A Breath of Fresh Air: India’s Cleanest Cities and Their Real Estate

India is a land of diversity, and that includes its cities! While some cities teem with pollution and filth, others are relatively clean and livable. The key fac­tors in decid­ing the best residential destination usu­al­ly involve the cul­ture, the food, and the safety. How­ev­er, recent research has shown that clean­li­ness is becom­ing increas­ing­ly impor­tant for real estate and investment opportunity con­sid­er­a­tion all around the world. This is like­ly due to the COVID-19 pan­dem­ic, as real estate investors and home seekers are search­ing for places that appear clean, healthy and safe. And it does make sense, as nobody wants to risk their health and well-being when plan­ning to move to a new city. 

So, in order to help you find your dream home swap, we’ve com­piled a listicle of the clean­est cities in India with a brief analysis of their realty markets. But before diving into the list of the top 5 cleanest cities in India, let’s have a glance at Swachh Survekshan 23, which boosted the concept of cleanliness in India. 

Swachh Survekshan 2023 – ‘A Focus on Waste Management’

Indore has once again been ranked as India’s cleanest city for the fifth year in a row. Coming in second and third place in the category with a population of over a million are Surat and Navi Mumbai, respectively. 

Cleanliness is a matter of utmost importance, and it forms the backbone of a healthy society. Swachh Survekshan 2023 is an important initiative launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. This mission aims to bring about a measurable change in the cleanliness levels of India by 2023. 

This nationwide sanitation survey is a part of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), which aims to increase awareness and motivate cities and towns to achieve open defecation-free (ODF) status by October 2019 and become free of litter and waste by 2023. The Swachh Survekshan Survey has evolved from assessing nearly 73 cities in 2016 to covering 4000+ cities this year. Based on the sanitation and solid waste management performance of the cities, the survey ranked towns and cities in the following order:

1. Indore Madhya Pradesh
2. Surat, Gujarat
3. Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
4. Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh
5. Mysore, Karnataka
6. Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
7. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
8. New Delhi, Delhi 
9. Chandrapur, Maharashtra
10. Khargone, Madhya Pradesh
11. Rajkot, Gujarat
12. Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
13. Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
14. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
15. Gandhinagar, Gujarat
16. Chandigarh
17. Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
18. Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
19. Nashik, Maharashtra
20. Raigarh, Chhattisgarh

All the cities mentioned above have successfully upheld hygienic conditions and cleanliness throughout their towns and hold excellent real estate opportunities that should not be missed. So, let’s have a detailed look at India’s top 5 cleanest cities and evaluate their real estate markets. 

Top 5 Cleanest Indian Cities in 2023 and their Real Estate Examination

Here is a list of the five cleanest cities in India, along with details on where and why to invest in!

1. Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Area: 525 km²

Population: Approx. 3,302,000

All thanks to the effectively planned waste segregation, disposal and conversion, Indore has been crowned the cleanest city in India for the fifth time in 2023. This most populous city is flawlessly connected to other parts of the country via road, air and rail network. With a thoughtfully planned infrastructure, connectivity, and social facilities, Indore is one the best places to invest. The successful garbage management system in Indore has not only enabled the city to get rid of its garbage but has also earned it crores of rupees yearly. 

Also, you will be delighted to know that no open drains, strewn garbage, or other unsanitary conditions will likely ruin your view when you explore Indore’s top tourist attractions like Rajwada Palace, Central Museum, Chappan Dukan, etc. 

Indore’s Real Estate Market Analysis

In Indore, the real estate market has enjoyed a surge in profits in recent years, making it an attractive investment option for those looking to capitalise on the potential of the city.

NOTE: The prices are included by taking 2 BHK flats and apartments as base. Also, the prices are just an approximate figure and subject to change as per market conditions. 

Why Invest in Indore?

• The city is paving the path to becoming a metro city.

• With the Super Corridor development, investing in Indore is becoming promising.

• Indore, part of the Smart Cities mission, is undergoing infrastructural development of around INR 5,000 crore. 

2. Surat, Gujarat

Area: 474.2 km²

Population: Approx. 6,161,000

Surat is a clean and green city in the western state of Gujarat. The city is not only known as the ‘Diamond City of India’ but also for its cleanliness and green environment. Surat has adopted various initiatives to ensure a clean and healthy environment and to reduce pollution. These initiatives involve the Surat Municipal Corporation’s (SMC) frequent cleaning of streets, installation of dustbins in public places, and a ban on polythene bags. The SMC also encourages people to segregate their waste and recycle it. 

It’s worth considering that Surat has all the required natural resources, labour, and government support. So, is there something else you need to consider Surat as your next residential destination?

Surat’s Real Estate Market Analysis

In the Surat housing market, the current starting price per sqft is Rs. 114, and the average price of properties is Rs. 4,483 per sqft. Now is a good time to look into buying or selling a property in Surat, as the market is quite lucrative. 

NOTE: The prices are included by taking 2 BHK flats and apartments as base. Also, the prices are just approximate figures and subject to change as per market conditions. 

Why Invest in Surat?

• Ideal investment destination for businesses as it provides excellent connectivity with other major cities and ports.

• Surat has seen tremendous economic growth over the past few decades and is now home to some of the largest companies in India. 

