SA Highlights: 4 charming towns that you might want to live in

With more and more professionals now able to work remotely, many are opting out of the metropolitan rat race and moving to towns that favour a slower pace of life. 

"In spite of the various challenges South Africans face on a daily basis, we are fortunate to boast magnificent landscapes, wide-open spaces, and colourful culture to boot," says Berry Everitt, CEO of the Chas Everitt International property group. "While immigration remains a hot trend for those who can afford it, we're delighted to share some of the charming towns that make it possible for South Africans to opt for 'semigration', and to enjoy the best of everything, right at home."

Mossel Bay, Western Cape - a Garden Route icon

In addition to its breathtaking natural location, surrounded by beaches and dramatic scenery, Mossel Bay enjoys the privilege of having the best-run municipality in the country (Afrika's Municipal Financial Sustainability Index 2019). 

Proactive committees and councils meet regularly and collaborate consistently to keep this iconic South African tourism destination running smoothly: 

• Service delivery: Mossel Bay boasts efficient water, electricity and sanitation service delivery in all of its major regions.

• Infrastructural development: Mossel Bay Municipality invests in the upkeep of infrastructure and facilitates infrastructural growth. 

• Accountability: Perhaps the town's recipe for success is the municipality's model of accountability, key performance indicators (KPIs) and stringent anti-corruption measures. 

• Work ethic: Apart from organisational and regulatory measures, the municipality fosters a workforce that takes great pride in their work.

• Community engagement: Councillors and administrative employees are accessible and nurture effective, two-way communication with members of the community.

Although charming, Mossel Bay is not quite what one may term a 'small town'. The municipality stretches from Groot Brakriver to the Goutritsriver, including inland areas around Bonnievale, Herbertsdale and Friemersheim. The rural areas are serviced by the Rural Development unit - one of its kind in the country, and an example of efficiency.

Mossel Bay is also renowned for its beautiful housing, pleasant suburbs and pristine public and private amenities - the epitome of small-town living in the 21st century. 

Search through our listings to find your new home in Mossel Bay.

Hogsback, Eastern Cape - Going nowhere slowly, and loving it

Hogsback lies in what might be perceived as "the middle of nowhere", in the hushed, tranquil heart of the Eastern Cape's Amathole mountain range. Dramatic scenery is brought to life by the abundance of Cape Parrots, Samango Monkeys and Knysna Loeries, and the many waterfalls that flow through deep indigenous forests surrounding the docile town. And although small and sleepy, Hogsback has a rich history. 

Hogsback is notoriously a tourist town, with unique accommodations, stunning wilderness surroundings, conference venues and cultural attractions. It falls within the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality - an active, community-engaged municipality with a steady focus on local economic development of small- to medium-sized tourism enterprises in the region. 

Among other objectives, tourism economies have the potential to create jobs, facilitate skills development and improve overall town cleanliness, amenities and environment. 

Whether you have dreams of running your own hospitality business or are simply in search of the quiet life for remote work or retirement, Hogsback lacks for nothing and has stunning homes and farms on the market. 

To find your new home in Hogsback, contact our East London branch.
 

Barberton, Mpumalanga - "Daisy Town" 

Barberton is a historical 'gold rush' settlement that has evolved into a thriving tourist and suburban community, surrounded by nature reserves and some of the country's most established safari destinations. Barberton lies just a stone's throw from Mbombela, Mpumalanga's capital city (formerly known as Nelspruit).

If it's a charmed life you're after, Barberton has oodles of it: 

• The Barberton Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii) was first discovered here and still grows prolifically. 

• The renowned Sheba Mine is the oldest and richest working gold mine in the world and has been running since 1885. Gold mining is still the area's primary economic activity.

• The mountains that surround Barberton have some of the rarest rocks on earth, many of which occur in only one other place on the planet. 

• The area's unique geography can be explored on the world-class hiking route, Geotrail, and many other trails.

• Barberton is a 4x4 delight, catering for drivers and vehicles of all classes. 

Although still small, Barberton residents enjoy all the facilities and modern comforts of suburban life, including adequate connectivity, retail outlets, schools and hospitals. It's also a prime home base for those who enjoy outdoor activities and wildlife exploration. 

Perhaps Barberton's greatest challenge would be the region's water shortages, with the Lomati Dam sitting at precarious levels. Water restrictions are in place and the Mbombela Municipality is active in providing additional water to the town in JoJo tanks. 

Search through our listings to find your new home in Barberton.

Stilbaai, Western Cape - the Bay of Sleeping Beauty

Stilbaai is the quintessential South African coastal town, complete with a fishing community, quaint touristy spots, and extraordinary scenery. Stilbaai forms part of the Garden Route and offers tourists and residents a selection of restaurants, coffee shops, golfing, and a variety of sporting activities - as well as more practical conveniences such as supermarkets, doctors, dentists and pharmacies. 

Stilbaai presents a Utopian coastal lifestyle in this coveted region. Mild winters and bright, sunny summers make for all-year comfort, and also contribute to the region's uninterrupted beauty. Vast, unparalleled sandy beaches are the result of the shallow bay, while the lagoon and Goukou River facilitate all types of water activities, such as windsurfing, kite surfing, angling, swimming, sailing, canoeing, boating and waterskiing. 

For those who prefer outdoor activities with their boots on, Stilbaai's inland regions abound in hiking trails, such as Lappiesbaai Trail, Melkhoutfontein Trail, Geelkrans, and more. Close proximity to the Garden Route inspires a lifetime of exploration of one of South Africa's most glorious regions. 

Combined with the neighbouring villages, Jongensfontein and Melkhoutfontein, Stilbaai's population was last counted at 7,000 - and growing. Although the town is expanding steadily, the Hessequa Municipality takes a vested interest in well-balanced commercial development and ensuring that the natural environment takes first priority, every time. 

As far as lifestyle goes, Stilbaai's primary residential areas are a paragon of luxury, space, and suburban bliss. With fibre. Yes, please!

Search through our listings to find your new home in Stilbaai.
Amidst questions around service delivery, economic growth and safety, we have to acknowledge the many pockets of well-run urban paradises that can't be ignored as idyllic relocation and retirement destinations. If you'd like to explore home relocation opportunities in South Africa, get in touch with a Chas Everitt property consultant today.