City
Gurugram, known as the Millennium City, is often equated with global business hubs like San Francisco, Boston, and even Singapore, in terms of its living standards. General life in Gurugram is filled with a dynamic mix of economic progress, innovation, and elevated lifestyle aspirations. Here is a round-up of the quality of life in Gurugram, covering various aspects.
These include everything from safety, population, and demographics to geography, nightlife, daily life, languages, green spaces, weather, and affordability. That’s not all; the guide also covers education and healthcare in the city, in addition to business and office hubs, lifestyle amenities, community life, governance, and even shopping, dining, and leisure. Along with the pros and cons of living in Gurgaon, there is also a look at the city’s real estate trends and evolution.
As one of India’s fastest-developing cities, Gurugram has evolved rapidly towards offering high living standards and a good quality of life for its residents. Noted Bollywood actor Asrani, who passed away a few days back, once said, I had always thought Gurgaon was some village, it was only when I came here that I realized that it is nothing less than a world-class city. The aspiration to be at par with other global megacities is what defines Gurugram.
The Gurugram Police is under the aegis of the Haryana Police, Government of Haryana. It was converted to a Commissionerate of Police in 2007. Headed by a Commissioner of Police, it is also manned by one Joint Commissioner of Police, seven Deputy Commissioners of Police, and twenty-four Assistant Commissioners of Police. Gurugram has a number of police stations throughout the city and underlying district. It is divided into four Police Districts- East, West, South, and Manesar, each headed by a DCP in the rank of Superintendent of Police.
Gurugram is safer to live in than many other Indian cities, although it does have some unsafe areas. One should be careful about vehicle theft, street brawls, and abandoned stretches in some cases. The Numbeo Crime Index, a global crowd-sourced database ranks Gurugram at 144 with a safety index of 46.0 and a crime index of 54.0. Gurugram also has a network of civil fire stations for emergencies. The fire emergency number is 101, while the centralized number for emergencies is 112. Police and disaster management numbers are 100 and 108 respectively. There is also a helpline for women (181 or 1091) and 102 for ambulance assistance.
Gurugram is one of the urbanized regions in the Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region). The average literacy rate is 87.52%, while the sex ratio is 846 per 1,000 males. The major religion in the region is Hinduism (91.88%), followed by Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and other religions.
Gurugram is situated near the NCR, being 32 km southwest of New Delhi, and 268 km southwest of the state capital of Chandigarh. As per the 2011 Census, the total area is 1253 sq. km, with a total population of 876,969 (as per the last Census). The literacy rate back then was 84.4%, while the population growth rate was about 79.93%, with 1241 people per sq. km.
The main languages are Hindi and Haryanvi for the locals, while English is widely used in business and corporate settings. Many people in Gurugram also speak Punjabi, along with other languages like Rajasthani, Bengali, and even Braj Bhasha.
The estimated population of Gurugram in 2025 is about 1,282,000, going by the average expected growth rates. The last census was held in 2011, with the population mapped at 876,969.
Gurugram is worth living in, in case you’re looking for a city that’s progressing rapidly in terms of its economy and business. This translates into several job opportunities, a global corporate culture, and a more urbanized landscape. The city has the third-highest per capita income in the country, while it also benefits from easy access to Delhi and other parts of the NCR, along with the IGI Airport and major highways. It is worth living in Gurugram for the elevated lifestyle, community living, top-notch social amenities, and easy connectivity.
Here is a snapshot of daily life in Gurugram for various kinds of residents:
Corporate employees usually follow morning workout or walking regimes in their communities, followed by morning commutes, work and meetings, and then socializing. Weekends are mostly for movies, pubbing, clubbing, mall-hopping, shopping, and dining.
Those at home benefit from access to walking and fitness facilities in their residential societies, while being able to access home services for food and various needs. They engage in community life (swimming, socializing, parks, clubhouse amenities, etc.), along with household tasks and hobbies.
Seniors usually engage in fitness activities, yoga, and meditation in their communities, while interacting with peers in common spaces. Their daily routines include time for hobbies, gatherings, reading, indoor games, crafts, and getting daily tasks completed with assistance.
