Sandy beaches, classical charm, and a growing tech pulse!

If you’re packing your bags and heading to Chennai, take a deep breath. You’re in for a city that knows how to welcome. Think breezy beaches, filter coffee mornings, and a steady rhythm of classical arts meets startup hustle. Chennai isn’t just South India’s gateway, it’s a blend of old soul and new ambition. Whether you’re chasing career growth in tech, relocating with family, or simply figuring things out as you go, Chennai makes space for you.

No need to be worried about adjusting. The city has a calm, grounding energy. You’ll find modern infrastructure sitting right next to centuries-old temples, art festivals running alongside investor meetups, and a culture that’s as warm as the weather.

From weekend beach strolls to impromptu Carnatic concerts and a buzzing corporate crowd, you’ll start to feel at home sooner than you think.

Discover Chennai, One Neighbourhood at a Time

When moving to a new city it is critical to understand the connectivity, crowd and culture to decide which area is best suited as per your priorities. Once finalised, head over to House Hunting!

Nungambakkam – Think socialites, startups, and cold brew

A cosmopolitan core of Chennai, Nungambakkam is lined with cafes, coworking spaces, and a youthful energy that never sleeps.

A lively mix of tradition and modernity, with everything from street-food vadas to gourmet lattes lining the streets.

Centrally located with easy access via public buses, metro, and shared autos—ideal for students, freelancers, and anyone who wants to be everywhere at once.

Rent for a 1BHK ranges from ₹18,000 to ₹40,000, depending on the building’s age and amenities. Food and dining can skew higher, but many feel it’s worth the vibe and walkability.

Checklist for House Hunting

House hunting can be either exciting or stressful, Sometimes both. It's also a process whose outcome will decide your entire experience in a new city. Here's a checklist for making the right decision.

1. Finding the Right Area

Chennai is a mix of peaceful residential pockets and buzzing commercial corridors. Your choice should balance your workplace commute, lifestyle needs, and personal comfort.

Proximity to Office: Stick to localities within 30-45 mins of your workplace. OMR, Guindy, Velachery, and Thiruvanmiyur are IT corridor staples.

Lifestyle Compatibility: Prefer cafes, gyms, nightlife? Try Besant Nagar or Nungambakkam. Want quiet and greenery? Go for Adyar or Anna Nagar.

Connectivity: Ensure metro access or good bus/cab availability, especially during monsoons. Wasting precious time daily in transit should be avoided at all costs.

Water & Power Reliability: Some areas still face occasional shortages, check with residents before finalizing. It's good to roam around the neighbourhood and ask questions.

Pro Tip: Find commute time on Google Maps at 9 AM on a weekday, not just distance, to gauge real travel time.

2. Fixing Your Budget

Chennai offers a broad spectrum, from budget PGs to premium flats. Decide early what you're comfortable spending monthly on. Rank things like rent, utilities, or Netflix.

Set Your Cap: Ideally, your rent should not exceed 30% of your monthly salary.

Understand Deposits: Most places ask 1-2 months' rent as deposit, but some demand 6.

Account for Bills: Power, internet, water, and maintenance may not always be included.

Hidden Costs: Brokers charge a month's rent as commission. Also factor in shifting costs.

Pro Tip: Negotiate better rent by offering longer lock-in periods or upfront partial payment, it works more often than you'd think.

3. Choosing the Right Stay

Chennai caters to all, whether you're looking for independence, affordability, or community. Know what suits your lifestyle and preference.

PG: Cheapest, with food and cleaning included, but less freedom and privacy.

Coliving: Great balance of privacy, community, & facilities, ideal for professionals new to the city.

Independent Flat: More privacy and space, but higher costs and more setup responsibility.

Pro Tip: If you're new to the city, start with coliving for 3-6 months. Use that time to explore areas before committing to a longer flat lease.