A City of Safety and Opportunity

When Adeline Graham established Fern & Ade, a luxury furniture and lighting business in India, she chose Chennai as her base. 'Something about the city just feels safe,' says Adeline, originally from France. 'When I decided to relocate to India a couple of years ago, I was warned to be alert in other cities, never in Chennai. It was unanimously declared the safest.'

While Hyderabad boasts its 'techiness' and Bengaluru attracts young talent with its vibrant nightlife, Chennai's residents, whether new, old, or transient, agree that safety is the city's strongest soft power. Coined by political scientist Joseph Nye in the 1980s, 'soft power' refers to the ability to attract and persuade, encompassing aspects such as culture, education, healthcare, tourism, and governance that can enhance a city's global reputation and attract skilled professionals, students, and investors.

Safety is considered crucial for businesses and expats as it directly influences relocation decisions and retention, attracting top talent. It also reduces the anxiety of adapting to a new environment, especially for families and women professionals. In short, convincing people to move to Chennai is easier now than five years ago, says Siva Padmanabhan, managing director of AstraZeneca India. 'We have found that for people moving into the city, adapting to the local language and accessing social infrastructure such as schools and hospitals are becoming less of an issue. The city is becoming better at accommodating newcomers,' he says.

Aditya Mishra, managing director and CEO of CIEL HR Services, notes a clear increase in the availability of quality multi-storied residential apartments, better schooling, and healthcare facilities, making the city more appealing to a diverse workforce. 'The proportion of non-local workers in white-collar jobs has increased in the past decade,' he says. For expats, Chennai offers practical benefits, with Koreans, its largest expatriate community, drawn to the city's cultural familiarity.

The ability to communicate easily is another reason expats find Chennai easy to adapt to. While Tamil is the main language, English is widely spoken, making it easier for newcomers to settle in. Chennai's strategic location adds to its appeal, being just a few hours from Singapore and Bangkok, making it convenient for holidays. Business growth is another key factor, with Chennai becoming a hub for industries such as automotive, pharma, and finance.

Livingcost.org estimates that living in Chennai is about 15% cheaper than Bengaluru, with lower costs across various aspects, including three-bedroom apartment prices, utility bills, gym memberships, and international primary school fees. However, Chennai's clubbing regulations are its weakest link, with entertainment options being restrictive, especially with alcohol restrictions and clubs shutting down before midnight.

Despite this, Chennai's other strengths continue to win over long-time residents. When Ajit Shetty moved from Mumbai to Chennai 20 years ago, he thought it would be a six-month experiment. 'I never wanted to leave, even though my family is still in Mumbai,' says the 50-year-old CEO of Score and a self-proclaimed Chennai loyalist. 'The clear premium placed on education in Chennai is one of its biggest draws,' he says. 'You may not find a nightlife here, but you will find a sense of belonging.'