Ask almost anyone living in Bengaluru what they dislike about the city, and the same complaints emerge: traffic, expensive rent, long commutes, and roads packed at nearly every hour. Yet, ask if they plan to leave, and most say no. This contradiction is perfectly captured in a recent viral Instagram video by Ankit, a creator from Bihar, which has resonated with many across social media.
Why People Stay Despite the Struggles
In the video, Ankit observes that despite facing loneliness, anxiety, hours of traffic weekly, and a significant portion of salary spent on rent, people still do not want to leave. He notes that Bengaluru does not have a monopoly on jobs—opportunities exist in Gurgaon, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Chennai too. So why stay? His answer: the weather. He jests that even when half your salary goes to rent, the pleasant climate convinces you to remain. Anyone who has endured a summer in another major Indian city can relate.
Community Reactions and Shared Experiences
The video quickly gained traction online, with the comment section turning into a support group. Many users affirmed that Ankit described their feelings exactly. One wrote simply, "This is true." Another compared Bengaluru's current allure to Mumbai's in past decades, suggesting the city plays a similar role for young professionals today. Others described how the city slowly becomes home: moving for work, making friends, discovering favorite cafes and weekend spots, until years pass. Many admitted that while they complain about rent hikes and traffic jams, they cannot imagine living elsewhere.
Dissenting Voices
Not everyone agrees. Some argue that jobs are the real reason people stay, claiming that if permanent work-from-home were allowed, many would return to their hometowns. Others find the weather overrated and insufficient to offset daily struggles. Traffic and rising rents remain major frustrations. Several commenters highlighted that basic infrastructure has not kept pace with the city's growth. One user bluntly stated they were glad to have left, criticizing broken footpaths, poor parking, and declining civic conditions. The point is clear: while the city offers opportunities, living there is not always easy.
The Bengaluru Paradox
Few cities inspire such contradiction. Residents complain daily about traffic, grumble about rent, and joke about leaving during two-hour commutes. Yet they renew leases, extend stays, and build lives. Between office runs, evening weather, startup culture, coffee shops, and friendships, Bengaluru creates an inexplicable bond. It is far from perfect, but for many, it still feels like the place where things are happening. As Ankit's video shows, Bengaluru may test patience and empty wallets, but for reasons even residents struggle to explain, it remains surprisingly hard to leave.
