It's still got that old-world charm!

Independent homes abound. The green cover here is among the richest in the city. Little wonder then that Jayanagar, with its old Bangalore feel, remains a preferred residential locality, writes Ruth Dsouza Prabhu

There are only a few residential locations across Bengaluru that seem to have retained their charm. Jayanagar is one such place. One of the oldest residential areas in Bengaluru, with a history dating back to 1959, Jayanagar was, at one point, the largest planned neighbourhood in Asia!

The origin of the name Jayanagar is a bit sketchy, but it does literally translate into ‘city of victory’. Over the years, it has grown tremendously and is home to several famous personalities of Bengaluru. 

Explaining the geography of the area, Suresh Hari, secretary, CREDAI- Bengaluru, says, “Jayanagar developed early on and still has that traditional atmosphere about it. It has extended into JP Nagar, Banashankari, Kanakapura Road, right up to BTM layout. The Jayanagar settlement was, in fact, an extension of Basavanagudi, which is one of the oldest settlements in Bengaluru.”

Convenient locale

Comprising ten blocks, Jayanagar is primarily a residential locality, with the exception of areas around third and fourth blocks. Numerous surveys peg this area to be the best place to live in right now. It has a brilliant green cover, several planned parks and Metro stations that will service the sector. The area has a mix of residential and commercial spaces as well as quality educational institutions.

The demand for space in Jayanagar has always been high and will continue to command premium price. While the locality is, for the most part, saturated, it still possesses small pockets where residential development is possible – after tearing down old structures, of course. 

The first block, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth blocks are all primarily residential, while the third and fourth are mostly commercial. A few bylanes of Tilaknagar and 4th ‘T’ block are commercial as well. Some of the best educational institutions here include JSS School, NMKRV College, National College, Sudarshan Vidya Mandir and Vijaya PU College. Bangalore Hospital, Ramakrishna Nursing Home, Sagar Hospital and Deepak Nursing Home are among the top healthcare facilities. Third block Jayanagar is also home to the renowned Cosmopolitan Club.

Residents’ pride

Jayanagar is a preferred residential location, primarily for the old-world charm that it retains. There are more independent homes than apartment complexes, and you can see children playing on the roads or at the innumerable parks, at every nook and corner in this area.

Anoushka JS Prabhu, a primary school student and resident of the area, says, “I love listening to the birds outside my home and feeding them. I also enjoy playing with my friends in front of our home and at the park.”

For Natasha Ali, a communications specialist, who lived abroad for the most part of her life and now resides in Jayanagar 6th Block, it’s the area’s old Bangalore feel that makes it so special. “In this ‘garden city’, Jayanagar is one of the few localities with unbeatable green cover. Shopping, too, is good, as most well-known brands have retail outlets here. Even if you are on a tight budget, there are options. The good old 4th Block shopping complex makes for a sensible choice,” she remarks. Well laid-outJayanagar is a well-planned locality. 

Navigation within the area is simple, considering how well the roads are named. Connectivity to the CBD area as well as to north, east and west Bengaluru is good, thanks to the 4th Block Bus Station. Vayu Vajra buses to and from the airport are available at regular intervals.

The Majestic Railway Station is about eight kms from here; Kempegowda International Airport about 40 kms; Yeshwanthpur Railway Station 16 km; and MG Road about seven kms.

While the inner roads of Jayanagar could do with some attention to ensure smooth passage, the main roads are relatively in good shape. With the basic Metro construction already complete, the area will soon have three stations between Lalbagh, South End Circle and the beginning of Banashankari. Several homes have borewells servicing them, although most have corporation water supply. There are no issues with regard to power supply, too.

But, as with any locality, there are a few issues that need to be addressed here. “The dense population in Jayanagar has been posing traffic hurdles of late. However, with the Metro connectivity in the pipeline, such woes may reduce. Another problem is the dearth of parking space. Given the disposable income of residents, which feeds the economic activity of this locality, there is a demand for more shopping hubs and with it, additional parking spaces. Non-availability of large tracts of land for multiple development is one challenge that otherwise would have eased commercial development in this area,” observes Suresh.

Investors’ mark

Pricing of properties in Jayanagar varies greatly, depending upon amenities and exact location. An average two-BHK home can cost anywhere between Rs 8,000 and Rs 12,000 per sq. ft., while the rent is Rs 13,000 onwards. The commercial rental varies depending on which block you are looking in, but on an average, it is about Rs 35 and above per sq. ft.

Jayanagar continues to be in demand, both for property purchase and rental. If you are looking for property investment, you may want to consider the many small-scale projects coming up in the locality. The property appreciation is definitely good here.