Moving to Chennai in Sept '09

Nick-H · Jun 7th, 2009, 03:34

I'm sure I could find you a poor street in Alwarpet! I know I could in Abhiramapuram, which is next door, and just as posh, because I used to live there.

As to Chennai not being hot --- Sheesh, everything is relative sure, and if you just came from a Rajasthan summer you might want to wear a pullover in Chennai, but to most people, including those who live there. Chennai is hot. 30 in the winter to 40-plus in the summer? Most people find that a bit on the warm side

.

This is the sort of thing we all have different views on. Even here in England, where I am at the moment, my wife is saying she is warm sometimes when I am freezing! Best for people to check out some climate charts and see how it compares with what they are used to.

Looks like we agree on the humidity, though, which, particularly at night, makes it feel a lot hotter that it is.

Raghu.Kumar · Jun 8th, 2009, 14:49

Hi Praveen,

One thing I have noted in Nick's posts, is that they are well researched and written on practical experience. Nick is perfectly right in stating that Slum streets and Posh Apartments co-exist. May be you have missed those spots. To be very precise, right from the Cenotoph Road Kottupuram Bridge junction, the corner buidling being Satyam Computers, and up to Mc renett before the Park Sheraton, the entire by lanes are full of huts and slums. If you go via Cenotoph Road from Chamiers junction, all the lanes on to your left are filled with Slums.

Raghu

Quote:

Originally Posted by praveen307

Hi Monica,

I lived in Chennai for a pretty long period and am familiar with Alwarpet. Its one of the most beautiful localities located centrally in the city.

My thoughts:

1. 75K is a very good salary considering that the cost of living in Chennai is low.

2. Chennai is not hot, though very humid. Even on cloudy days, sweat rolls down if you spend a few minutes outside your home.

3. There are lots of high rise apartments in Alwarpet. You should be able to get good houses for a rent around 15 to 20K.

4. Furnished apartment will cost you 5K to 10K more to the rent, but check the quality of furnishings before you take the house on rent. Your salary should allow you to buy most of the furniture, to give you an idea about the cost.

5. There is nothing thats available in US and not available in India, except a few food ingredients (if you prefer to cook yourself). There are two retails chain stores 'Nilgiris' and 'Spencers' in Alwarpet (CPR Road) which are well stocked.

6. It would be better if you can arrange your own transport - i would suggest you buy a scooter or rent a car. The local transport is not good (especially in Alwarpet) and the autorickshaws are considered as harrasment by any foreign visitor.

7. Teynampet is a typical business district, though you can find good houses around Turn bulls corner.

8. Only one-way traffic is allowed on many roads due to high congestion. So if you are not walking to office, check the road maps for directions.

9. Th Hindu Property Plus, Free Ads newspaper, etc would help you find a home quickly. You can also try magicbricks.com and sulekha.com, though most of the listings are by agents / brokerages.

10. I dont agree with Nick, atleast for the part syaing that you can find posh houses with a slum street next door. That doesnt apply to Alwarpet or nearby areas.

Alwarpet is a very cool place (literally) and there are lots of good restaurants and bakeries where one can hang out with friends for a long time.

Have a nice time at Chennai!

Praveen
praveen307@gmail.com

Nick-H · Jun 8th, 2009, 17:35

Oh, yes, indeed... and that is a very posh area, including one of our five-star hotels!

Thanks for the kind comments, Raghu. Maybe a newcomer notices things more. I think I notice less now than I did five years ago because stuff has just become "normal" to me.

Yuri_S · Jun 8th, 2009, 18:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by praveen307

3. There are lots of high rise apartments in Alwarpet. You should be able to get good houses for a rent around 15 to 20K.

The numbers are too optimistic... getting a good apartment in Alwarpet for 15K may take minimum two month of hard job...

