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Popular small residential areas in SA are quickly becoming the go-to relocation for families as more individuals decide to work remotely.
Seeff unpacks the most popular small towns across South Africa; what was once a growing trend amongst buyers looking to downsize or retirees looking to move, "zoom towns" are fast favoured amongst the younger generations—particularly those with young children and where parents work remotely.
There is no doubt that South Africa showcases some of the world's most quaint towns. Let Seeff guide you through our top popular residential areas in SA.
Clarens - Free State
Clarens is situated in the heart of the Free State and is most famous for its sensational views of the Maluti Mountains range. This majestic mountain range stretches for 100km's, connecting South Africa with the Butha-Buthe District in Lesotho.
This quaint dorp encompasses many art galleries and is an artist escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. Clarens is well-favoured for their intricate hues and colours, which make up the surrounding landscapes. Sandstone is a prime material used in many homes in Clarens.
What is there to do in Clarens:
- Renowned for a multitude of sandstone mountains and mild climate, Clarens will never fail to impress. The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is a mere 17km's away, making it a perfect family outing.
- If you are into fishing, then Clarens is the place to be as it's recently been acclaimed best Trout Fishing waters in South Africa.
- You can also find dinosaur fossils discovered in Clarens, including the largest recorded in South African soils.
Top Schools in Clarens:
Hermanus - Western Cape
What was once a tiny fishing village has now become one of South Africa's top seaside towns. Hermanus is a town made for nature lovers as it offers a plethora of Fynbos, which attracts an abundance of different bird species.
Just imagine waking up to the sound of the ocean or those picturesque walks to the beach once your computer shuts down for the day, pure bliss.
View our properties in Hermanus
What is there to do in Hermanus:
- Whales, whales, whales. Seeing whales should not come as a surprise. Hermanus hosts its annual whale festival at the end of September to celebrate the calving season.
- Hermanus is calm and surreal; take a safe walk to the iconic Gearing's Point just above the harbour. Back in the day, Gearing's Point was once a place where one could watch the fisherman leave the port but has now become another place to enjoy whale watching. Cliff-path walk and Klipgat Caves are also a must when in Hermanus.
- The town itself has many coffee shops, restaurants by the sea and delicious pancake kitchens, perfect for those Sunday mornings.
Top Schools in Hermanus:
Wilderness - Western Cape
Situated 15km east of George and nestled between the Goukamma Nature Reserve and the Kaaimans River lies the beautiful resort of Wilderness. Dating back as far as the 1800s, Wilderness has garnered the perfect seaside vacation spot. What began as a quaint seaside boarding house on a small stone farmstead grew into the warm tradition of hospitality, which brought fame to the town from across the globe.
Renowned for its vast stretches of beach, you can expect many secluded seaside cottages with breathtaking views surrounded by nature.
What is there to do in Wilderness:
- Hikes, hikes and more hikes! Wilderness is home to many beautiful hiking trails for you to explore with family and friends, or even alone for more experienced hikers (remember to let somebody know where you are going and take all the necessary precautions). There are also a few excellent bird-watching locations in the area.
- For those feeling more adventurous, Wilderness offers horse riding, mountain biking, paragliding, canoeing and more!
- Wilderness also has many great restaurants and coffee shops, ideal for those looking to take it easy in their spare time.
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Top Schools in Wilderness:
Mossel Bay - Western Cape
Mossel Bay began as a small coastal village and was officially proclaimed a town in 1848 and then became a municipality in 1852. Located along the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay’s history strongly links to maritime activities. Even today, its old lighthouse still stands as a testament. However, many international seafarers regularly dock their ships at the modern docking facility.
With luxury homes that offer picturesque views and a mild annual climate, Mossel Bay is the ideal escape for you and your family, exchanging the bustle of the city for some calmness.
What is there to do in Mossel Bay:
- Mossel Bay has many research initiatives you could join; you could also spend the day touring the Cradle of Human Culture. Here, you will learn the evolution of how our ancestors evolved into present-day humans.
- Mossel Bay offers sky-diving, deep-sea fishing, surfing, heli-flips, shark cage, and scuba diving for the adrenaline seekers. Those more suited to land-based activities can try their hand at hiking, horse riding, sandboarding and even mountain biking or quad biking.
- Those wanting to unwind less strenuously can spend their time at the many restaurants, coffee stores and shops in Mossel Bay.
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Top Schools in Mossel Bay:
St Lucia - KwaZulu-Natal
Originally called 'Rios dos Medos do Ouro' by Portuguese survivors of the São Bento shipwreck in 1554, only the mouth of the Tugela River was known as St Lucia. They later renamed the river 'Tugela', and St Lucia became an official British township in 1822. In 1895, the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve was born and would become the highlight of St Lucia in years to come.
St Lucia is a top tourist destination and heritage site despite only being a quaint little village. Many gorgeous properties are available in the area, ranging from flats and apartment complexes to free-standing homes and charming farms, perfect for any remote worker with a family.
What is there to do in St Lucia:
- St Lucia has several great shopping malls where you can spend the day indulging in some well-deserved retail therapy after a long week at work.
- St Lucia offers night drive safaris, hippo and crocodile boat cruises, bicycle tours, deep-sea fishing, and more for those seeking excitement.
- For those on the search for great meals, St Lucia is home to many excellent restaurants.
Top Schools in St Lucia:
Prince Albert - Western Cape
Situated at the foot of the Swartberg Mountain Pass and linking the Great Karoo and Klein Karoo, Prince Albert is a gorgeous little town ideal for any remote worker with a family. Surrounded by vineyards and fruit and olive farms, the region also includes the village of Klaarstroom, the small town of Leeu-Gamka and the quaint hamlet of Seekoegat. Magnificent mountain views and star-filled evening skies contribute to the sheer natural beauty of Prince Albert.
Properties in Prince Albert are a mix of apartments, complexes and stately farms, showcasing the expertly preserved Cape Dutch, Karoo and Victorian architecture native to South Africa. Most properties in the area are more than spacious enough to accommodate your entire family and a home office for remote working.
What is there to do in Prince Albert:
- Prince Albert’s many wineries and vineyards have you covered for those looking to indulge in fine wine.
- The artistically inclined will have a wonderful time visiting the many art galleries dotted around Prince Albert.
- Those looking to dive into nature must take an off-day and visit the Wolwekraal Nature Reserve.
Top Schools in Prince Albert:
With the growing trend of remote working becoming the norm, perhaps it is time to escape from the city noise and relocate to one of South Africa's prime small towns.
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