Chennai is well-known as one of India’s most important employment centres. It provides a superb urban lifestyle, including excellent healthcare, top-tier academics, plenty of greenery, and magnificent food. It provides a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary cultures to homebuyers and has seen significant industrial and infrastructure growth.
Chennai is well connected by air and water to the rest of India and even international cities. The internal infrastructure is designed to facilitate travel within and outside of the city. If you are looking to relocate to Chennai or intend to relocate to Chennai, the best places to live in Chennai are listed below.
1. Adyar
Adyar is one of Chennai’s largest and most prominent neighbourhoods, located in southern Chennai. Gandhi Nagar, Kasturibai Nagar, Nehru Nagar, Indira Nagar, Venkatarathnam Nagar, and Shastri Nagar are Adyar’s sub-localities. Travellers can use Kasthurba Nagar, Indira Nagar, and Tiruvanmiyur stations. Adyar Gandhinagar Shopping Centre is a popular shopping destination in this area.
Adyar is one of Chennai’s posh and most expensive districts due to its proximity to numerous colleges, schools, hospitals, banks, and shopping centres. Adyar is overly green due to the Adyar River, which runs through it.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: Dakshin, China XO, Bombay Brasserie, Spectra, Library Blu, The Residency
- Best Cafes: EST, Waffles Thru The Day, Convo Cafe, Writer’s Cafe, That Madras Place.
- Average Property Price: INR 13,117 per sq-ft.
2. Anna Nagar
Anna Nagar is a lovely mix of old-world charm and modernity. It is a wealthy neighbourhood with excellent infrastructure and a dense green canopy. Anna Nagar has become one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods and one of the posh residential areas in Chennai due to its excellent connectivity to other parts of the city and the abundance of schools and institutions in its immediate vicinity.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: Little Italy, Sigree, The Living Room, Silver Spoon, Kobe Sizzlers, 6th Avenue Restobar, The Cycle Gap, Rose Water, Jonah’s Bistro.
- Best Cafes: Cafe Atlantis, Double Roti, BLIND CH3MISTRY, Writer’s Cafe, Frozen Smoothies.
- Average Property Price: INR 16,137 per sq-ft.
3. Besant Nagar
Besant Nagar remains one of the most desirable areas to live in Chennai because it is one of the few districts that provides easy access to the beach. Besant Nagar is a peaceful neighbourhood that has almost everything you need for a comfortable lifestyle within walking distance. In this area, houses and villas with a view of the beach are very popular. Property values in the neighbourhood have risen significantly in recent years, with the value of the land rising significantly as well.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: Murugan Idli Shop, Eden Vegetarian, Jonah’s Bistro and Patisserie, Svasa, Synck Spirits, Fabcafe by Fabindia, Little Italy, Haven Sampoorna.
- Best Cafes: Svah Smart Veg, Chai Galli, Atte- Global cafe, Brewkyln cafe, BLIND CH3MISTRY.
- Average Property Price: INR 17,542 per sq-ft.
4. Kotturpuram
Kotturpuram, also known as Kottur, is a town on the Adyar River’s southern bank. Nandanam, Adyar, Guindy, and Little Mount surround the area. In the immediate vicinity is the Kotturpuram MRTS train station. Nandanam metro station, Little Mount metro station, Teynampet metro station, and Guindy metro station are also nearby. Kottur is home to centuries-old temples such as Perumal Koil and Ponniamman Koil. The area is home to the prestigious Anna University.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: Ciclo Cafe, Copper Kitchen, Siy Soi, Savya Rasa, Jang Won, Young Doo.
- Best Cafes: Ciclo cafe, Madras Coffee House, Chai Waale.
- Average Property Price: INR 11,839 per sq-ft.
5. Mylapore
Mylapore, in the southern part of Chennai, is well-known for being the birthplace of the celebrated Tamil philosopher and poet Thiruvalluvar. Mylapore, one of Chennai’s oldest neighbourhoods, is a cultural centre and a popular choice for home buyers. Mylapore is well connected to other parts of Chennai and has good infrastructure and amenities, making it one of the most desirable areas in the city.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: Vrindavan Restaurant, Kaidi Kitchen, 27 Culinary Street, The Board Room, Lobarral, Southern Street, The pedreno’s, Mahamudra, Prive restaurant..
- Best Cafes: The Brew Room, Starbucks, Ratna Cafe, Leo Coffee, Namma Cafe..
- Average Property Price: INR 13,967 per sq-ft.
6. Nungambakkam
Nungambakkam is unquestionably Chennai’s central and most important hub. Its strategic location provides excellent access to all areas of Chennai. This area also has the best pubs, nightclubs, and restaurants in Chennai, making it a popular hangout for young people. Nungambakkam is one of the posh areas in Chennai to live in because it has great shopping, good schools and colleges, cultural centres, excellent dining options, and much more.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: Winchester Bar, The Great Kabab Factory, Oasis, Radisson Blu Hotel, Chennai City Centre, Southern Spice, The Marina, Annalakshmi Restaurant, Tuscana Pizzeria.