Quote:

Originally Posted by praveen307

5. There is nothing thats available in US and not available in India

Again, it's too much optimistic... There is really LONG list of the missed items... starting from the wine

Quote:

Originally Posted by praveen307

There are two retails chain stores 'Nilgiris' and 'Spencers' in Alwarpet (CPR Road) which are well stocked

Legendary 'Amma Nana' missed here

Most of 'Spencers' are nothing special, 'Nilgiris' is much better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by praveen307

i would suggest you buy a scooter

I wouldn't - it's really dangerous.

Quote:

Originally Posted by praveen307

the autorickshaws are considered as harrasment by any foreign visitor

I don't mind any VISITORS - because if you have minimal local experience and common sense they are pretty conventional and cheap way to move here and there.

Nick-H · Jun 9th, 2009, 04:32

I'm really not getting at Praveen here, who has taken time and trouble to make his contribution, but

There is nothing thats available in US and not available in India

... is the sort of thing that tends to be said by people who don't go shopping.

I was in John Lewis, Oxford Street, London, today, and, even leaving out the clothes intended for the UK climate, I thin that there was a vast amount of stuff there, in that one store, that could not be found in Chennai.

However... the important thing is that, give or take a few brand names and a few personal favorites, all of life's necessities can be found in Chennai.

Anyone trying to replicate their American or European life in Chennai is in for a difficult and expensive time. Anyone willing to adjust a little, and make changes and allowances, can live a decent life. Those on good ex-pat salaries can live a very nice life indeed

The auto drivers harass everyone, not just the visitors.

Raghu.Kumar · Jun 9th, 2009, 20:17

Hi Praveen,

I would love to get info and expertise from you on your below two points.

Can you refer to someone you know who can rent out their apartment for 15-20 K in Alwarpet. A couple of India Mike members are seeking acco.

I would like to buy a few packets of Brachs California Raisin Chocolates. As far as I know its available only in certain select stores in the US. I couldnt get in Singapore, Hongkong, Malaysia, Thailand or UAE either. If you could let me know a place in chennai where I can get this, I would be thankful to you as my stocks are depleting.

Raghu

[quote=praveen307;736714]Hi Monica,

I lived in Chennai for a pretty long period and am familiar with Alwarpet. Its one of the most beautiful localities located centrally in the city.

My thoughts:

3. There are lots of high rise apartments in Alwarpet. You should be able to get good houses for a rent around 15 to 20K.

5. There is nothing thats available in US and not available in India, except a few food ingredients (if you prefer to cook yourself). There are two retails chain stores 'Nilgiris' and 'Spencers' in Alwarpet (CPR Road) which are well stocked.

Have a nice time at Chennai!

Praveen

Nick-H · Jun 10th, 2009, 17:56

India is a developing country. Many businesses, including some larger ones like insurance companies and banks, see customers as mere revenue sources; many craftsmen do not really know their crafts. Chennai can be an excruciatingly difficult place to live, and I see no point in glossing over the realities!

However... you'll still find me sticking up for the city more often than complaining about it. It is laid back, it is friendly, and, in many ways easy going.

Yes. It's a good place to live! Even when it is driving you crazy!

srivatsanvasudevan · Jul 21st, 2009, 01:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by monica25

Any neighborhoods that you may recommend? Can I afford to live in Alwarpet? My company will provide the 10-month rental deposit that I keep reading about.

2) I would prefer not to commute. Is it better to be in a central city location or near the beach?

1) Neighborhoods - It might be easy to get affordable furnished flats in Kotturpuram and Kottur Gardens - about 20 mins walk from Cenotaph Road - but as some one said, you need to check if they are adjacent slums. Raja Annamalai Puram (RA Puram) might be a better bet and is not too far from Cenotaph Road either.

2) The maximum rent you might be paying for a reasonably furnished aparment in these neighborhoods may be around 20000. Considering your salary, this is affordable. However, do doublecheck if your company will really be paying the rental deposit (which need not be 10 months but can be 3 months or 5 months if the rent is high). Has this been given in writing? If it is verbal, it is very easy for them to go back on their word.

