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Reasons why people are Moving to Durban

The coastal strip along Durban, KwaZulu-Natal is known for its warm beaches, laid-back culture, tourist attractions, as well as family entertainment, shopping and sprawling luxury estates.

This is why this haven in the Zulu Kingdom is extremely popular with newcomers. About 90% of KZN residents who live in small towns come from the province itself or Gauteng, while 15% of residents move to KZN from across the world.

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Work since COVID-19

Since the pandemic, workplace culture has shifted towards remote working, allowing professionals greater mobility to live and work wherever they wish. With the growing trend of migration, KZN appeals to professionals from farther afield who call the North Coast home for extended periods of time.  

If you are looking to switch up your career or find a chill place to relax, many South Africans and people internationally are feeling the need for a better quality of life and are moving to the coast where they embrace a better way of life.  Even with the influx of people, there are still Jobs in Durban due to the skills shortage in South Africa. 

According to www.trade.gov, the “Port of Durban is the main container port on the South African coastline. While handling approximately 60 percent of South Africa’s container traffic, the port serves KwaZulu-Natal, the Gauteng region, and a large portion of inland Southern Africa.”  Ports are significant sources of employment. Ports are employers and also support employment in related sectors such as trucking and rail transportation.  In terms of infrastructure, Durban and its surrounding towns and villages are excellent, as are the large commercial hubs of Umhlanga, Pinetown, New Germany, and Mount Edgecombe, all of which are easily accessible by road.

Quality of Life

Families and professionals are attracted to the North Coast because it offers a better quality of life without compromising their high standard of living or career goals. The cost of living in one of Durban's desirable towns is much more affordable than in Cape Town or Johannesburg.

Durban is ranked as the South African city with the highest quality of life. This is according to Quality of Living Survey results, ranking Durban 88th out of 231 cities surveyed worldwide. Cape Town follows at 95th, while Joburg is 96th.

This combined with a coastal location means residents can enjoy seaside pursuits and outdoor hobbies all year round since the climate is mild with pleasant winters and little rain, even in the wet summer months. 

 The Culture

Durban is a multicultural city.  On the busy beach fronts, you can mingle with people of all races, classes and backgrounds who are surfing, biking, running, taking a stroll, having a braai (barbeque), dancing, enjoying a group workout-by-the-ocean, or just having a lazing day.  Street markets, craft markets, art museums and historical tours are everywhere to enjoy.

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Affordable Housing

Compared to the other major cities in South Africa, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town, the housing in Durban is much more affordable. For example, a 3 bedroom house in Cape Town would cost you around USD230,000, whereas the same house in a similar area in Durban would be USD100,000. 

The Food

In Durban, you can have the best meal at many fine dining restaurants or you kind find great food at the docks, in a shipping container or just a small off-street eatery in any of the popular entertainment areas. The most popular food that hails from Durban is the bunny chow — a hollowed-out quarter-loaf of bread filled with curry, a quick takeaway meal, best eaten with your hands - a must try.

The benefits out countless, have a look at jobs in South Africa and find yourself in one of the greatest cities in the world.