How often, while house hunting, have you passed on a great place because it felt too far from the city, tucked away from the main road, or out in the middle of nowhere? We all dream of living where the action is—close to work, shopping, and all the buzz. 

But let’s face it, the homes we love in prime locations are way out of our budget, and the ones we can afford…well, they’re not exactly what we had in mind!

As prices in such areas skyrocket, cities are rapidly expanding and the once far-flung outskirts are developing at lightning speed. But here’s the kicker: these areas are developing smarter and more efficiently than the already saturated city centers.

It’s time for us to rethink what we call ‘outskirts’. Are they really as ‘out of the way’ as we think, or are we missing something? Is it just about cheaper prices, or is there more to the story?

Let’s find out, shall we?

The Rise of Suburban Locations: A Modern-Day Sarjapur Story

Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. Do you remember when Sarjapur Road and HSR Layout were considered absolute wilderness? A decade ago, if someone told you they lived in Sarjapur, you might have thought they were camping in the jungle. These areas were far from what you’d call ‘urban’, and they weren’t on anyone’s dream home radar.

Yet, fast forward to today, and both these locations are buzzing with IT parks, high-end apartments, malls, schools, and pubs. What used to be weekend getaway spots are now some of Bengaluru’s busiest residential and commercial hubs. This story isn’t unique to Sarjapur and HSR; cities across India, from Mumbai to Hyderabad, have seen their outskirts transform from rural retreats to urban magnets.

So, what’s next? Simple: today’s ‘far-off’ places are tomorrow’s Sarjapurs.

Outskirts are Outsmarting the City

In the past, it took a good 10 years for new localities to morph into urban hubs. But now, with better infrastructure planning, the same level of development is happening in half the time. What took a decade back then is now happening in just five years. Talk about a fast-forward button on urban sprawl!

These upcoming locations come with the added advantage of being planned from scratch having learnt from past developmental mistakes. They incorporate modern infrastructure, better road networks, and greener public spaces. This means you don’t just get a home, but a neighborhood designed with the future in mind. Think wide roads, less congestion, efficient public transport, and access to all the amenities that took their time arriving in today’s over-developed areas.

“On the Main Road” is not a Perk

Now, if you’re considering buying a property in one of these up-and-coming areas, here’s a golden tip: look for homes that are about 10-20 minutes away from the main road. These slightly ‘off the beaten path’ homes offer the best of both worlds. Here’s why:

1. Better Pricing: Properties a few minutes from the main road tend to be more affordable than those right on it. Why? Because everyone wants to be ‘central,’ driving prices sky-high for the privilege of a slightly shorter commute. Moving a few minutes away from the main road gives you better value for money, without sacrificing too much on convenience.
2. Higher Liveability: Living on a main road might give you easy access, but it comes at a noisy price. The further away you are, the more likely you are to enjoy some peace. You’ll be free from the constant honking, engine revs, and general chaos that comes with high-traffic areas. Your home should feel like a sanctuary, not an extension of the city’s noise pollution.
3. More Options: With fewer buildings crowding around you, you are more likely to find houses with enough space, thoughtful floor plans, better ventilation and natural light. This isn’t just good for your belongings but also your overall well-being. Less people means less congestion, giving you more choices than saturated main roads.

The Changing Face of Suburban Living

Today, choosing a home in the outskirts isn’t about compromising on connectivity or lifestyle. In fact, these areas are becoming more self-sufficient, with schools, hospitals, shopping complexes, and entertainment options popping up faster than ever. And while the idea of being ‘far from the city’ might have made homebuyers nervous a decade ago, now it’s seen as a smart, long-term investment as properties in these locations often have higher potential for appreciation as the area develops

The key to smart property investment lies in finding the right balance between current affordability and future potential. Always remember, today’s outskirts will be tomorrow’s prime real estate.

Finding the Perfect Home

Now that you know the benefits of looking beyond the city limits, you’re probably wondering: How do I even begin finding a home in these rapidly developing areas? Because its more than just bricks and mortar; you’re looking for a home that fits your lifestyle, budget, and future plans.

Navigating these complex decisions can be challenging. That’s where expert guidance becomes invaluable. At Settlin, we don’t just list homes; we guide you through the entire process, from navigating the market to closing the deal and getting the keys to your new home. Our platform, along with our team of experts, keeps things simple and stress-free, so you can focus on finding that perfect balance between city buzz and suburban peace.

Remember, your dream home isn’t just about where you live today—it’s about where you’ll build your future.

So, whether you’re ready to embrace the suburban shift or just curious about what the future holds for these outskirt locations, now is the perfect time to explore. With the right balance of location, price, and design, your ideal home is out there, waiting for you. And who knows? In a few years, you might be the one telling everyone about how your neighbourhood is the new city hotspot.

Happy house hunting!