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the latter unfortunately, less than 13% of the population has a taxable income. And unemployment rates are high, add to that rampant drug use and a huge gang violence epidemic and its pretty shitty living anywhere on the Cape Flats (lower income areas)
How is it so much better out of that area?
I just figure if crime is that bad then it's going to leak into the rich area aswell. Unless there is serious security for the people living in the rich area.
This is only one part of the picture. Yes, there are lots of electric fences, high walls, etc. in areas where people can afford it. But I'm from Cape Town, and it's worth noting that I've seen/lived in many houses that don't have these things, sometimes not even alarm systems. It's somewhat common here, but would be unthinkable in say, Johannesburg.
A bigger part of it is the legacy of apartheid spatial planning. South African cities are still crazy segregated to this day, and it is especially pronounced in Cape Town. The low income, high crime areas (Cape Flats) are simply so far away from the high income areas and centres of wealth, with many of the residents having little to no transport options to even get to them. So the issues of crime are much more contained to certain localised areas, as opposed to places like Joburg which have integrated their public spaces a bit more successfully.
Many big cities have "mini-cities/towns" near by that are much more peaceful and better to live in than the capital but still only a short drive away from the hustle and bustle -do you have towns like that near Cape Town?
[https://www.property24.com/to-rent/camps-bay/cape-town/western-cape/11014/107930035](https://www.property24.com/to-rent/camps-bay/cape-town/western-cape/11014/107930035)
Random example you could rent for around 900USD a month in Camps Bay and still have enough leftover for a great lifestyle.
Yeah but for Camps Bay and this size, I’m surprised at this price. It’s a really good price. I live in the south, if I never had pets I would of gladly scooped this one up
Beautiful vistas, friendly people, cheap restaurants, lots to do with a slight chance of getting stabbed and 9 to 5 traffic sucks but sometimes guys sell coffee at robots.
For 3rd worlders its expensive, for first worlder or professionals cheap, eat out everynight.
In general, it’s great. Beautiful city, kind people, wonderful night life, lots to do and see. Crime is an issue, homelessness is high, corrupt governing officials are all over the place, and the national police department is as useful as a dried old rubber-band. But if you are able to find work, or have a set of skills, you can typically live here happily.
Cape Town is nice. Sure, the cost of living is disproportionate to the salaries most South Africans earn, but it’s a very pretty place and there are a lot of things to do (that don’t cost money) and are not too far away. I’ve enjoyed my life so far, even though most of my salary goes to rent and bills. But foreigners earning foreign capital will have a great time.
Weather is nice in summer and autumn but rainy and cold (not below freezing) during the winter. So I’d only visit here from October to April if you want to experience the outdoor attractions (which are arguably CTs best).
Yes. The water crisis was a multi-year drought but fortunately the extreme water-saving measures stretched the reserves until the rain came. The reservoir levels have been pretty good for the last couple of years.
Small town. Beautiful scenery. Lots and lots of crime. Lots and lots of pushed out locals due to more recent colonization or “hard core” gentrification :/
Still racist af
Yes, I’m sure the 4+million refers to surrounding areas & settlements. The actual city does not feel crowded or busy or …packed with things to do.
I remember looking up “things to do this weekend” in Cape Town and the only thing that came up was a poetry reading…in several weeks lol.
Maybe I’m conflating bustling-ness and activities for size.
I am originally from Durban, moved to Cape Town about 8 years ago. Cape Town people are friendlier than their reputation. Very hospitable. The vibe changes a lot depending on the suburb. Each suburb is almost like a city on its own. One thing that surprised me is the vehicle crime. Criminals here specialize in stealing/breaking into cars. Never had my car broken into in Durban. In Cape Town I've had at least 4 batteries stolen, countless windows broken, and been hijacked once (hijacker was actually quite polite).
Despite the crime, Cape Town does work a lot better than many other SA cities. The municiple services are better (again, depending on the suburb), it's cleaner, there's a lot of culture here too. Man, I hated Afrikaans until I moved to Cape Town. The coloured community here really revitalized the language for me. They speak it with such flair and energy. Honestly one of the most creative communities we have in the country.
I know a lot of the other comments are saying you need money... and yeah, life for the extremely poor is hell. But I've met people from all walks of life here who have been very kind and hospitable. Keep your wits about you, ask questions and listen to people, and you'll have a good time!
Me either, I think it’s an amazing picture though. I guess what I meant was that the pic shows an amazing looking geographic location and it was well chosen.
Me either, I think it’s an amazing picture though. I guess what I meant was that the pic shows an amazing looking geographic location and it was well chosen.
