According to Steve Day, vice president of LPHI, this factor has largely influenced the decision of young urban professionals and executives to establish their homes at Santarosa Estates 2. Less than an hour’s drive from Makati, the 14-hectare residential subdivision offering house-and-lot packages is part of the nucleus of Sta. Rosa developments being spearheaded by LPHI parent company Ayala Land as the next business center of the South. A new phase of the development offering lot cuts from 180 sqm. To 330 sqm. And homes with floor areas from 110 to 165 sqm. Just opened recently in response to strong demand.
With house-and-lot packages starting at P3 million on the average, Santarosa Estates 2 represent an opportunity within reach for young families to enjoy the benefits of an LPHI community. From a macro point of view, the most significant benefit thus far has been the consistent appreciation in value of projects developed by the real estate giant and its subsidiaries. Before the entry of LPHI into the area over 10 years ago, for instance, Sta. Rosa lots sold for as little as P2,500/sqm. With the entry of LPHI into the area, the average price per square meter in the LPHI neighborhoods has appreciated more than five times through the years.
From another vantage point, Santarosa Estates 2 is a cozy community "offering the best of both worlds," says Dy. "It has a country ambience being so close to Tagaytay but at the same time has all the convenience of a progressive community." These include village amenities such as an infinity swimming pool, a multi-purpose hall, gazebo, children’s playground and pocket parks close to each residence. Santarosa Estates 2 also has a dedicated security force and 24-hour water.
In addition it has Ateneo Graduate School, De La Salle Canlubang, St. Scholastica’s Westgrove and other well-known institutions of learning in its immediate proximity. Moreover, local and multinational manufacturers in the area offer economic and employment opportunities. For entertainment and recreation, a number of malls offer all the conveniences.
The restaurants in a community sometimes serve as an indicator of its dynamism, Dy says only partly in jest. Just a few minutes from Santarosa Estates 2 can be found among the most highly-rated Japanese restaurants as well as a European-style bistro offering fusion cuisine and a creperie. This says something about the residents in the area and the potentials of the community, he observes.
A recent transport study comments that Sta. Rosa has "the necessary ingredients for urbanization… A good resident, employment and education base." Thus, it is likey to develop into a dynamic area like self-contained Ayala Alabang and its predecessor, Makati.
Santarosa Estates 23’s recent expansion is a testament to the community’s strong potentials.