An Expat Talks about Moving to Khunti, India

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Khunti

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

Brought:
1. Better laptop

2. Bicycles

3. More dried chicken noodle soup

Left at Home:
1. Throw pillows

2. A LOT LESS CLOTHING

3. Television

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What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Keep in mind that this area is very populated with tribal Indians. The illiteracy, unemployment, and alcoholism rate is very high. Minor incidents can spark off huge protests. Law and order after dark is non-existent. If you are moving to India for the first time, our suggestion would be to move to a more metro area with other expats to rely on.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

We live in a duplex type setup on a school campus. Most others on campus do as well. Outside the campus are mostly huts and single family homes. This is a VERY POOR area with massive poverty. We are the only expats within 100 miles of here.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

This is our second move in India. We used to live up north, but some friends of ours told us about this place and now we are here volunteering at a school.

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

Lower here. We live rent-free as we volunteer our hours to the school. We came from California, where the housing cost is lower (at least now). Most people here cannot afford to buy a home, so they rent for about $100 USD per month. A typical home will cost you about $10,000 to build, but do beware of cultural issues that you have not experienced before if you move here.