• The city has a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive option for investors planning to relocate.

3. Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra

Area: 108.6 km²

Population: Approx. 1,618,000 

Navi Mumbai in Maharashtra became the third-cleanest city in India by focusing on the ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ concept. The city is well-maintained and has a clean environment due to its planned structure. Moreover, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has taken various initiatives, such as promoting eco-friendly practices, regular garbage collection, and construction of sewage treatment plants to keep the city clean and green. 

Being a financial and real estate investment hub, Navi Mumbai offers multiple possibilities that are hard to miss. Also, the city has an efficient public transport system, which helps to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion. 

Navi Mumbai’s Real Estate Market Analysis

Given the high cost of real estate in Mumbai, more and more individuals are looking towards Navi Mumbai as an attractive and budget-friendly investment option. Many reputable real estate developers are coming up with exciting projects in the city to offer a wide range of amazing and affordable housing projects.

NOTE: The prices are included by taking 2 BHK flats and apartments as base. Also, the prices are just an approximate figure and subject to change as per market conditions. 

Why Invest in Navi Mumbai?

• The city is strategically situated with good connectivity from the main city, Mumbai and is home to the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. 

• Navi Mumbai has experienced rapid economic growth in the past few years due to the presence of several corporate and IT offices.

• The government has implemented several tax benefits for investors in Navi Mumbai. 

4. Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh

Area: 35.36 km²

Population: Approx. 165,000

Ambikapur has been well-known as a model city for its superb waste management practices for years. The city has again confirmed its way ahead in waste management by winning the title ‘Fourth-Cleanest City in India 2023’. This city in Chhattisgarh was recognised as one of the best cities in India under the ‘Innovation and Best Practices’ category in Swachh Survekshan 2018. 

To succeed this time, the city plans to launch a Garbage Cafe Scheme that will follow the simple rule of ‘Garbage Lao Aur Khanna Le Jao’. That sounds interesting, right? Well, under this scheme, homeless and poor people fetching 500 grams of waste will get a substantial breakfast while those collecting 1 kg of waste will be provided with a full meal. This idea will not only lead towards offering food facilities to the needy but also help keep the city garbage-free and clean. 

Ambikapur’s Real Estate Market Analysis

Ambikapur is one of the fastest-growing towns in India and has been identified as one of the smart cities by the Government of India. As such, it offers investors many opportunities to invest in various sectors, such as real estate, infrastructure, hospitality, retail, and health care.

NOTE: The prices are included by taking 2 BHK flats and apartments as base. Also, the prices are just approximate figure and subject to change as per market conditions. 

Why Invest in Ambikapur? 

• Ambikapur has seen significant development in terms of infrastructure in recent years. This includes the construction of new roads, bridges, and power plants.

• The Chhattisgarh government has been supportive of investments in Ambikapur. It has implemented a number of programs to promote industrialisation in the area, such as the Special Investment Region (SIR) and the Chhattisgarh Industrial Investment Promotion Policy (CIIP).

• The city is blessed with abundant natural resources such as coal, limestone, bauxite, and iron ore, making it an attractive destination for industrial investments.

5. Mysore, Karnataka

Area: 152.05 km²

Population: Approx. 1,229,000

The proactive approach to keeping the city clean has helped Mysore secure fifth place in the list of the ‘Cleanest Cities in India 2023’. Popularly known as the ‘Garden City’ or the ‘City of Palaces’, Mysore is a paradise for tourists. This city in Karnataka has always had a structured and thoughtful plan with regard to the layout of its sewage system. Clearly, the efforts are reflected in the results declared by Swachh Survekshan Survey 23. Mysore (or Mysuru) has implemented various initiatives such as a door-to-door waste collection system, strict penalties for littering, and an awareness drive to promote cleanliness. 

Mysore has an efficient waste management system to ensure that garbage is disposed of in an orderly manner. Not only this, but the city has also developed a network of parks and open spaces to promote green living among the residents.

Mysore’s Real Estate Market Analysis

Real estate in Mysore is currently in extremely high demand due to its proximity to the major city of Bengaluru. Mysore is currently the hotspot location for all real estate investments because the IT industries focus more on establishing their unit here. 

NOTE: The prices are included by taking 2 BHK flats and apartments as base. Also, the prices are just an approximate figure and subject to change as per market conditions. 

Why Invest in Mysore?

• Mysore has a strong infrastructure in place, with an international airport, railway stations, bus stations, and a number of roads connecting it to the rest of the state.

• The city is full of parks, gardens, lakes, and other attractions, making it a great place to live and work.

• The city is strategically nestled at the heart of South India, making it an ideal destination for businesses looking to expand their operations to the southern region.

Wrapping Up

The cities of India are constantly striving to become the cleanest in the country. While it is an ongoing process, some cities have already taken the initiative and successfully achieved this goal. The top 5 cleanest cities in India listed above are not only known for their cleanliness but also for their booming real estate industry. The real estate market in these cities is thriving, with plenty of options for both residential and commercial properties. From luxury apartments to commercial hubs, these cities offer a wide array of options for everyone looking for a home. From green construction to modern amenities, these cities will provide a comfortable and pleasant living experience.