- Date : 12/09/2020
- Read: 7 mins
Just like some cities are great for employment, others are ideal for retirement. Here are some of India’s best cities where you can spend your golden years.
Most people have one major goal in life- create enough wealth to live a peaceful and comfortable retired life. After all, when you have spent decades of your life working hard and taking care of your family, why shouldn’t you enjoy the fruits of your labour. If you’re envisaging a retired life not very different from a long vacation, finding the right city to live in is important.
What to look for in a city?
When choosing a city to retire in, there are several things you need to consider. Some of the most important ones include:
• Standard of living
• Healthcare facilities
• Access to public transport
• Crime rate
• Climate
Listed below are some cities and details on how well they fare in different areas.
1. Chandigarh
This city is the ideal retirement city, and not without merit. According to Cushman & Wakefield, an American commercial real estate services company, the real estate development in Chandigarh has seen an incredible boom in recent times, attracting developers, investors, and buyers alike.
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• Current rental trends: Rentals are rather affordable with a 2-bedroom apartment in the city available for Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 per month.
• Health care and crime rate: Health care facilities are available in plenty; some of the best options in the city are PGI Chandigarh, Fortis Mohali and IVY hospital. Moreover, NCRB statistics show that the crime rate in this city is lower than the national average.
• Status of public transport: A metro rail running from Capitol Complex (North) to Mohali (South) is expected to be functional by 2018.
• Climate: While the city sees extreme summers and winters, the monsoons make for some pleasant months.
• Other features: Sukhna Lake and Rock Garden adorn this lush green city, adding to its aura of serenity.
2. Pune
On the Mercer Quality of Living Rankings, Pune is ranked at 145, the second highest score for an Indian city. A flourishing Maharashtrian city, its proximity to Mumbai (linked by the Pune Expressway) and cosmopolitan culture makes it attractive to all ages: young college-goers, corporate crowd, as well as retirees. Its lovely weather and peaceful life have earned it the moniker- ‘Pensioner’s Paradise’.
• Current rental trends: Pune has a far lower cost of living as compared to Pune’s more popular neighbor- Mumbai. For instance, cost for a 2-bedroom apartment in Pune can range between Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 25,000 per month.
• Health care: With popular hospitals like Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, KEM Hospital, and Ruby Hall Clinic in close proximity to major areas in the city, healthcare is easily available in Pune.
• Status of public transport: Although the public bus network is inadequate for traveling within the city, plenty of auto-rickshaws are available to shuttle you around.
• Other features: Hill stations around the city help keep the weather pleasant, and also offer a relaxing getaway.
3. Coimbatore
In the lap of Nilgiris and with Ooty in close proximity, Coimbatore is a retirement destination right out of a travelogue. Compared to other hubs such as Chennai and Sriperumbudur, the cost of living is lower here with consumer prices in Chennai being around 19% higher.
• Current rental trends: Rentals are affordable with a 2-bedroom apartment in the city available at INR 15,000 -20,000 per month.
• Health care and crime rate: Coimbatore houses several big hospitals and clinics, making healthcare accessible for all. The crime rate in the city is higher than the national average, as reported by NCRB statistics.
• Other features: It is also the ‘textile capital of the south’, enjoying a pleasant climate owing to a dense forest cover to its North.
4. Mysore
While the royalty of Mysore attracts many, it’s the calm laidback lifestyle that people stay back for. Unlike other cities in Karnataka, the hustle and bustle here doesn’t tend to bother you, since it’s not too commercialised. The weather remains pleasant through most of the year, and the heat isn’t too scorching.
- Current rental trends: You can easily find a good 2-bedroom apartment well within the range of INR 15,000-20,000 per month.
- Health care and crime rate: You would find several healthcare facilities with some of the top hospitals, while also ensuring affordable bills.
- Other features: The Mysore palace especially during Dussehra is a treat for sore eyes, along with the famous Brindavan Gardens in Mysore. And don’t miss out on the Mysore silk sarees.
5. Hyderabad
The first Indian city on the Mercer Quality of Living Rankings with a rank of 144, Hyderabad is an enviable destination with a low crime rate. As for real estate costs, consider this: the price (per square meter) of an apartment in the city centre in Hyderabad is 208.46 % less than that in Delhi.
• Current rental trends: A 2-bedroom apartment in Hyderabad costs anywhere around Rs. 15,000- Rs. 20,000 per month.
• Health care: Being one of the major metropolitan cities in India, healthcare facilities are in plenty with the city housing both, government and private establishments.
6. Dehradun
This is one of the more recent metropolitan cities that is slowly gaining attention. However, its location in the lap of beautiful hills makes it different from other metros. The city already has a retirement home called Antara, further elevating its status as a retirement destination. Since Dehradun still hasn''''t seen rapid urbanization like other Indian metros, cost of living is relatively low.
Related: Retirement Planning Calculator
• Current rental trend: Renting a 2-bedroom apartment in the city costs anywhere between Rs. 10,000-Rs. 15,000 per month.
• Health care and crime rate: Hospitals like Max Super Specialty, Ayurmax Ayurveda, City Heart Centre dot the city, making healthcare easily accessible and affordable. The city also has a low crime rate.
• Status of public transport: From private bus services to rickshaws, taxis to cycle rickshaws, there are lots of options. The city is also well-connected via air and rail.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information purposes only and should not be construed as investment or insurance or tax or legal advice. You should separately obtain independent advice when making decisions in these areas.
