THis is a long shot but....

Where can I find practical information like where to live in Cape Town, how to find a decent home. I'd also like to know about where i can volunteer on projects in my spare time. I'd like useful information from Brits who've got temp residence and have been through the ever changing minefield of getting a visa. I would like to link up with other Brits/South Africans who are LOVING Cape Town.

I am not interested in ANYONE telling me that Cape Town is riddled with crime. Please do not responmd with scare stories, please please. I have not been able to get useful information form the other threads on this site. I'm hoping this may be more constructive. Thanks!

I'm not British but I do live in Cape Town.

Have a look http://www.pamgolding.co.za/ it is one of SA's largest estate agencys with home all around the country.

It Cape Town you're choice of suburb will depend largely upon what kind of a life style you wish to live and how much you wish to spend on a home.

The price of the home is a pretty good indicater on how popular the suburb is.
Good Central suburbs include Higgovale , Oranjezicht , Tamboerskloof.

The atlantic seaboard contains some of the most expensive homes in South Africa an is essentially a trendy beach area, top choices would be anything a little past Sea Point as it still has some un desirable elements.

On the western seaboard, Blouberg and possibly Tableview would be good choices, these are quieter beach areas. The trip to central Cape Town can be slow in rush hour.

The Southern suburbs - These are predominantly Englsih and range froma little rough to ultra posh, top choices would be Bishopscourt, Constantia and Newlands.

The Northern Suburbs - These tend to be more Afrikaans and slightly cheaper that the Southern suburbs. Life would generally be more peacefull.The top choice would probably be Durbanville and possibly Plattekloof, however it does not have Durbanvilles town feel.

As for volunteering it all depends upon what kind of work you are looking to do. As for getting the VISA I am not sure, but I do know that is is quite a process.

I would recommend these if you can afford them. Obviously central they are, on the right days, incredibly beautiful. The "vibe" in town is great with a reasonably easy going atmosphere (unless it's changed dramatically in the last two years). Kloof street is the heart of CT cafe society. Downsides, the wind, which can get on your nerves and bergies. Parking attendents are a minor irritation. If you do buy or rent in those areas, do so a street or two away from the building line. The frequency of large fires has increased with the population and the firefighters aren't all that sharp anymore having been AA'd.

Not to be discounted are Gardens (although this is mostly flats, some of which are quite large) and the malay quarter (up and coming but there's considerable resentment from the not so up-and-coming component that already lives there). Te Waterkant is great but it's a small area with high demand so cost is very high.

Also consider high level road overlooking Green and Sea point.

Oh, as an afterthought, do not buy. Rent. During the past parlimentary session the ANC introduced the expropriation bill, but withdrew it (probably because it was badly worded). The expropriation bill includes ALL property, fixed or otherwise. It is not for farms alone. Now there has been a shift to to the stalinists in the ANC you can bet you bottom dollar that they'll push it through next session, assuming they retain their present majority.

Hi,
I lived in CPT for 15 years before returning to UK when I was 20.
My wife is S.A. and I have Perm. Res.
I have been in the UK for 20 years, keep going back for hols every year or 2, and now we are making plans to move back to CPT.
We bought a small house in Maitland area, just because it was next door to her mum and dads, and her sister lives in it now.
We are saving for another house and will be looking at the Monte Vista, Platterkloof, Durbanville, Northern surburbs.
It is a great area, even though I am English all the way, the southern subs. are OK, I lived there for 15 years, went to Plumstead primary and High schools.
However, our hearts are in CPT, sure it's not the safest country in the world, but who cares.
When you love a place, you can see through all that.
I will sort out some SA ID and a SA passport, if I can.
Graham

However, our hearts are in CPT, sure it's not the safest country in the world, but who cares.
When you love a place, you can see through all that.

Slaap Stad is the best place in SA, not too many dark ones so less crime, if your English, go live in the South Peninsular, if a none Brit, go North young man go North, if your not sure what you are gender wise then Green Point is the place for you

The social scene here is a tad clicky, the best way to meet peeps is to join clubs and get involved in your local neighborhood watch

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I think I will be looking at the Panorama area.
Slightly up on the mountain, (not Table Mountain) but which looks towards TM and table bay..
Beautiful area in my opinion.
Nice size plots, good houses, generally a good neighbourhood.
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What is the name of the mountain / hill just out from Goodwood towards Parow?, the one where Platterkloof is on the top?

graham

They are called the Tygerberg Hills definitely not a mountain though!!! Plattekloof and Panorama areas very stunning and expensive too. My mom lives in Plattekloof Glen, way down the bottom of the hills.

Wonderful area, most homes have fantastic security set ups, lots of burglaries though, and rapes/murders etc, as its a well off area, enjoy

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Oh your so full of shit !

Troll tosspot !

Why don't you go **** off and visit another forum.

Well Graham,

http://www.saps.gov.za/statistics/re...ellenbosch.pdf

Not sure which SAPS Station would cover your area but for some strange reason they have'nt put figures up for last year.
says that unfortunately rapes and murders do happen in those idyllic surroundings,
but then you did say " However, our hearts are in CPT, sure it's not the safest country in the world, but who cares.
When you love a place, you can see through all that."

You have'nt lived there for 20 years, you've been back on Holiday maybe 10 times.
You really ARE an expert on SA and its crime, are'nt you?

Oh dear, truth stinging your bottom is it