A Delhi-based software engineer’s simple query on Reddit about the best city to move to—Pune, Bengaluru, or Hyderabad—has ignited a spirited discussion among netizens. The techie, with three years of experience in the industry, sought advice on whether relocating from the National Capital Region (NCR) was a good idea, especially amid growing concerns about Bengaluru’s infrastructure.

His post quickly went viral, drawing passionate responses from professionals and residents of all three cities, each presenting compelling arguments for their preferred location.

The Great Debate: Pros and Cons of Each City

Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad are among India’s top tech hubs, offering lucrative job opportunities and a vibrant social scene. However, factors like traffic congestion, infrastructure, cost of living, and quality of life have become key points of discussion in the online debate.

One Reddit user vouched for Hyderabad, citing its well-planned roads and better traffic management compared to Pune and Bengaluru. “I’ve lived in Pune for most of my life and also spent time in Bengaluru. Right now, roads and traffic are in poor condition in both cities, whereas Hyderabad offers a smoother experience,” they noted.

Another user pointed out Pune’s cultural inclusivity and weekend getaway options. “Pune and Hyderabad have similar lifestyles, but Pune offers better weekend travel destinations. The only downside is the worsening traffic situation,” they shared.

Bengaluru, despite being India’s IT capital, faced criticism for its infrastructure and traffic woes. However, many users still rated it highly for job opportunities and social life. One ranked the cities on multiple factors, stating, “For jobs, Bengaluru is the best, followed by Hyderabad and Pune. But in terms of infrastructure, Hyderabad leads. For social life, Pune and Bengaluru have an edge over Hyderabad.”

Which City Wins?

The online debate reflects a broader challenge that professionals face when choosing a city to settle in. While Bengaluru offers the best job market, Hyderabad scores on infrastructure, and Pune shines in lifestyle and cultural inclusivity.

As the discussion continues, the techie—and many others in a similar dilemma—will have to weigh their priorities and choose the city that best suits their professional and personal aspirations.

Which city would you pick—Pune, Bengaluru, or Hyderabad?