Retirement Cities in India

The 5 Best Retirement Cities in India

Editor’s Note: Enjoy this special encore post which was one of our readers’ favourites in 2018.

Imagine living in a home surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. You wake up to the sound of chirping birds. Imagine spending evenings sitting by the fireplace and reading a book. Isn’t this our idea of a perfect retirement life?

If you too envisage your retired life as an extended vacation, investing in the right city is very important. After all, we spend half of our lives working hard to live a comfortable retired life.

So, what are the factors that one must consider while selecting a retirement city? Experts suggest considering;

  • Cost of living
  • Access to healthcare facilities
  • Climate

To help you in finalising the right city, we’ve scoured the map to find the five best options for you.

5. Chandigarh

At the fifth spot, we have Chandigarh.

The first planned city in India after Independence, Chandigarh boasts of several factors that have made it popular among retirees.

These include:

• Sound infrastructure
• Good connectivity to Delhi
• Ample healthcare facilities

PGI Chandigarh and Fortis Mohali are two prominent hospitals in the city. Apart from several malls, it is also known for its Rock Garden and Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, the largest of its kind in Asia.

4. Coimbatore

Next, we have Coimbatore.

Situated on the banks of the Noyyal River and surrounded by the Western Ghats, this city has a pleasant climate throughout the year.

Hospitals like KG Hospital and Kovai Medical Centre have made it a popular healthcare destination in Tamil Nadu.

But what makes the Manchester of the East a great place to retire?

• Low cost of living
• Serene environment with less pollution
• Excellent connectivity and rapid infrastructure growth

On RoofandFloor, there are over 900 properties for sale in Coimbatore. Some of the leading developers like Salarpuria Sattva, Casagrand Builder Private Limited, and Sobha Limited have recently launched their projects in the city.

3. Mysore

On the third spot, we have Mysore. It is a practical option for people whose children are settled in Bangalore.

Located at the foothills of Chamundi Hills, it is India’s cleanest city, as per the Urban Development Ministry.

Additionally, the grand Mysore Palace and a relatively calm vibe compared to Bangalore have earned it the sobriquet Cultural Capital of Karnataka.

So, why Mysore?

• Low cost of living
• Amicable weather
• Ideal for yoga enthusiasts

2. Goa

Surprised? Well, you shouldn’t be! A retreat for artists and beach-lovers, Goa is a great place to spend one’s golden years of life.

Wondering why? The beautiful beaches? Yes, but there’s much more.

• Cosmopolitan culture
• Affordable rentals
• Serene environment

Some of the famous retirement colonies in Goa are Siridao near Bambolim and Nachinola near Mapusa.

1. Dehradun

On the first spot, we have Dehradun.

With robust infrastructure and pleasant climate, the Himalayan town of Dehradun offers the best of both worlds – convenient lifestyle and peaceful living.

Additionally, the serene environment, connectivity to hill stations like Mussoorie and Dhanaulti, and proximity to spiritual towns of Haridwar and Rishikesh make it a place right out of a travelogue.

The checklist

Now that you know of the cities to retire, here are some things you should keep in mind while finalising a home.

The cost: Home loan is an option but not a viable one. Thus, draw a comfortable budget and stick to it. Since a significant chunk of your savings will be exhausted in buying an apartment, go for a project that offers amenities you (really) need. Also, buying a larger space is not advisable for maintenance reasons.

Amenities: A project that offers ample open space would be an ideal investment. These days several real estate projects provide dedicated areas for senior citizens for socialising.

Security: It is crucial to have a security system in place with burglar alarms and emergency response systems in buildings.

Safe designs: Look for an apartment where you can make specific changes. For instance, installing handlebars across the bathrooms, anti-skid tiles or low-height shelves.

Accessibility to medical care: Do ensure that the project has a hospital or a clinic close by.

If you are looking to invest in a retirement community, do consider our ready checklist.

37 Comments

  1. Thanks for very valuable information. I am a resident in Gurugram. It has become a very noisy, too many vehicles and aggressive drivers with no respect for traffic lights. It’s not Worth living for retired senior citizens. Panvel in Navigation Mumbai is an option where my son is settled. Should I shift?

    1. yes of course,Panvel is good city for retired people for the simple reason that
      – No pollution
      – has all the infrastructure of metro city
      – Best of hospitals
      -good connectivity by rail and air
      – upcoming new Navi mumbaiairport
      -Reasonably good weather
      -good law and order

    2. Happy to see Doon rightly placed. Being a Doonite since birth I have heard that since the English times, this has been the dream settlement due so many positives as menty in the report. I am living in Delhi since very long and its become poisonously polluted, murderously aggressive populace and traffic travails are huge. Would like to recommend it to calm and quite natured people to consider settling there

  2. I have been in the Retirement living and care segment since 2014. While the author may have his reasons for rankings, Coimbatore is the retirement Capital of India. There are 22 senior living and care projects in Coimbatore.

    Mysuru is ideally suited for retirement communities except for air connectivity which is now available twice a day to Chennai. But theee are very few senior living projects including one by us ( CovaiCare)

    The author has missed out Bangalore. There are more such projects in Bangalore than Mysuru. Ozone Urbana – close to airport, has 500 senior living dwellings – the highest number in a single project.

