Dehradun is a beautiful capital city of Uttarakhand, and it has a lot to offer. The city is known for its pleasant climate, with comfortable summers and chilly winters. It is nestled in Doon Valley, surrounded by lush mountains and greenery. Dehradun is known for its prestigious educational institutions, including The Doon School, St. Joseph’s Academy, and Welham Girls’ School. The city offers a relaxed pace of life with a diverse community. The city is a gateway to popular Himalayan destinations such as Mussoorie and Rishikesh. The cost of living in Dehradun is lower than that of other metropolitan cities. The city is rich in culture and traditions and features temples, monasteries, and historical sites. This moving guide will help you explore the city in detail.

Cost of living
The cost of living in Dehradun is lower than in the metropolitan cities in India. If you are planning to move here, learn that the housing rental prices vary depending on location and type of accommodations. The cost of buying a property also varies, with average price ranging from ₹3,500 to ₹5,000 per square foot. There are options for affordable street food to mid-range restaurants. There are plenty of options for public transportation, including buses and auto-rickshaws. The utilities are available at affordable prices. Before you move to Dehradun, check out the breakdown for the cost of living –
Category | Approximate Monthly Cost (INR) |
---|---|
Housing (Rent) | ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 per month |
Food | ₹500 – ₹800 per month |
Transportation | ₹10 – ₹30 per ride |
Utilities | ₹1,500 – ₹3,500 per month |
Groceries | ₹2,500 – ₹5,000 per month |
Education | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 |
Job Market & Economy
The job market and economy in the city are a mix of traditional and upcoming sectors. The city is home to several educational and research organizations, including the Forest Research Institute, the Indian Military Academy, and more. Since Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand, it has a substantial presence in government offices and public sector undertakings. The city is in proximity to tourist destinations like Mussoorie and Rishikesh, so it has created jobs like hotels, restaurants, and travel-related businesses. There are several other emerging sectors, including IT and SMEs.
Education system
Dehradun is a well-known city for its educational institutions and is significantly an educational hub in India. The reputation of being an educational centre dates back to the British Era. It is home to several well-reputed colleges and schools. It offers a diverse spectrum of academic institutions including primary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities. These educational institutions follow various curricula including CBSE, ICSE, International Baccalaureate (IB), and Uttarakhand State Board. Higher education institutions are offering academic programs for engineering, management, law, and liberal arts.
Here is the list of some of the top schools in Dehradun –
- The Doon School
- Welham Girls’ School
- St. Joseph Academy
- Ecole Globale International Girls School
- The Asian School
- SelaQui International School
- Welham Boys’ School
The city is home to several prestigious universities and colleges offering an extensive range of academic programs. Here are some top colleges and universities in Dehradun –
- UPES (University of Petroleum and Energy Studies)
- Graphic Era Deemed to be University
- DIT University, Dehradun
- Uttaranchal University
- IMS Unison University
- Shri Guru Ram Rai University
Healthcare facilities
The city offers a diverse range of healthcare facilities catering to various medical needs. There is a mix of hospitals including government hospitals, private hospitals, and clinics. The accessibility to healthcare in Dehradun is generally easy and there are specialized healthcare centres, such as eye institutes and orthopaedic clinics. The city is investing huge funds in developing healthcare infrastructure.
Here is the list of good private and government hospitals in the city –
- Max Super Speciality Hospital
- Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital
- Doon Hospital
- Fortis Escorts Hospital, Dehradun
- Coronation Hospital, Dehradun
Top Locations to Live in Dehradun
To simplify your transition to a new city, it is better to explore the neighbourhoods to find a perfect location for your new home. Dehradun has several residential areas and here we have listed some of the best neighbourhoods for your convenient research –
- Rajpur Road – This neighbourhood is one of the most upscale and prominent areas. It is known for its commercial activity and offers good connectivity to essential services. If you are looking for a well-developed area for your new home, this location is perfect.
- Dharampur Nehru Colony – This is a popular residential area with proximity to educational institutions. It has good connectivity and access to amenities.
- Indra Nagar – This is a well-established residential area with a mix of housing options. It offers a balance of convenience and a peaceful environment. It has a good market and connectivity.
- Vasant Vihar – This is a centrally located neighbourhood with well-maintained residential buildings. This location is known for its greenery and peaceful environment.
- Hathbarkala – This residential area is known for its peaceful environment and exclusive living experience.
- Sahastradhara Road – This neighbourhood is experiencing rapid development and offers a mix of residential options. It has proximity to natural attractions.
Traffic and Transportation
Transportation and traffic in Dehradun are a mix of challenges and evolving infrastructure. The public transportation system includes buses, e-rickshaws, and auto-rickshaws. The number of private vehicles is increasing in the city resulting in traffic congestion. During tourist season and peak hours, experience a huge number of vehicles are on the road, blocking the major routes.
Climate and Weather
Dehradun enjoys a relatively temperate climate because of its location in Doon Valley and proximity to the Himalayas. The city enjoys distinct seasons with pleasant springs and autumn, warm summers, heavy rainfall with high humidity, and cold, temperature-dropping winters. The best season to visit Dehradun is summer and it is also the peak tourist season.
Things to do in Dehradun
The city is an ultimate tourist destination with plenty of recreational opportunities. After moving here, you can do the following things –
- Plan a picnic at the Robber’s Cave, a natural cave formation with river streams.
- Relax at Sahastradhara, which is known for sulphur springs, waterfalls, caves, and scenic beauty.
- Visit Mindrolling Monastery, which has one of the world’s largest stupas.
- Explore interactive science exhibits at the Regional Science Centre.
- Visit Tapkeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with water dripping on the Shivling.
- You can plan a day trip to Mussoorie and Rishikesh.
Pros and Cons of Living in Dehradun
Explore pros and cons of living in Dehradun to prepare for the upcoming challenges.
Pros of living in Dehradun | Cons of living in Dehradun |
---|---|
Dehradun enjoys a moderate climate with warm summers and mild winters | Traffic congestion is a major concern especially during tourist season |
The city is surrounded by lush greenery and easy access to Himalayan destinations | Infrastructure is not well-developed compared to other metropolitan areas |
The cost of living in the city is relatively low | The job market offers limited opportunities |
The city offers relaxed pace of life | Monsoon brings heavy rainfall, resulting in landslides and disruptions |
Dehradun is gateway for many popular hill stations like Mussoorie and Rishikesh | Rapid urbanization is influencing the quaint feel of the city |
FAQs about Dehradun
What are the best neighbourhoods in Dehradun?
The popular neighbourhoods in Dehradun include- Rajpur Road, Indra Nagar, Hathibarkala, Mussoorie Road, Sahastrdhara Road, Dharampur Nehru Colony, and more.
Is it safe to live in Dehradun?
Dehradun is generally considered a safe city to live in, but there are several factors that you must consider, like traffic safety, natural hazards (landslides and floods), and petty thefts.
What are the challenges of living in Dehradun?
Life in Dehradun is full of challenges including traffic congestion, developing infrastructure, rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, healthcare limitations, economic dependency on tourism, limited employment opportunities, and more.