: IT Park is great, but don’t miss Banilad, Lahug, or Busay for day escapes.

Final Thoughts

Living in IT Park is one of the easiest ways to transition into life in Cebu. It offers the comforts of a modern city, the warmth of Filipino hospitality, and the energy of a 24/7 international hub. Yes, it’s more expensive and can feel a bit insulated—but if you’re looking for productivity, safety, and convenience, IT Park delivers.

For many expats, it becomes the perfect starting point before exploring other neighborhoods. For others, it’s the long-term home base they never expected to love so much.

Whether you’re here for a few months or a few years, one thing’s certain: life in IT Park will keep you well-fed, well-connected, and wonderfully engaged with Cebu’s modern side.