Best 9 Residential Areas in Chennai to Invest in 2024

Over the years, the city of Chennai has witnessed tremendous growth in terms of the number of emerging and fast-growing residential and commercial centers. This can be attributed to the respectable standard of living, existence as one of the most prominent contributors to the IT and automobile hubs, and the availability of premium educational institutes. Apart from hosting a number of office complexes, a plethora of areas in Chennai is known for their superior social and physical infrastructure. This has increased the demand for residential projects in and around these areas. Hence, in the following section, we will shed light on some of the best residential areas in Chennai and the reasons for their emergence as mega hubs. 

Porur

Porur is located along the Mount Poonamallee (MP) Road in the West. It has evolved into a renowned IT/ITeS hub in the city. IT parks like the Ascendas Hi-Tech Park, DLF IT Park and WS-IT Park characterise the location and have driven large amounts of commercial investment alongside setting an arena for the development of residential areas. 

One of the major reasons why Porur is counted amongst the best residential areas in Chennai is the fact that it is well-connected to other regions. This includes smooth commuting to Guindy, Valasaravakkam and Virugambakkam. The proposed Porur-Vadapalani metro corridor is expected to boost connectivity as well as prices in the coming years.

Over the recent years, several large companies have invested in the real estate sector of the area. Consequently, Porur now offers housing options that range from multi-story apartments to independent floors. Some of the big names including Ramani and StepsStone, are the predominant realtors here.The average capital value ranges Rs 4,420 per sq ft to 5,350 per sq ft. 

Ambattur

Ambattur is one of the most popular residential areas in Chennai. The social infrastructure is particularly well developed and includes a number of renowned schools (St. Peter’s Engineering College, NIIT and Velammal Engineering College), malls (J. M. Shopping Centre), restaurants (Pizza Park, Madurai Appu, Saranya), hospitals (Sir Ivan Stedeford Hospital, Teja Hospital). Owing to its presence as a major religious as well as emerging residential hub, the facilities as well as aesthetics are top-notch. 

Ambattur is well-connected to the major roads like Surappattu Road, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kallikuppam Road, Chennai Bypass Road, and Tonakela Camp Road. This facilitates a seamless transportation of commodities by road. In addition, The Ambattur Railway Station and the Pattaravakkam Railway Station connect Ambattur to areas around. The Chennai International Airport is located at a distance of 23 km. 

The area was initially dominated by ancillary industries producing automobile parts that were shipped to the bigger industries in the city centres. However, the recent years have witnessed the emergence of autonomous automobile industrial estates alongside Information technology companies that have completely transformed Ambattur. Companies like Heavy Vehicles Factory, Brittania, Jaya TV etc are present in the vicinity. 

When it comes to real estate projects, Creations Manchester, Praneel Elegance, RWD Lemongraz and JR castle Town Phase 1 are some of the most popular options in Ambattur. Given the presence of the emerging commercial hub, the average capital value is slightly higher and stands at Rs. 7289.5 per Sq. Ft.

Pallavaram

Pallavaram is one of the best-connected micro-market and residential areas in Chennai. Located at the intersection of the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) and Pallavaram- Thoraipakkam Road, hassle-free travel is facilitated via the Chennai-Theni Highway and the Outer Ring Road, also commonly known as NH 45. Pallavaram is connected to areas like Madipakkam, Nanganallur, Adambakkam and Perungudi. The Chennai International Airport is only approximately 5 minutes away from the area.

Owing to its strategic location, a vast array of affordable housing options are emerging in the region which has helped turn it into a boon for buyers. The average property prices range from Rs 5,100 per sq ft to Rs 7,000 per sq ft. Alliance Group Builders, Agni Estates And Foundations Builders and Mantri Developers are the most prominent builders in the area. Many IT firms like Alvo Tech, Hexacorp, and Rexip have emerged in Pallavaram.

Oragadam

Located on the outskirts of Chennai, Oragadam is an industrial suburb that lies at the junction between the Grand Southern Trunk Road (GST), NH 4 and NH 45. Oragadam has emerged as the largest automobile hub in South Asia. The area houses some of the world’s leading companies like Motorola, Dell, Nissan, Apollo Tyres, TVS Electronics and TVS Group of Companies, Ashok Leyland, that have set their headquarters in Oragadam. In addition, Sri Perumbudur is the most famous industrial hub out there. 

Transportation has been facilitated inside the city due to the Chennai Metro. The Chennai Salem Expressway has eased commutation to a large extent. Besides that, the Potheri Railway station ensures connectivity to the cities around. The Chennai International Airport is also not far off. The social infrastructure might not be as well developed as that of Porur, however, the area is characterized by an emerging number of educational institutions, banks, and hospitals specifically centered around the residential projects and complexes. 

As far as residential projects are concerned, Casagrand Arena, Accord Aero City, S&P Fortune, TVS Emerald Flourish are some of the major complexes in Oragadam. The average capital prices range from Rs 3,300 per sq ft to 3,800 per sq ft.

Guduvancheri

Located on the Grand South Trunk Road (GST Road), Guduvancheri is a popular area of the south-western part of Chennai. Along with Tambaram, Porur and Chengalpattu, the area is also well-connected to Urapakkam, Maraimalai Nagar, Potheri, and Adhanur via the NH-45, Lake View, GST and Station roads. 

