5 Unexpected Things Living in India After 20 Years in US
After living in the US for over 20 years, we moved back to India 3 years ago. Here are 5 unexpected things we discovered—from the surprising number of returnees in our neighborhood to hospitals that feel like resorts.
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We moved back to India 3 years ago after living in the US for over 20 years. Let me tell you, it's been quite a ride. Here are five unexpected things we discovered after moving back—things we hadn't fully anticipated even after all the planning.
5 Surprises After Moving Back
- 30% of neighbors are NRI returnees in our gated community
- Kids adapted faster than expected—new friends within weeks
- Cost of living varies massively—60K to 5 lakhs per month depending on lifestyle
- Fitness culture is thriving—running clubs, cycling tracks, hiking groups
- Hospitals feel like resorts—world-class care at a fraction of US costs
1. The Number of Returnees Like Us
One of the biggest surprises was the number of returnees like us.
Our Gated Community in Hyderabad
We live in a gated community in Hyderabad, and I kid you not—around 30% of our neighbors are NRIs who moved back just like we did.
Families from US, UK, Australia—all here.
Returnee-Friendly Neighborhoods
There are actually specific neighborhoods in every major city—whether it's Bangalore, Hyderabad, or Gurgaon—where expats and returnees tend to cluster.
This makes the transition smoother, especially if you're nervous about feeling isolated.
What You'll Find in These Areas
- Familiar comforts—cafes and restaurants with everything from avocado toast to sushi
- Special grocery stores that stock imported goods
- International schools
- People who get it—who have gone through this move themselves
Pretty much you won't miss any of the comforts or things that you have available in the West.
2. Kids Adaptation
If you are a parent, this is one big thing on your mind. We were worried about how our kids would adjust—new culture, new school, new friends, and even the language classes they had to take.
The Language Question
Here's the thing: Most schools do have a mandatory local language like Telugu or Kannada, but they don't really test kids harshly if you're a returnee.
- You start from the basics
- They teach you and it increases as you go to the next grade
- It's mandatory but not something that's heavily tested and graded
Our kids picked it up over time, and the teachers were super supportive.
The Community Factor
One thing we also felt with our kids—since they're living in a community where a lot of people moved from different parts of India or from abroad—they communicate in English.
So there has been a little bit longer timeframe for them to pick up the local languages.
✅ The Good News
Within a few weeks, our kids had:
- New friends
- Playing outdoors more
- Less screen time
- A routine that felt very balanced
Worried about Western education? They won't lose touch. Many schools offer IB and Cambridge curriculum, so it's globally aligned.
3. Cost of Living & School Fees
Okay, here comes the not-so-fun surprise. Inflation is real. Even though we were prepared for it, it can really hit you hard.
⚠️ The Reality Check
If you're comparing living in some metros like Hyderabad and Bangalore, the cost of living in certain parts of that metro city—and depending on the lifestyle—could sometimes be comparable to the West.
It very much depends on your lifestyle.
The Lifestyle Range
| Item | Budget Option | Premium Option |
|---|---|---|
| Cup of Tea | ₹20 at a tea store | ₹200 at a cafe |
| Groceries | Local subji mandi | Organic store with imported goods |
| Real Estate/Rent | Varies widely | Not cheap in certain parts of the city |
Please be very mindful about that.
School Fees — The Big One
We sometimes joke that if we had invested that money in a corpus instead of paying school fees, our kids could retire by 30.
- Fees go up 10% every year
- When your child moves from primary to middle school or secondary, there's often a fee hike
- Transportation, lunch—all these fees add up
- It is expensive
💡 The Range is Massive
You get to choose the lifestyle you want:
- Some families live beautifully on ₹60,000 a month
- Others spend ₹4-5 lakhs per month
Real estate and school fees are the two bigger components that define your cost of living.
4. Fitness & Active Lifestyle is Amazing
This was a pleasant surprise. We found so many active fitness groups in Hyderabad.
🏃 My Experience with Hyderabad Runners Club
I joined the Hyderabad Runners Club and I have never looked back.
They have:
- Events
- Weekend runs
- Training programs for marathons
Now I have a great social circle of runners whom we meet socially as well as run together.
What's Available
- Well-maintained parks
- Cycling tracks
- Hiking groups
- People who are very serious about wellness
It's not just about the gym and protein culture. There's actually community and camaraderie—being around people who push you to show up, whether it's 5:00 AM for a long run or yoga in the park.
Bottom Line: If fitness is part of your life abroad, I believe it's easy to maintain and even grow into new goals after the move.
5. Hospitals Feel Like Resorts
This one blew us away.
🏥 World-Class Healthcare
There are certain hospitals here in the metros that look like hotels. Seriously.
The medical tourism industry is booming in India. Some of the hospitals are like resorts—very clean, modern, with incredible services.
What to Expect
- Valet parking
- Concierge-style help from the moment you walk in
- Private rooms when waiting for doctors
- Hospital rooms that are like suites
- Doctors who take time to talk to you
💰 The Cost Factor
Plus, the cost is a fraction of what you would pay in the US without insurance.
This was a big quality of life factor when you're concerned about moving—access to good medical care where you don't have to wait for an appointment or deal with insurance.
Some of them are very, very well-maintained.
Final Thoughts
So yeah, life in India is full of surprises. Not everything is perfect, but honestly, we don't feel like we're missing out.
The Positives
- There's a growing expat community
- Schools and services are adapting
- Lifestyle choices are vast
- It's a chance to build a meaningful life on your own terms
Thinking About Moving Back?
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If you've already moved, we'd love to hear your surprises after returning!
