Investors and everyday people from all walks of life are flocking in herds to the heart of the Garden Route, George. It’s nestled midway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, and takes the crown as the second-largest city in the Western Cape. Its booming potential draws in both tourists and business enthusiasts who appreciate the city’s natural beauty, the Outeniqua Mountains, and who can forget the biggest attraction for corporate heads, George Airport.
George has evolved into a vital regional hub, propelling the growth of the entire Garden Route area. People are leaving their high-end lifestyles for a much simpler way of life. Today we’ll explore six reasons why many chose to unpack and settle in our beautiful “little” city of George.
1. Stellar Municipality
It’s safe to say that South Africans will support any municipality that does its job, and George stands out as one of South Africa’s best-managed cities, with a commitment to sound financial planning, clean governance, and zero tolerance for corruption. The municipality’s efficient services extend to residents and businesses alike, making it an ideal environment for sectors like light industry, agro-processing, property development, and financial services to thrive and survive.
2. Exceptional Quality of Life
Ranked as the city with the highest quality of life in South Africa, George earns its stripes with top-notch safety, favourable climate, reasonable living costs, minimal traffic (when planned roadworks aren’t in progress), and low pollution levels. With well-known towns such as Mossel Bay, Knysna and Oudtshoorn just under an hour’s drive away, residents have an abundance of beautiful day-trip destinations to choose from. According to Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index, George is the place to be for an overall improved lifestyle.
3. Leading Economy on the Garden Route
George boasts the largest economy on the Garden Route, accompanied by a low unemployment rate, a diverse and skilled population, and a mix of contemporary urban and charming rural spaces. The cost of living in George in 2021 was 24% lower than in Cape Town and 9% lower than Gqeberha, while the cost of housing in George was 40% lower than in Cape Town.
4. Tourism Hub with a Local Charm
Despite its sophisticated infrastructure, George maintains a small-town atmosphere. As a crucial tourist hub, the city connects coastal towns like Mossel Bay and Knysna, driving substantial tourism revenue annually.
But here’s the heartbeat of George, a renowned golfing haven! It has around 10 golf courses, driving ranges, and a world-class golf academy, including gems like Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate, Oubaai Golf Estate, and the George Golf Club.
5. Flourishing Manufacturing Scene
George is a bustling manufacturing hub, witnessing growth in textiles, dairy and juice, furniture, and timber products industries. The city’s state-of-the-art bulk services and business offerings are magnets for businesses, paving the way for new light industrial and commercial business hubs in the coming decade.
6. Robust Returns and Capital Growth
For investors eyeing residential real estate in George, the demand for quality accommodation exceeds supply. This favourable dynamic promises strong capital growth in the years ahead, a trend observed in rising property values despite the challenges faced by other regions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
If you’re regularly travelling for work or work remotely, our Diepkloof homes offer the perfect base from where you can operate your business, and with George Airport just a 10-minute drive away, you’ll never be late for dinner.
Mooikloof Country Estate is privileged to be set in this pristine location of the Garden Route, with our Diepkloof homes offering the ideal blend of modern living and country life.
Don’t miss out on the flourishing opportunities that George holds not only for investors but for you as a potential home buyer. The positives are vast, so maybe it’s time to consider the vibrant heart of the Garden Route as your next permanent destination. But don’t delay… George experienced the 2nd highest influx of residents in South Africa in 2023, so available homes are snapped up quickly.
If you’ve already decided and plan on moving soon, read our blog for some helpful moving tips that will surely ensure a smooth move.
Contact us today to secure you and your family’s future.
