Relocating from CPT to JHB - Advice please

[Boris Becker]

Find a place close to your work.

 

[MKFrost]

You can also look at Weltevredenpark and Allens Nek. It's on the 'other' side of the N1 so traffic in the mornings will be a real **** depending on what time you leave.

Five minutes later in the mornings and the usual 15 minute trip can turn into a 90 minute go slow to get to the same place.

Not sure about your circumstances but I would seriously think about staying here [Cape Town]. I loved my 10 odd years up there but you have more of a life down here.

At least you will learn how to drive while up there

 

[spiderz]

For everyone saying "do not relocate" and asking why - it is for work, one which i really want.

And everyone else - thank you so far for the advice - keep it coming

Stay as close to work as possible. Traffic is gonna kill you.

 

[Shake&Bake]

Get a Kevlar Batsuit.

GL!

 

[InusB]

Welcome to the Rat race. I can also recommend Weltevreden Park, Boskruin and Sundowner. Stayed in all 3. To get over the N1 to Randburg was a nightmare. I've also stayed in Craighall when I moved to Joburg, it was too crowded for me.

 

[creeper]

Firstly, my condolences.

It is recommended to find a place in the inner circle (N12-N1-N3), which include Sandton, Randburg etc. My suggestion is to find a garden flat for 6 months. This will give you a base to start looking at neigbourhoods and getting use to Jhb. From there, you will be able to decide.

 

[RazedInBlack]

Hi all,

I hope I am posting in the right section...

I will be relocating from CPT to JHB soon and have a few things that I'd like your advice on please.

1. Suggestions on areas in and around Randburg to live in? (Safety, Security, Price, etc.)
2. Would you find a place prior to moving up, or would you initially go stay in a guest house or hotel, prior, and then search for a place when you're that side?
3. If you would initially stay in a guest house or hotel, do you have any suggestions of places that are nice as well as not ridiculously priced?
4. What advice do you have for me as a newbie JHB'er?

Cheers!

Shame! I did this a few years back but came back to Cape Town.

You'll get loads of useful advice here so goodluck dude.

 

[Hamster]

Firstly, my condolences.

It is recommended to find a place in the inner circle (N12-N1-N3), which include Sandton, Randburg etc. My suggestion is to find a garden flat for 6 months. This will give you a base to start looking at neigbourhoods and getting use to Jhb. From there, you will be able to decide.

I try to stay outside the circle where the newer developments are.

But regardless, the one criteria that trumps everything else is: stay as close to work as possible.

You really want to cut down on your daily commutes. I made the mistake of moving a bit further away to a newer place in the Northern suburbs - traffic can really ruin the best of days.

So if possible (unless you work in this area) avoid Fourways and the surrounding areas.

 

[AwTroN]

Thanks all, you have been super helpful thus far!
I am definitely taking this piece of advice "stay as close to work as possible"!!!
I really hope I am able to take a liking to JHB and the "buzz", I have been there ONCE all my life, so it is definitely going to be a BIG change But, I'm ready!

Keep the advice coming please, the more I can prepare, the better!

 

[abandonallhope]

Hi all,

I hope I am posting in the right section...

I will be relocating from CPT to JHB soon and have a few things that I'd like your advice on please.

1. Suggestions on areas in and around Randburg to live in? (Safety, Security, Price, etc.)
2. Would you find a place prior to moving up, or would you initially go stay in a guest house or hotel, prior, and then search for a place when you're that side?
3. If you would initially stay in a guest house or hotel, do you have any suggestions of places that are nice as well as not ridiculously priced?
4. What advice do you have for me as a newbie JHB'er?

Cheers!

This should get you started

Be sure to invest in a lot of this too

 

[thestaggy]

Coloureds' are a rare species up there.

Bellavista, Eldos, Mondeor, Ridgeway, The Hill, Liefde en Vrede. . .We've got all your Coloured needs satisfied.

 

[Devill]

Ah CPT has been surprising us the last couple days, we even had an unusual hail storm.
But yes, I hear JHB winter is much more fitting to the word "Winter", than we're used to this side

JHB is colder (less wind).

Get a hobby as Gautengers are not as "outdoorsy" as Capetonians.

As said before, JHB is not as dangerous as everyone makes it out to be. It is similar to CT, in the way that there are areas you do not want to be in. Just use common sense.

People (imo) in Gauteng will more readily invite you for a braai than their Captonian counterparts.

