1-minute brief summary of urban cities in India:
Dive into a detailed overview of the prominent urban cities in India. It is based on social, economic, commercial, and residential factors. Some of these urban centres have impressively transformed from once underdeveloped regions to stunning cosmopolitan cities.
Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kochi, and Jaipur are considered urban cities in this blog. These urban cities in India have flourished with well-planned infrastructure, civic amenities, educational and healthcare facilities, commercial hubs, safety, and advanced housing facilities.
Mumbai is the financial capital of India, whereas Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad serve as major IT corridors. New Delhi, Kolkata, and Jaipur are known for their historical and architectural charm, along with robust economic growth.
Kochi and Jaipur are well-laid commercial and business centres that hold huge investment potential. These urban cities offer a decent quality of life to upgrade your lifestyle.
Read also: Most Livable Cities in India
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What Are Urban Cities In India?
Urban cities in India are the urban centres with a population exceeding 1 million. Urban cities should not have a population of less than 20,000. These urban cities are the result of the migration of people from rural areas for livelihood. Due to its employment opportunities and better education opportunities, people prefer living in urban cities rather than rural areas.
The progressive urbanisation of these cities in terms of infrastructure development has accelerated economic growth. Since the liberalisation and privatisation policy in 1990, the private sector’s landscape has expanded. Upcoming connectivity routes have transformed several regions on the outskirts into the suburbs. These regions have now become the centres of residential and commercial expansion.
Mumbai
Mumbai is one of the top urban cities in India. Due to its explicit economic growth and business landscape, Mumbai is known as the Financial Capital of India. Mumbai is the core part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the sixth-most populated metro city in the world.
It is considered one of the expensive cities in the world, while housing the highest number of billionaires than any other city across Asia. Mumbai is the economic centre of the country, backed by its financial, IT/ITES, automobile, petrochemicals, and banking sectors.
It is home to major commercial and trading hubs like Bandra Kurla Complex, Nariman Point, Bombay Stock Exchange, SEBI, Reserve Bank of India, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust. Mumbai hosts some of the prestigious hotels, residential skyscrapers, historical monuments, and recreational zones in India.
Considering these factors, people across India migrate to Mumbai for its advanced lifestyle, robust economy, and efficient infrastructure. The transportation network in Mumbai is futuristic and affordable.
Why is Mumbai known as the City of Dreams?
Hundreds of people migrate to Mumbai to upgrade their lives and find employment. Mumbai is the key financial hub of India, making it the centre of lifestyle advancement for many.
Why is Mumbai the best city to live in India?
Though Greater Mumbai is expensive for housing, its suburbs offer premium housing options at reasonable prices. Mumbai presents a cosmopolitan culture and futuristic lifestyle facilities.
Chennai
Chennai is the fourth largest city with the maximum population in India. Recognised as the Detroit of India, Chennai is the most popular automobile hub in the country and is also prominently known for its health sector. Chennai’s automobile sector constitutes 35% of India’s automotive production.
Chennai is also one of the major IT hubs in India, considering the rising migration of people from various parts of the country. The cost of living in India and the quality of life are much better than other prime metropolitan cities, which is advantageous for young professionals and middle-class families.
Chennai offers an end number of employment opportunities across the automobile, healthcare, IT, and ITES sectors. The SaaS ecosystem is also flourishing in the city. Chennai has a well-laid infrastructure with a progressive transport system. It hosts upscale properties along with numerous affordable options, making it an ideal place for residing.
Is Chennai a safe city to live in?
Chennai is considered one of the safest cities to live in India, with a low crime rate and efficient law enforcement.
Which is cheaper in South India, Bangalore or Chennai?
Chennai is a cheaper city than Bangalore, with a lower cost of living and reasonable housing prices.
Kolkata
Kolkata is the capital city of West Bengal, prominently known for its rich tradition and cultural heritage. It is the gateway to Eastern India. Kolkata is a vital commercial centre for the Eastern and North-Eastern regions of India. It houses the headquarters of several Indian and multinational companies.
Kolkata is one of the major metropolitan cities in India. However, Kolkata is considerably cheaper than any other metro city in India. The property prices and rent are relatively lower in this city. It is ideal for those who are looking for a premium lifestyle at reasonable prices.
Kolkata is one of the safest cities with advanced security facilities. The law enforcement is very strict and disciplined in the city. It has excellent social infrastructure, such as schools, colleges, hospitals, cultural heritages, entertainment options, etc. Similar to Mumbai, the transportation in Kolkata is well-developed and cheaper.
Which are the posh areas in Kolkata for investment?
