AUNDH
Aundh, one of the most accessible areas as you zoom out of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, is today considered among the most upmarket localities in the city. It is also a popular destination with IT executives, who find the proximity to Hinjewadi its biggest advantage. From rates as low as Rs. 1,200 four years ago, Aundh can today command as much as Rs. 4,000 to 4,500 per sq ft. Its strategic location also means that Pune city is accessible, and so is the PCMC area.
BANER
The Mumbai - Bangalore bypass in 1992, and the Hinjewadi IT Park saw Baner gradually gaining the limelight. Its growth was a result of Aundh's saturation, and its connectivity to Balewadi and the bypass that lead to the expressway also offered a huge advantage. Experts say that prices have increased three-fold in the recent past, and today are in the region of Rs. 3,200 to 3,800.
BAVDHAN
Bavdhan's proximity to Kothrud and the National highway are the prime reasons for its impressive growth and development. It has excellent connectivity and is fast developing as a favourite residential space.
"Bavdhan is a very picturesque location. It is hilly and green so it is an attractive residential location. It is also close to Mumbai-Bangalore bypass. Within minutes one can reach the highway so connectivity is also in place and prices are very reasonable considering as a location it is much better than other areas in Pune. In around Rs. 3,000 per sqft, one can get a decent place in Bavdhan and it has a great future ahead," says Mr. Ashok Kumar, MD, Cresa Partners.
WAKAD
Wakad is now the focus of younger, well-off families looking for greeneryendowed homes on the outskirts. Wakad has a perfect location, with close proximity to the Infotech and Biotech Parks at Hinjewadi, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Industrial area, the Mumbai-Bangalore Bypass, the Super Express Highway to Mumbai and the Balewadi National Sports complex. It is only about 80-90 minutes away from Mumbai, thanks to the Expressway and the Bypass.
PASHAN
Pashan, one of the city's older areas, is popular with middle and upper middle class property buyers. It has the advantage of proximity to the Expressway. Retail developments at Pashan are flourishing, and new IT projects are also planned.
KOTHRUD
Kothrud's claim to fame is the fact that it is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest growing suburb in the world, but it has several other things going for it as well - the fact that it has a strong connection to the center of the city through Karve Road. Current prices hover in the range of Rs 5,000/ sq ft and while demand is enormous, residential projects are relatively scarce.
KONDHWA
One of Southern Pune's recently developed residential areas, this has gained popularity thanks to its proximity to Camp and the Cantonment area. Access is convenient from M.G. Road, which directly connects Kondhwa to the heart of the Camp area and further to Pune station. Over the last few years, the micro market comprising locations like Salunke Vihar, Lulla Nagar, Kondhwa, NIBM Road and Mohammadwadi has emerged as a prominent residential destination.
MUNDHWA
With high-rises and township concepts making their presence felt here, Mundhwa is increasingly attracting the sophisticated home buyer. Since it is close to Koregaon Park - among the city's most upmarket areas - it has seen a surge of new A-grade developments, especially high-rises. The coming of the Army Sports Complex and the relative development of the adjoining areas have made it a junction point.
Areas like Pimpri-Chinchwad and Hadapsar are also seeing tremendous development, and today, even areas like Talegaon and nearby are becoming sought after destinations.
Source: Prasad Sathyen From Economic Times, March-14-2008
