South Africa is a vibrant and diverse country, one that offers expats a mix of cosmopolitan cities, beautiful coastal towns and peaceful escapes to the country. Whether you’re moving for work, education or adventure, South Africa has a range of neighbourhoods and regions to suit every lifestyle. Below, we’ve taken a look at the best places for expats to live in South Africa, and how to choose the right neighbourhood for you.
Popular Places in South Africa for Expats to Live
When you’re planning to move to South Africa, there’s a lot for you to think about. You need to decide the best time to move and where to move to, and you certainly won’t be short of choice. There are a lot of places in South Africa that are popular amongst expats, including Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Cape Town
With its stunning beaches, Table Mountain and a thriving cultural scene, it’s easy to see why Cape Town is a favourite among expats. It’s ideal for those seeking a cosmopolitan yet somewhat laid back lifestyle, striking a good balance between the two. Within Cape Town, City Bowl is a popular neighbourhood, especially for professionals who want to live close to the vibrant city centre. For those who want to be close to the coast and beautiful views, Clifton and Camps Bay are also worth considering.
Johannesburg
Johannesburg – or Jo’burg as the locals often refer to it – is South Africa’s economic hub, and it attracts a lot of expats who are searching for career opportunities and modern amenities. Sandton is known as the richest square mile in Africa, and it’s the financial heart of the city. There’s also Fourways, a family-friendly suburb with excellent schools and shopping facilities. For creatives and entrepreneurs, the Maboneng Precinct is the place to be.
Durban
With its warm South African climate and beautiful beaches, Durban is a top choice for expats who are moving in search of a relaxed, tropical lifestyle. Within Durban, Umhlanga Rocks is a prime location for Brits moving to the region. It’s a coastal suburb with a strong expat community and luxury living, ticking many boxes for those relocating. Durban North is another well-liked neighbourhood, as it’s family-friendly, boasts good schools and has a lot of outdoor spaces.
Port Elizabeth and the Garden Route
If you’re moving to South Africa and looking for scenic beauty and a quieter pace of life, the Garden Route and Port Elizabeth perfectly balance both. These areas are known for their natural charm, outdoor activities and affordability.
Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands
Known for its vineyards, rolling hills, and historic charm, Stellenbosch offers a slower pace of life while being close to Cape Town. It’s ideal for wine enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families, as it’s close to good schools and has a thriving expat community. The nearby towns of Franschhoek and Paarl also offer stunning landscapes and a laid back lifestyle, if that’s more your thing.
Hermanus
Famous for whale watching, Hermanus is a peaceful coastal town that offers a relaxed lifestyle. It’s a popular choice for retirees or those seeking a slower pace of life, but it does have a lot to offer families also. Hermanus is relatively close to Cape Town, making it a viable option for remote workers or those who want the city to be accessible as and when they need it.
Pretoria
Pretoria is known for its academic institutions and diplomatic presence, and it offers a quieter lifestyle. Waterkloof Ridge is an area with upscale living, with close proximity to embassies, making it popular for those moving for diplomatic reasons. Centurion is another desirable area that’s growing more and more popular amongst families and young professionals.
Choosing the Right South African Neighbourhood for You
There are a lot of neighbourhoods to choose from in South Africa, so it’s important to do your research. Consider what you’re looking for in a neighbourhood and how each one aligns with those requirements.
Lifestyle Preferences
South Africa offers a range of lifestyles, from the bustling city life of Johannesburg to the relaxed coastal living in Cape Town. When you’re planning your move, you need to think about what aligns with your personal preferences. You might be looking for vibrant nightlife or cultural experiences or even a quieter, family-oriented neighbourhood.
Proximity to Work and Schools
Traffic in South Africa can be a challenge, especially in larger cities at peak times of the day. Choose a location close to your workplace or schools, if you’re moving with children, to save time and reduce stress. You don’t want to spend your mornings struggling to get somewhere on time. Many expat-friendly neighbourhoods are strategically located near international schools and business districts.
Housing Options and Affordability
South Africa’s housing market caters to all budgets, with options ranging from high end apartments to spacious family homes. It’s important to do some research on rental prices and property costs in the areas you’re considering. For example, Cape Town tends to be pricier, especially in areas like Camps Bay and Clifton. But Johannesburg offers a mix of affordable and upscale options in areas like Sandton and Fourways, providing something for everyone.
Amenities and Facilities
Access to amenities like South African healthcare, public transport, shopping and recreational facilities is key when you’re planning your move. Areas like Sandton in Johannesburg and Umhlanga in Durban offer malls, restaurants and healthcare facilities, but other areas focus more on outdoor spaces. Think about the type of amenities and facilities that you’re most likely to need, and choose a neighbourhood that caters to those needs.
Organise Your Move to South Africa Today
Moving to South Africa as an expat is an exciting adventure, but planning is essential. You need to secure your housing, research visa requirements and familiarise yourself with the culture and legal systems. Plus, you need to organise actually getting there, yourself and your belongings. This is where we come in.
At United International Removals, we streamline the process of moving to South Africa by offering professional, experienced international removals services. Get in touch with our experts to find out more.