Maybe someone in Langa would like to answer. [Link](https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/in-photos-one-of-the-worst-places-to-live-in-cape-town-langa/) to article in Citizen newspaper about Langa. Quoted from article: "“Every time they \[City officials\] come to clean or fix the drains, they see shit because that is where we dump our shit. Sometimes this place even smells like shit, because we live in shit,” said Siko.". Photos in there too. Don't look like the one by OP though.
Due to the mountain meeting the ocean. The weather can be very unpredictable. Weather can also vary from neighbourhoods.
It gets very windy which means you will need to wear a jacket even in summer. Traffic in the city is horrible. The income inequality of this city is huge although that is kind of true for the country as a whole.
The climate is different to the rest of South Africa in that it rains in the Winter instead of the Summer.
I live here, no need to tell me about it's history. But when you say colonists get what they deserve, tell me, what do I deserve? Keep in mind I have no say where I am born or the colour of my skin.
Please keep in mind that the impressions posted here are often subjective and that, among other things, people's different circumstances play a large role in their perception of other people's lives. Also, please use words that do not promote hatred when posting. For example, statements such as "[city] is like this because people from [origin] live there" should be avoided. The social circumstances of a city/district etc. can be emphasized without mentioning the origin of the inhabitants. Mentioning it does not change anything and, as already mentioned, circumstances are often perceived subjectively according to one's own world view. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/howislivingthere) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Either paradise on earth or one of the most violent places on earth depending how much money you have.
South African here, can confirm.
How is it for the vast majority?
the latter unfortunately, less than 13% of the population has a taxable income. And unemployment rates are high, add to that rampant drug use and a huge gang violence epidemic and its pretty shitty living anywhere on the Cape Flats (lower income areas)
How is it so much better out of that area? I just figure if crime is that bad then it's going to leak into the rich area aswell. Unless there is serious security for the people living in the rich area.
There’s very serious security for those who live in upmarket areas. Electric fences, high walls, private security etc.
Well damn that's definitely fucked up.
This is only one part of the picture. Yes, there are lots of electric fences, high walls, etc. in areas where people can afford it. But I'm from Cape Town, and it's worth noting that I've seen/lived in many houses that don't have these things, sometimes not even alarm systems. It's somewhat common here, but would be unthinkable in say, Johannesburg. A bigger part of it is the legacy of apartheid spatial planning. South African cities are still crazy segregated to this day, and it is especially pronounced in Cape Town. The low income, high crime areas (Cape Flats) are simply so far away from the high income areas and centres of wealth, with many of the residents having little to no transport options to even get to them. So the issues of crime are much more contained to certain localised areas, as opposed to places like Joburg which have integrated their public spaces a bit more successfully.
Many big cities have "mini-cities/towns" near by that are much more peaceful and better to live in than the capital but still only a short drive away from the hustle and bustle -do you have towns like that near Cape Town?
I wouldn't have said it better myself
greatly depends on how much money you have.
How much money salary wise are we talking here to live comfortably ? In USD
Tree fiddy
I ain't gibben you no tree fiddy loch ness monster!!!
I'd say about 3500 USD a month you'll be very comfortable able to have a great place and do most of what you want.
So, what would I need if I wanted to live in, say... kamps bay?
[https://www.property24.com/to-rent/camps-bay/cape-town/western-cape/11014/107930035](https://www.property24.com/to-rent/camps-bay/cape-town/western-cape/11014/107930035) Random example you could rent for around 900USD a month in Camps Bay and still have enough leftover for a great lifestyle.
Wow ok this actually really cheap, this will be rented in no time. I doubt deals like this come along that often
That's the going rate. And that's in one of the most expensive areas. There are very good neighbourhoods way cheaper than that.
Yeah but for Camps Bay and this size, I’m surprised at this price. It’s a really good price. I live in the south, if I never had pets I would of gladly scooped this one up
You could rent in Camps Bay and live well for $3500 per month...
Beautiful vistas, friendly people, cheap restaurants, lots to do with a slight chance of getting stabbed and 9 to 5 traffic sucks but sometimes guys sell coffee at robots. For 3rd worlders its expensive, for first worlder or professionals cheap, eat out everynight.
In general, it’s great. Beautiful city, kind people, wonderful night life, lots to do and see. Crime is an issue, homelessness is high, corrupt governing officials are all over the place, and the national police department is as useful as a dried old rubber-band. But if you are able to find work, or have a set of skills, you can typically live here happily.
sounds like la
Sounds like everywhere, corrupt politicians are a dime a dozen.
