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Tier-2 cities and spiritual hubs emerge as new growth markets for senior living in India

Kunal
Kunal
15 October 2026

India’s senior living sector is entering a new growth phase. While Tier-1 cities continue to serve as established hubs for organised senior living, Tier-2 cities and spiritual destinations are increasingly emerging as promising growth markets. According to Square Yards’ latest research report, Expanding Horizons: The Next Growth Markets for Senior Living in India, the sector is poised for significant expansion, driven by demographic shifts, improving healthcare infrastructure, and growing demand for wellness-oriented retirement communities.

With India’s elderly population projected to reach approximately 230 million by 2036 and the senior living market expected to reach USD 11.43 billion by 2031, developers are exploring opportunities across both established metropolitan markets and emerging destinations that offer affordability, connectivity, and a better quality of life.

The report identifies 15 potential growth markets, including established Tier-1 hubs such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai, alongside emerging Tier-2 cities such as Coimbatore, Mysuru, Vadodara, Kochi, and Nashik. Spiritual destinations such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Haridwar, and Tirupati are also gaining attention for their potential to support retirement and wellness-oriented communities.

Beyond affordability and location, the research underscores a fundamental shift toward integrated senior living ecosystems that combine healthcare, preventive wellness, accessibility, and community engagement. While Tier-1 cities continue to benefit from established healthcare infrastructure and mature residential markets, Tier-2 destinations offer complementary growth opportunities supported by improving connectivity, lower living costs, and evolving retirement preferences. As organised senior living gains momentum, projects offering reliable medical support, specialised amenities, and independent living environments are expected to shape the sector’s next phase of growth.

Key Insights
  • India’s senior population is projected to reach approximately 230 million by 2036 and 347 million by 2050, creating significant demand for organised retirement communities. The country’s senior living market is expected to reach USD 11.43 billion by 2031.
  • India’s penetration of organised senior living currently stands at just 1.5%, compared with 6–7% in the US and 14–15% in New Zealand, highlighting substantial untapped potential for developers and investors as demand for professionally managed senior housing grows.
  • Square Yards Research identifies 15 potential growth markets for senior living across Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities. While established metropolitan hubs such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai continue to benefit from strong healthcare ecosystems and mature residential infrastructure, Tier-2 cities such as Coimbatore, Mysuru, Vadodara, Kochi, and Nashik are gaining prominence. Spiritual destinations including Ayodhya, Varanasi, Haridwar, and Tirupati are also emerging as promising markets, supported by affordability, improving healthcare infrastructure, connectivity, and wellness-led retirement preferences.
  • Healthcare and wellness-led amenities are emerging as key differentiators. Square Yards’ assessment of five leading senior living developers found that 4 out of 5 offer physiotherapy rooms, round-the-clock medical support, emergency response services, and senior-friendly design, signalling a shift from conventional retirement housing toward integrated care and lifestyle communities.
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