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Wages better in Gauteng, but places like George offer a great lifestyle
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While the earning potential offered by Joburg is generally higher than in most other metros, many do not believe it offers the same lifestyle appeal as Durban or Cape Town, says Grahame Diedricks, manager principal for Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty in Midrand.
This is why more people are choosing alternative lifestyles and are willing to commute further and more often in order to have both the lifestyle they want as well as retain the income the major metros offer.
"Cape Town is a popular destination for a primary residence due to the lifestyle it offers, especially for outdoor enthusiasts and we have seen a growing number of our clients commuting to Joburg for work," Diedericks says.
Echoing this, the agency's Chris Cilliers says: "Joburg is still the economic hub of South Africa and offers people many career opportunities as well as higher earning potential."
Somerset West is a popular option for these super commuters as it offers easy access to Cape Town airport and good, affordable schooling, says Greeff's Donné Jacobs. It also has business train and bus servicesthat travel to and from the Cape Town city centre on weekdays.
"This an attractive option for living in Somerset West without having to worry about peak hour traffic to town as well as hefty parking costs," says Jacobs. Plettenberg Bay has also seen an increase in super commuters, says Steven Neufeld, manager principal for Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty in the area.
Most of these residents opt for homes in gated estates and work remotely as much as possible. When necessary they commute to Gauteng. Both Plettenberg Bay and George offer easy commutes for families seeking lifestyles away from bustling cities, agrees Ling Dobson, Pam Golding Properties area principal in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
"They are looking for security and access to a natural lifestyle, be it the beaches or the forests - running, cycling, swimming, golf, birding and all the other holistic and healthy sports.
"The most sought-after options include Thesen Islands, Simola and Pezula." George is a popular alternative to Cape Town because it offers less congestion and a laid-back lifestyle, says Pieter Jordaan, licensee for Seeff George. It is slightly warmer in terms of the sea temperatures and the year-round temperate climate.
"Numbeo, an international online database of user-submitted information, rates George as the city with the best quality of life in South Africa, beating Knysna (second), Port Elizabeth (third), Cape Town (fourth) and Durban (fifth)." Hermanus is also sought-after among buyers from across the country, but especially the wealthy from Joburg and Pretoria, says Paul Kruger, licensee for Seeff Hermanus.
Author: Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realtyn