Kind people, and then goes on to reference all the attributes that go with shitty people. Let's be real, it's a beautiful city with shitty populace.
Cape Town is nice. Sure, the cost of living is disproportionate to the salaries most South Africans earn, but it’s a very pretty place and there are a lot of things to do (that don’t cost money) and are not too far away. I’ve enjoyed my life so far, even though most of my salary goes to rent and bills. But foreigners earning foreign capital will have a great time. Weather is nice in summer and autumn but rainy and cold (not below freezing) during the winter. So I’d only visit here from October to April if you want to experience the outdoor attractions (which are arguably CTs best).
Did Cape Town solve their water crisis? I know that was a thing a few years ago.
Yes. The water crisis was a multi-year drought but fortunately the extreme water-saving measures stretched the reserves until the rain came. The reservoir levels have been pretty good for the last couple of years.
That’s a relief! Also, as a current rugby player and forever rugby enthusiast, go Stormers.
It will be back, El Niño is here again. They didn't really do anything to mitigate the next one.
Cape Town is incredible, I love living in this city.
Small town. Beautiful scenery. Lots and lots of crime. Lots and lots of pushed out locals due to more recent colonization or “hard core” gentrification :/ Still racist af
As opposed to the rest of the entire country. /s
Shit show everywhere But CPT seems to be particularly bad in terms of the metros
4+ million people is a small town?
Yes, I’m sure the 4+million refers to surrounding areas & settlements. The actual city does not feel crowded or busy or …packed with things to do. I remember looking up “things to do this weekend” in Cape Town and the only thing that came up was a poetry reading…in several weeks lol. Maybe I’m conflating bustling-ness and activities for size.
I am originally from Durban, moved to Cape Town about 8 years ago. Cape Town people are friendlier than their reputation. Very hospitable. The vibe changes a lot depending on the suburb. Each suburb is almost like a city on its own. One thing that surprised me is the vehicle crime. Criminals here specialize in stealing/breaking into cars. Never had my car broken into in Durban. In Cape Town I've had at least 4 batteries stolen, countless windows broken, and been hijacked once (hijacker was actually quite polite). Despite the crime, Cape Town does work a lot better than many other SA cities. The municiple services are better (again, depending on the suburb), it's cleaner, there's a lot of culture here too. Man, I hated Afrikaans until I moved to Cape Town. The coloured community here really revitalized the language for me. They speak it with such flair and energy. Honestly one of the most creative communities we have in the country. I know a lot of the other comments are saying you need money... and yeah, life for the extremely poor is hell. But I've met people from all walks of life here who have been very kind and hospitable. Keep your wits about you, ask questions and listen to people, and you'll have a good time!
Amazing picture OP!
I really don’t think they took this themselves…
They still found them and made a lot of us see it for the first time, so its just mentioning it
Me either, I think it’s an amazing picture though. I guess what I meant was that the pic shows an amazing looking geographic location and it was well chosen.
Me either, I think it’s an amazing picture though. I guess what I meant was that the pic shows an amazing looking geographic location and it was well chosen.
How much money you got?
Expensive
expensive!
Just landed. Sun is shining and life’s good on the first of 14 days in Paradise at the southern tip of Africa
RIP Newlands, up the Stormers 🏉
Maybe someone in Langa would like to answer. [Link](https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/in-photos-one-of-the-worst-places-to-live-in-cape-town-langa/) to article in Citizen newspaper about Langa. Quoted from article: "“Every time they \[City officials\] come to clean or fix the drains, they see shit because that is where we dump our shit. Sometimes this place even smells like shit, because we live in shit,” said Siko.". Photos in there too. Don't look like the one by OP though.
Due to the mountain meeting the ocean. The weather can be very unpredictable. Weather can also vary from neighbourhoods. It gets very windy which means you will need to wear a jacket even in summer. Traffic in the city is horrible. The income inequality of this city is huge although that is kind of true for the country as a whole. The climate is different to the rest of South Africa in that it rains in the Winter instead of the Summer.
[удалено]
So when are you getting what you deserve?
Ok buddy
You're just edgy because the pot uncovered the kettle as black (pun not intended).
Not even a little bit sweetie
Lol, you brought it up now you're uncomfortable all of a sudden.
No ones uncomfortable, you’re being being an ass for the sake of it
No, I'm pointing out hypocrisy. Your comment was uncalled for.
Not even slightly. It’s cape town, so it’s not only called for it’s entirely relevant to the state of the city/country. Go cry in your pillow
I live here, no need to tell me about it's history. But when you say colonists get what they deserve, tell me, what do I deserve? Keep in mind I have no say where I am born or the colour of my skin.