Top 20 Best Places to Live in India 2025-26: Find Your Ideal City

Explore the best places to live in India, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, that offer the perfect blend of lifestyle and growth.

As urbanisation accelerates in India, the decision of where to settle becomes increasingly important. According to a report by National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), urban areas in India are expected to house over 60 cr people by 2031, driving the demand for high-quality residential options.

This growth presents exciting opportunities for homebuyers and investors. In this blog, you can explore the best places to live in India for 2025-26, that offer a balanced mix of infrastructure, luxury, and quality of life.

Tier 1 Cities

• Bangalore, Karnataka

  Known as the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore hosts a thriving tech ecosystem with hubs like Electronic City, ITPL / Whitefield, Outer Ring Road, and Sarjapur Road, and industry giants such as Infosys and TCS.

  The city also houses top educational institutions like IISc and IIMB, and is one of the best places to live in India. With its cosmopolitan lifestyle, vibrant culture, and luxury real estate in areas such as Hosur Road and Sarjapur Road, Bangalore has premium residential projects with world-class amenities.|

• Kolkata, West Bengal

  Rich in culture, heritage, and history, Kolkata remains highly sought-after by those seeking a blend of tradition and modernity. The city is known for its thriving arts scene and excellent educational institutions. It offers a lower cost of living compared to many other metros, making it one of the attractive Indian cities for families.

• Pune, Maharashtra

  With top educational institutions like Symbiosis University and thriving IT hubs in Hinjawadi and Magarpatta, Pune is one of the best places to live in India attracting professionals and students. The city’s cosmopolitan lifestyle, coupled with ample green spaces, makes it ideal for families. SOBHA Nesara in Kothrud offers luxury homes and curated amenities, perfect for those seeking quality living in Pune.

• Chennai, Tamil Nadu

  Blending cultural richness with modern facilities, Chennai is one of the top metros in the country. The city’s economy is thriving due to sectors such as automobile (Hyundai, Ford) and IT (TIDEL Park, OMR).

  Families benefit from top institutions such as IIT Madras, Stella Maris College, Apollo Hospitals, and MGM Healthcare Malar – making the city an ideal destination for families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle. Those looking for plots near OMR in a luxury gated community setting can consider SOBHA Conserve.

• Noida, Uttar Pradesh

  Diverse pricing and modern living make this one of the favourite Indian cities for families. With rapidly growing infrastructure, proximity to Delhi, and development of residential and commercial spaces, Noida is an excellent destination for homebuyers and investors. The city’s focus on improving healthcare, education, and connectivity further strengthens its position as one of the best places to live in India.

• Ahmedabad, Gujarat

  As the state’s key economic hub, Ahmedabad offers a blend of traditional culture and modern living, making it one of the best places to live in India. The city houses excellent infrastructure, mid-range to premium real estate, and high quality of life with top-notch schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational spaces. It also continues to attract investment and employment opportunities, particularly in manufacturing and IT sectors.

• Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra

  A modern city offering well-planned infrastructure, Navi Mumbai is one of the best places to live in India. With residential complexes, renowned schools like Amity International School and ORCHIDS The International School, and top healthcare facilities such as Fortis Hiranandani Hospital and Reliance Hospital, it provides the ideal living environment for families and professionals. This comprehensive development makes it one of the strong contenders for the list of Indian cities for families.

• Gurgaon, Haryana

  Located right next to IGI Airport Delhi, Millennium City has emerged as one of the best places to live in India for professionals and families. Known for its modern skyline, world-class infrastructure, and thriving corporate sector, the city offers excellent connectivity to key areas of Delhi NCR.

  Luxury housing options such as SOBHA Aranya in Sector 80 and SOBHA Altus in Sector 106 provide high-end living with top-notch amenities, making Gurgaon an attractive location for homebuyers and investors.

• Hyderabad, Telangana

  The city offers a blend of modern facilities and traditional charm, with top schools like International School of Hyderabad, healthcare facilities such as Care Hospitals, and popular malls like Forum Sujana Mall.

  Projects such as SOBHA Waterfront Somajiguda – that feature luxury living and excellent connectivity – make Hyderabad one of the perfect choices for discerning buyers. The city is one of the best places to live in India known for its dynamic IT sector (e.g., HITEC City, Gachibowli) and vibrant culture.

Tier 2 Cities

• Mysore, Karnataka

  Known for royal heritage and peaceful environment, Mysore offers an enriching lifestyle. The city is becoming increasingly popular due to modern infrastructure, pleasant climate, and luxury real estate.

