The Ultimate Free Report for South Africans in the UK
Moving to the UK is one thing.
Figuring out where to live? That’s a whole different adventure.
There are 650+ districts here — each with its own vibe, price point, and hidden quirks.
And the question every Saffa asks at some point:
Where can we live that feels like us?
We’ve done the homework.
We’ve chatted to readers.
We’ve lived it ourselves.
So instead of rattling off a list of random towns, we’ve built this guide around Saffa Life Types — because the right place depends on who you are, what you want, and how you like to live.
Scroll, find your tribe — and discover the places that truly fit.
1️⃣ The First-Job Adventurers
You are: Early career, here for the experience, saying yes to Friday nights and cheap train deals.
You want: Affordability, flatshares, fun, transport, and new friends.
Top Picks:
• Manchester – City buzz without London prices; big international scene; excellent transport
• Southampton – Seaside city; uni energy; loads of gigs and pubs
• Birmingham (Jewellery Quarter) – Trendy pockets; nightlife; fast, cheap trains everywhere
Why Saffas love it: City excitement without being broke by payday.
2️⃣ The Young Family With a Braai Budget
You are: School runs, swings in the park, price-checking biltong online.
You want: Safe areas, good schools, green space, a garage for the boerie freezer.
Top Picks:
• Woking & Surrey Villages – Strong schools, gardens, very Saffa energy
• Basingstoke & Hampshire – Affordable houses, easy rail into London
• Milton Keynes – Bigger houses, loads of kids’ activities
Why Saffas love it: Space — inside and out.
3️⃣ The Fast-Track Career Climbers
You are: London job, weekend life — but no shoebox flat.
You want: Quick commute, smart lifestyle, less rent pain.
Top Picks:
• St Albans (Herts) – 20 mins from St Pancras; great food and pubs
• Reading (Berks) – Crossrail convenience; major employers
• Epsom & Ewell (Surrey) – Leafy and close to the action
Why Saffas love it: More life for your money.
4️⃣ The Home-Office Heroes
You are: Zoom by day, countryside by evening.
You want: Nature, space, and strong broadband.
Top Picks:
• Stratford-upon-Avon – Culture, coffee, beautiful walks
• Guildford (Surrey) – Hills, friendly community, fast trains
• South Wales (Cardiff commuter belt) – Coastal beauty and great value
Why Saffas love it: Everyday life feels like a little holiday.
5️⃣ The Coastal Dreamers
You are: Salt-air believers who don’t mind the wind.
You want: Sea views, seafood, community.
Top Picks:
• Brighton & Hove – Creative, colourful, and connected
• Portsmouth & Southsea – Proper seaside life; historic harbour
• Bournemouth – Sandy beaches; relaxed atmosphere
Why Saffas love it: The ocean just feels right.
6️⃣ The Warm-Community Seekers
You are: Finding your people matters more than fancy postcodes.
You want: Friendly neighbours, sports, and fast-feeling home vibes.
Top Picks:
• Surrey (Leatherhead, Weybridge, Walton-on-Thames) – Strong Durbanite presence
• Winchester, Bath, Bristol – Loved by Cape expats
• Hertfordshire towns – Great for Joburgers with schools and golf clubs
Why Saffas love it: There’s always someone to chat to at the braai.
7️⃣ The Almost-Retired, Still-Living-Fully Crowd
You are: Calmer pace — but still keen for life.
You want: Comfort, culture, and a helpful GP.
Top Picks:
• Eastbourne – South Coast sunshine and scenery
• Stratford-upon-Avon – Coffee, culture, river walks
• York – Safe, historic, friendly
Why Saffas love it: Peaceful — but never boring.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “best” place to live in the UK —
only the best place for you.
If you found this helpful, share it with another South African settling into UK life — you could save them weeks of confusion and a few expensive mistakes too.
The information in this newsletter is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Consult a qualified expert before making decisions based on this content.
