Expats moving to Cape Town often find themselves seduced into staying for far longer than they initially anticipated. The city's considerable popularity rests on its celebrated natural beauty and many outdoor attractions, coupled with a relaxed lifestyle, melting-pot culture and mild climate.

Though located on the very tip of Southern Africa, the "Mother City" is anything but isolated. The city is home to Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Africans with traditional belief systems; existing in harmony and creating a multi-cultural edge that could rival the biggest and the best cosmopolitan destination.

Although small, Cape Town has all the trappings of an international metropolis with excellent restaurants and cafés, world-class shopping and top quality private healthcare.

In general, expats moving to Cape Town can expect a laid-back atmosphere atmosphere in part created by locals looking for a healthy, balanced alternative to the high stress work environment of other cities. Rush hour traffic is benign compared to that of Johannesburg, especially if you reside in the city bowl, which is close to the central business district.

The cost of living is reasonable, although Cape Town's more hedonistic attractions and pastimes mean that expats may struggle to save cash, especially as salaries tend to be lower than those in Johannesburg. Still, whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, impassioned art lover or overzealous volunteer it's easy to have a good life in the "Mother City".

Cape Town is South Africa’s most efficiently run metropolis and crime levels are lower than any of the country’s other large cities. While public transport is improving, it is still nowhere near European standards, which means it is essential that expats acquire a car.

With this small exception, expats will find it easy to settle in and adjust to life in Cape Town.