    NCR Delhi has been missed out. So has Pune been missed out – Paranjpe ha e done lot of work on Pune and is a desired destination for seniors.

    Dehradun has only one project of repute. The climate could be a dampner and also air connectivity.

    CII study on the subject may please be referred

    1. Thank you for the detailed feedback, Sir. Coimbatore is definitely the retirement capital of India. The idea of this post was to focus more on Tier II cities. Having said that, we can look at creating more posts featuring retirement communities in different cities. I will definitely read the CII study on the same.

  3. Dehradun has been our home since 1955.We finally settled here in 2004 after retirement in Vasant Vihar,a colony of 650 residents in 150 acres.
    We have tea gardens to the south,Forest Research Institute in the north & Indian Military Academy in the west.About 7 K acres of the most picturesque area of DDn.
    Golf,cycling,trekking,picnicking, travelling – you name it & we have it.Mild summer, rains aplenty, and in winters it is the only place in North India where from 9 to 5 you can bask in the sun.
    Despite our misfortune of horrible governance,am l glad to see us at numero uno.

      1. Nikunj i am in two minds Coimbatore / Bangalore / Mysore for my post retirement ….all are so close to the best but struggling to pick one ….plz help !!

    1. I agree the misgovernance by state govt they have ruined the cities original USP. It’s very dusty, dirty with no civic Sense, noisy and traffic is total indisciplined and chokker jammed. If you are within your respective colonies it’s ok
      But if you want to venture into city you got to think twice

  4. Dear Nikunjo,we got elated to be housed at a place slated as number one. After my posting at services selection board in the year 2000,my whole family fell in love with the nascent capital of uttaranchal.Yoyr description was more apt,at that time period,though the place of my living is still far from the hustle and bustle. It is in poundha. None the less ,I am worried about loosing it’s charm due heavy deforestation to facilitate hostel building and sprawling education building construction. God save this Devbhoomi.

  5. Living in Dehradun for last 30 years. Fantastic in all respect. Invite all senior citizens to nw resident of Dehradun.

    1. Thanks for this post. Dehradun is indeed a good place. As a retiree, one is concerned about security & availability of medical facilities. Since it is not advisable to buy house at this age & stage of life, information on rental options available is needed. You will understand we will never go far away from native region as language also becomes a problem unless kids are settled there. Retirees prefer quiet surroundings to enjoy sunset phase of life.

  6. The best retirement place is where you have ample FRIENDS, good connectivity with rest of India ( and World) and best possible HEALTH CARE FACILITIES.

  7. Keep in touch we r in Calgary Canada for 18 yrs and have been to ashiana Bhiwadi and lavasa but not satisfied right now in Lavasa pun till 28nov

  8. I differ a bit from these choices. One must stay in the state where he/ she is comfortable with local language and that should be first priority. Second priority is infrastructure (existing/ under development), third-party next to city of your choice, but not in the main city. For example, Greater Noida if you choose Delhi’s proximity, outskirts of Pune if you choose Mumbai/ Pune as major city of your choice. Next priority should go to presence/ proximity to your friend circle and people in your social circle. No point living in isolation.

      1. Trivandrum could also find a place…clean air..all the transport facilities.. hospital at cheap rates.. living cost may be the lowest…no crowding… can keep a peaceful mind-set…..clean beautiful beaches… so on and on…

  9. Dehradun Vasant Vihar Colony is the best place for retired people. Pollution free , noise free & lush green environment makes it the best place . Some time we have to come out to the gate to see if anyone is visible on the roads.

  10. Till some decades ago, the three preferred cities for retirement were Lucknow, Pune and Bangalore. Things began to change in the eighties and while the choices listed in the post are apt, the most important factor in selecting a place for settling down post retirement, must remain ones social circle comprising either close friends or relatives with matching ‘ frequency’.

  11. Dehradun is so crowded now, i did my schooling from Dehradun that time rajpur road was very secluded but now each and every corner is very crowded……

  12. Hi, we have a house in Gurgaon. But do not like the place anymore. Been to Doon many times but either too isolated or very congested and noisy. South India we will have to develop brand new relationships. Confused. Need advice as to where to relocate. I am 68 yrs now. Currently I am in Hyderabad. Seems to be a good option.

  13. Well, apart from above mentioned cities some areas of New Delhi can also be looked up to where one is away from the hustle bustle, close to nature, and gated safe and secure environment. Chhatarpur which is known for farmhouses and affluent farm house owners, is also witnessing high rise premium luxury safe and secure gated society with necessary smartphone features clubhouse amenities for all age group and all inclusive homes, concierge service and many more facilities.

  14. Hi Nikunj,
    I just came across you blog,and found it very informative. i need your advise on my shifting plan.
    I am working with corporate ,and plannig to settle down in small town with low cost living but also with necessity ( Hospital ,Education as i have kids of 4 yrs).
    For source of income I am planning for organic farming.

    Thanks
    sandeep.madnani@gmail.com

  15. Hi Nikunj
    We are looking to retire in cool climate ;having a golf course near by -simple life but not in isolation
    Which place woul u suggest in north India

    1. Hello Renu,
      How about Ranikhet in Uttarakhand? It has a 9-hole golf course, decent medical facilities, and great views.

      Regards.

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