- Best Cafes: Amethyst Cafe, Lloyds Tea House, Krispy Kreme, Starbucks, Barista Lavazza, Writer’s Cafe, The English Tearoom, Amelie’s, Scooby’s Cafe, Mex It Up. Crisp cafe, Sandy’s Chocolate Laboratory, La Chocolate.
- Average Property Price: INR 16,743 per sq-ft.
7. R.A Puram
It is located on the northern bank of the Adyar River and stretches all the way to the Bay of Bengal. Adyar, Kotturpuram, Nandanam, Alwarpet, and Mylapore are some of the nearby areas. R A Puram is home to the world-famous B.M Birla Planetarium. Real estate development has increased the area’s proximity to employment centres such as the Ramanujan IT Area. Mandavelli, Greenways Road, and Indira Nagar railway stations make travel easier. For your convenience, nearby malls such as S Mall and Malar Super Mart are located. The area also has the best restaurants, shopping spots, and a cosmopolitan crowd, making it an appealing choice for investment.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: Black Orchid, The Velveteen Rabbit, Cream Centre, Food Nirvana, Okadey’s, Globally Local.
- Best Cafes: Mearth Cafe, Chamiers Cafe, Broken Bridge Cafe Indian Restaurant, Frost Point, L’amandier.
- Average Property Price: INR 17,617 per sq-ft.
8. Thiruvanmiyur
Thiruvanmiyur is a prime residential area in southern Chennai. With the establishment of Chennai’s first technology office space, Tidel Information Technology Park, and subsequent growths of business and research centres, the locality was the first to see an increase in the economy. Thiruvanmiyur beach is the main attraction in the area, so property values are higher than in the average residential area.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: Unlock Bar, chettinese, Erode Shree Amman Mess, Cafe G, Score- The Sports & Grill, The Lounge, Pizza Avenue.
- Best Cafes: La Chocolate Cafe, Keys Cafe, Brownie Heaven, Juice’r rus, Leo Coffee, Cafe Coffee Day Downtown Cafe, Haagen Dazs East Coast Road, .
- Average Property Price: INR 11,325 per sq-ft.
9. Teynampet
Teynampet has long been a popular location for finding luxury real estate in Chennai. Teynampet, which is near the city centre, is home to many businesses and luxury properties. Poes Garden, one of Teynampet’s sub-districts, is home to many politicians, film stars, and cricket players. Choose from the nearby AG-DMS metro station, Teynampet metro station, and Nandanam metro station for a convenient commute. Ramee Mall, Challa Mall, Century Plaza, and BBag Mall are nearby, enhancing your shopping experience.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: Spice Haat, Focaccia, Ente Keralam, Stix, Earthen Oven, Woodlands-NGS, Tangerine, Amaravathi Restaurant, China Town, Mainland China, The Mayflower, Rhapsody, 365 A.S, Winter Palace.
- Best Cafes: Paprika Cafe, Sandy’s Chocolate laboratory, Lobby Lounge, Coco Jaunt 1728..
- Average Property Price: INR 29,051 per sq-ft.
10. Vadapalani
Vadapalani, located on the western side of Chennai, is one of the most affluent areas due to the presence of well-known film studios and actors. Due to an important pilgrimage to the Vadapalani Andavar Temple and the bust terminus on Arcot Road, the area is also one of the more busy and densely populated parts of the city. Aside from well-known theatres and shopping malls, Vadapalani is also home to a number of major medical care institutions, hospitals, colleges, and universities.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: R&G – GreenPark Chennai, Saravana Bhavan, Salt – Indian Restaurant, Once Upon A Time, Tulips, AFOOZO Ginger Hotel Vadapalani, Barbeque Nation, Kuuraku, PICCANTE, Pizzeria & Bar, The Waterfall Restaurant, Yaa Mohaideen Biryani, Taco Bell, All Spice, Spread Fine Dine, Kuuraku, Royale Palate, 77 Kitchen.
- Best Cafes: Soul cafe, Tea Cafe, The Brown Bean, Crumbs & Cakes, The Pasta Bar Veneto, Food Centralis, Bulls Cafe.
- Average Property Price: INR 10,424 per sq-ft.
11. Avadi
Avadi is one of Chennai’s oldest neighbourhoods, and it was once known for its numerous military institutions and manufacturing facilities. Avadi is an ideal location for working professionals with young families due to its strong social infrastructure, which includes reputable educational and healthcare institutions, a diverse range of career opportunities, and proximity to well-developed areas. This area has seen strong demand from IT professionals, which has resulted in increased demand for residential real estate.
