5 Reasons to Return to India from USA

So, you’ve spent years in the USA, enjoying the quality of life, professional opportunities, and perhaps even starting a family. But now, you’re considering a move back to India.

It’s a decision more NRIs are making as they weigh the benefits of being closer to home, cultural connections, and the evolving opportunities in India.

If you’re on the fence, here are some compelling reasons to consider returning to India from the USA.

1. Closer to Family and Cultural Roots

One of the top reasons many NRIs choose to return to India is to be closer to family.

Parents, extended family, and childhood friends make the transition back to India feel like coming home. For NRIs with aging parents or those raising kids, being closer to family is invaluable.

Key Benefits:

  • Support System: Having family close by provides an emotional and practical support system, especially if you have young children.
  • Cultural Immersion: Kids can grow up experiencing Indian festivals, language, and traditions, building a stronger cultural connection.
  • Work-Life Balance: You can focus more on personal life and relationships in an environment where extended family is nearby.
💡Tip: If family support is a big motivator, explore cities close to your hometown or where your family is based. Share on X

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2. Lower Cost of Living and Financial Benefits

Living costs in India are generally much lower than in the USA, allowing returning NRIs to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle for less.

Housing, groceries, domestic help, and transportation tend to be more affordable.

Key Benefits:

  • Affordable Real Estate: Housing prices in many Indian cities are considerably lower than in major U.S. cities, making it easier to own property.
  • Quality of Life for Less: A middle- or upper-middle-class lifestyle with access to domestic help, education, and healthcare is more attainable.
  • Savings: For those earning in dollars or with a significant nest egg, moving to India can help stretch your savings much further.
💡Tip: If finances are a big factor, consider cities where housing is affordable but quality of life is high, such as Pune, Hyderabad, or Coimbatore. Share on X

3. Professional Opportunities in India’s Growing Economy

India’s economy has expanded rapidly in the past two decades, especially in technology, finance, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

For NRIs with specialized skills or entrepreneurial interests, India presents a booming job market and exciting business prospects.

Key Benefits:

  • Startup Ecosystem: India’s startup culture is vibrant, and many NRIs have found success establishing their own businesses or joining high-growth Indian startups.
  • Professional Growth: The job market for senior roles, particularly in tech, finance, and consulting, is growing, and the experience gained abroad is highly valued.
  • Investment Opportunities: India offers multiple investment opportunities in real estate, stocks, and other financial markets that are easier to manage from within the country.
💡Tip: If professional growth is a key motivator, focus on cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Gurgaon, where most of the country’s major industries are based. Share on X

4. Improved Infrastructure and Quality of Life in Indian Cities

Many of India’s cities have seen significant improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

While the pace of development varies across regions, metro cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai now offer high-quality amenities, entertainment, and healthcare options.

Key Benefits:

  • Better Healthcare: The rise of private healthcare has led to better medical facilities and specialists in many urban areas.
  • International Education: Schools and colleges in India are increasingly offering curricula that match international standards, and several global schools have branches in major cities.
  • Public Infrastructure: Metro rail systems, better roads, and airports are improving connectivity within and between Indian cities.
💡Tip: For families, consider cities with international schools and quality healthcare facilities to ensure a comfortable transition. Share on X

5. Reconnect with Indian Culture and Lifestyle

For many NRIs, living in India means reconnecting with the warmth, familiarity, and richness of Indian culture.

From vibrant festivals and cuisine to the warmth of Indian communities, being back in India can provide a sense of belonging that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Key Benefits:

  • Festivals and Celebrations: Celebrating festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Ganesh Chaturthi in India brings a level of excitement and tradition that’s hard to match abroad.
  • Cultural Events and Art: India’s cultural scene is incredibly diverse, with access to traditional dance, music, and arts that help NRIs stay connected to their heritage.
  • Daily Lifestyle: Many people enjoy the more relaxed, community-focused lifestyle in India, where people can drop by a neighbor’s home without an appointment.
💡Tip: Embrace community events, local clubs, and social gatherings to build a network and stay connected to your roots. Share on X

6. Greater Career Flexibility and Entrepreneurial Freedom

India’s business environment is evolving, with more opportunities for remote work, freelancing, and entrepreneurship.

With recent reforms and initiatives, starting and running a business is becoming easier, and the entrepreneurial culture is thriving.

Key Benefits:

  • Freelance and Remote Work Options: India has a large market for freelance and contract-based work, especially in tech and creative fields.
  • Government Incentives for Startups: The government’s “Startup India” initiative offers tax benefits and financial incentives for startups, making it easier to start a business.
  • Favorable Time Zone for Global Work: India’s time zone is favorable for working with both Europe and the U.S., which can benefit those in consulting or freelancing.
💡Tip: If you’re interested in freelancing, look for coworking spaces in metro cities, which offer networking opportunities and flexibility. Share on X

7. Potential for Real Estate Investments and Retirement Planning

Many NRIs return to India with a focus on long-term investments and retirement planning.

India’s real estate market offers potential for growth, and owning property in India can also help you stay connected to your roots.

Key Benefits:

  • Affordable Real Estate Options: Property prices are often more affordable than in the U.S., and there are attractive options for retirees in quieter cities or towns.
  • Tax Benefits: Returning NRIs can take advantage of tax benefits on home loans and other investments.
  • Growing Retirement Communities: India now has retirement communities with healthcare facilities, security, and amenities designed for retirees, making it easier for NRIs to retire comfortably.
💡Tip: Research retirement communities in cities like Pune, Coimbatore, and Chandigarh, where there are options designed specifically for NRIs and retirees. Share on X

8. Contributing to India’s Growth and Making an Impact

Many NRIs feel a strong desire to contribute to India’s growth by sharing their skills and experiences.

