Top 15 Posh Areas in Chennai

Welcome to Chennai, Tamil Nadu's capital and home to Marina Beach, the world's second-largest beach. As one of India's most cosmopolitan cities, Chennai has excellent road and water connectivity. Chennai has a growing population of job seekers, a wealth of artistic talent, and a diverse infrastructure. 

Our comprehensive guide details the top 15 posh areas in Chennai and the amenities available in each locality. Use this guide to make an informed decision and find your ideal home in Chennai.

Top 15 Posh Areas in Chennai

Boat Club

Boat Club is an elite residential neighbourhood in Chennai known for its distinguished residents, who include politicians, celebrities, and business entrepreneurs like Kalanithi Maran and  Shyam Kothari. 

Situated near the Adyar River amidst lush greenery, the area has significantly increased property values. The average property price in Boat Club ranges between Rs. 40,500 and Rs. 50,500 per sq ft.

Adyar

Adyar, located along the southern banks of the Adyar River, is a prestigious neighbourhood in Chennai. It is known for its lush surroundings, which include upscale neighbourhoods such as Elliott's Beach and Besant Nagar. 

The average property price in Adyar is Rs. 12,250 per sq ft. However, the property values in this area can reach Rs. 30.2 Crore, and monthly rental rates range from Rs. 8,500 to Rs. 3.51 Lakh per month.

Anna Nagar

Anna Nagar, a distinguished residential area in Chennai, is renowned for its lush avenues, bustling shopping districts, entertainment facilities, and upscale hotels. It attracts families due to its proximity to prominent educational institutions such as British School, Kendriya Vidyalaya, The ACe English School, Anna Adarsh College for Women, and St. Thomas College for Arts and Science. 

The highest property rate in Anna Nagar is Rs. 19,200 per sq ft, while the lowest is Rs. 5,500 per sq ft.

Nungambakkam

Nungambakkam, a prominent area in southwestern Chennai, is home to a mix of commercial enterprises, shopping centres, cultural landmarks, and government offices, such as the Chennai Corporation Office Zone 9 and the Information and Public Relations Office.

In Nungambakkam, the average property price is Rs. 18,550 and the upscale properties can command monthly rents as high as Rs. 2.51 Lakh, while other parts of the locality offer rental accommodations for as low as Rs. 7,500 per month.

Besant Nagar

Besant Nagar, situated in southern Chennai, is famous for its high-end restaurants and affluent residents. Elliot's Beach, a part of Besant Nagar, draws visitors of all ages. The area is also known for its religious significance, hosting the Arulmigu Mahalakshmi Temple, the Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple, and the Velankanni Church. 

With its blend of historical charm and modern growth, the property prices in Besant Nagar have witnessed a surge. The average property price is Rs. 17,250 per sq ft while the monthly rents range from Rs. 10,500 to Rs. 3 Lakh.

Poes Garden

Poes Garden is renowned for its lavish bungalows and its proximity to celebrities like Rajnikanth and the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha. Accessible via Teynampet Metro Station, Thirumayilai Railway Station, Mandaveli Railway Station, and Chennai International Airport, this area also benefits from its proximity to prominent tech parks like DLF IT Park and Mahindra City World. 

Offering a luxurious lifestyle, property prices in Poes Garden range from Rs. 8,250 to Rs. 20,250 per sq ft, with average monthly rents ranging from Rs. 10,100 to Rs. 55,050.

Gopalapuram

Gopalapuram boasts prestigious educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and landmarks like the Easwari Library and the Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden.

It's considered an attractive investment location due to its comprehensive amenities and proximity to popular dining spots like Copper Chimney and Kaimanam. Residential property prices range from Rs. 8,250 to Rs. 30,150 per sq ft for purchase and Rs. 12,050 to Rs. 1,50,100 per month for rental.

Kotturpuram

Kotturpuram, or Kottur for short, is a residential neighbourhood in Chennai situated on the south bank of the Adyar River. It's renowned for its ancient temples, Perumal Koil and Ponniamman Koil, and the prestigious Anna University. Property prices in the area typically start from Rs. 15,500 per sq. ft.

Mylapore

Mylapore, an upscale area in Chennai, is the city's oldest neighbourhood, steeped in cultural heritage. Renowned for its iconic temples like Arumigu Thirukovil Velleeswarar Temple and Karaneeswarar Kovil, it's a bustling tourist spot boasting a vibrant arts and music scene, along with an array of dining, cafe, and shopping choices. Real estate values in Mylapore typically span from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 17,200 per sq ft.