- Key Points
- Top Restaurants: Bagheera Multi Cuisine Restaurant, SS Hyderabad Briyani, Boozo, the Kulfi Laboratory, Avadi Ice Cream, Dominos Pizza, Chipstead, A2B Adyar Ananda Bhavan, Mr. Chick Restaurant.
- Best Cafes: Cafe Mercara Express, Chai Xpress, Cafe Arabica, Madras Marigold Cafe, Amethyst Cafe, The Lobby Cafe.
- Average Property Price: INR 4,051 per sq-ft.
12. Gopalapuram
Gopalapuram is not only one of the most affluent areas in Chennai, but it is also one of the most desirable residential areas. The area is home to one of the oldest libraries in the country, the Semmozhi Poonga botanical garden, former Chief Minister Karunanidhi, and a famous cricketer by the name of MS Dhoni. Needless to say, Gopalapuram has numerous established educational institutions, heritage temples, and recreational facilities. The neighbourhood is home to some of Chennai’s most expensive homes.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: China Town, Copper Chimney, Coastline, Va Pho- Asian Canteen, MEnU Let’s getogeter, Charminar, Amaravathi, Bayleaf, Tamu Tamu, B’veg Cafe, Sera- The Tapas Bar & restaurant, Earthen Oven, WelcomCafe Marina.
- Best Cafes: Writer’s Cafe, Cafe Coffee Day, Noveria Cefe, Out of the Bottle, Vennela Tea Cafe.
- Average Property Price: INR 11,898 per sq-ft.
13. Injambakkam
Injambakkam is a picturesque neighbourhood on the ECR in Chennai’s south. Injambakkam, which sits directly on the beach, has quickly become one of Chennai’s most desirable neighbourhoods. This area has good connectivity to all parts of Chennai, which has resulted in the development of many popular projects. With access to good schools, shopping centres, and restaurants, Injambakkam has emerged as one of the best places to live in Chennai.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: C2 Restro Bar, Cheers Chennai, Monk’s Plate, Sea Thru Dinner, Tibbs Frankie, Woori Jib, Rollin’ on Highway 49..
- Best Cafes: Hibiscus Cafe, Cafe O’ Corner, Drunken Monkey, Vgreen t-point, Madras Coffee House.
- Average Property Price: INR 8,383 per sq-ft.
14. Iyyappanthangal
Iyyappanthangal is a good option for job seekers looking for affordable housing in the Chennai metropolitan area. The presence of significant information technology hubs such as DLF, Indiabulls, and ESPEE IT Park has been one of the benefits for Iyyappanthangal.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: Waf Bites, Chaat Chatore, Hungry Puppets, Moglee’s Kitchen, Chill Cave, Subway, Burger House.
- Best Cafes: Bestea Cafe, Unni Nair Cafe Shop, Porur Cafe, Waf Bites, Chai Kings, Vaitha’s Cafe, Sathya cafe.
- Average Property Price: INR 5,833 per sq-ft.
15. Royapettah
Royapettah, located in the heart of modern Chennai, is the beating heart of the city. It is located between Mylapore and Triplicane and is a popular tourist destination in Chennai. This area has some of the best pubs and cafes in town. In addition, Royapettah is home to Chennai’s largest mall. Royapettah is a well-built neighbourhood with easy access to all parts of Chennai, making it one of the posh places to live in Chennai.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: Nair Mess, Zaitoon, Club House, Kasi Vinayaga Mess, Chili’s, Beyond Indus, Olivers at Deccan Plaza, Kapila Dasa, Ponnusamy Hotel Restaurant, Jonah’s Bistro, Punjab Grill, Taco Bell, Mamagoto, Mount Road Social, Downtown, Spider Bar, Palm Jumeira, La Woods Restaurants.
- Best Cafes: Amethyst Cafe, Triplicane Ratna Cafe, Writer’s Cafe, Cafe Glitterati, Starbucks, Blur Cafe, Rotticious.
- Average Property Price: INR 18,959 per sq-ft.
16. Siruseri
Siruseri is frequently regarded as a good and reasonably priced place to live for families and those nearing retirement. Siruseri has numerous schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and workplaces. As an information technology hub, the region has excellent connectivity. The majority of Siruseri’s residential communities have modern amenities such as clubhouses and fitness centres, which are all located on the community grounds.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: Desi Tummy, Mani’s Dum Biryani, Clay Pot, Hunger Game Restaurant.
- Best Cafes: Starbucks, Fruitzee, SR Tea, Coffee Cafe Day, Cafe Boston Chennai..
- Average Property Price: INR 4,713 per sq-ft.
