Due to the toll of the pandemic on South Africa’s economy, 2022 looks to be the year of great lifestyle change as more and more South Africans are packing up and semigrating to coastal cities like Durban. What is semigrating? – I hear you ask.
Semigrating or semi-emigrating sees people relocating to another city within their home country. You may be saying to yourself that this is nothing more than simply moving. However, semigration is characterised by the push factors that drive the relocation. Just like people who leave one country in search of a better life in another, citizens who semigrate hope that moving to a new city will mark the beginning of a new and better life.
Whilst the pandemic wreaked havoc on the economy and on people’s lives, it did teach us the perks of the work-from-home lifestyle. We now have more flexible options in deciding where we live and work. The great trend towards WFH has impelled many to recalibrate and seek better control over their work-life balance. This has led to a growing number of people deciding that working from home is best optimised by living and working near the beach. What’s better: living the beach lifestyle surrounded by beautiful scenery or tackling heavy traffic on your daily commute to the office?
It goes without saying that Durban is now a very popular destination for semigrants. Recognised the world over for its warm climate, white sandy beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Durban offers the ideal balance between work and play. Recent property trends in the city reveal that it is a reasonably priced and compelling location for new residents to move to.
People who decide to semigrate are searching for a better life away from the stress and/or danger of their current location. It’s no surprise then that Johannesburg is the worst-hit South African city by semigration as increasing numbers of its residents are leaving in search of better opportunities elsewhere. And it’s a small wonder why more and more South Africans are choosing to emigrate to Durban. With its beachside lifestyle, beautiful natural surroundings and lower costs of living compared to Joburg, it’s a natural choice. What also makes Durban a popular destination for South African citizens to semigrate to is the economic opportunities that are unfolding in the city.
While the beachside lifestyle is the major drawcard for most, it’s not the only reason people are making the decision to relocate to Durban. Here are the top two reasons South Africans are semigrating to Durban.
Semigration is not just a lifestyle choice but also an investment opportunity. The Johannesburg and Cape Town property markets are both overpriced. However, as Durban becomes a popular relocation destination, it also provides better prospects for making a profitable property investment.
Furthermore, an ambitious plan to revamp the city’s waterfront precinct is underway. The aim is to turn Durban into Africa’s most liveable city by 2030. Approximately R35 billion will be invested in upgrading Durban’s central beachfront, resulting in a significant increase in jobs growth and business opportunities.
Durban is seen by many to have a good infrastructure, low crime rate, and enjoyable natural surroundings. With many nature reserves to explore, beaches to visit, and a warm climate all year round, Durban is the perfect home-base for a WFH lifestyle. It’s a city that promises good job opportunities, economic growth, and higher salaries. A city built in a forest at the edge of the Indian Ocean. What more could you ask for when you’re trying to strike the perfect balance between work and play?
With the trend toward semigration increasing, relocating with a professional and trusted moving company is now within most people’s budgets. Packing your entire life into boxes and hauling it across the country is no mean feat. It requires significant organization, efficiency, and dependability. When it’s time to semigrate to Durban, it’s time to start looking for the best moving companies to help make your move a success.
With this in mind, let’s look at the top 3 tips for choosing a reliable and affordable furniture removalist in Durban:
It’s important to check if the moving company is an accredited member of the Professional Movers’ Association (PMA). This is your guarantee that you are moving with a proven and certified furniture removalist company. You can rest safe in the knowledge that you will receive a fair quote, great service, and have a safe and successful move.
Does the moving company feature customer testimonials on its website? If not, you can always check out its Google Reviews. By researching what others have said about the furniture movers you are considering, you are placing yourself in good stead to find a great company to move with. Ideally, the removalist regularly scores positive ratings and reviews from its customers. If you see words like ‘professional’, ‘experts’, and ‘efficient’ within a lot of the reviews, then you know you are on the right path.
Do you require a specialist mover? When you’re moving things like cars, motorcycles, and pianos you need to secure the services of a moving company that specialises in transporting these items. There are several Durban movers that can help. The best way to find out is to ask. Call or send an email to the mover you are considering working with and inquire about their specialised moving services.
The great trend toward semigration, fuelled by the WFH phenomenon is causing many to regard Durban as their relocation destination of choice. At the end of the day, it’s important to find the right work-life balance so that you are happier, healthier, and more productive. That way you can continue to chase your dreams and build a future that excites you. And it can all begin once you’ve given yourself a fresh start in a new place.
Once you’ve figured this out, it’s time to pack up your worldly possessions and call in the movers. Watch out Durban, here you come!
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