Alipore, Salt Lake City, Ballygunge, Southern Avenue, and Park Street are some of the posh areas in Kolkata that are suitable for investment.
Is Kolkata a good place to live?
Kolkata is an excellent place to live. It offers a vibrant living environment along with sound infrastructure, complete safety, affordability, well-planned civic facilities, and smooth connectivity.
Hyderabad
Hyderabad is one of the most livable cities in India. Famously known as the Pearl City for its pearl industry, Hyderabad has transformed itself into a progressive metropolis. Once a town of historical importance, Hyderabad has now transformed into a prime commercial destination.
The city hosts some of the well-known historical sites, cultural heritages, forest areas, natural and artificial lakes, and more. Some of the prominent Indian organisations, such as DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, BHEL, SEBI, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, etc., are there in Hyderabad.
The expansion of the IT corridor and ITES has accelerated the economic growth in Hyderabad. These sectors, along with banking and financial services, have generated extensive employment. Also called Cyberabad (Cyber City), for its hub of information technology. HITEC is a cutting-edge commercial township, consisting of advanced infrastructure and around 1000+ national and international IT/ITES organisations.
These factors have also made Hyderabad a prime residential destination. Homebuyers from all over India are opting for this city, considering its reasonable housing prices, high investment potential, and growing employment opportunities.
How is the quality of life in Hyderabad?
Hyderabad is considered a safer city to reside in. The city has strict law enforcement, better infrastructure, improved connectivity, and affordable housing options.
Which areas are best to live in Hyderabad?
Top localities like Gachibowli, Banjara Hills, Kondapur, and Jubilee Hills are the best places to live in Hyderabad.
New Delhi
New Delhi is the national capital of India. Known for its political, administrative, and historic importance, the city is also one of the major residential hubs in India. World Heritage Sites, namely, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and Humayun’s Tomb, are situated in New Delhi. The capital city hosts the Parliament of India and the residence of the Prime Minister.
Apart from this, Jantar Mantar, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, and Jama Masjid are also present in New Delhi. This city is one of the prime commercial centres, comprising consumer goods, information technology, banking, hospitality, retail, real estate, telecommunications, etc.
New Delhi has some of the prestigious and world-renowned universities, like Jawaharlal Nehru University, Indira Gandhi National Open University, IIT Delhi, AIIMS, and Jamia Millia Islamia University. The housing and cost of living in Delhi are comparatively cheaper than in other cities in India.
Is it worth living in New Delhi?
New Delhi is a vibrant city that offers affordable housing, moderate cost of living, an advanced lifestyle, better educational opportunities, and employment.
Why is Delhi considered special?
Delhi is the national capital and political hub of India. The Parliament of India, the residence of the Prime Minister, and many historical monuments are present in Delhi.
Pune
Pune is the best alternative to Mumbai in Maharashtra. Pune is more affordable and peaceful than Mumbai. Several young professionals and students are opting for Pune due to its lower cost of living. The city offers numerous educational and employment opportunities, similar to Mumbai.
For its renowned educational institutes, Pune is known as the Oxford of the East. It is also one of the top IT hubs in the country, owing to the present and emerging IT companies. The city also comprises manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and automobile industries. Pune has been among the top 10 most livable cities in India, consistently.
Pune has excellent connectivity via buses, autos, metros, and railways. The expansion of the metro line will serve several areas on the outskirts and upgrade their living standards. It also comprises several forts, recreational places, religious spots, and historical monuments.
Read also: Pune Real Estate
Which is better, Pune or Mumbai?
In terms of affordability and a peaceful lifestyle, Pune is always better than Mumbai. Pune is ideal for those who prefer a calm and culturally-enriched lifestyle.
Is Pune a metropolitan city?
Yes, Pune is a metropolitan city like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Kolkata. It has well-developed infrastructure, well-planned civic facilities, better education and health care, progressive commerce, etc.
Bangalore
Bangalore is popularly known as the Silicon Valley of India for its extensive IT infrastructure. Bangalore hosts some of the biggest business stalwarts in its IT sector. World Trade Centre, Manyata Tech Park, Bagmane Tech Park, and Bhartiya City of Information Technology are some of the prominent business hubs in Bangalore.
The city is also famously recognised as the ‘Garden City’ due to its greenery and numerous parks. Several natural and man-made water reservoirs fulfills the need for water in the city. Bangalore is also home to several manufacturing organisations and biotechnology companies.
The presence and emergence of IT and other industries have led to a huge migration of people from across the country. The real estate in Bangalore has experienced immense growth over the last decade. The property prices have also increased deliberately in major localities in Bangalore. The city has progressive connectivity and social infrastructure.
