The exodus to suburban living is gaining momentum, driven by multiple factors shaping modern lifestyles. While skyrocketing urban housing costs and restrictive floor area ratio (FAR) regulations may have initially triggered this shift, residents are unexpectedly uncovering the inherent benefits and simplicity of suburban life. India’s current FAR stands at a concerning 2.7 across 141 cities – significantly below the global average of five, according to the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of India (CREDAI). India is urbanizing rapidly. By 2036, its towns and cities will be home to 600 million people, or 40 percent of the population, up from 31.16 percent in 2011. NITI Aayog CEO Parameswaran Iyer had recently said that urbanisation is going to be the key as 50 per cent of India’s population will live in urban areas by 2047. This is a clear indication that the proportion of suburban housing developments compared to urban ones will be expanding at a rapid pace leading to more footprints in the outskirts.
At the heart of this migration trend lies affordability. The suburban landscape offers significantly lower housing prices, emerging as a compelling alternative to urban living. Notably, the reduced housing costs enable residents to acquire spacious homes for the same price as a modest city apartment. Beyond affordability, suburbs now boast enhanced amenities, efficient transportation systems, access to lush green spaces with better air quality, and internet connectivity matching urban standards – factors that increasingly make suburban areas the preferred residential choice.
The outskirts are undergoing a remarkable transformation; as new infrastructure projects boost their growth potential. For example, Gunjur is closer to the city yet well connected to whitefield and Sarjapur road. North Bangalore which includes infamous areas like whitefield and electronics city is well planned and is therefore deemed to be the ‘new Bangalore’. These areas promise steady property value appreciation, while offering a peaceful retreat from city life.
The quality of living here stands notably higher, with easy access to contemporary facilities and abundant lung spaces thanks to numerous lakes and open spaces. Several lakes are undergoing rejuvenation, with more planned for the coming years. As each lake is restored, surrounding green spaces will be developed, further enhancing the area’s natural environment.
Improved transportation networks, from expanded metro lines to new highways, have effectively shortened the distance to city centers. For example, Bangalore’s metro network currently serves Kanakapura Road, and soon with the Hosur Road line to connect to the suburbs. However, key suburban areas including Sarjapur, Devanahalli, and Doddaballapur still lack metro connectivity. While construction is underway in some of these areas and project approvals have been obtained for others, the complete suburban metro network remains a work in progress. With strong government backing for suburban development, these areas are drawing increased attention from both property investors and homebuyers seeking their ideal residences.
Other key factors behind suburbs winning a large chunk of the populace are:
- Less congestion
Suburbs usually have thinner traffic compared to urban landscapes, which facilitate a more relaxed lifestyle with easier commutes. The residential landscape is characterized mostly by independent houses, villa communities, and notably fewer high-rise apartments, interspersed with undeveloped lands that serve as natural green patches. Moreover, ground water is better in many areas with lakes and open wells around, allowing water percolation. In fact, surface connection with metros has also become an infrastructure priority for suburban administrations, with overpasses connecting highways and city peripheries.
- Quiet environment
The suburban environment has a calming effect on nerves and human psyche owing to the reduced pollution in terms of suspended particles, noise and grime, allowing for a peaceful living space. Suburban inhabitants have easier access to parks, green spaces, water bodies and outdoor activities.
- Family-friendly features
Houses in the suburbs, or even apartments, are built on larger spaces as compared with those of the city. With astute planning, one can build a house even with a forecourt, which is near-impossible in a city. In fact, an increasing number of realtors are investing significantly into suburban housing.
- Community feel
A deep sense of community works in favour of the residents in the suburbs as life in the outskirts are not mechanical, allowing for neighborly interactions, which can lead to support in times of emergencies.
- Lifestyle Transformation
Suburbs trigger a transformation in lifestyle that is salubrious. Not too long ago, living in the suburbs was seen as a disadvantage. But that notion is fast changing into a contemporary idea as, with the appeal of the ease of life in suburbs, wellness has come to top the list of priorities of people.
- Urban Development Trends
The notion that suburbs are villages has long been dismissed by the collective psyche of those aspiring to build homes. Today, with advancements in infrastructure in the suburbs and the already established self-sufficiency of suburban communities, the countryside is now part of modern India.
