Shifting to Agra

Cost of living

The cost of living in Agra is relatively affordable, and several factors are responsible for that. The city has lower housing costs, reasonable food, and reasonable public transportation. The cost of housing can vary depending on the location, size, and property type. Other amenities in the city are affordable. Here is the breakdown of the cost of living in Agra –

Job Market & Economy

The economy of Agra is primarily driven by tourism, small-scale industries, agriculture, and education. These sectors have strong roots in the city that affect the job market and overall economic growth.

The job market in the city is affected by various factors but the overall employment situation can be competitive for skilled and professional positions. The economic growth of Agra depends on its ability to attract investments, enhance skill development, and more. Due to the seasonality in the tourism sector, there are huge fluctuations in job demand and economic activities. There is a requirement for infrastructure development to attract more tourists and the local workforce needs skill development.

Major sectors contributing to the economy of Agra include agriculture, the job market, and tourism.

Education system

Agra is known for its well-established education system. The city has a variety of schools and institutions offering diverse educational programs. Schools follow different curricula- Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Uttar Pradesh State Board Curriculum, and IB.

The city has government schools, private schools, and international schools. The city is home to several universities, colleges (engineering and medical), and other institutions offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs for different expertise.

Here is the list of top schools in Agra-

• GD Goenka Public School
• St. Claire Senior Secondary School
• Milton Public School
• The International School, Agra
• Prelude Public School

Agra is home to several universities including Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, and Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University.

The city has many engineering and medical colleges including Dayalbagh Engineering College, Anand Engineering College, Rajkiya Engineering College, Agra Medical College, Sarojini Naidu Medical College, and more.

Healthcare facilities

Agra has a mix of public and private healthcare facilities providing a diverse range of medical care. These hospitals offer high-quality and basic diagnostic services, emergency care, surgeries, and specialized treatments. Here is the list of best private and government hospitals –

• Sarojini Naidu Medical College Hospital
• District Hospital
• Community Health Centres (CHCs)
• Global Rainbow Hospital
• Shanti Ved Institute of Medical Sciences

Top Locations to Live in Agra

Agra is a city steeped in history and offers a variety of residential options for different budgets and preferences. Here is the list of locations where you can find your home in Agra –

• Tajganj –
  This is primarily a tourist area that has exclusive residential properties. This is a dream location as residents of this location enjoy stunning views of the Taj Mahal.
• Fatehabad Road –
  This locality is known for its luxurious villas and upscale apartments. This is a prime residential area and all the amenities and attractions are in proximity.
• Khandari –
  This is a developing residential area with modern villas and apartments. If you are a professional or student, this is a perfect location as it offers a peaceful atmosphere and educational institutions are in proximity.
• Loha Mandi –
  This is a well-established residential area with a mix of old and new housing. It is a family-friendly location with easy access to schools, shopping areas, and hospitals.
• Keria Road –
  This is a developing area with affordable housing options and good connectivity to other parts of the city. It is located near Agra Airport.
• Rakabganj –
  This is a traditional residential area and offers affordable housing options. It is well connected to the city centre and has a mix of old and new buildings.
• Agra Cantt –
  This is a military cantonment area with a family-friendly environment. It has a mix of old and new buildings with relatively affordable houses.

Traffic and Transportation

Agra is a city with a growing population and like other cities in India, it faces issues related to traffic and transportation. There are congestion issues in the city during peak hours and it results in delayed travel time.

For local commute, there are auto-rickshaws and rickshaws in the city available at reasonable prices. There are private taxis and public buses for moving around the city. Agra has a well-connected railway network and intercity bus services. The city has an airport but the flights are limited for the location.

Climate & weather

Agra is located in the northern plains of India and experiences a tropical dry climate. The city experiences distinct seasons during summers the temperature will be high and can reach up to 45C. The city remains hot and dry because of the hot winds, usually called “loo”.

The rainfall is typically moderate and the temperature is slightly cooler. In Agra, winters can be critical and the temperature can go below 5 C. Nights can be very chilly and there will be fog.

Things to do in Agra

Agra is the prime tourist destination of India where thousands of national and international tourists travel. The city has numerous historical places and other attractions for visitors –

• The prime site for which people come to Agra- The Taj Mahal is an iconic monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site should be the first place to explore in Agra.
• Explore another UNESCO World Heritage Site- Agra Fort which once served as the capital of the Mughal Empire. The place has beautiful courtyards, palaces, and mosques.
• Visit Mehtab Bagh which is a beautiful Mughal Garden located across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal.
• Plan a picnic in a deserted Mughal city- Fatehpur Sikri. This is also a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and intricate cravings.
• Akbar’s Tomb is a magnificent structure with a peaceful environment.
• You can take a boat ride on the Yamuna River and enjoy the scenic beauty.
• There are many local markets including Sadar Bazar, Kinari Bazar, Hari Parvat, and more.
• Don’t miss the most famous Agra ka Petha. This is a sweet prepared with ash gourd.

Pros and Cons of Living in Agra

When you move to a new city, you only want to learn about the pros of the place. Learning about the cons of living in the city is also essential to be prepared for the challenges.