17. Velachery
Velachery, once known as the heart of the city’s significant and rapidly expanding information technology industry, has recently emerged as a new area where people are looking to buy property in Chennai. People who work in the nearby information technology corridor prefer to live in this area. In recent years, the value of real estate in this neighbourhood has risen. It is an excellent place to invest because it is one of the few areas in Chennai where investment may yield higher returns than in other parts of the city.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: Barbeque Nation, Coal Barbeques, Absolute Barbeques, MKC- Madras Kitchen Company, Seasonal Tastes, Pind, Smoke Hub Barbeque, Kobe Sizzlers, Khandani Rajdhani, Purple Chameleon, Patissez, Seasonal Tastes, Haven Sampoorna, Mainland China, Copper Chimney.
- Best Cafes: The Freshlymade, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Iyengar Coffee Cafe, Leo Coffee, Harshita’s Cafe.
- Average Property Price: INR 8,088 per sq-ft.
18. Porur
Porur is a west Chennai suburb with a burgeoning real estate market. It is a popular place to live for IT professionals working in the Old Mahabalipuram Road and Ambattur areas. Porur is also a popular choice for medical students in the area. Porur is thus one of the best areas in Chennai to live in, with good transport connectivity to other areas of Chennai and close proximity to IT areas.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: Campari Bar, Barbeque Nation, Yazhee World, Brownie Haven, Spazio, Bistro 1427.
- Best Cafes: Porur cafe, Coffee Time, Zha Cafe, Leo Coffee, Cafe Calypso, Lassi Bistro Porur.
- Average Property Price: INR 5,372 per sq-ft.
19. Sholinganallur
Sholinganallur is an upcoming residential and IT suburb in Chennai’s southern outskirts. Sholinganallur, located in the midst of several IT parks and SEZs, has seen tremendous growth in terms of infrastructure and real estate over the years. Furthermore, there are numerous malls, educational institutes, hospitals, and banks, as well as a number of IT companies, making Sholinganallur one of the most desirable areas to live in Chennai.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: Wow! Momo, Delhi Highway, Bindaas Rasoi, Dot. Yum, Famous Theory, So Bar Away, Subway, Moti mahal Delux, Urban Lounge.
- Best Cafes: The Pod cafe, Ajwa Cool Cafe, Highness cafe, Joice Point & cafe, Dollar Cafe
- Average Property Price: INR 10,750 per sq-ft.
20. Thoraipakkam
Thoraipakkam, one of Chennai’s preferred residential areas, is strategically located along the IT Expressway and the OMR road. Thoraipakkam is well-connected to other parts of the city due to its wide and well-developed roads. Thoraipakkam has many reputable schools and colleges nearby, as well as all other amenities, making it one of the best areas to live in Chennai.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: Wow! Momo, Delhi Highway, Bindaas Rasoi, Dot. Yum, Famous Theory, So Bar Away, Subway, Moti mahal Delux, Urban Lounge.
- Best Cafes: The Pod cafe, Ajwa Cool Cafe, Highness cafe, Joice Point & cafe, Dollar Cafe
- Average Property Price: INR 10,750 per sq-ft.
21. Kovilambakkam
Kovilambakkam is a residential area in southern Chennai located between Madipakkam and Medavakkam. Kovilambakkam, once a sleepy village, has now become a housing landmark as a result of the area’s overall development of civic and social infrastructure. With many good schools and other civic necessities nearby, Kovilambakkam has quickly become one of the best places to live in Chennai.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: Faruuzi Restaurant, Sky Over Restaurant, Mamisa Miratal, Meat & Mind, Rajabhogam.
- Best Cafes: 1By2 Foods, Mr. Melbourne The Cafe, Madras Coffee House, Saminath Tea Cafe, Tea Table, Tea O Clock Cafe.
- Average Property Price: INR 5,769 per sq-ft.
22. Madipakkam
Madipakkam is a southern Chennai suburb that has recently become a hotspot for real estate development. Because this suburb was recently added to the Greater Chennai Corporation, it now has better amenities. Madipakkam is a well-known location with several important temples nearby. Its proximity to the airport and other neighbourhoods such as Velachery and Nanganallur, among others, make it an ideal place to live in Chennai.
Key Points
- Top Restaurants: Wangs Kitchen, Sea Emperor, Snow Cube, Ryders Inn, Amirdham Organic Restaurant, Ring 2 Bring, Pizza Dough, Topi Vappa Biriyani, Eagle Boys Pizza.
- Best Cafes: Leo Coffee, Bake Cafe, Mr Bean Cafe, Bro’s Cafe’, Che Cafe.
- Average Property Price: INR 6,551 per sq-ft.
Chennai has evolved from the traditional label that it bore for so long, and it is now regarded as one of India’s most cosmopolitan cities. Chennai welcomes everyone, whether you are here for studies or to work. We hope this article helps you if you are planning to move here or even if you are here just to visit.
Neighbourhood