Chennai is conservative and calm compared with Mumbai or Delhi, with deep classical music and dance traditions, excellent South Indian food and a strong job market in IT and manufacturing.
Neighbourhoods to know
- Adyar & Besant Nagar: Leafy, near the beach, popular with families.
- OMR (IT corridor): Tech parks and new apartments.
- Nungambakkam & Alwarpet: Central, upscale.
- ECR: Beachside houses south of the city.
Pros
- Good value
- Safe and family-oriented
- Beaches and culture
Cons
- Hot and humid
- Monsoon flooding in some areas
- Tamil helps a lot in daily life
Tips for newcomers
- Check flood history of a building before renting.
- December is the music and dance season.
Before you move
Read our guides to moving to India, renting, FRRO registration and, for NRIs, returning to India.
We compare costs relatively rather than quoting rents, which change quickly and vary street by street. Check current listings on property portals before you budget.
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Questions from readers
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