By: Natasha Archary
Andy Maqondwana, who’s from the Eastern Cape shared why she feels she’s been in Jo’burg too long.
Living in Jo’burg is not for the faint-hearted and being new to the city of gold (Egoli) can be intimidating.
While everyone who moves to Johannesburg generally does so seeking greener pastures and more money, not every newcomer makes a big break.
Apart from the fast-paced lifestyle which takes some getting used to, the Feel Good presenter says everything is so much bigger here.
Coming from a small town, it’s a stark difference in Jo’burg with big buildings everywhere and malls almost at every turn.
Here’s how some people realised they’ve been in Jo’burg too long:
- Accommodation is expensive
The first thing newbies to Johannesburg compare is the cost of accommodation which many small town individuals say is pricy. However, in comparison to Cape Town, rentals in Jo’burg are far cheaper.
- The lifestyle is just different
Johannesburg’s social scene hits differently to coastal towns and other cities in the country. The night-life in Egoli offers more and there’s a high chance of running into local celebrities.
- People drive faster
If you’ve ever driven in Johannesburg and another city in the country, you’ll know that Jo’burgers just drive faster. It’s almost like we’re always in a rush to get somewhere. Probably because everything is so far apart and traffic generally sucks.
- Everything is so far
As per the point above, people travel further in Johannesburg than other parts of the country. On average, Johannesburg residents spend almost 45 minutes travelling to and from the area they work and live.
- Crime is higher
Residents of Johannesburg are almost always looking over their shoulders, because the rate of crime is relatively higher.
Walking the streets of the city puts people, women especially on edge for fear of getting robbed, or raped.
- The hustle is real
If you want to make it in Johannesburg, you have to put in the work and most people who live in the city hustle and hustle hard.
Every next Johannesburg resident has a side hustle and a regular 9 to 5 job.
- Cost of living is higher
Spending more on food whether eating out or when buying groceries, the cost of living for Johannesburg residents is higher. This is partly due to the city being inland and costs for coastal town and cities being cheaper because it’s easily accessible for imports and exports of food items.
In 2021, Ama Cheng moved to Johannesburg and she shares some of the things she wishes she knew before she moved to the city.
After you’ve lived in Johannesburg for a few years, the above list just doesn’t seem like a big deal and it becomes a way of life.
Almost like the city itself has initiated you into its concrete confines.
Also read: Woman claims serial arsonist is targeting homes in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs
