University research on relocating to Hyderabad

weens87

Hello!

I am wondering whether there is anyone who could help me/give advice?

I arrive in Hyderabad on Thursday. I am currently a geography student at the University of Cambridge, UK. I am coming to the city in order to do some research for my undergrad dissertation on the ex-pat (and more specifically RNRI - returnee Indians) population of Hyderabad. I am getting quite nervous about it all as the reality is fast approaching!! I have never been to India before, but even though I am nervous I naturally am also excited.

I am looking into the impact that the RNRIs are having on the landscape (home landscapes) of Hyderabad. This will be focussing on places such as gated communities and other similar places (probably in Banjara and Jubilee Hills mainly) I imagine. I am particularly looking for communities with high regard to the environment, ones that are aesthetically pleasing, strong communities etc...

Does anyone have recommendations of places to focus on?

Would anyone be happy to meet up with me once I arrive and talk to me a bit about living in Hyderabad (especially if you have moved back from having lived in the US/UK etc)?

It would be great if I could come and see the odd community, as so far I have just seen the developers' plans of them on the web!

Sorry for so many questions, but I would be forever grateful if there is anyone willing to chat to an enthusiastic student!

capt_mahajan

Not an expert.

My sense is that a few/many NRI's are/were buying but not all that many are neccessarily returning.

Recently, some are said (newspapers) to be amongst the only ones supporting the market, given that the Indian housing market has not collapsed in line with some abroad and they feel more secure with investing here.

You could add Madhapur, Gachibowli, Shamshabad... in fact, the entire surrounds of the city to the list. But there is more action/hype towards the South and West of the city, between the central business districts upto the new airport.


PS: Read in another thread that you are female, 21- and you say that this is your first trip to India. Hyderabad is a safe city, but if you travel to some of the out of the city areas in connection with your research, be aware that these can be quite isolated.

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Outside the machine

nycank

I am sure you did some literature review and some background research related to your UG thesis ? Have a sample survey ready and pilot-tested before jumping right in Best of lucks in the research.

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weens87

Thanks for the advice Capt_Mahajan. Yes, I am going to have to be aware of the difference between the NRIs and the RNRIs, as I imagine RNRIs will be more focused on the style and aesthetics of their homes, whereas the NRIs are likely to be more focused on the investment side.

I am going to organise a driver for when I go to the out of city areas. Not 100% ideal but little else I can do!

Cheers Nycank, yup I have done much background research; although I only chose Hyderabad as my place of focus recently. I am in the process of creating my survey/interview questions. Thanks for the luck...i definitely need it!

harsha

Hello,

There are lot of gated communities in Jubliee Hills, Kondapur, Madhapur, Gachibowli area where lot of professionals, expats and some RNRIs stay but most of these communities are not very environment friendly. (Atleast this is my opinion)

My brother in law and my sister came back from US in 2003 and are living in one such gated community and though the place is big with all facilities, it is not a visual delight or eco-friendly.

Maybe you can check Whisper Valley and Lanco hills.

Cheers,
Harsha