Wikipedia lists Chennai along with Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata as the Indian cities with the most diverse ethno-religious population. With the largest expat population from Korea, the city also is home to Japanese and Gujarati communities. Hindus, Muslims and Christians are the major religious groups with many Sikh, Jain and Parsi families also calling this home. To some people that may sound like a lot of food options, which is true.
Cultural and historical prominence of Chennai is well-known. Ranked among the safest cities in the country, the expanding business landscape and well-connected international airport are a few other things which Chennai has going for it. And for obvious reasons, the property market is vibrant all year round.
There are numerous things you take note when moving to a new property. Every city is different and would help your search if you captured its essence at some level. Here we take a look at specifics to consider in our city of Chennai.
1. Water you think
Water is something that is constantly on peoples minds. You will need to check if water is coming from all the taps in the property. If not, ask the owner why and get it cleared. Also check what are the available sources of water - Metro/Borewell. Taste the water from one of the taps to see how hard/salty it is. Prolonged use of this water may be one thing that you should be keeping in mind.
2. Water, a lot of it
If you are buying a landed property or a flat at ground level, it is important to note if the road is at a higher level when compared to the ground. Check with neighbours if there was flooding during previous rains and what was the level of waterlogging.
3. Property by the beach
Consider the humidity as it will corrode the electrical appliances in the house and cause additional repairs or even early replacements. An ocean view may have an additional price to pay.
4. Garbage disposal
This is a clean city. The corporation takes the garbage out every day all across Chennai. So you should have no worries there if you are within corporation limits. If not, please check with the owner about the options available. There are housing societies which also manage their own waste disposal.
5. CMRL (Chennai Metro Rail)
This is a very efficient though slightly expensive mode of transport. Hence, if you do not mind spending that additional bit, properties near the stations would be worthwhile.
6. Oh! the Location
a. If you like shopping, better not be far from Alwarpet, Anna Nagar, KNK (Khader Nawaz Khan) Road Nungambakkam, Egmore, RA puram, CIT Colony, Mylapore, Boat Club Road, Besant Nagar, Velachery and T Nagar.
b. If you want to be in walking distance of a variety of eateries, Alwarpet, Adyar, Anna Nagar, RA puram, Mylapore, Besant Nagar, ECR (East Coast Road), Road Nungambakkam, T Nagar and OMR (Old Mahabalipuram Road) Kandhanchavady are there for you.
c. If you are into partying and pubbing, KNK Road Nungambakkam, Alwarpet-Cathedral Road-RA puram, Anna Nagar and T Nagar are the places to be.
d. If you drive, staying around ECR-ECR link road and OMR stretch would keep your wheels moving faster. If you don't want your driving skills to be put to too much test, try staying within the radius of T Nagar, Alwarpet, Road Nungambakkam and may stretch it till about Adyar.
e. The culture and art scene in Chennai is quite unique. And if you want to be close to where it all happens, Royapetta, Mylapore and Besant Nagar can be exciting places to board up.
7. Healthcare
Apollo on Greams lane, Fortis Malar in Adyar and MIOT at Manapakkam are three of the best hospitals in Chennai. Other major hospitals are Cauvery (Alwarpet), Ramachandra (Porur), SMF (Anna Nagar), Isabella (Mylapore), BSS (Mandaveli), Billroth (RA puram) etc. There are several speciality hospitals across the city. Overall the health service offerings in Chennai are above average and a specific location is of little advantage.
8. Beat the Heat
There is no denying that the summer months are hot. Though there are places like Besant Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur and properties along ECR which are closer to the beach and enjoy some evening breeze. So keep your cool during April and May and the rest of the year will not give you any complaints. Dec and Jan may even have you scouring your cupboards for warm clothes at night.
Compromises are part of any property. The above list may considerably bring them down and get you the dream home in Chennai.