Starting a new life in CT - where to begin?

Hi,

You will need a car especially if you wish to see any of the country, or even the surrounding areas of Cape Town. Taxis and train system are unsafe. CT is like any big city, there are places that you can't go by yourself and you need to be careful.

I hope your move goes well.

I've been here for three and a half years and so far (touch wood) have had no problems.

suburbs... I lived in Bellville (Northern suburbs, away from the rush) it's a 20min drive from the city if there is no traffic. but you might want a closer neighbourhood. It is not recommended to stay in the city itself, but you'll find loads of suburban areas close by. Basic safety rules apply... don't flash your expensive items around (jewellery, mobile phone etc.) lock your doors (car and house), don't except drinks from strangers and be observant.

Lived there all my life and never had a problem, house got burgled once, car got broken into about 5 times... but nothing mayor.. oh, and don't leave anything valuable in your car and make sure you have insurance.

Canadian expat here, living in Mouille Point.  Love it here a it is removed from the downtown area but close enough to still feel urban.  Right on the water - stunning!

Hello to the guys who live or used to live in CT

Could you give me some names of the areas you would say they are the safest and most convenient to live in ?And also,if you know how much more or less the rent for a 1-2room flat would be in such an area?Thank you very much.I would really appreciate your info.

Deepka

Cape Town is a fairly safe place, it depends what you do, of course don't walk alone after dark if you're a girl and don't carry too many obvious valuables around with you. I like this city and have lived in the Northern Suburbs while working in the city. I don't have a driving license however I joined a lift club (car pool) and it worked out to be reasonably priced and also it is a good way to know people as you would travel with them everyday. Otherwise you might get accommodation in the city or surrounds (Atlantic seaboard, Gardens, Tamboerskloof) and you can travel by meter taxis like the Rikki's which are not too expensive. But if you drive I would recommend getting a car to make life more convenient. The transport facilities are good if you live alongside Sea point, Mouille point as there is a bus every 15-20 mins to drop you along the beach road up to the waterfront. If you work there, fine. If not, you will have to take a bus to the city station which in my opinion is a bit insecure. I personally don't feel comfortable around that area (city station).

I've been staying in Kraaifontein for the past two weeks and am looking for an appartment or house here in the area. Kraaifontein, Durbanville, Bellville and surroundings (northern suburbs) seem safe for the most part, I think the West coast will be more or less the same as long as you don't live in Parklands or so.

The rent for a 1-2 bedroomed flat in Durbanville/Kraaifontein is about R3500-R4000, going up to R5500 if you want a nicer place to live.

The West Coast is one of the best places to stay, you travel against traffic if you work in the CBD. You have the stunning view of Table Mountain & Robin Island. The long stretch of sandy beach’s at your doorstep.

Hi Deepka
If you are looking for places to rent and stay in Cape Town (or anywhere in South Africa) then you HAVE to visit gumtree.co.za
I have used them to find my last 2 accommodations where Ive been staying the past 5 years. Its a private marketplace for everything in South Africa and its SO extensive.
Average Rent is about R2000.00/month ($300/month)

Nischal Bachu wrote:

Hi Deepka
If you are looking for places to rent and stay in Cape Town (or anywhere in South Africa) then you HAVE to visit gumtree.co.za
I have used them to find my last 2 accommodations where Ive been staying the past 5 years. Its a private marketplace for everything in South Africa and its SO extensive.
Average Rent is about R2000.00/month ($300/month)

Hi Deepka,

If you looking for property to rent, gumtree is alright but please be very careful as there are many scams. Instead try find property to rent on reputable property websites like Property Rentals or find an rental agent that works in the area.

Average rental rates are a little more expensive that 2k ZAR more like R3500 unless you looking for house share options which you can get from R900 and up.

Table View is quite safe and close and far enough from the center