Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa and the second most populous city in the country after Johannesburg, and a truly multi-ethnic city. The inhabitants are composed of about 50% mestizos, 40% black Africans and 10% whites. There are many foreigners currently living in Cape Town.
The city is characterized by its proximity to nature. Cape Town is surrounded by oceans, mountains and wine farms. If you love nature, this is an ideal place for you. You can choose between two oceans: the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, and you can surf, windsurf, fish, dive and sail or just lie on a secluded beach. If you prefer mountains, you can go to Table Mountain National Park.
The climate plays a very important role in evaluating the positive aspects of this city. You will enjoy exceptional summers with average temperatures around 30°C. Winters are also extremely mild, with temperatures that rarely drop below 12°C.
Cape Town is the most popular destination for expatriates in South Africa. As soon as you arrive here, you will immediately feel the flair of a cosmopolitan, modern and, above all, multicultural city, and it will be easy for you to get in touch with people of practically all nationalities. Daily communication should not be a big problem, as English is one of the official languages of the country.
Nightlife is varied: exclusive house clubs, jazz bars, clubs, street parties, cabaret, theater and concerts. There is a wide range of sports, especially rugby, cricket and football.
Living in Cape Town is not expensive at all. If we take a look at the prices in Cape Town, we immediately realize that it is a pretty cheap place to live. Rents are not high, and the cost of food and clothing is also low. There are several large malls usually have everything that is available in the rest of the world.
Crime is the biggest concern for anyone who decides to move to this city. In reality, the neighborhoods are relatively crime-free, and the city center is well protected and safe. Numerous police officers patrol the streets during the day. In any case, it is advisable not to go out alone at night. Compared to other large South African metropolises, Cape Town has a very low crime rate in the affluent communities, while in the poorer communities crime is literally out of control: In the poorest neighborhoods, an average of 40 murders are committed daily. Many have moved here hoping for a better life, but unfortunately the overpopulation of unskilled labor makes life very difficult for them
In terms of employment, unemployment rate is around 30% and wages for unskilled workers are very low.
Living and working in Cape Town – pros and cons
Living in Cape Town, pros
- Fantastic landscapes and nature
- Friendly and relaxed people
- Good food and wine
- Great cultural diversity
- Pleasant weather all year round
Living in Cape Town, cons
- High crime rate
- Government inefficiency
- Congested traffic
- Inadequate public transportation
Living and working in Cape Town, conclusion
In short, Cape Town is really beautiful, it is the best city in Africa from a naturalistic point of view and probably also in terms of infrastructure. The people are quite laid back and there are many cultures and everyone gets along quite well with each other. Unfortunately, however, the majority of the population lives in poverty, in precarious conditions and with little hope of finding work or improving their quality of life.
If you are interested in moving to South Africa read the article: Moving to South Africa
If you are interested in working in South Africa, read the article: Work in South Africa
