Shifting to Chandigarh

Cost of living

Chandigarh offers an affordable cost of living that can vary depending on your lifestyle. The major contributing factor to the higher cost of living in certain areas is expensive housing. However, several suburban areas like Mohali and Panchkula offer affordable housing. All the other expenses can vary depending on their usage. Here is the breakdown for the cost of living in Chandigarh-

Job Market & Economy

Chandigarh is the capital of both Punjab and Haryana and offers significant opportunities in the government sector. The city has a thriving and diverse job market with abundant opportunities in distinct sectors. In the government sector, you can find opportunities for administrative roles, public sector undertakings, and related services. Other industries significantly contributing to the economy of Chandigarh are Information Technology (IT), education, healthcare, service sector, retail and hospitality.

Education system

The education system of Chandigarh is considered to be strong, with a mix of government and private institutions. The city has a comprehensive network of schools and colleges offering various academic programs to fulfil all educational needs. In Chandigarh, you can find different types of schools including government schools, government-aided schools, recognized private schools, and central government schools. Most schools in the city follow the CBSE curriculum and focus on providing quality education.

Here is the list of some of the top schools in Chandigarh-

• Carmel Convent School
• Delhi Public School (DPS), Chandigarh
• St. John’s High School
• Kendriya Vidyalayas
• Vivek High School
• Bhavan Vidyalaya, Sector 27B
• Chitkara International School

Chandigarh is home to reputable higher education institutions such as universities and colleges. Here, we have provided references to some of the top colleges and universities in Chandigarh-

• Panjab University
• Punjab Engineering College
• Chandigarh University
• Chitkara University
• Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER)
• Government College of Art
• Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women (MCM DAV)
• DAV College, Chandigarh
• Government Medical College and Hospital

Healthcare facilities

Learning about healthcare facilities in a city is important to be prepared for any kind of medical need. Chandigarh has a robust healthcare system with a mix of government and private hospitals. Hospitals in the city offer advanced medical care with easy access to the public. The medical care provided by government hospitals is more accessible and affordable. Hospitals are providing medical care for medical health issues like cardiology, oncology, and more.

Here is the list of good private and government hospitals in the city-

• PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research)
• Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH)
• Fortis Hospital
• Max Super Speciality Hospital
• Paras Hospitals

Top Locations to Live in Chandigarh

Chandigarh has well-planned sectors with high standards of living across the city. Here are some of the best locations in the city where you can find your new home-

• Sector 8 – This location is often referred to as “Mini LA” because of its stylish cafes, elegant homes, and upscale shopping. The location is popular among retired army officers and families looking for a sophisticated lifestyle.
• Sector 5 – It is known as the “VIP Sector” because of its high-ranking officials and influential individuals. The location features luxurious bungalows, top-notch security, and well-maintained parks.
• Sector 9 – This is also a prestigious location with designer bungalows and villas. This location is a home to celebrities and VIPs offering a luxurious and secure environment.
• Sector 33 – This location is a popular choice for business families that prefer upscale residences and beautiful green spaces. The location offers excellent infrastructure and a vibrant atmosphere.
• Sector 44 – This neighbourhood offers a tranquil environment, independent houses, and apartments. This location has good connectivity.
• Sector 10- This location has residential and commercial spaces with a focus on high-end homes. This is in proximity to Rock Garden and Rose Garden.

Traffic and Transportation

The transportation system in Chandigarh is characterized by a well-planned road network. The city has a grid-like structure and wide roads. The public transportation is managed by The Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU). The city is connected to neighbouring states with national highways passing through the city. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of private vehicles leading to increased congestion. Other than CTU, the city has transportation options including auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, ride-sharing options, and rental cars.

Climate and Weather

Chandigarh experiences a continental climate throughout the year with four distinct seasons. The summers in the city are hot and dry but monsoons bring some relief with heavy downpours. Winters can be foggy and extremely cold with significant temperature drops.

Things to do in Chandigarh

After moving into Chandigarh, you can explore the city attractions to learn about the history of the city-

• The city is home to a number of parks and gardens that you can explore-
  • o Rock Garden
  • o Rose Garden
  • o Sukhna Lake
  • o Japanese Garden
  • o Leisure Valley
• Visit Capitol Complex which is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring iconic buildings including the Secretariat, Legislative Assembly, and High Court.
• Explore the collection of arts, artifacts, and historical exhibits at the Government Museum and Art Gallery.
• Visit the Open Hand Monument which is a symbolic structure representing peace and unity.
• Visit a museum showcasing dolls from around the world at International Dolls Museum.

Pros and Cons of Living in Chandigarh

Explore pros and cons of living in Chandigarh to prepare for the upcoming challenges.