Working in India allows you to give back to the country, make an impact in local communities, or engage in meaningful social and environmental projects.

Key Benefits:

  • Social Contribution: NRIs bring valuable global exposure, which can benefit industries, education, and non-profit sectors in India.
  • Engagement with NGOs and Community Initiatives: Many NRIs find fulfillment working with NGOs and social enterprises, making a positive difference in fields like education, healthcare, and environmental protection.
  • Mentoring and Supporting Startups: India’s startup culture benefits greatly from mentorship and support, and NRIs with international experience can add immense value.
💡Tip: Look for networking groups and industry events to connect with organizations focused on social and economic development. Share on X

Conclusion

Returning to India from the USA can bring immense personal, financial, and professional benefits.

Whether it’s being closer to family, seizing new business opportunities, or reconnecting with your roots, India offers a unique blend of tradition, growth, and potential.

💡Tip: Take time to assess which of these factors resonates most with you and consider visiting India to explore your options before making a final decision. Share on X

Are you considering a return to India or have already made the move? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments to help fellow NRIs!

Having lived in the USA for almost 7 years, I got bored and returned back to India. I created this website as a way to curate and journal my experiences. Today, it's a movement with a large community behind it. Feel free to connect! Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn |

4 thoughts on “5 Reasons to Return to India from USA”

  1. I respectfully disagree with you . America is diverse with so many racial groups and culture. The greenery, job options and if you earn decent salary then cost of living should not matter. India is waste.

    Reply
  2. American education is better than Indian and here’s why. Let’s start with science. In America, in past decades many americans have excelled in fields of math and science especially STEM related classes. In schools, they even offer college courses to fasten the rigor for people who want to graduate college faster. Biology, Physics and Chemistry unlike India . They don’t have a system of cramming stuff like notes word to word . First they do lab experiments, then they write observation notes and causes then the teacher supervises it. We do write notes but also then customize in our own words as teacher says because that’s what means understanding of concepts rather than emphasis on marks. We watch videos and the teachers make topics interesting unlike India which is just to cram for marks . Education in India is a torture truly. Education is not hard , anything in life is not hard with right resources and teachers. Math, we have wide range of opportunities to excel in fields of mathematics like Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre Calc and many more. If you want to skip a course then you can do it over summer for progress faster. Next, the math textbooks are simplified and easily understandable unlike Indian textbooks which have advanced not understandable bullshit. Our teachers have a good system too. In India asking questions are seen dumb although the teachers don’t directly say it , they often beat you up like you don’t know this or have to figure out on your own. Whereas in America, asking questions are encouraged and those proofs that you are trying and paying attention. Computers : This is quite different from in India, in India you have to cram it or do random stuff but trust me even in usa they have wide range of options have AP computer science principles, Microsoft office specialist, intro to engineering and Business and marketing that are useful for our careers. They do count for Career and Technical Ed grades which are practical. English: In India you have to cram all those story stuff, but in usa they teach grammar, communication skills, CER claim evidence and reasoning practices , book plots of stories which are practical to use irl. They offer AP english and other facilities to enhance skills as expository writing and hook of essay practices. Social Studies : We have AP world history, geography and other interesting international history stories as World War 2 , British India, China civilization and other but they don’t cram instead they show videos and have slideshow presentation pracatices for us. Lastly, extracurricular activities as math/science clubs, world languages as Spanish and French, sports and arts/drama/dance and singing to expand their skills and make new friends which is not available in India (most schools).
    SAT and ACT are board exams.
    Behavior of students : The teachers are very nice unlike India, teachers are not allowed to swear and speak kind words and encourage students to be kind and nice unlike in India where teachers themselves encourage students to have bad behaviors as swearing, beating and other. In high school, many of my classmates are well disciplined including americans because they always keep emphasis on being kind and respectful to other background people. We have affinity groups to learn each other’s cultures and respect them. Many of my high schoolers are friendly and welcoming. Teachers in India are worst, they teach bad behavior to students as swearing .

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  3. Healthcare : Healthcare is only for immigrants and unhealthy americans .Americans who eat pizzas, burgers and other fat food that would impact their health do have an urge to seek healthcare and including immigrants who don;t have fit lifestyle. In America, average person’s life is 80-90 . Even if healthcare is cheap anywhere, healthcare should mostly rarely be having to visit. You need to excercise everyday, eat fruits/salads and have good routines to have healthy lifespan. An apple a day keeps a doctor away. With jaw dropping greenery in usa and fresh air unlike India is certainly a captivating place to live with good lifestyle and healthcare is rarely needed though. If you earn decent salary like my parents earn about 50- 100k then paying shouldn;t matter, well I am a fit person so my parents rarely are having to go to hospitals.

    Reply
  4. Lastly America is lively and exciting. I have friends from multiple backgrounds and have so much fun. America has jaw dropping green trees everywhere, good landscapes, lakes with swans, travel beaches and locations unlike India where only few tourist locations possess them. America also has many events as Mexican dance, Chinese lunar year even Indian diwali/Sanksranthi /Telugu association to entertain Indians who want to stay connected to their culture. I had many library events, magic show, festival of lights (not diwali), christmas events, museums, downtowns and parties. American neighbors I know are positive about India and we all celebrate halloween and they also tie sarees to experience our culture. They are really nice. America also has chores to do but who cares, I am blissfully happy and don’t believe media who say reality of usa because media never shows reality fully. They only show negatives and not positives for the sake of nationalism. They are not patriots , they are nationalists. Few youtube videos don’t represent all Indians/NRIs.

    Reply

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