Best Places to Live in Kerala: Your 2025 Guide
Admin
- 5th Mar 2025
- 1205
- 0
Never miss any update
Join our WhatsApp Channel
Thinking about moving to Kerala? This beautiful state in south India has something for everyone. From busy cities to quiet hill stations, let's explore the top 10 places where you can make a home in "God's Own Country."
Why People Love Living in Kerala in 2025
Kerala stands out in India for good reasons. Almost everyone here can read and write. The healthcare is top-notch. And just look around - backwaters, beaches, hills - it's stunning everywhere!
Recent years have brought many changes. New metros, smart city projects, and growing IT parks have made life better. Still, Kerala keeps its natural charm while adding modern comforts.
10 Great Places to Call Home in Kerala
1. Kochi: Where Old Meets New
Kochi mixes heritage with modern life like nowhere else in Kerala.
What's Happening Now:
- Metro lines reach more areas now
- New water taxi service connects islands
- More IT jobs at InfoPark Phase III
- Lots of startups at Maker Village
Good Areas to Live: Kakkanad if you work in IT, Marine Drive for waterfront views, Fort Kochi for old-world charm, Edappally for shopping, and Tripunithura for culture lovers.
Perfect For: Young workers, tech people, business starters, and anyone who wants city life near the water.
2. Thiruvananthapuram: The Capital with Culture
The state capital mixes government stability with rich culture and growing tech jobs.
What's Happening Now:
- New seaport brings more business
- Technopark keeps growing with 600+ companies
- Better airport with more flights
- New path connects historic temples and museums
Good Areas to Live: Kowdiar for fancy homes, Vellayambalam near government offices, Sreekaryam near colleges, and Kovalam close to beaches.
Perfect For: Government workers, teachers, tech workers, and culture lovers.
3. Kozhikode: The Old Port with New Dreams
Once a famous spice port, Kozhikode now offers modern living with strong education options.
What's Happening Now:
- More tech companies at Cyberpark
- New highway to Kannur and Mangalore
- Growing medical tourism
- Old markets getting a fresh look
Good Areas to Live: Malaparamba with lots of trees, Jawahar Nagar for nice homes, Chevayur near schools, and Beypore by the historic port.
Perfect For: Teachers, doctors, history buffs, and food lovers.
4. Thrissur: Culture and Business Together
Thrissur shows off Kerala's artistic soul while keeping a strong business community.
What's New:
- Big new place for cultural shows
- Gold and textile businesses using modern methods
- IT companies moving to Infopark Thrissur
- New housing areas with shops nearby
Good Areas to Live: Punkunnam for traditional feel, Ayyanthole near schools, Ollur for business, and Guruvayur for temple visits.
Perfect For: Artists, business owners, gold traders, and religious folks.
5. Kottayam: Books and Peace
Known for publishing the first Malayalam newspapers, Kottayam offers great schools among rubber plantations and hills.
What's New:
- New media hub celebrates Kottayam's publishing history
- Better rubber research and farming
- Faster roads to Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram
- More Ayurvedic treatment centers for visitors
Good Areas to Live: Nagampadam near schools, Kumaranalloor for quiet living, Ettumanoor for history, and Kumarakom by the backwaters.
Perfect For: Teachers, writers, nature lovers, and retirees looking for peace.
6. Alappuzha: Life on the Water
Called the "Venice of the East" for its canals and backwaters.
What's New:
- Better ways to protect the backwaters
- Cleaner, greener houseboats
- Coir industry making new products
- Better flood protection
Good Areas to Live: Changanassery for quiet homes, Beach Road near the sea, Mullakkal in town center, and Kuttanad among rice fields and water.
Perfect For: Tourism workers, nature lovers, photographers, and water enthusiasts.
7. Ernakulam: City Life with Better Prices
The mainland part of Kochi has all city comforts but homes cost a bit less.
What's New:
- New neighborhoods with homes and shops together
- Longer Marine Drive with more things to do
- Better buses and transport
- More specialty shops and markets
Good Areas to Live: Kadavanthra for nice homes, Palarivattom for shopping, Kaloor for entertainment, and Edappally for modern living.
Perfect For: Business people, families wanting good schools, and city lovers.
8. Palakkad: Where Cultures Mix
Near the mountains with a culture influenced by neighboring Tamil Nadu.
What's New:
- More factory jobs in Kanjikode
- New IT Park bringing tech work
- Modern farming in the "Rice Bowl of Kerala"
- Better train connections for trade
Good Areas to Live: Sultanpet for history, Olavakkode near the railway, Kalpathy in the traditional Brahmin area, and Malampuzha near the dam.
Perfect For: Factory workers, farmers, and those who like cultural diversity.
9. Kannur: The Rising Star in the North
Once known for handloom and politics, Kannur now shines as a coastal city with great connections.
What's New:
- International airport brings more visitors and jobs
- New medical and engineering colleges
- Coastal highway to other big cities
- Handloom industry making modern designs for export
Good Areas to Live: Thavakkara in the city center, Payyambalam near beaches, Muthappan Parambu for cultural activities, and Azhikode by the river.
Perfect For: Airport workers, teachers, textile makers, and beach lovers who don't want crowds.
10. Wayanad: Cool Mountain Living
This misty district offers cooler weather and amazing natural beauty.
What's New:
- Programs to protect local plants and animals
- Investment in coffee and spice farms
- New wellness centers combining Ayurveda with mountain air
- Workspaces for people who work online remotely
Good Areas to Live: Kalpetta (main town), Vythiri near forests, Sultan Bathery with historical sites, and Meppadi among plantations.
Perfect For: Nature lovers, organic farmers, wellness practitioners, remote workers, and people who hate the heat.
