Top 5 Best Residential Areas in Chennai To Live with Family

Chennai, the metropolitan city, is the capital of Tamil Nadu. It is stirring on the southeastern coast of India, along the Bay of Bengal. Known for its rich cultural heritage and history, Chennai is often called the “Gateway to South India.” The city is a significant hub for commerce, education, and the automotive industry. With a growing IT sector, it attracts professionals from across the country. The city is also home to Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world, and a thriving arts scene with a deep connection to classical music and dance.

Chennai leads in liveability, notably in public transit, education, and healthcare. The city is part of the government’s Smart Cities Mission, which aims to improve infrastructure and promote environmentally friendly urban growth. Projects such as pedestrianisation and water body revitalisation improve the city’s liveability. However, issues persist in areas such as air quality and traffic congestion, which the municipality works to solve through various programs.

Chennai scored well in the Ease of Living Index—municipal performance index, ranking 4th among Indian cities with over one million residents, with high marks for infrastructure and access to amenities. Chennai combines a rich cultural legacy with a growing focus on modernisation and sustainability, making it a highly livable city.

Pallikaranai, Chennai

Pallikaranai is a growing residential area in Chennai’s southern sector, close to the OMR and Velachery IT zones. The region provides economical and modestly priced housing ideal for the working population. The Pallikaranai Marshland, an officially protected wildlife sanctuary, provides a visual highlight while contributing to a high quality of life. Velachery-Tambaram Road and Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Radial Road provide easy access to the city. Local transit options include MTC buses and tongas, with Chennai International Airport roughly 13.5 kilometres away.

• Best Restaurants: Tasty Jones and Absolute Barbecues
• Attractions: Pallikaranai Marshland
• Hospitals: Kamakshi Memorial Hospital
• Commute:  MTC buses, Velachery-Tambaram Road

Thoraipakkam, Chennai

Thoraipakkam has a broad range of housing complexes, from luxury villas to mid-range flats, to suit different buyers. The area has grown significantly due to its closeness to IT hotspots such as Tidel Park and the ELCOT SEZ. Thoraipakkam is well connected to the rest of the city by the OMR, and access will further increase with the forthcoming metro line. The area has several schools, hospitals, and business buildings, making it a handy place to settle down. This neighbourhood is rated a high residential area in Chennai, which is a rapidly expanding residential area along Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), making it a popular choice for IT professionals.

• Best Restaurants: Buhari, Wow! Momo, Delhi Highway, Bindaas Rasoi, Dot. Yum, Famous Theory, So Bar Away, Subway, Moti Mahal Delux, Urban Lounge and Ruchi Mess.
• Attractions: Thoraipakkam Lake
• Hospitals: Apollo Speciality Hospitals
• Commute: MTC buses, OMR connectivity

Iyyappanthangal, Chennai

Located west of Chennai, Iyyappanthangal is a growing residential suburb known for its affordable housing and peaceful environment. It has a well-developed infrastructure with numerous schools, supermarkets, and healthcare facilities. The area is popular with families and young professionals because it’s close to Mount Poonamallee Road, which directly connects to important job centres. Sri Ramachandra Medical College, a well-known healthcare institution in Chennai, is also nearby. The locality is well served by public transport, especially MTC buses, and is convenient for daily commuting to the Porur area, another high residential area in Chennai.

• Best Restaurants:  Hotel Saravana Bhavan, Ponnusamy Hotel, Waf Bites, Chaat Chatore, Hungry Puppets, Moglee’s Kitchen, Chill Cave, Subway and Burger House.
• Attractions:  Lakshmi Complex
• Hospitals: Sri Ramachandra Medical College
• Commute: MTC buses, access via Mount Poonamallee Road

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KK Nagar, Chennai

KK Nagar is well-connected via MTC buses and is set to benefit from the upcoming metro expansion, which will further ease commuting. The locality’s proximity to Ashok Nagar and T. Nagar ensures easy access to shopping and entertainment​. KK Nagar, one of the most well-planned residential areas of Chennai, offers a balanced lifestyle with excellent access to amenities. Known for its wide roads, green spaces, and community-centric layout, the locality has long been a preferred choice for families. The area has several reputable schools and hospitals, making it particularly attractive for long-term residents.

• Best Restaurants: Junior Kuppanna and Namma Veedu Vasantha Bhavan
• Attractions: Ashok Pillar and Rajamannar Salai Park
• Hospitals: KK Nagar Hospital
• Commute: MTC buses, metro (coming soon).

Porur, Chennai

Porur is a rapidly growing neighbourhood in southwest Chennai, with excellent access to the city’s IT and industrial areas. It is well-known for its numerous housing options, which range from low-cost apartments to luxurious villas. The region is trendy among professionals because of its proximity to DLF IT Park and the Porur Lake, which lends a natural element to the urban landscape. The Mount Poonamallee Road and Chennai Bypass improve connectivity, while local hospitals and schools make it an appealing choice for families.  

• Best Restaurants: Junior Kuppanna, Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant​, Campari Bar, Barbeque Nation, Yazhee World, Brownie Haven, Spazio, Bistro 1427, Dindigul Thalappakatti and Hotel Akshaya.
• Attractions: Porur Lake, Sri Ramachandra University campus and Ponniyamman Koil Park.
• Hospitals: Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, MIOT International.
• Commute: Well connected by Mount Poonamallee Road, Chennai Bypass Road​

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