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Living in Bloemfontein, South Africa:
Tips for Moving and Visiting

51 local experts
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If you've been wondering what it's like to live in or visit Bloemfontein, the Crowdsourced Explorer community can help. We asked 51 people living in Bloemfontein what someone who is considering moving to or visiting there should know. Here are their pros and cons, tips, and advice:

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51 comments on “Bloemfontein”

Poorest run municipality in the country. Potholes everywhere, unkept and corrupt officials makes living in Bloemfontein cumbersome.

Wynand, says: 2023

If you’re moving to Bloemfontein, you should know that it’s a place for character development. So much chaos and temptation that if you survive, you should be VERY proud of yourself.

Kutlwano, says: 2023

If moving to Bloemfontein be aware of some the major shocks I’ve had to deal with since coming to Bloemfontein. Uber or Bolt really don’t work here but there are cabs charging R50 per trip and taxis. Most people tend to walk to most places which isn’t for the faint hearted cause the weather is really extreme. Either it’s really hot or really cold. The water isn’t safe to drink so most people buy their water or boil it. Besides these red flags, it’s a nice area with beautiful views and mostly friendly people. The scenery is like the icing on top the cake, it’s a10/10.

Aphiwe nsele, says: 2023

If you’re moving to Bloemfontein, you’re in for a treat. We have a few places to go and a bunch of malls but, the best thing about Bloem is the low-moderate traffic, good schools, and some dumb ass people in clubs that are entertaining!

Lerize, says: 2023

Bloemfontein used be known as the City of Roses. But it has long since been a city of anything beautiful. If you want to move or visit Bloemfontein, you’ll have to look past the decaying buildings and infrastructure. There are however some small festivals happening throughout the year that keep spirits afloat. There is a beautiful botanical garden that you can visit. The malls don’t have much but there are some activities you can do. Jumpers lane, Splash H20, movie theatres, stuck in the mud, Tempe airport where you can go sky diving. Bloemfontein has things to offer, but not much. Be ready to enjoy a braai at your house on most weekends.

Jeannie, says: 2022

Bloemfontein is a very friendly city in South Africa consisting of 570,000 residents. I’m originally from the Free State and most common languages spoken in Bloemfontein are Sotho, Tswana, Afrikaans and Xhosa.

Bloemfontein is very diverse in that it has almost all tribes of South Africa. There are also great school, ranging from elementary to university. You can also find a lot of hospitality and entertainment in this city. Bloemfontein is also call the city of roses because of is beauty in nature reserves and nature in general.

Koketso, says: 2020

A city with lots of buildings, malls and shopping complexes. Tends to have heavy traffic. It is quite a populated area. You will be spending a lot on transportation if you do not own a car. The accommodation is expensive, especially in the city. Downtown is very hectic, you have to keep your opened at al times.

It’s quite a beautiful city with many things to do and a lot of nature locations that you can visit. These nature locations, such as the botanical gardens, has a lot of wildlife and beautiful gardens to see. There is also a restaurant situated on the property in case you get hungry. As beautiful as my city may be, it also has its rural areas where there is a lot of trash lying around. There are many job opportunities available as my city is the capital city of my province. I moved here due to the large amount of job opportunities and found a great job as a candidate attorney while finishing my studies to become a criminal defense attorney.

Tebogo, says: 2020

The city is poetically known as “the city of roses”, having said that looking into the weather forecasts and determining if the current climate would be suitable for current health and if the air is humid enough for you to fully explore the beautiful landscape that gave it the name “the city of roses”.

This city is famously known as the City of Roses. It is where the Supreme Court of Appeals is situated. Home to mostly the Sotho and Afrikaans speaking people of this land, it also prides itself in being a diverse city that hosts people from all over the globe. Bloemfontein has a few tourist attraction sights but the most notable would be Naval Hill. A statue of former President Nelson Mandela is found at the top of the hill.

Bloemfontein is affectionately known as “The City of Roses” as the entrances to the city has beautiful flowers, so much that the name Bloemfontein actually directly translates to “fountain of flowers”. It is also the judicial capital in South Africa, housing the Supreme Court of Appeal. There are beautiful sights to see, such as the National Museum and Macufe, which is an annual festival wherein musicians from different genres come grace the people of Bloemfontein with amazing music.

The city of Bloemfontein is a beautiful city referred to as “The City of Roses.” This is due to its botanical gardens and richness in plant life. You can expect a calm, safe, laid back city that is suitable for raising children and settling down. There is minimal traffic, good public schools, and friendly people around every corner.

A person looking to visit my city should consider, safety as some parts of the city are riddled with crime. They should look at finding a place that is compatible with their current wages and/or salaries Since it is a college town they will find my city has a lot of passionate and energetic people who are eager to learn and grow as individuals.

Munadia, says: 2020

Bloemfontein is popularly known as ‘The City of Roses’. It is extremely hot during summer as well as extremely cold during winters. We have a few malls in our city. The two biggest malls are Mimosa Mall and Waterfront Mall. There is a bit of crime in this city but it is fairly safe to stay here.

