Chandigarh offers planned sectors, mature greenery and the most established schools and hospitals. Supply is limited and prices are the highest in the region, so most homes are independent floors, kothis and resale flats.
Mohali has the largest pipeline of new towers, with clubhouses, modern layouts and quick access to the airport and IT City. Panchkula sits between the two: sector living and larger homes at lower prices than Chandigarh, with the Shivalik foothills close by.
Zirakpur and Dera Bassi trade distance for affordability, and New Chandigarh is a newer master-planned belt with plenty of land and villas. Whichever you prefer, do the commute on a weekday morning before you decide.