If you have ever searched for a decent PG in Bangalore at short notice you know what that means – 15 tabs open in your browser, 3 brokers calling you at the same time, at least one property that turns out to be a flat with a curtain for the second room. Bangalore’s rental market moves at an unimaginable pace and not everything looks what it seems in pictures. You can also explore nearby pg in bangalore by Stanza Living.
But it’s not all doom and gloom – the PG market has come a long way over the last few years. No more choices between a shady bachelor flat and an overpriced service apartment – you actually have middle ground with choices varying from area to area. Below is a guide by area, focusing on the actual utility of each zone in the city:
Koramangala
Arguably the most searched for location for a PG, Koramangala’s popularity is justified by its location, walkability (in parts) and density of cafes, gyms and co-working spaces. Students and professionals who work in start-ups or have their jobs in the IT hubs located near Koramangala, need not look further as the commute is usually not more than 20 mins.
But Koramangala is pricey, its PGs can be expensive and rooms can be tough to come by during peak hiring season (March-April & Sept). Students must seriously consider if the central location is worth the premium – unless their college is also in the vicinity.
HSR Layout
HSR has quietly become the preferred choice for students who want the lifestyle of Koramangala without the cost. This area has a decent social life now (a long street lined with restaurants on 27th Main, Agara Lake, etc.) and great connectivity to both the IT belts and parts of old Bangalore.
Working professionals looking for something more residential but still close to all the action should opt for HSR.
Whitefield
This is the best area to look for a PG if you work at ITPL. Thousands work here and commuting from other areas is nearly impossible during peak hours. The locality has developed incredibly and offers almost all the amenities with hospitals, malls, schools and decent entertainment options available.
Less exciting than the other areas but very practical if reaching work before 8pm is a priority.
Electronic City
A similar thought process as Whitefield. This is a work-focused area. If you work in one of the large IT campuses located here, then living nearby is crucial due to the atrocious traffic on the Electronic City flyover. A lot less vibrant than the others but if you value sleep and your peace of mind, this is the place to be.
Marathahalli and Bellandur
These areas are grouped together as they are ideally located at the intersection of various work hubs in Bangalore – ITPL, the ORR and Sarjapur being just minutes away. This is a good area if your job location isn’t finalized or if you switch companies within the IT sector. Bellandur has witnessed tremendous growth in terms of infrastructure and offers numerous PG/Co-living options.
Jayanagar and JP Nagar
People looking for the feel of “old Bangalore" – trees, old markets and a generally calmer environment will find their preference in these areas. Both these localities are popular with students as colleges in these areas are aplenty. Professional individuals seeking a quiet environment over proximity to pubs and nightlife may find these places ideal. However, connectivity to north and east Bangalore IT corridors could be an issue here.
So what to look for?
When choosing a PG, these points matter:
First, who is managing the PG. Many individual owners lack the efficiency to run a PG properly. If a geyser stops working on a Sunday and there’s no one from the owner’s end to sort it out, it’s a nightmare. Professionally managed spaces offer prompt response and maintenance. This is where brands like Stanza Living are gaining popularity because they handle things efficiently and provide great value with added services.
Second, look at the real commute. Online calculations are based on distance, but in Bangalore the real commute could take thrice the actual distance. If possible, visit during peak hours on a weekday or speak to people who reside there.
Third, notice the small details in your deposit and notice period terms. The majority of issues between students and PGs revolve around ambiguities concerning these details. Get it all in writing.
Bottom line
There is no single ‘best’ area to find a PG in Bangalore-it is dependent on your campus/ workplace and what you are willing to sacrifice to shave a few kilometers off your commute. Koramangala and HSR work best for students who want to be central while Whitefield and Electronic City are ideal for those with an established workplace outside Bangalore’s main city limits. For the old Bangalore lovers and those who like a laid-back evening lifestyle Jayanagar and JP Nagar are good options. No matter which area you select, opt for a PG with quality living services than the cheaper option-that’s what’ll help you in the long run!
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