A U.S.-based NRI couple with a net worth of ₹6 crore (60 million INR) is planning to return to India in the next four years, seeking a more peaceful and nature-focused life in South India. The couple, currently residing in the U.S. on H-1B visas, are in their early forties and are motivated by the stress associated with the U.S. immigration system and a desire for a simpler lifestyle.
The couple intends to settle in a smaller city or town in South India known for its greenery, pleasant weather, and slower pace of life. Ooty, Coimbatore, and Kochi are among the locations that appeal to them, offering natural beauty and opportunities for gardening and outdoor activities. They envision a calm retirement centered around nature, hiking, boating, gardening, and growing their own food. They describe themselves as quiet and peaceful people who are vegetarian, do not drink or smoke, and are not interested in parties or a fast social life.
Their current plan is to move back to India in about four years, coinciding with their daughter's completion of high school. Their daughter may continue her education in the U.S. on an F1 student visa, while the parents begin rebuilding their lives in India. The couple plans to purchase a comfortable home for around ₹3 crore and use the remaining funds to generate enough income through interest or dividends to support their lifestyle without requiring full-time employment.
The couple has shared their plans on Reddit, seeking advice from other users on making the transition seamless. They are particularly interested in insights on cultural integration, given that they are originally from Delhi and are considering settling in South India. One concern they have is the potential language barrier and navigating daily life in Tier 3 cities. Some Reddit users have advised them to rent a place before buying a house and also cautioned them about language issues. One user emphasized the importance of local languages in coping with daily life in Tier 3 cities. Another financial commentator advised the couple to aim for a ₹10 crore corpus to generate a post-tax income of around ₹54 lakh annually for a comfortable lifestyle in India.
The decision to return to India is driven by the "constant uncertainty of immigration rules and the stress of paperwork" associated with the H-1B visa. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialized occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise. While the H1-B visa has offered financial security and opportunities for many NRIs, the desire to return home often grows stronger after years of living abroad. Recent reports of H-1B visa holders facing unexpected deportation threats after layoffs have further fueled concerns about long-term stability in the U.S..
