A Canadian in Cape Town

wine it's cool but how about beer though? can you get any Molson out there?:)

Hi Ali aka aakber1

Sorry it took me so long to write but I have been traveling (Zimbabwe and Namibia- one of the great things about living in SA is that it is a great hub from which to see the rest of the world!) About your questions-- we love living here but security is an issue --though not nearly as bad as the newspapers make it out to be.

There are a lot of beggars which takes getting used to and people will approach you (about once a week on average for me, anyway) to ask for money--but they generally do so in a non-threatening way so it is just something you have to adjust to and decide for yourself how to handle. As long as you are living in a good neighbourhood, you are fine walking by yourself until dark (I see many women jogging alone during the day which I always take as a positive measure of security). Most of the violence, sadly, happens in the townships and at night in "bad" areas. Even in Toronto, Canada there were areas I would not go into so you just have to use your common sense. All in all, I do not generally feel threatened and during the day I pretty much (85 per cent) feel as safe in Cape Town as I did in Toronto.

I think the best areas are Claremont and Rondebosch (which is also a vibrant student area). Wynberg is also good as is Kenilworth. Pretty much any of the Southern Suburbs is good. I know there are some nice Northern suburbs as well but I do not know the areas. Most important thing is to choose a location with good security (most houses and apartments come with a security system) and use common sense.

As to family. I find cape Town very family friendly and on the weekends many families go for hikes or to the beach--there is lots here for kids to do.

Hope this helps!

Hi,

I am planning to move to Cape twon and would like to learn more about your experience? How is family life in general? The security situation? What are the most safest areas and how do you rate the general crime and safety situation in Cape town? Would apprecaiet you comments.

Regards Ali