Johannesburg. Jozi. Joburg. The “City of Gold”. Whatever you call it, South Africa’s sprawling capital city is a thriving economic centre whose inhabitants come from right across the country, the continent and the world. If you're thinking of making Johannesburg your new home, it's best to first weigh up the pros and cons to figure out if it's the best city for you.
With over 6 million people (and growing) who call Johannesburg home, what do you need to know about this diverse megapolis?
Let’s go take a look.
Moving to a big city opens the door to more job opportunities, cultural experiences and a lifestyle that smaller places can’t always match. It also means adjusting to a new rhythm. Johannesburg moves faster than smaller towns, with busier roads and bigger crowds. This means it comes with city-level costs of living, especially on utilities. Housing, at least, still tends to be more affordable than the rising prices in Cape Town.
You’ll just need to weigh up whether the energy and opportunities of Johannesburg fit what you want for yourself and your family.
So, before you start packing boxes and searching for the best removal companies in Johannesburg, it might just be time to consider the following pros and cons of city life in Johannesburg first.
Joburg has a lot to offer in terms of lifestyle and opportunities. Let's take a look at some of the main points in favour of moving to Johannesburg.
You may be moving to Johannesburg for a new job or to start a business. Whilst the global economy is still rebounding from the pandemic, Joburg remains a hive of economic activity.
Indeed, as a city, Johannesburg remains the single largest contributor to the national economy. According to Statistics South Africa, Johannesburg accounted for 33.2 % of South Africa’s GDP in 2023.
As happened when gold was first discovered there in 1884, Johannesburg continues to be a drawcard for people all over Africa and the world who want to pursue their dreams of economic fortune.
The many different cultural groups that call Johannesburg home are what give the city its vibrancy. Take a wander through the city, and you will likely encounter the sights and sounds of many of South Africa's official languages, along with Tsonga, Zulu and Ndebele communities working side-by-side to sell their wares. This mix of voices and traditions is what makes Joburg such a rich place to live. It’s a cultural exchange that’s not always easy to find in smaller towns.
Living in a big city, surrounded by people from all walks of life, teaches you to be open-minded and provides countless opportunities for cultural exchange and learning.
That diversity comes alive in the city’s lifestyle too. From grabbing brunch at the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein, browsing art in the Maboneng Precinct, or catching a show at the Market Theatre, there’s always something happening.
Want a deeper dive into South Africa’s history or a guide to the best activities in the City of Gold? Start with tour Top Things to Do in Johannesburg.
This guide pulls together some of the best cultural, foodie, and outdoor experiences to help you explore.
In many ways, Johannesburg’s greatest strength is the choice it gives you. You can get the big-city buzz when you want it, and welcoming neighbourhood corners when you need it.
City life exposes you to more daily stressors, like traffic, noise and crowding, which can affect mental health over time. If not managed, they can become overwhelming. The upside is that Johannesburg is often described as one of the world’s largest man-made urban forests. It's unusually green for a major city, with millions of trees planted across streets and suburbs. That greenery shows up in Jozi’s many parks and open spaces, giving you a welcome break from the hustle.
Spots like Emmarentia Dam and Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, Delta Park, and the vast Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden are perfect for a jog, a cycle, or a relaxed stroll. You can join outdoor yoga sessions, walk your dog, or simply switch off in the shade. These green lungs help balance out the pressures of big-city life and make it easier to start each day feeling reset.
Let’s face it. Living in a bigger city means that you are more likely to see crimes occurring or be a victim of crime yourself than if you were to live in the countryside. This is simply a matter of the sheer number of people who live together in a big city. There are criminal elements wherever you go, and Joburg is no different.
The media tends to sensationalise the amount of crime in this city. However, most residents feel perfectly safe in their day-to-day lives and know which parts of the city to avoid.
On the flip side, the security industry in South Africa is world-class. Quick response times, high-tech alarm systems, and a range of more specialised services available mean securing the services of a private security company is an easy and effective way of guarding against becoming a victim of crime. What’s more, there are plenty of secure, gated communities in some of Johannesburg's top neighbourhoods to move into to help you feel even safer in this vibrant, sprawling city.
Now that you’ve weighed up the pros and cons of life in South Africa’s biggest city, it may be time to plan your move. With this in mind, let’s discuss the critical factors you need to be on the lookout for when choosing a moving company in Johannesburg to move with.
Is the moving company an accredited member of the South African Professional Movers’ Association (PMA)? If they are, you can rest assured that you have chosen reliable movers who provide exceptional service and attention to detail.
It’s always important to do your homework before you decide on one set of movers over another. Go to Google Reviews and read what other customers are saying about the moving company.
Make sure the moving company is consistently scoring favourable reviews and ratings. Ideally, you should see words like ‘reliable’, ‘experts’, ‘professional’, and ‘efficient’ keep popping up. This is evidence that you have found a dependable company to entrust your worldly possessions.
Maybe you need a specialist removalist. Some moving companies that operate in Johannesburg do specialise in moving things like boats, cars, and pianos. Whereas others are more generalists. Reach out to the moving company you are considering and ask if they can offer more specialised moving services, should you need them.
Weighing up the pros and cons of city life in Joburg and putting these tips about finding the right moving company in Johannesburg for your needs will ensure your move to the big city is a successful one. Now, all that’s left for you to do is stake your claim in the City of Gold.
Wise Move is South Africa’s leading moving service, helping thousands of customers with home moves, furniture removals, car and motorcycle transport, and more. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed moving services in just a few simple steps. Our focus has always been on making moving as simple and effortless as possible for our customers.
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