The Chennai-Trichy Highway connects major suburban localities around. Apart from the Guduvancheri Railway Station that facilitates inter-city rail transportation, the region is conveniently located at a distance of 20 Km from Chennai International Airport. The area is also characterized by the availability of affordable land and accessibility to SIPCOT industrial park, Mahindra World City, and other SEZs (Special Economic Zones). 

In comparison to some of the other residential areas in Chennai, property prices are extremely affordable in the area with average rate at Rs. 6148 per sq ft. Lancor Holdings, Shriram Properties, and South India Shelter are some of the most reputed developers in Guduvancheri. 

Social infrastructure includes schools like the Guduvancheri Boys Higher Secondary School, Saint Mary’s Matriculation School, and SRM School of Hotel Management. While Christudas Hospital, and K. R. Hospitals are some of the popular healthcare facilities. 

Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR)

The State Highway 49-A or the Rajiv Gandhi IT Expressway is popularly referred to as the Old Mahabalipuram Road. It stretches from Madhya Kailash temple in Adyar district to Mamallapuram in Kanchipuram district. The road connects major commercial areas around Chennai like Thiruvanmiyur, Palavakkam, and Neelankarai. Guindy Railway Station and Chennai Central Railway Station are pretty close by and so is the Chennai International Airport, which is approximately 30 mins. from the area.   

The area is also popular for the commercial hubs that it houses, some of which are the Tidel Park, Ascendas and RMZ Millenia. These hubs are home to several IT companies like Yes Infotech, WonderWorks Technologies, Lastech Systems Pvt Ltd, Accenture and HCL Technologies. 

The Old Mahabalipuram Road consists of several emerging micro-markets like Taramani, Perungudi and Karapakkam, which has led to the development of major residential projects like Godrej Azure, Adroit Artistica, Advaita Blossom and Pacifica Aurum Pride Tower. Most of these are multi-storey properties with 2 BHK as the most common room configuration. The average property price is Rs. 6350 per sq ft. 

While the availability of cutting-edge infrastructure and amenities is one aspect, the emergence of Old Mahabalipuram Road as one of the best residential areas in Chennai is also characterized by noteworthy social infrastructures like Abacus Montessori School, MNM Jain Engineering College, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Apollo Hospital, supermarkets, and entertainment centers. 

Boat Club Road

Boat Club Road is one of posh areas in Chennai, recognized for its high-class living and being home to the wealthy people of this city. It stretches from Madras Club to Greenways Road, appealing to those who want a luxurious lifestyle. In this location, you can find great architecture along with rich plants and peaceful environment all around it as well as places like Madras Club, Greenways Road and Adyar River (source: Boat Club Road).

Boat Club Road is a center for commercial activities. It has many luxury shops, restaurants and places of entertainment. This road connects well with public transportation to important business areas such as Tidel Park and RMZ Millenia. This makes it very attractive for people who work in these places and the best place to live in Chennai.

In the area are many desired residential properties like high-class apartments, villas, and bungalows. These homes are liked for their exclusiveness, safety factors along with luxurious living standards available there.

Families can also find this place good because of the international schools, hospitals and important services available. The location is near Chennai Central Railway Station and international airport, which suits those who travel often. In general, Boat Club Road provides a mix of luxury living with business facilities and great access to transportation options like railways or airways – ensuring its high-class residential standing.

Avadi

Avadi is a prominent residential hub in Chennai, renowned for its well-developed infrastructure and amenities. The area caters to educational needs with renowned schools like Velammal Vidyalaya and Air Force School. It offers a variety of shopping, dining, and healthcare facilities, including Ponnu Super Bazaar and Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre.

Strategically located near Poonamallee High Road, Avadi facilitates easy transportation. It is well-connected to the city via the Avadi and Pattabiram Railway Stations, with the airport just 30 km away. Formerly dominated by automobile ancillary industries, Avadi has witnessed an influx of IT companies and industrial estates, transforming its economic landscape.

Real estate options range from plots to residential projects like VGN Crofton Gardens Phase II Main Road.

Pallikaranai

Located in the southern region, Pallikaranai is counted amongst one of the most noted residential areas in Chennai. The region lies in close proximity to the Old Mahabalipuram Road, GST Road (Grand Southern Trunk Road) and the Chennai International Airport (12 km). 

The Velachery Main Road and Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Radial Road connect this suburb to the areas around. The nearest railway station is the Velachery MRTS Station which is a part of the Mass Rapid Transit System. Pallikaranai also enjoys close proximity to Bahwan Cyber IT Park, MPL Towers, Shapoorji Pallonji Infocity and Prince Info City. 

With multiple IT Parks and superior physical infrastructure, Pallikaranai has received great demand from investors and developers. From villas, apartments, independent builder floors to residential plots, the area has a vast array of options that cater to the needs of people from all stratas of the society. 

Several major residential projects like the Purva Mayfair, Purva Manhattan Condos, Shri Raman Ridgewood Condos, and JG Jayaguru SK Avenue are developing in Pallikaranai. Most of the residential projects are ready to move-in and the average prices range between Rs. 4,630 per sq ft to Rs. 6,500 per sq ft.

As far as the real estate industry in south India is concerned, the city of Chennai stands out to be the fastest in terms of growth. It stands as the perfect amalgamation of culture and technology and has carved its way to be identified as a stable market. Scores of residential areas in Chennai, like those mentioned above, have emerged as popular destinations for developers and investors. This can be attributed to excellent existing and upcoming infrastructure, proximity to commercial zones, and proximity to major social hubs. Therefore, strong residential demand backed by a well-knit system of commercial supply ensures that your investment yields well.