Kerala Real Estate in 2025: What's Trending
The housing market in Kerala has changed a lot lately:
- Green Buildings: Eco-friendly homes cost 10-15% more but save on bills
- All-in-One Communities: Places with homes, shops and schools together are popular in big cities
- Water Views: Properties near backwaters or sea cost 12-15% more each year
- NRI Buyers: People returning from Gulf countries buying luxury homes
- Senior Living: Special communities for older folks growing in Kottayam and Kozhikode
- Shared Living: Modern options for sharing homes in IT areas
- Flood-Safe Designs: After recent floods, safer home designs cost more
Finding Your Perfect Spot in Kerala
Kerala has something for everyone. Pick based on what matters to you:
- For Jobs: Try Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, or Kozhikode
- For Culture: Look at Thrissur or Kottayam
- For Nature: Consider Alappuzha, Wayanad, or Palakkad
- For Education: Check out Kozhikode, Kannur, or Kottayam
- For Retirement: Think about Kottayam, Wayanad, or Alappuzha
- For Cooler Weather: Head to Wayanad or higher parts of Palakkad
- For Beaches: Explore Kannur or quieter parts of Alappuzha
From busy cities to peaceful retreats, Kerala truly has it all. Come see why they call it God's Own Country!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kerala compared to other Indian states?
Kerala has a moderate cost of living compared to major Indian metros. Housing in cities like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram costs less than in Mumbai or Bangalore. Daily expenses are reasonable, but imported goods can be pricey. A family of four needs about ₹50,000-70,000 monthly in cities and ₹35,000-50,000 in smaller towns for comfortable living.
Is Kerala good for retirement?
Kerala is excellent for retirement! The state offers quality healthcare, peaceful surroundings, and a slower pace of life. Places like Kottayam, Wayanad, and parts of Alappuzha are popular with retirees. Many communities now have senior-friendly housing with medical facilities nearby. The pleasant climate (except during monsoons) and strong community spirit make retirement here enjoyable.
How are the schools and education options in Kerala?
Kerala has some of India's best schools and colleges. The state's 100% literacy rate shows its focus on education. You'll find CBSE, ICSE, and state board schools in all major towns. International schools are available in cities like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. For higher education, Kerala has respected institutions for medicine, engineering, arts, and sciences.
What about the weather in Kerala?
Kerala has a tropical climate with three main seasons: summer (March-May) with temperatures of 28-35°C, monsoon (June-November) with heavy rainfall, and winter (December-February) with pleasant 20-28°C weather. Coastal areas are humid year-round. If you prefer cooler temperatures, hill stations like Wayanad offer relief with temperatures 5-7°C lower than coastal regions.
Is there a language barrier for non-Malayalam speakers?
While Malayalam is the main language, many Keralites speak English, especially in cities and tourist areas. Basic English is widely understood in shops, restaurants, and offices. Hindi is less common but recognized in urban centers. Learning a few Malayalam phrases helps but isn't essential for daily life. Government offices usually have English-speaking staff.
How are job opportunities in Kerala?
IT, healthcare, tourism, and education offer the most jobs in Kerala. Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode have growing IT parks. Tourism provides many opportunities throughout the state. Banking, retail, and manufacturing also have openings. Salaries may be lower than in Bangalore or Mumbai, but the cost of living is also less. Many professionals work remotely from Kerala while employed elsewhere.
What about healthcare facilities?
Kerala has excellent healthcare with world-class hospitals in major cities. Medical College hospitals in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode offer affordable care. Private hospitals like KIMS, Aster Medcity, and Amrita Institute provide specialized treatment. Even smaller towns have reasonable facilities. Medical tourism is growing, especially for Ayurvedic treatments. Health insurance is recommended despite the relatively affordable costs.
Is Kerala safe for families?
Kerala is one of India's safest states with lower crime rates than many other regions. Communities are generally close-knit and supportive. Women report feeling safer than in many other Indian states. The police presence is good in urban areas. Natural disasters like flooding during monsoon season are the main safety concern rather than crime.
How is the internet and mobile connectivity?
Major cities have excellent internet with fiber connections offering speeds up to 300 Mbps. Rural areas have improved greatly with 4G coverage across most of the state. Mobile connectivity is generally good except in remote hilly regions. Work-from-home setups are common now, with many tech professionals choosing Kerala for its quality of life while working remotely.
What about transportation within Kerala?
Kerala has a decent transportation network. Buses connect almost all towns and villages. Train service is good along coastal regions. Kochi has a metro system that's expanding. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are widely available. Water transport is common in backwater regions. Roads can be narrow but are generally well-maintained. Traffic congestion exists in city centers during peak hours. Having your own vehicle helps in less connected areas.
How much does housing cost in Kerala?
Housing costs vary widely. In Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram, a 2-bedroom apartment costs ₹40-60 lakh to buy or ₹12,000-20,000 monthly to rent. Smaller towns like Kottayam or Palakkad are 30-40% cheaper. Waterfront properties and homes in premium areas command higher prices. New apartments with amenities cost more than older independent houses. Land prices range from ₹5-15 lakh per cent (1/100 acre) depending on location.
Is Kerala prone to natural disasters?
Kerala faces monsoon flooding, especially in low-lying areas near rivers and backwaters. The 2018 and 2019 floods affected many regions. Coastal erosion impacts some beach areas. Landslides occasionally occur in hilly regions during heavy rains. The government has improved disaster management systems since 2018. When buying property, check the area's flooding history and avoid zones prone to natural calamities.
Comments
No comments yet.
Add Your Comment
Thank you, for commenting !!
Your comment is under moderation...
Keep reading blogs