Gurugram offers a vibrant nightlife circuit, with numerous clubs, lounges, party places, stand-up comedy venues, and more. You will discover everything from rooftop bars and lounges for stunning views, along with dance clubs, nightclubs, pubs, bars, live music venues, specialty bars, and even dedicated gaming zones like Timezone or Smaaash.
Cyber Hub is centrally located and home to multiple bars, restaurants, and entertainment destinations. Sector-29 is a nightlife hub in Gurugram and houses several cafes, restaurants, pubs, and spaces to relax and unwind. Some key joints include Soi 7 which encompasses a microbrewery and terrace, along with Klub Hermis which is the first super-club in the country. Other favorites include the Story Club and Lounge, Iluzn Club & Kitchen, Decode Underground, and The Whiskey Bar & Brewpub. You should also check out Club Prison and Cocktails and Dreams Speakeasy. If you are fond of stand-up comedy, there are several venues available in and around Cyber Hub.
The Gurugram district is about 30 km southwards from the National Capital of New Delhi. It is also 10 km away from the sub-city of Dwarka and 268 km south from Chandigarh, the state capital. The city is within the NCR and is within commuting distance of Delhi through the metro network and expressway. It is also approximately 50.8 km and 271 km away from Noida and Jaipur respectively.
Gurugram is situated in the southeastern part of Haryana and borders the Union Territory of Delhi. The topography is majorly flat, with alluvium soil, although there is a quartzite ridge passing through the region. Adjacent areas also include Faridabad, Rewari, Jhajjar, Palwal, and Nuh. The average land elevation is 237 meters above sea level.
Gurugram is home to numerous green spaces and community recreation areas.
Gurugram’s climate is usually synonymous with a moderate monsoon, dry and cold winter, and a sweltering and hot summer.
Gurugram has a well-developed education sector, comprising several public and private schools, including those offering the IB, ICSE, and CBSE curricula. There are several reputed higher education institutions as well, such as colleges, universities, and polytechnics that offer technical/vocational, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses to learners.
Here is a look at some of the top institutions:
Colleges:
Universities:
Schools:
Gurugram has a well-developed healthcare system, comprising multi-super specialty hospitals and smaller healthcare centers. Some of the leading hospitals include:
There are smaller facilities as well, including the Wellmed Hospitals and Miracles Apollo Cradle Hospital. The city has 3 general public hospitals, 12 community/public health centres (PHCs/CHCs), 4 ESI dispensaries, and 99 private hospitals and nursing homes in total. Gurugram is also home to about 697 pharmacies as per reports, spanning reputed brands like Apollo Pharmacy, Health and Glow (Reliance Retail), Soin Medical Store, Gayatri Medical Store, Bholenath Drugs, etc.
Gurugram offers excellent retail, entertainment, and dining choices. Here’s taking a closer look:
Shopping Malls:
Some of the leading shopping malls include the Ambience Mall (Sector 24/25), DLF Emporio (Nelson Mandela Road), MGF Metropolitan Mall (Sector 24), Sahara Mall (Sector 28), and the Omaxe City (Sector 49).
Local Markets:
Gurugram is home to several Sectoral Markets, i.e., local markets in residential sectors for groceries, food, and other necessities. Some of the popular sector markets include the Sector 14 Market (historic market with essentials and groceries) and the Galleria Market in DLF Phase-4 that offers boutique stores, cafes, and eateries. Then there is the Arjun Marg Market for affordable and branded clothing, the Sadar Bazaar for street food and traditional apparel, and the Qutub Plaza.
Lounges, Restaurants, Cafes, and Standup Culture:
Gurugram also offers a flourishing dining and nightlife circuit. Cyber Hub is a hotspot for multiple cafes and restaurants, while Sector 29 is famous for its microbreweries, pubs, and clubs. You will also find several upscale cafes and restaurants in DLF Phase 1 & 2, along with the Galleria Market. The standup culture in Gurugram has also taken off, with popular venues including the Stand-up Comedy Club, Laughs and Giggles, and Open Mic Nights, especially in the Cyber Hub stretch.
