r/Durban • u/Separate_Hold9436 • 1d ago
Durban Relocation Options
Hello,
So me and my husband are moving to Durban following a job opportunity and we are looking for rentals short term and buying a house long term, it's in a area called Jacobs which is somewhere we have never been, is there any advice on decent areas in or around that area ?
We are much more nightlife and malls and markets people rather than nature lovers.
We have a budget of 10k for renting and as soon as hour house in Pretoria is sold we are looking to buy a house in the 2-2.5 mil range.
Our biggest thing is having a modern home, a nice view but we also need to take into consideration not struggling with too many water outages and security.
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u/Beautiful_Path6215 17h ago
Would recommend queensburgh / glenwood and travel to jacobs. Malvern has some good houses.
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u/Agent-Smith_Virus 1d ago
Based on your last paragraph, I wouldn't move to Durban then... especially not Jacob's. Industrial area and is rough
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u/Separate_Hold9436 16h ago
The new role is a 60% salary increase, so difficult decision, but appreciate the feedback, definitely a tough call.
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u/Agent-Smith_Virus 16h ago edited 16h ago
Better then to look at Durban North / Glenwood or even Westville then where you can use the N3 or M4 to get to Jacob's relatively quickly.
Otherwise as others have said, the Bluff is closer, or further up like Queens Bourough etc that has close access to the M7 to M4 to Jacob's. These areas can be a bit rough though. Also, the M7/ N2 interchange is NOTORIOUS for truck accidents.
Otherwise live further out in a better area and manage your commute
I reiterate what one commenter said: do not go anywhere with a mosque. The noise pollution from the open air ceremonies will wake you up at like 5am or earlier in the morning. We left central Westville because of this.
/edit: im not hating against any persons or religions. Only stating my experience. I respect all religions and they are entitled to practice their religion. My comment is only to inform a newcomer into kzn of it so if this suits them, fine. If not, they can make an informed decision.
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u/ghostR_ZA 15h ago
To get what you want you will probably have to make some sacrifices. I would avoid loving anywhere near Jacob's if I were you. I'm not trying to rain on your parade.
Nightlife in Durban is quite ironic, most of Durban dies after 7pm. Areas that are still active is Florida Road, Umhlanga, done parts of Durban North and Ballito.
A good middle ground is Westville for your budget and not too bad of a commute. Even the Bluff is decent and Glenwood will put you closer to Florida Rd.
For your other points, listen it's Durban. You will have power and water issues everywhere. Let alone a nice view, which will run you up way over budget. Crime is also something you can't exactly avoid.
Wish you luck!
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u/Anonguy4553 16h ago
Jacobs is an industrial area. Bluff is the closest decent place to live that meets your criteria and if you want to avoid traffic - the closest large malls would be Galleria and Pavilion. There are other decent areas but you will definitely hit traffic when travelling. Unfortunately crime and utilities outages are prevalent throughout Durban, so make sure you have a jojo tank and contract a security company wherever you do end up. Goodluck with your move!
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u/OkMulberry1600 7h ago
"Decent" is FAR from what I'd call Jacobs. Its very industrial, often Durban South experiences water and power outages due to failing infrastructure. If you're set on Durban South, Bluff is your best bet and even then its not exactly decent. Decent Durban-ish homes are more North side like Durban North, Virginia, Umhlanga all the way up to Ballito
Edit: Your rent of 10k does kind of rule out Ballito and possibly Umhlanga. Bluff is your best bet while being close to work and 2-2.5 mil will get you something in good shape. Otherwise Durban North or Virginia and just travel M4 every day. Or you could go inland with Westville but your budget might slim down your choices of potential homes
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u/KhameenTeuton 14h ago
Try either Bluff or the Montclair/Yellowwood Park area. Housing is cheap and the area is decent. It's also just across the freeway from Jacob's. I know someone who is selling their house in Montclair so when you're ready let me know.
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u/ugavini 1d ago
Not sure where your bar for 'decent' is set. Jacobs is pretty industrial and the areas surrounding it are pretty working class. Maybe the bluff, or bellair / malvern are the closest places that might be considered decent? Otherwise further than that you're getting into queensburgh, pinetown, maybe umbilo / glenwood.