Pros and Cons of Moving to Cape Town


Every city has its good side and bad side, but Cape Town undoubtedly has more going for it than most. From the mouths of expats themselves here are is a snapshot of the pros and cons of living in Cape Town:
 
Pros:
 
  • Home and work in close proximity
  • Long summers, mild winters, lots of sunshine
  • Relaxed and balanced lifestyle
  • Excellent infrastructure, from roads to banks
  • Business friendly and plenty of opportunity
  • Good value for money (except for property)
  • Large expat community
  • Lots of natural beauty
  • Beach and mountain five minutes away
  • Good wine – cheap too
  • Friendly and welcoming locals
  • Same time-zone as Europe
  • Excellent private healthcare
  • Top-class government schools
  • Great nightlife and gay scene
  • Domestic help very affordable
 
Cons:
 
  • High crime rate
  • Wind blows throughout summer
  • Year-round cold sea
  • Affirmative action policies
  • Cumbersome bureaucracy
  • Public healthcare dire
  • No public transport
  • Salaries lower than Johannesburg
  • Property prices are high
  • Unreliable internet; no broadband

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Our Cape Town Expert

David Fair's picture
Joburg
Tamboerskloof, Cape Town city bowl
I am an expat living and loving in Cape Town - I know this city better than most and will share my inside info with anyone...