For decades, Bangalore has enjoyed popularity as a quaint city that retains an old world charm. Numerous green lung spaces, a pleasant climate all year round, and quiet neighbourhoods have earned it several sobriquets like ‘Pensioner’s Paradise’ and ‘Garden City’.
The explosion of the IT industry changed the landscape of Bangalore forever, making it a bustling city bursting at its seams. Today, it is filled with swanky apartments, sleek high rises, and sprawling malls, all catering to the rush of the moneyed professional crowd that is constantly streaming in. So, where would well-to-do newcomers to the city settle down? Here are five posh localities of Bangalore that will appeal to those looking for some old-world sophistication, charm, and comfort.
Where tradition merges with modernity: Malleshwaram
One of the oldest and most historical parts of Bangalore, Malleshwaram has a rich legacy of culture and heritage. Initially populated mostly by Brahmin families, today Malleshwaram is a wonderful amalgamation of old and new.
Malleshwaram has sprawling malls juxtaposed with crumbling buildings, new commercial parks in front of pretty row houses over a 100 years old, and swish gastropubs next to traditional eateries run by second or even third generation owners. Real estate prices in 2016 hovered around Rs 12, 500 per sq ft, spurred by this fine composite culture, beautiful green parks, and ease of connectivity to the city centre.
Where serenity abounds: Ulsoor
Yet another old part of Bangalore, Ulsoor is one of the poshest areas today. With the beautiful Ulsoor Lake at its centre, the area has grown in leaps and bounds in recent times, going from a sleepy neighbourhood known for bakeries and snack shops to a busy, commercial, and residential centre. Independent homes built in the early 1900s abound, but new apartments now dot the skyline as well.
With MG Road and Brigade Road, Bangalore’s commercial and financial nerve centres being just a few minutes away, property prices in Ulsoor has risen tremendously in the last few years. Prices now range from an average of Rs 9,550 – Rs 10,300 per sq ft.
Where old houses jostle with IT hubs: Koramangala
Koramangala is one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods due to its proximity to the city centre, and the availability of all amenities in the area. It is home to St. John’s Hospital, one of the biggest and most renowned hospitals in Bangalore, and also because of its highly cosmopolitan vibe.
Koramangala was initially a suburb of Bangalore, but with the IT boom of the 1990s, it became a viable area for IT professionals. A confluence of migrants from other Indian states who were also financially well off also encouraged Koramangala’s development into a tony neighbourhood with luxury apartments. Prices per sq ft average between Rs 9,500 – Rs 11,000 today.
Where pubbing is the vogue: Indiranagar
The name Indiranagar is synonymous with elegance, old money, and trendiness. In 1970, the Bangalore Development Authority set up Indiranagar as a suburban area that sported independent bungalows belonging to defence personnel and big but not ostentatious houses owned by public sector employees.
Indiranagar underwent a massive transformation post the advent of the tech industry with, sadly, many of its pretty bungalows being razed to make way for commercial properties. Its arterial roads, 100 Feet Road and 80 Feet Road, have more commercial than residential spaces today. Indiranagar is now home to a plethora of pubs, upscale restaurants, and charming cafes. However, many of its lanes still stand resolutely against rapid commercialization and continue to be one of the most desired places to live in Bangalore. Prices here range from an average of Rs 10,032 – Rs 12,600.
Where Bangalore’s cultural heart lies: Basavanagudi
Similar to Malleshwaram, this is one of the oldest areas in Bangalore that has a number of attractive and diverse features. It derives its name from the Bull Temple that houses a big statue of the bull deity Nandi.
Situated just five kilometres away from City Railway Station, it was a rich cultural and commercial area in the early 1900s. Basavanagudi is home to prestigious institutions like the Indian Institute of World Culture, BMS College of Engineering and various eateries like Vidyarthi Bhavan and Brahmin’s Coffee Bar that are institutions unto themselves.
Traditionally, Basavanagudi was one of the core Brahmin-dominated areas of Bangalore, but today its demographic has shifted with the sweeping changes that the city has experienced. Commercially and residentially, Basavanagudi is now a beautiful mix of old businesses and new corporate offices, and apartments and heritage houses. Prices here range from an average of Rs 9,700 – Rs 12,000.