R.A Puram

R.A. Puram (Raja Annamalai Puram), situated south of the Adyar River in Chennai, is an affluent neighbourhood blending both traditional and modern architecture, offering diverse living choices. It features top-notch shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, and esteemed educational institutions like Madras Christian College and IIT Madras. Property prices in R.A Puram typically range from Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 12,500 per sq ft.

Thiruvanmiyur

Thiruvanmiyur, a prestigious neighbourhood in Chennai, is adjacent to the IT Corridor, housing offices of major companies like Infosys, Cognizant, and TCS, and boasts excellent connectivity. Known for its verdant surroundings, premium residential and commercial properties, and diverse culture, Thiruvanmiyur offers property prices ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 14,000 per sq ft.

Alwarpet

Alwarpet, an upscale neighbourhood in Chennai, is celebrated for its luxurious residences, vibrant shopping districts, and deep cultural roots. It boasts ancient temples such as the Anjaneyar Temple and Sri Valampuri Vinayagar Temple. 

Notably, it is also home to renowned personalities like the popular actor Kamal Haasan. Property prices in Alwarpet typically fall between Rs. 11,000 and Rs. 25,500 per sq ft.

Vadapalani

Vadapalani, a prominent neighbourhood in Chennai, is famed for its film studios and the residences of well-known actors. It's one of the city's bustling and rapidly expanding areas. The locality also boasts renowned theatres and malls like Nexus Vijaya Mall and Forum Mall Meroside. Rental prices for residential villas typically range from Rs. 10,500 to Rs. 90,500 per month. However, property prices in Vadapalani range from Rs. 8,250 to Rs. 45,550 per sq ft.

Teynampet

Teynampet in Chennai is a sought-after area for luxury real estate due to its tranquil surroundings and abundance of upscale properties and businesses. Conveniently accessible via the DMS, Teynampet, and Nandanam metro stations, it also boasts proximity to schools, hospitals, and shipping centres such as Spencer Plaza. The average property price in Teyampet is Rs. 25,000 per sq ft.

East Coast Road

East Coast Road (ECR) is a popular Chennai upscale neighbourhood that offers peace, luxury, and entertainment. It has amusement parks such as MGM and VGP, nearby beaches used for surfing, and offers the annual Covelong Music Festival. 

Visitors can eat authentic South Indian cuisine and relax in sea-facing villas along the stretch. Monthly rental prices in East Coast Road range between Rs. 30,500 and Rs. 2,50,500 and the property price ranges from Rs. 9,500 to Rs. 20,100 per month.

Key Points to Remember when Moving to Posh Areas in Chennai

Chennai's Weather

Chennai experiences extreme weather, with burning summer temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. Additionally, heavy rainfall is common during certain months. These climatic fluctuations present challenges for the city's residents. Adequate measures are required to reduce their impact.

Food and Festivals

From traditional South Indian delicacies like idly, dosa, vada, Pongal, and parotta to international cuisines, local delights, authentic street food, fresh seafood, and vegetarian specialities — Chennai offers a diverse dining experience. It caters to both residents and visitors alike with its delicious array of options.

In Chennai, festivals such as Pongal, Tamil New Year, Navaratri, and Diwali offer additional opportunities to learn about the local culture.

Language Barrier

When moving to upscale neighbourhoods in Chennai, it's important to be mindful of the language barrier. Learning some basic Tamil phrases and using translation tools can be helpful. Interestingly, in certain areas, especially affluent ones, residents may also speak Hindi alongside Tamil or English.

Become an Expert at Haggling

When moving to Chennai, improve your bargaining skills with vendors. Conduct price research, be polite, and consider bundle purchases to save money. This skill is extremely valuable, especially in local markets where negotiation is common.

House Hunting Can Be a Task

House hunting in Chennai's upscale areas is difficult due to high demand and limited availability. Patience and flexibility are essential to finding the ideal residence and a smooth transition to your new home.

Conclusion

Top 15 posh areas in Chennai

• Boat Club
• Adyar
• Anna Nagar
• Nungambakkam
• Besant Nagar
• Poes Garden
• Gopalapuram
• Kotturpuram
• Mylapore
• R.A Puram
• Thiruvanmiyur
• Alwarpet
• Vadapalani
• Teynampet
• East Coast Road

Key points to remember when moving to posh areas in Chennai

• Chennai's weather
• Food and festivals
• Language barrier
• Become an expert at haggling
• House hunting can be a task