Which area in Bangalore is cheaper for investment?
BTM Layout, Yeshwanthpur, Banashankari, Kengeri, and Yelahanka are some of the cheapest areas in Bangalore for property investment.
Why is land and property investment in Bangalore expensive?
The economic and infrastructure growth of Bangalore is booming rapidly. Due to increased demand for premium housing and limited land availability, the real estate market in Bangalore is expensive compared to the other cities in South India.
Lucknow
Lucknow, prominently known as the City of Nawabs, is the emerging real estate and commercial hotspot in North India. Lucknow is the perfect blend of architectural charm and modern development. It is one of the fastest-growing economies in the country, along with being the sixth-largest employment-generating city in India.
Lucknow has several historical monuments, architectural marvels, military sites, R&D centres, IT parks, and top educational landmarks. The business in Lucknow is driven by manufacturing, biotechnology, IT, textile, artefacts, automobile, and distillery chemical industries.
Lucknow has well-built roads, disciplined law enforcement, flourishing green zones, a progressive business economy, and an affordable housing market. Compared to other major cities in India, property prices in Lucknow are reasonable, ensuring stable price growth and attractive rental yields.
Is Lucknow ideal for property investment?
Lucknow has a stable real estate market. The property prices in Lucknow are relatively affordable. It offers a range of properties from affordable to ultra-luxury ones. The booming commercial sector presents a great investment potential in Lucknow.
Which are the expensive areas in Lucknow for investment?
Sushant Golf City, Amar Shaheed Path, Gomti Nagar, Aliganj, and Hazratganj are some of the expensive areas in Lucknow for investment.
Kochi
Kochi is one of the prominent cities in Kerala. This coastal city is known as the commercial and financial capital of Kerala. Kochi is one of the fastest-growing Tier 2 cities, while being one of the major and safest ports in India. The commercial and industrial growth of Kochi is driven by its good social infrastructure, major port, online trading, container cross-shipment terminal, etc.
Construction, trading, IT, hospitality, transportation, tourism, manufacturing, shipbuilding, banking services, spices exports, and more are the major industries in Kochi. This city is well-planned and efficiently developed with modern amenities. Export is the primary contributor to the progressive revenue of Kochi.
Kochi is one of the popular Tier 2 cities in India for investment. It presents affordable to luxury housing options depending on the location. Prime areas like Marine Drive have some of the ultra-luxury properties with hefty prices.
Which are the best residential areas in Kochi?
Kochi offers some of the best residential areas for living, including Marine Drive, Panampilly Nagar, Kakkanad, Aluva, Edapally, Kaloor, etc.
Is Kochi an expensive city to live in?
Kochi could be an expensive investment option. Due to its prime location, ambitious economy, and well-developed infrastructure, property prices in Kochi are considerably higher than other cities in Kerala. However, it is reasonable to invest compared to other prime areas in the country.
Is Kochi a good city to live in?
Kochi has a pleasant and healthy climate. It is a modern city with advanced infrastructure, safety, and housing facilities. It offers an upgraded lifestyle amid a picturesque environment.
Jaipur
Jaipur is one of the largest and major cities in the state of Rajasthan. Famously known as the Pink City, the city is a prominent tourist destination. Jaipur is the tenth most populated city in India, considering its well-developed infrastructure and commercial opportunities.
It has some of the renowned historical monuments, forts, and religious places. Jaipur has numerous pink colour houses in the old city, due to which it has gained the recognition of Pink City. Apart from being culturally rich, Jaipur is known for its educational, business, and industrial centre.
Jaipur is among the 100 cities in India under the Smart City Mission. The gemcutting, luxury textiles, IT, tourism, automotive, and handicrafts are the important industries in Jaipur that drive its economic growth. There are many upcoming IT hubs in Jaipur, which would transform into one of the major IT centres in the country.
The demand for housing is ever-increasing, considering its sound infrastructure and excellent connectivity network. The connectivity needs are met by the roadways, railways, buses, the Jaipur metro, and autos. Jaipur International Airport is one of the busiest airports in India.
Which are the popular localities in Jaipur for property investment?
Malviya Nagar, Jagatpura, Tilak Nagar, Mansarovar, Vaishali Nagar, Tonk Road, Ajmer Road, and C-Scheme are the popular localities in Jaipur for property investment.
What is the future of Jaipur real estate?
Jaipur is one of the rapidly developing Tier-2 cities in India. Compared to other cities, Jaipur is affordable in terms of housing and cost of living. Considering the consistent commercial growth, Jaipur has witnessed better price appreciation and assures excellent returns on investment.