Gurugram is regarded as one of the more expensive metropolises in the country. It is expensive to live in Gurgaon for most people, depending on lifestyle and housing choices. Groceries and food may be affordable, along with public transportation, but rent/housing EMIs are the biggest expenditure for people, along with entertainment, education, and lifestyle costs. One should explore in detail the living costs in Gurugram before moving in to the city.
For Buyers:
Gurugram is expensive for homebuyers, considering how it is one of India’s most expensive real estate markets today. The average rates currently stand at INR 11,712 per sq. ft. with steady growth in demand and property prices alike. Mid-range and premium housing options are still available to suit varied budgets, although affordable units are hard to come by. There are additional maintenance, membership, and lifestyle costs that come into the equation for homebuyers as well.
For Tenants:
For tenants, Gurugram is certainly costlier than Delhi, although there are still some affordable pockets and sectors. These include Palam Vihar, Sector 15, Sohna Road, and so on.
It may be hard to manage with INR 25,000 in Gurugram. A single person on a strict budget may be able to get by, but it will require careful spending and judicious money management. Most of the money will go into rent, leaving tightly regulated spends for groceries and food, transportation, utilities, and other costs.
INR 70,000 is a decent salary in Gurugram for a bachelor. However, for a family or someone with a good lifestyle, it may be just enough to get by. In this case, the typical monthly cost for a family of three may be at least INR 60-70,000, which eliminates the possibilities of savings at this salary level. Families may be more comfortable with earnings of at least INR 1-1.2 lakh per month in Gurugram.
Gurugram is one of the biggest office and commercial hubs in the country.
Key Commercial & Office Locations (with Connectivity & Lifestyle Amenities):
It is a leading corporate hub that houses leading MNCs, IT companies, and consulting firms, such as Google, Microsoft, IBM, and Deloitte). It is easily accessible through the NH-48, Rapid Metro, and Dwarka Expressway. The entire zone is dotted with premium restaurants, retail outlets, cafes, and more.
It is a major commercial and industrial zone that is home to multiple companies across sectors, ranging from manufacturing to IT. The Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway/NH-48 is nearby, making it a strategic location for companies. The lifestyle quotient is high in this area, with rapidly growing amenities and food and beverage choices.
This zone is home to multiple corporate offices along with luxury residential projects. Multiple companies in the BFSI and IT sectors are present here, while it is well-connected via the Dwarka Expressway and major arterial roads. The lifestyle here is upscale, with several luxury hotels, clubs, fine-dining options, etc.
It is a rapidly developing neighborhood with both commercial and residential projects. The Golf Course Extension Road is nearby, while the lifestyle quotient is high, with restaurants, cafes, and local markets.
Gurugram is a key technology hub, with 500+ technology companies including Microsoft, IBM, Google, and more. Financial services, banking, consulting, professional services, and retail are also some of the key economic segments here.
Gurugram is a good place to work as far as corporates and employees are concerned. Not only does it have a high concentration of leading companies across segments, it also offers multiple job opportunities. Networking, brainstorming, co-working spaces, and entrepreneurial ecosystems- they are all robustly developed in Gurugram. Business infrastructure is top-notch in the city, while cutting-edge tech and innovation are transforming workspaces.
Here is a snapshot of the lifestyle amenities for corporate professionals working in Gurugram.
Main Business Parks with Amenities:
There are several business parks in Gurugram, offering top-notch lifestyle amenities and business features for companies and professionals. Some of the top choices include the DLF Cyber City, Udyog Vihar, International Tech Park Gurgaon, M3M Urbana Business Park, and the AIPL Corporate Greens, to name a few.
Cafes:
Business hubs usually have cafes and meeting places for networking, quick catch-ups, and even to relax after work. Some of the popular cafes for professionals in Gurugram include Café by Soul, Starbucks, Greenr Café, and Café Delhi Heights, among others.
