Living on the edge in Mumbai

There is a reason why this city is called the ‘city of dreams’. Every day people, who are termed as strugglers, enter this city with aspiring dreams of making it big in the film and modeling industry. But soon the bubble breaks, and people realize how difficult it is to fulfill dreams, in what is also known as the financial capital of India. Mumbaikar, as they are fondly known, have to deal with astronomical high property prices, traffic and ever jam packed roads, lack of clean air, and even open space. Peace and calmness are something that people here have to fight for.
Among the other cities that people find to have an affinity for, Mumbai comes the least when it comes to peaceful living.

Whenever people are asked which city they would prefer living, they would promptly say Mumbai. But having lived here for some time now, I’m eager to change my location. I would love to try cities like Ahmadabad or Pune.

Living in Mumbai has its own advantages and disadvantages. Like, if you are looking for physical and civic infrastructure or leisure activities, Mumbai wins hands down. But when it comes to scoring it on Environment and Peace of mind, Mumbai lags way behind.

And it’s not just peace of mind, but many other parameters like cost of living, cleanliness (which is at its worst in rains) civic sense (traffic sense) and also domestic help problems. And this problem prevails not only in Mumbai, but also the capital of the nation, whereas other metros like Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Hyderabad etc can be rated higher.

Quality of life in Mumbai has declined over the past few years. There may be many reasons which help this statement like sky-high prices of real estate and also finding a place to stay in this ever growing city or it can just be the hardships of commuting long distances and the cost associated with it. The only saving grace that makes Mumbai livable is the sea.

If you ask any layman who lives in Mumbai, he would answer that the cost of living is the major cause of extreme tension levels. Nothing less than 40%- 50% of the incomes goes in the housing, which has a great impact on the overall family budget. If one had to compare cost of living in Mumbai with other cities across the nation, Mumbai would fare rather badly. Not only this, this criteria make the relaxed lifestyle also a problem while living in Mumbai.

One can joke if somebody mentions ‘quality of life’ and Mumbai in the same sentence! Mumbai is a great place to work, but it is one of worst places to live. If you have anything except work in this city, you are mostly likely to be robbed by this enormous city.

But it’s not just the realty factor that is the main reason for the high anxiety levels in the city.

It is also the terror factor. Many people not only suffer from terrorism, but are in constant stress as to when one will strike. After Delhi, this has become the latest hub for all the terrorists’ activities.

The city has lost its luster. One could boast about the clean streets and affable citizens in the past, but not today! An average citizen today is stressed, all thanks to the never ending hours he spends commuting and also the lack of discipline on roads and trains.

Mumbai lacks in civic responsibility. People who only wish to work and get career opportunities can love this city. The only saving grace this city gives is the career growth and opportunities which no other city can provide like. If you are a workaholic, then this city will suit you like no other.

Also the other factor that makes Mumbai, the city that never sleeps is the leisure activities. One can find innumerous joints where one can enjoy nightlife, only if you have the time!