3) The closest part of the Beach from your office area would be Besant Nagar and commuting from there to your office would cost at least Rs. 100 by Auto (One Way!). Add to that the hassle of daily haggling you'd have to do. Besides, the view is not going to be on par with a Caribbean Resort, so it may not be worth living near the beach as you might imagine. You may however visit the beach as often as you like even if you are living near Teynampet.

Hope your stay here proves eventful! In any case, how long are you planning to be working here? (Months/Year?)

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Jun 7th, 2009, 03:34	#16
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,189	I'm sure I could find you a poor street in Alwarpet! I know I could in Abhiramapuram, which is next door, and just as posh, because I used to live there. As to Chennai not being hot --- Sheesh, everything is relative sure, and if you just came from a Rajasthan summer you might want to wear a pullover in Chennai, but to most people, including those who live there. Chennai is hot. 30 in the winter to 40-plus in the summer? Most people find that a bit on the warm side . This is the sort of thing we all have different views on. Even here in England, where I am at the moment, my wife is saying she is warm sometimes when I am freezing! Best for people to check out some climate charts and see how it compares with what they are used to. Looks like we agree on the humidity, though, which, particularly at night, makes it feel a lot hotter that it is.

Jun 8th, 2009, 17:35	#18
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,189	Oh, yes, indeed... and that is a very posh area, including one of our five-star hotels! Thanks for the kind comments, Raghu. Maybe a newcomer notices things more. I think I notice less now than I did five years ago because stuff has just become "normal" to me.

Jun 9th, 2009, 04:32	#20
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,189	I'm really not getting at Praveen here, who has taken time and trouble to make his contribution, but There is nothing thats available in US and not available in India ... is the sort of thing that tends to be said by people who don't go shopping. I was in John Lewis, Oxford Street, London, today, and, even leaving out the clothes intended for the UK climate, I thin that there was a vast amount of stuff there, in that one store, that could not be found in Chennai. However... the important thing is that, give or take a few brand names and a few personal favorites, all of life's necessities can be found in Chennai. Anyone trying to replicate their American or European life in Chennai is in for a difficult and expensive time. Anyone willing to adjust a little, and make changes and allowances, can live a decent life. Those on good ex-pat salaries can live a very nice life indeed The auto drivers harass everyone, not just the visitors.

Jun 9th, 2009, 20:17	#21
Raghu.Kumar Maha Guru Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 610	Hi Praveen, I would love to get info and expertise from you on your below two points. Can you refer to someone you know who can rent out their apartment for 15-20 K in Alwarpet. A couple of India Mike members are seeking acco. I would like to buy a few packets of Brachs California Raisin Chocolates. As far as I know its available only in certain select stores in the US. I couldnt get in Singapore, Hongkong, Malaysia, Thailand or UAE either. If you could let me know a place in chennai where I can get this, I would be thankful to you as my stocks are depleting. Raghu [quote=praveen307;736714]Hi Monica, I lived in Chennai for a pretty long period and am familiar with Alwarpet. Its one of the most beautiful localities located centrally in the city. My thoughts: 3. There are lots of high rise apartments in Alwarpet. You should be able to get good houses for a rent around 15 to 20K. 5. There is nothing thats available in US and not available in India, except a few food ingredients (if you prefer to cook yourself). There are two retails chain stores 'Nilgiris' and 'Spencers' in Alwarpet (CPR Road) which are well stocked. Have a nice time at Chennai! Praveen

Jun 10th, 2009, 17:56	#22
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,189	India is a developing country. Many businesses, including some larger ones like insurance companies and banks, see customers as mere revenue sources; many craftsmen do not really know their crafts. Chennai can be an excruciatingly difficult place to live, and I see no point in glossing over the realities! However... you'll still find me sticking up for the city more often than complaining about it. It is laid back, it is friendly, and, in many ways easy going. Yes. It's a good place to live! Even when it is driving you crazy!