For years, people spent their working lives in busy cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. However, retirement brings a desire for peaceful surroundings and better comfort. Therefore, many Indians now prefer Coimbatore instead of major metropolitan cities. The southern city has become a preferred retirement destination.
Earlier, senior citizen homes carried a sense of compulsion. People believed only those without choices moved there. However, the perception has changed completely today. Senior living now represents a premium lifestyle choice. People willingly choose these communities for comfortable and independent lives after retirement.
Senior living market shows Coimbatore’s growing popularity
Coimbatore has earned recognition as a senior living hub. According to Noesis founder Nandivardhan Jain, the city currently has around 5,500 organised senior living units.
This number remains the highest among Indian cities. Interestingly, only 25% buyers belong to Coimbatore.
Meanwhile, 75% buyers come from Chennai, Bengaluru, Kerala, or returning NRIs from the Middle East.
Additionally, Coimbatore alone holds 22% of India’s total senior living property market.
Senior living has also entered the premium real estate segment. According to Care Finder founder PS Sreekumar, villas priced around ₹70 lakh earlier now cost nearly ₹3.5 crore.
This rise shows that people willingly spend more for secure and comfortable retirement years.
Furthermore, hesitation around joining senior communities has reduced significantly.
Changing buyers and Coimbatore’s future opportunities
Around a decade ago, people above 70 years mostly moved into senior living projects. Their children usually made those decisions due to care requirements. However, buyers have changed today. The average buyer age now ranges between 58 and 65 years. Many people purchase these homes while working or soon after retirement. According to Kites Senior Care founder Rajagopal, rising nuclear families are increasing this demand.
Moreover, Coimbatore understood this retirement trend early. Wisdom Circle founder Neeraj Sagar said the city offers several advantages.
Known as the “Manchester of South India”, Coimbatore provides pleasant weather and strong healthcare facilities.
Additionally, its closeness to Chennai and airport connectivity attract retirees. Elderly people prefer locations where children can easily visit them.
The sector also faces challenges ahead. Experts estimate India needs nearly 3 lakh organised senior living units.
According to JLL’s report, organised senior living supply may reach 25,050 units by June 2026. However, developers face unique responsibilities. Nandivardhan Jain explained that senior living looks like real estate but works like hospitality. Builders sell homes once but must provide quality services for 20 years. Therefore, buyers now check service operators’ records before investing. They understand they purchase long-term services, not only physical structures.
Meanwhile, cities like Kochi-Trichur, Mysuru, Dehradun, Goa, and Puducherry are developing retirement hubs.
People generally prefer homes within three to five hours from their existing cities.
