A new residential paradise has evolved in the Mira Road-Virar belt. The belt, which comprises Mira Road, Naigaon, Bhayander, Nalasopara, Vasai and Virar, has seen a population influx over the years. Although Virar is the farthest suburb in this belt, availability of land, affordable homes and easy accessibility has made it a favourable home-buying destination. Here's taking a look at what Virar has to offer its residents:

Making rapid strides

Virar has witnessed appreciation in real estate because of good infrastructure, recreation facilities and overall development in residential projects. Since the last three years, areas that fall between Mira Road to Virar have topped the list of the fastest developing western suburbs in Mumbai.

Accessibility

One gets regular trains from Virar to Churchgate. It is the starting point for the Western line local trains; some passenger and express trains too halt at Virar, making transportation easy for the common man. The construction of the third and fourth tracks between Borivli and Virar has boosted the residential and commercial development in the area.u00a0

Infrastructure

Virar comes under Thane District and has good civic infrastructure. Power, water supply and roads are well developed here. The electricity flow has improved after the installation of Babul Power Project. There are additional power generating facilities from Naigaon up to Virar, which ensure a smooth water and electricity supply.

Education and medical services

Virar has educational institutions like John XXIII High School, Shastri Vidyalaya, Utkarsh Vidyalaya, Viva College of Arts, Science and Commerce, National English High school, Vartak College, etc.u00a0 There are a number of hospitals as well as emergency services available in Virar.

Shopping and recreation

Virar has a number of parks, shopping complexes as well as a theatre. Famous temples like the Jain Mandir and Jiwadani Temple attract a lot of people.u00a0

Real estate development

Virar has seen a vast change since the entry of reputed developers, whose big projects have changed the face of Virar.

Virar offers large parcels of clean land to take up integrated development projects. This is attracting a number of developers to this suburb. The area has affordable homes for the middle income groups. Housing options start from as low as Rs 6 lakh to Rs 15 lakh.

New projects are priced from Rs 2,000 per sq ft to Rs 2,600 per sq ft. The rate for resale properties varies from Rs 1,900 per sq ft to Rs 3,000 per sq ft. It offers budget housing without compromising on the quality of living. The projects offer amenities like rainwater harvesting, sewage treatment plant, clubhouse, gym, jogging track, amphitheatre, community hall, shopping, children's park and a senior citizens' park.

Developers like Rustomjee have started a township project 'Rustomjee Estates' that has a hospital, mall, multiplex, garden area, schools, colleges, banks, etc. Another bigger development in Virar is the 4750 acres SEZ by HDIL company and the BKC-type commercial development from MMRDA.

So if you are looking for an affordable home that offers you a verdant environment, a great lifestyle and is still accessible, check out this suburb.

The writer is the director of Goldstar Group