Community Corporate Amenities:
Many business parks and co-working spaces offer community corporate amenities that everyone can enjoy. Some of these shared amenities include co-working seats, high-speed Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, conferencing, business lounges, cafeterias, swimming pools and gyms, sports facilities, and perks like printing, legal services, etc.
Business Clubs & Networking Spaces:
Professionals and corporates looking to network in Gurugram can consider leading business clubs like The Quorum, DLF CLUB 5, and the AIPL Business Club. You can also apply for membership of the Gurgaon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a reputed body that hosts various events and meetings regularly. Some other options include the Gurgaon Industrial Association, India Accelerator, The Circle.Work, and We Founders Collab & Gurugram Business Network. These are hubs for networking, sharing ideas, and business discussions.
Here is an overview of community life in Gurugram.
Residential Areas:
|
Residential Area |
Key USP |
|
DLF Phases I-V |
Well-established with premium lifestyles |
|
Sushant Lok |
Multiple upscale phases |
|
South City |
Top-notch infrastructure |
|
Sohna Road |
Multiple housing choices from affordable to premium |
|
Golf Course Road & Golf Course Extension Road |
Ultra-luxury living and great connectivity |
|
Palam Vihar |
Family-friendly and affordable |
|
MG Road |
Bustling and well-connected |
|
Sectors 82 and 83 |
Within New Gurugram with rapid development |
|
Sector 49 |
Called South City 2 for desirability |
|
Sectors 57 and 63 |
Mainly residential and popular |
Major Gated Societies:
|
Gated Community |
Core USP |
|
DLF Camellias |
Ultra-luxurious and exclusive |
|
SS Hibiscus |
Among the most-coveted societies |
|
M3M Golf Estate |
Secure and well-maintained with global standard pool, club, and landscaping |
|
Ireo The Corridors |
Premium amenities and recreational facilities |
|
Tata Raisina Residency |
High-end project and ultra-expensive |
|
M3M Golf Hills |
Strategic Sector-79 location and family-friendly |
|
Sobha City |
Popular and coveted project |
|
Signature Global City |
Encompasses multiple biggies like Signature Global Cloverdale SPR and Signature Global City 81 |
|
Godrej Miraya |
Prime location in Sector-43 |
|
Krisumi Waterfall Residences |
Stunning design and quality |
Major Festivals & Celebrations:
Gurugram is a cosmopolitan city, meaning that several festivals are celebrated here with great splendour. Diwali is arguably the biggest festival of the city, along with Dussehra and Holi. At the same time, Durga Puja/Navratri, Lohri, and Teej are also celebrated in Gurugram. New Year’s Eve is another mini-festival in the city, with several parties and celebrations across clubs, lounges, rooftops, and so on. There are other popular cultural and community events drawing large crowds, including the Surajkund International Craft Mela and the Kartik Cultural Festival.
The governance structure in Gurugram is subdivided into the following:
Some of the pros of living in Gurugram include:
Some of the possible cons include:
The life expectancy in Gurugram is linked to the figures for the state of Haryana, i.e,. 17.8 and 20.2 for men and women at the age of 60.
Gurugram has witnessed swift urbanization and real estate growth, driven by massive connectivity and infrastructure projects, corporate expansion, and soaring demand for premium and luxury homes. This has led to a booming realty market with massive price appreciation along major corridors.
Commercial Real Estate Trends:
There is a higher demand for flexible workspaces and premium office spaces, including Grade-A office spaces with green certifications and modern amenities. A large part of the demand is driven by startups, IT/ITeS firms, and startups. Walk to work is taking off as a concept, with several integrated mixed-use developments offering both residential and commercial spaces. Some of the prime commercial destinations include Golf Course Road, Cyber City, Udyog Vihar, and newer stretches along the Dwarka Expressway and SPR.
Residential Real Estate Trends:
The luxury and ultra-luxury segments are clearly making the right noises, in the case of units priced above INR 2.5 crore. Some of the popular micro-markets include areas along the Dwarka Expressway and the SPR, along with Golf Course Extension Road and New Gurugram (Sectors 76-95).
What Residential Buyers Want:
