The Best Cities To Live In Africa, 2019

Ideally, at the heart of our mobility is comfort, regardless of whether we're in search of job or looking to start a business. Some African cities are a perfect haven to prosper, set up a family and live happily ever after. Never minding the stress associated with urban centers - a peculiar feature being the level of traffic, noise pollution, air pollution, and of course, rapid infrastructure decay - these African cities offer considerable getaway features that will give a soothing relief to visitors. Some of the indices considered were the standard of living, ease of doing business rankings, green space, level of noise and air pollution, population density, household income, race relations, social security, crime rate and infrastructure.

1. Nairobi, Kenya

There's that amazing part of Kenya you won't see on TV. Its amazing transformation and in terms of economic liberality, infrastructure, improvement in public transport, which ranks considerably higher makes it the best city in Africa to thrive and succeed with relatively lesser stress levels. It is one of the most leading cities in Africa, both politically and financially (Africa’s 4th largest exchange in terms of trading volume).

2. Johannesburg, South Africa

Despite recent issues surrounding electricity supply, Johannesburg remains the largest and wealthiest city in South Africa. Africa’s economic powerhouse, this is one of the African cities that defines aesthetics and where hard work is rewarded. Its suburbs are the perfect spots that defines comfort away from the hustles of its central business district.

3. Luanda, Angola

A city that thrives on oil, yet has been able to trade its nature's gift for noticeable infrastructural development with the help of China. This is the city where the nation's seaport is located, offering diversity in business. On the average, individuals spend around 45 minutes in the traffic as against 2 hour 30 minutes for capital cities with seaports on the continent. In the past decade, Luanda has achieved the most developments among any city in Africa and a thriving public health system, green space are its ideal features.

4. Abuja, Nigeria

Nigeria's capital city is on the list for obvious reasons. Although, it offers a movement from the lower social class for business owners, it however only offers the greatest opportunities if you're doing the right business. Its beautiful modern architecture and infrastructure, well planned city structure and unaltered planning means you can live comfortably and move around without hitches. The city is one of the richest and most expensive in Africa, so if you're not willing to pull the big deal, stay away. It is an ideal place for networking and fostering business relationships.

5. Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire

The West Africa's population density is 1.97 and its green vegetation means you're able to breathe in good air with a pollution rate of 7.28, second only to Nairobi. Although debt per capita is still huge, with 8.82, mental health issues are not a common thing here and unlike many other African countries, social security and family purchasing power is comparably lower. In Abidjan, you can certainly live within your means. Agriculture in its subsistence and commercial quantity is why most don't necessarily have to look for a white collar job. The traffic is predictable too.

6. Algiers, Algeria

The city ranks best in terms of social security, according to Zipjet. Its public health and mental health makes Algiers a city that thrives on welfarism. If you're working, really mean business that is, you are assured of a safety net in many instances. The blazing desert sun notwithstanding, investment in green spaces has yielded huge results, transforming the city's aesthetics. It's also not only about oil, as a diversified market gives room for innovations.

7. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

It is arguably Africa's education city by many standards. Visitors and investors alike now see fortunes from the forward-paced economy of the East African nation. Indeed, Addis Ababa is the glory of East Africa. With government and international organizations based in it, the city is perhaps one of the few capital cities where you can gladly retire. Reason? A prosperous, yet calm suburb. 

In all, despite the promises of bliss offered by these cities, housing remains an important issue like many other notable cities around the world. To live big, pay big.

Header Image Credit: answersafrica.com