People in Gauteng are also more timely / Time conscious

Good luck and enjoy, if you go with the idea that JHB / Gauteng will suck, then it will.

 

[grapjas]

Hi all,

I hope I am posting in the right section...

I will be relocating from CPT to JHB soon and have a few things that I'd like your advice on please.

1. Suggestions on areas in and around Randburg to live in? (Safety, Security, Price, etc.)
2. Would you find a place prior to moving up, or would you initially go stay in a guest house or hotel, prior, and then search for a place when you're that side?
3. If you would initially stay in a guest house or hotel, do you have any suggestions of places that are nice as well as not ridiculously priced?
4. What advice do you have for me as a newbie JHB'er?

Cheers!

1 - Depends what side of Randburg you want to be close to.Bryanston and Parkmore are all close to Randburg and there are really nice places available. Try and avoid crossing any highways on your commute this will save you hours in traffic.
2 - I would rather get a place first.
3 - NA
4 - Bring an extra blanket.

 

[krycor]

JHB is colder (less wind).

Get a hobby as Gautengers are not as "outdoorsy" as Capetonians.

As said before, JHB is not as dangerous as everyone makes it out to be. It is similar to CT, in the way that there are areas you do not want to be in. Just use common sense.

People (imo) in Gauteng will more readily invite you for a braai than their Captonian counterparts.

People in Gauteng are also more timely / Time conscious

Good luck and enjoy, if you go with the idea that JHB / Gauteng will suck, then it will.

I moved up last year.. i'd agree with the whole stay away from some areas but then, unlike Cape Town, you can stumble into a bad area easily without knowing here especially when following the GPS.

Jhb people seem to live earlier lives than Cape Tonians, i.e. they start work generally an hour earlier and leave, sleep etc earlier too. Shops close at 19h00 and later venues 21h30 +/-. <-- that takes some getting use to.

Jhb people tend to work hard, party hard and live for the year end party when everyone leaves for the coast haha. Since 60% of residents are not from here when people say they going on vac, it typically means they go home LOL. There are no gatsbies, no blue horizon , but on the plus side it never rains in winter.. things just go brown and you freeze your butt off at night. Buy a heated blanket and also a timer switch for geyser.

Since most people are here to work predominantly, you realize that people become seasonally around so each financial/year end there is a chance something new is happening. Driving is fast but usually within the speed limits. If you see a random box under a bridge then be aware that it's likely a speed cam. Move out of the way from guys without number plates though they becoming a thing of the past due to eToll (the only positive of it). Be prepared to drive! Unlike in Cape Town everything is further away but highways make it quick to cover distance.

Try to stay close to work, this removes the commute time and cost. Things are a bit more expensive in Jhb and unlike Cpt there you have to pay for any/every bit of entertainment(there are fewer decent parks, no beaches, city mountain/hiking). Don't drink & drive, and never give the cops any reason hold you on the side of the road as they usually want bribes. Make sure you have a triangle in your car if you didn't have. Ensure that your vehicle registration is renewed and/or make plans to have it renewed and sent up prior to expiry.

Booking flights back home is done 3-4 months in advance especially December-January which may be even further ahead of time. Get a hobby or become a bit nutty.

 

[AwTroN]

@Krycor - thank you - your post certainly helps a lot - it covers things I did not even think of.

I appreciate the effort!

 

[Mila]

Turn back!!! Noaw!!!

Good luck it's a hard city. It will chew you up and spit you out if you are not carefull.

 

[AwTroN]

Hey all!

Again, thanks for all the assistance thus far!

So... I have arrived in JHB - wow what a CHANGE!

Please help me with my "Updated" Question:

"Which areas within the RANDBURG area would you suggest as good areas to live in?"

I am currently in Ferndale, and like it here.
I did do a trips out to a few surrounds, but definitely like it here more, so currently leaning toward staying in Ferndale.

But, your thoughts would be appreciated!

My place of employment is here in RANDBURG, hence I am wanting to stay as close as possible...

Thanks!

 

[Noseworthy]

try bromhof as well. nice area. Ferndale is decent though you should try greenside and linden. you could also loom at the golf estates in honeydew. namely jackal creek. prices start at 4000 for a 1 bedroom

 

[MKFrost]

From what I can remember that's not a bad area to stay in, I used to work in Bond St in Ferndale so used to drive through there each day

PS: that was almost 10 years back so might have changed

 

[Pho3nix]

Ferndale is a OK, don't move looking for a "better" area. If your happy were you are and traffic isn't too bad. Don't move. Enjoy JHB.