  With a slower pace of life compared to major metros, Mysore offers the right balance between convenience and tranquillity – making it an ideal city for families looking for lifestyle-rich alternatives.

• Surat, Gujarat

  This thriving commercial hub known for diamond and textile industries offers excellent connectivity, modern infrastructure, and affordable housing options – making it one of the best places to live in India. With ongoing civic developments and growing job market, Surat is emerging as a city of choice for young professionals and families seeking the right balance of work and lifestyle.

• Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

  The city is known for green spaces, mild climate, and premium real estate. SOBHA Mountain Mist provides premium living with stunning views of Western Ghats. Coimbatore has excellent educational institutions such as PSG Institutions, healthcare facilities such as KMCH Hospitals, and strong economic growth in textiles, auto components, and manufacturing.

• Kochi, Kerala

  Known for scenic beauty, coastal lifestyle, and rich cultural heritage, Kochi is an attractive destination for those looking for best places to live in India with a great quality of life. The city is rapidly growing with improvements in infrastructure and connectivity, making it an ideal location for both work and leisure. Located in prime areas, SOBHA Atlantis and Marina One offer luxury living with world-class amenities – perfect for those seeking a peaceful, lifestyle-rich environment.

• Trivandrum, Kerala

  Kerala’s capital is known for beautiful beaches, green spaces, and renowned educational institutions like University of Kerala and Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST). A popular choice for those seeking quieter environment, Trivandrum has residential projects such as SOBHA Ridge – Whispering Hill and SOBHA Meadows – Whispering Hill – that offer premium living with serene surroundings. The city is a perfect choice for those seeking luxury in a peaceful environment.

• Bhubaneswar, Odisha

  Known for pleasant climate, rich historical significance, and growing IT sector with hubs like Infocity and TCS, it is one of the leading affordable cities India that offers modern facilities. With top educational institutions like KIIT University and excellent healthcare facilities such as Kalinga Hospital, along with well-planned infrastructure, it is ideal for young professionals and families seeking a balanced lifestyle.

• Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

  It is becoming one of the most sought-after cities in northern India, known for historical landmarks, rich culture, and diverse real estate options. As the capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow offers excellent educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and a blend of modern and traditional lifestyles. Ongoing infrastructural development and lower cost of living make it one of the leading affordable cities India for those seeking a balanced life.

• Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

  Located along the eastern coast of India, Vizag is emerging as a hub for industrial and technological growth. With growing infrastructure, scenic views, and diverse housing options, it ranks among the best places to live in India. The city offers a balanced lifestyle with urban conveniences and natural beauty, making it an attractive choice for families and young professionals.

• Indore, Madhya Pradesh

  With fast-growing economy and excellent educational institutions, Indore is one of the most liveable cities India. Expanding industrial base, improved infrastructure, and growing job opportunities have ensured that Indore is becoming the favourite for families looking for a combination of lifestyle and affordability.

• Chandigarh (Union Territory)

  This well-planned city is known for modern architecture, green spaces, and excellent infrastructure – making it one of the best places to live in India. With top-rated schools, healthcare facilities, and high standard of living, Chandigarh offers the perfect environment for families. Strategic location and balanced lifestyle make it a desirable destination for those seeking a mix of modern facilities and nature.

• Amritsar, Punjab

  Known for its spiritual and cultural significance, Amritsar offers excellent real estate and relaxed pace of life. With rich history and excellent connectivity, it is one of the best places to live in India. The city has a growing economy and excellent educational and healthcare institutions, making it the ideal destination for families and professionals seeking a peaceful living environment.

Residential Outlook Trends 2025-26

1. Smart City Features and Sustainability: With the integration of technology and green practices, cities are becoming more sustainable and efficient – offering improved living standards
2. Rise of Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities: These are seeing increased investments in infrastructure and housing, providing affordable alternatives to Tier-1 cities
3. Integrated and Mixed Use Townships: Well-designed projects combining residential, commercial, and recreational spaces are growing in popularity, and are commonly found in some of the best places to live in India such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, and GIFT City Gujarat – offering convenience and community-focused living
4. Location Choices Driven by Hybrid Work: As remote work becomes more common, people are opting for cities that provide the right mix of work opportunities and quality of life, often outside the traditional metropolitan areas
5. Mobility and Connectivity Improvements: Enhanced transport systems and better connectivity are making cities more accessible, improving their attractiveness for homebuyers

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