DITCHING CITY STRESS
More families are moving to coastal towns for improved safety and security, good schools and better lifestyles
INCREASING numbers of families are moving to holiday towns to escape the stressful hustle and bustle of city life. Some of the most popular towns for permanent residents, many of whom are middle-aged buyers with school-going children, include Hermanus, Plettenberg Bay and Langebaan.
“It comes as no surprise that people are moving to coastal towns for a better quality life,” says Seeff Property Group chairman Samuel Seeff.
“It is not just older people flocking to the coast, but also younger buyers, especially families.”
These buyers are looking for wholesome lifestyles and want to escape crime, poor service delivery, stress and traffic congestion.
“Most coastal towns have excellent infrastructure, and many are close to bigger centres, thus making them excellent commuter towns. Some, like Hermanus and Langebaan, now have Curro private schools in addition to existing schools.”
Garden Route towns such as George are also popular, Seeff says.
Hermanus has long been regarded as a favourite coastal holiday destination, offering the perfect combination of beaches, mountains, wildlife, accommodation, eateries, activities and festivals. Recently, however, Cindy Rowe, sales partner at Rawson Properties Hermanus, says a different side of the town has been capturing visitors’ attention – namely the exceptional opportunities it offers to raise a family.
“It’s been interesting to see the changes in Hermanus over the past few years. We’ve seen a noticeable increase in the percentage of permanent residents, particularly when it comes to families. It’s as if parents are realising the kind of lifestyle our little town offers doesn’t have to end when their children go back to school.”
She says Hermanus boasts a wealth of world-class educational facilities, including Bosko, Curro, Generations, Northcliff House, Waldorf, Camphill and Hermanus Primary and High.
“Equally important is its range of other vital amenities, including a Mediclinic hospital, a sizeable new mall, and a variety of grocery, hardware and lifestyle stores.”
There has also been a definite increase in people moving to Plett to live permanently, says Steve Neufeld, manager principal for
Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Plettenberg Bay.
Although there are no reliable statistics to identify the buyers, Neufeld says experience shows the most common demographic to be middle-aged couples with young children.
“There is a great private school that opened a new campus in Plett called Greenwood Bay College. Pupils also commute to Oakhill private school in Knysna.”
The area’s local schools, and those in nearby cities like Grey and Collegiate in Port Elizabeth and Outeniqua in George, are also popular.
“Many people are working remotely online. Some commute to cities during the week and leave their families in the relative safety of Plett,” Neufeld says.
The number of permanent residents in Langebaan has risen by about 40% over the past few years, says Jaco Coetzee, an agent with Seeff Langebaan.
“Langebaan is an excellent base for those looking to relocate to the West Coast, from older buyers looking to slow down to younger, family buyers.”
Kleinmond is also becoming popular as a permanent residence area, says Nicola Lloyd, Pam Golding Properties agent for Pringle Bay. Semigration to the Cape Metro has slowed, but many buyers from Gauteng and other parts of the country are still buying in the more accessible coastal areas.