The city is very quiet l, usually busy in the evening. A lot of students reside here so during school holidays one may find that the city is somewhat empty. There are also less job opportunities in comparison to other cities. Nevertheless, I enjoy this city as I am an introverted person.

Thandeka, says: 2020

The city that I live in does not have a lot of attraction sights however the little of them that it has are really beautiful. It is known to be the city of roses and indeed one can find really beautiful roses here. It is a lovely city with kind and supportive people in it.

Rent is affordable and there are shopping centres everyplace. There are lot of university students because there are two universities. My city is known as city of roses because there are lot of roses found here. The majority of people speak Sotho and Tswana. This city is clean and has metered cabs if you do not have a car.

Molemo, says: 2020

Bloemfontein weather is usually very warm during summer and is extremely cold during winter. However, in Spring the weather is in between very warm and dusty or very cold and dusty. During spring Bloemfontein city experiences dust storms. Bloemfontein experiences rain in autumn and is very dry throughout the year.

Ashleigh, says: 2020

For someone that is considering to move to Bloemfontein, they should know how to speak Sesotho or Tswana and English because they are a common spoken language among people in Bloemfontein. Also the weather in Bloemfontein is different from most states so the person must always check the weather forecast and what they say about the Climate in order for them to be ready for any day.

Bloemfontein ‘City of roses’ is the capital city of the Free State province. Every year the ‘Mangaung Rose Festival’ is held at various venues within the city. We pride ourselves with the statue of our late President Mr Nelson Mandela on top of Naval Hills which overlooks the entire city.

Amahle, says: 2020

It’s a city of roses, also famous for the beautiful botanical gardens and museums. They other thing popular among the youth is the club scenes and frequent musical concerts. If you are soccer fan then you are lucky because the stadium hosts all the important matches in South Africa, it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss out on.

Rudene, says: 2020

Bloemfontein is such a slow paced city. Everyone knows everyone here. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way or you will find yourself lost in a world of unending boredom. Life here can either be fun or a drag depending on how you choose to spend your days. Whatever you do, just let loose and have fun.

Maureen, says: 2020

It is the city of roses, it a place that has so much nature. The are a lot of tree it also has a good tourist attraction site. The is a lot of farming in this city. The architecture of the place is beautiful it has both new architectural buildings and old architectural buildings.

Sphesihle, says: 2020

This city is well known for being at the heart of my country. It’s known as the “city of roses” but, I am yet to see one that is not being exchanged for a couple of coins at a flower shop. It is the sunflowers however that I see quite often on my way here. It has dry and very hot climate. Rainfall occurs mainly in the summer with none of it ever being really enough. Hence the maize meal farming in the surrounding areas of this city. Being on the plateau, it has a mostly flat landscape. Conveniently, it is built on the turf of the ever-so fast cheetah and its namesake rugby team The Cheetahs.

Deirdre, says: 2020

Bloemfontein is known as the city of roses, the name, translated to English, means ‘bloom fountain’. We have a beautiful hill, called the Naval Hill which holds a big statue of the iconic Nelson Mandela. From the top of the hill, one can see the whole city. Bloemfontein is home to diverse people, from Afrikaners, to Sotho people and Xhosas.

Sisanda, says: 2020

Bloemfontein is rather a small city compared to size. It is well developed and the people are friendly. One thing you will enjoy is the spirit of togetherness when we have rugby matches here at home, you can hear the noise from miles away. You will surely love it here.

Mitchelle, says: 2020

Bloemfontein is a beautiful city and it is also known as “the city of roses”. The weather here is always beautiful. This city, which is in the heart of the Free State, has many attractions including the beautiful Loch Logan Waterfront mall, Botanical gardens and National museum. Amongst all the things I love about my city is that it offers a lot of opportunities and the serenity in the city will make you even forget that you live in a city which is meant to always be busy and noisy.

Melissa, says: 2020

Bloemfontein is a city known for its rich history, it has a mixture of different cultures where everybody can learn about each unique languages. It even has world class rugby team known for winning a lot of matches it is the pride of Bloemfontein and the weather is just so perfect, when it is hot it is literally hot.

Debbie, says: 2020

Bloemfontein, a city located in Free State, South Africa. It is a great place depending on which side of the city one is. There are several South African monuments located in the city. Moreover, it is the judicial capital of South Africa, the Supreme Court of Appeal is located in Bloemfontein. To someone who might be considering moving to the city – they must be willing to adapt to a busy environment because it is quite busy.

It is a tourist friendly city. We have homes of so many anti apartheid heroes, which is one of the tourist attraction characteristics of the country. There is vast number of temporary accommodation of varying prices. It can be found to be a city of very cool weather with beautiful spring sunsets. There are many shopping centers, giving people easy access to food and those who are for retail therapy.

Jolandi, says: 2020

Bloemfontein is an agricultural hub in South Africa, if an individual looks to go into agriculture Bloemfontein is the city. They can learn from the farmers or the Agricultural department at the University of the Free State. The university also has one of the best Natural and Agricultural Department in South Africa, it is thus the best university if your academic goal is to obtain a Bachelors of Science.

