An Expat Talks about Moving to Johannesburg, South Africa

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Johannesburg

What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Choose a home with very good security and hire a security company. Choose a house with mostly north facing windows for maximum benefit from the Sun in winter. Reconsider moving if your family has respitory problems. The pollution is very bad in Johannesburg. Visit http://www.earthlife.org.za/campaigns/toxics/air.htm for more information.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

Walled houses. Yes.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

Company did, but we wished we had after the first year.

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

Lower, but so is the quality of the house. No, central heating and very large single pane windows to give examples.