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Living in East London, South Africa:
Tips for Moving and Visiting

23 local experts
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If you've been wondering what it's like to live in or visit East London, the Crowdsourced Explorer community can help. We asked 23 people living in East London 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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23 comments on “East London”

If you’re moving to East London, mostly as a tourist, you’ll find beautiful beaches and a charming town. Since the time of COVID, numbers have risen economically, and there’s less crime, which is a positive aspect for tourism here in East London.

If someone were to move to my city, I would let them know of its vibrance in culture and activity and how it accommodates everyone. It is neither a small town nor a big city so I think this is a perfect medium. Whether you want to lead a conspicuous lifestyle or not, the choice is up to you!

Makera, says: 2020

The government hardly collects the garbage on the side of the road. The government does not keep their promises of fixing our roads so the roads have a lot of potholes. There are not a lot of restaurants you usually get in big cities, example: Starbucks. We have more than five beaches in our city all located in different areas.

Teboho, says: 2020

My city is called East London and you should know that it is a fun, quiet and small city. East London has beautiful views, beaches and different cultural diversities. If you’re looking a place to settle down, this would be the best city. East London has good schools and has produced top results year after year. East Londoners are full of life. The city is small, but it has so much to it.

East London has more than 250 000 inhabitants. It gets extremely cold during winter and residents can experience all for seasons in one day. East London is where you can find Nelson Mandela University, which is named after the world-renowned Nelson Mandela. Its beaches are exquisite and it is one of Eastern Cape’s main tourist attraction cities.

Esther, says: 2020

East London is an amazing city with beautiful beaches. There is the Nahoon, Gonubie and the Eastern Beach. The city is very vibrant. You’d find that mainly Xhosa people live in the city, but there are many languages spoken among the people of East London. The food is delicious too.

Sakhile, says: 2020

East London is often thought to be in England, though it is not. The city was founded by the British colony at the time and it was originally named Port Rex. Currently, my city boasts beautiful and moderate weather with beautiful beaches. The locals are rather friendly and enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and surfing.

Nonjabulo, says: 2020

My city is the capital city of fun in our province. It is child friendly and it is great for young professionals who are looking for a quiet place to live. By child friendly I mean they offer great quality of education and homes in my city are suitable for kids.

Nhlakanipho, says: 2020

They must know that my city is a welcoming city, full of life. It’s a Happy place for everyone. It possess positivity, humility and diversity. It is such a small city with different cultures and beliefs, everyone has willpower and rights. Dreams are fulfilled everyday and it takes you to make it happen but everything and everybody is welcome, it is a lovely place to be.

East London is a very beautiful city and the heart of the Eastern Cape province. It popular for being the festive season capital city as there’s so much to explore. It has entertainment for everyone of whatever age. Families can visit the beach while staying at our luxury beachfront hotels, have our local signature meal which is braai meat, and visit the museum which means being educational while having fun. Adults can visit our local clubs or Shisanyama spots later on and have some fun. All in all, it is a beautiful place where everything is just where you need it and one thing that’s enjoyable about it is the fact that as much as it not a remote area, it not a busy, saturated and buzzing city. It provides a balance for everyone.

Prudence, says: 2020

There may be a language barrier because most people are accustomed to English being their second language. Luxuries that they were used to having where they come from may not be available in East London.

Siyathokoza, says: 2020

There are many different types of activities to do in and around the city these activities include game drives, a variety of beaches and there is an arcade, be skating rink and movie theater. They could also take the time to visit the art galleries to view the local talent, however the main attraction is the scenery and picturesque greenery the town has as well as its diverse culture.

Bongiwe, says: 2020

East London, South Africa, is a picturesque little town with amazing beaches. Traffic jams are not as bad as the major towns, however we do still have them during mornings and evenings. Our property market is expensive depending on the area in which you are wanting to live, however this could cut down on the time in traffic. The people are friendly and helpful. We have some nice restaurants but our nightlife is limited. Schoolwise this town has some of the best schools in the country and thus makes it a great place to raise a family.

Alexander, says: 2020

East London has a diverse population, with many popular places, which both locals and tourists enjoy. East London’s coast line is spectacular, with the Sunshine and Wild Coasts only a stone throw away. East London has many popular golf courses, fantastic restaurants, and an annual gin and wine show. The people are extremely friendly and helpful.

Shanelize, says: 2020

East London is the perfect size, which contributes to making it one of the most friendly cities in our country. It is the only river port in South Africa and our main export is right-hand drive Daimler Chrysler automobiles. East London is also famous for its pineapple production and for its beautiful winter aloes. We have a diverse population, excellent schools and a breathtaking coastline.

Khulekani, says: 2020

Our city is beautiful, but windy. East London was the home of the amaXhosa long before it became a colonial port. Now it holds a diverse population of multilingual, multicultural people, often conservative in political and religious practice. Its stunning coastline and mild climate remain draw cards for residents and tourists.

Sithembiso, says: 2020

East London is a relatively safe city compared to other cities in RSA. It has a beautiful coastline with clean beaches and great restaurants and hotels. It has many picturesque hiking spots a few kilometres out of town. East London is an awesome city to raise children and a family.

Donovan, says: 2020

East London is a small city with a lot of amazing opportunities for business growth. People who are not business-minded also have opportunities as we have many industrial firms. This city has produced many leaders for South Africa, such as Nelson Mandela, Tito Mboweni, and Thabo Mbeki.

Phomolo, says: 2020

Accommodation is very scarce; the city is overcrowded. Minibuses, as a mode of public transport, are non-selective in terms of race; therefore, visitors must not be selective either because they will not find transportation for any particular race. crime is everywhere; if anything, to be safe, ask a security guard.

Nqobile, says: 2020

East London is well known for its majestic beaches and its rolling farmlands. Tourism, in its essence, forms a large part of funding that it so heavily relies on. It is a small, but not minute, community – big enough for “everybody to know everybody”. If something unusual happens, you can be assured that it’ll be public news.

What know about East London is that there is a lot more beauty that lies on the horizon and the people here are lovely. In certain areas, you are able to wake up to the sound of nothing but the birds singing. People in the communities always help where they are able to as well as look out for one another.

Buyani, says: 2020

East London has a miniscule population; therefore, it is one of a quaint nature. The city has little to offer its people. It is the city of silence; however, when one wishes to see what the city has to offer, one could find many hidden wonders.

Unathi, says: 2020

East London has the most beautiful beaches. Miss Universe, Zozi Tunzi, was born in a neighboring village that Ku Tsolo and the Springbok’s Captain, Siya Kolisi, was born in a neighboring town, Port Elizabeth. We are very loving people with beautiful infrastructure. One of our best hotels is Southern Sun Hemingways Hotel.

Danielle, says: 2020

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Names of respondents may have been changed.

See other cities and towns in Eastern Cape.

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