Bloemfontein, or the ‘city of roses’, is the capital of the Free State province. It a city rich in culture, diversity and history (with it creating the AN. The atmosphere created is one of much welcoming. It is a city that shelters the type of talent that exemplifies the beauty of the nation.

Bloemfontein is commonly known as Bloem for short, it is at the centre. Around this time of September, it is usually cold. It is known as the city of roses. It has two well known malls, Mimosa and Waterfront, they are big on entertainment. It is home to a soccer team, Bloem Celtics. It is widely known for the famous poets that live here and perform at Pacofs. If you love arts this is the place for you.

Lebogang, says: 2020

Bloemfontein is a very vibrant city with beautiful weather and beautiful people. Bloemfontein has a lot of places ones can visit such as the museum in town and the botanical gardens. Bloemfontein isn’t a big city but the people here have big hearts.

My city is now for the beauty of the roses during Spring. We have a rich history. I would definitely advise anyone to visit our history museum. That’s where you can learn more about our history and our culture. We also have a diversity of cultures. Our most attractive attribute is our cousin.

Simphiwe, says: 2020

Bloemfontein is a city of Roses, In the Heart of South Africa. It’s a very good cold part of South Africa and it’s the capital of the province of the Free State. The city prides itself to be a city which many flocks to for educational purposes and to be employed by big corporations in the country.

Galaletsang, says: 2020

In Bloemfontein the weather is always cold, so you need to have warm clothes. Basic needs are easily reached, that includes universities, malls, hospitals and police stations. What is disappointing is that job opportunities are very slim.

Melanie, says: 2020

My city is small but at the sametime fast-paced. It is probably the most bubbly of places in the country. And, the people are quite wild when you first encounter them. It still remains the best place I have ever been in and will remain at the top of my list of recommendations.

Jabulani, says: 2020

Bloemfontein is the capital of the province of Free State of South Africa; and, as the judicial capital of the nation, one of South Africa’s three national capitals and is the seventh largest city in South Africa. Bloemfontein is joint home (together with nearby Botshabelo) to Premier Soccer League team Bloemfontein Celtic. Some of the matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup were played at the Free State Stadium, including the historic 4–1 defeat of England by Germany in the round of 16.

Muhali, says: 2020

There is no sea here, So they’ll have to buy a house with a swimming pool because in summer the weather is very warm here. This place has beautiful malls which they can view if they like shopping, one of the mall is built on top of a gorgeous dam. If they have to see the scene of that, they’ll be left speechless.

Thandolwethu, says: 2020

The location of the city. The opportunities it presents especially economic, educational and business. The historical aspects. The nature of the people. The price of commodities and amenities issues. The political stability and safety matters. The weather or climatic aspects. The accommodation. Tourist attractions centres which include sporting facilities, museums and zoos.

Angelique, says: 2020

Any person moving to Bloemfontein should try to learn basic Afrikaans and SeSotho to ease the transition. They should also be prepared for very hot summers. The atmosphere in Bloemfontein in very friendly and welcoming, but it doesn’t have many entertainment attractions. The local art galleries, however, are excellent.

Wasipha, says: 2020

Bloemfontein, better known as the City of Roses, offers the perfect setting to start a family. There are various play marks, malls, and an animal zoo to name a few and each of these facilities are family-friendly. The Maselspoort resort is also a well known place to spend Christmas time and they have great discounted deals.

Richard, says: 2020

A person considering to reside in the city should know multiple aspects. Firstly, the weather tend to change rapidly. Secondly, transportation may be and issue in areas outside of the CBD area. as the majority of business are in one area, it would be advisable to reside within the CBD area.

Christina, says: 2020

Bloemfontein is a city where you can find lots of wonders of the Free State. There are numerous activities that one can take part in such as going to museums, playing golf or visiting the statue of the late Nelson Mandela. Bloemfontein also has the clearest and cleanest air of all the cities in the Free State.

Francis, says: 2020

Bloemfontein is a city where one can start over. The weather is similar to Los Angeles; four seasons in one day. It’s a place that is not too busy and has enough opportunities for everyone. There is enough entertainment to go around and the nightlife is just as busy as Vegas. There is something for everyone, no matter where you’re from or where you’re going, Bloemfontein will never disappoint.

Siphiwe, says: 2020

It is a city, but, not a big one. The name Bloemfontein translates to “fountain of flowers” and is known as the city of roses. There is no ocean. It tends to be overlooked by the rest of the country. It is also the birthplace of the great writer JRR Tolkien.

Blessed, says: 2020

Bloemfontein is the “City of Roses” because of the roses annual festival. It is known as the “Heart of South Africa” because it is in the middle part of the country. This small community is mainly occupied by Sotho and Afrikaans speaking people of South Africa.

Elizabeth, says: 2020

Bloemfontein is known for its haunted buildings and there are tours available for those who are curious enough. These tours always take place at night. If you deem yourself brave enough, you might just enjoy a haunted tour. The city’s historical buildings provide a sense of excitement at night and everyone takes pride in the ghostly stories that we all know so well.

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