Gawk-inspiring views, tasty seafood dishes, and fun in the sun is the perfect recipe for a wonderful coastal holiday. But, it can also be your 24/7 lifestyle. With COVID-19 impacting work and living trends, coastal towns are becoming popular places to settle down in. Knysna, a Garden Route gem, is definitely one to consider whether you're a family, working professional, or retiree. Nestled between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, this town boasts the best in quality coastal living.
The benefits of coastal living
According to Lightstone, 15% of homeowners who sold and bought homes in the three years leading up to 2020 have moved from cities to smaller towns. Coastal towns like Knysna are gaining strong interest from semigrators, particularly those in Gauteng.
The appeal of coastal towns is no big secret. Research indicates that people who live by the coast tend to be healthier and experience lower levels of mental stress. Coastal spaces provide opportunities for physical exercise whether it's a dip in the ocean or jog down the promenade. They are also social hubs, bringing the community together for a braai, beach volleyball tournament, or sea-inspired festival. The coast's "vitamin sea" factor also ensures healthy living through fresh air, sun-soaked adventures, and healthy seafood cuisine.
Spotlight on Knysna's coastal lifestyle
Knysna is celebrated for its natural beauty; here you can visit gorgeous indigenous forests, mountains and fynbos, estuaries, rivers, and beaches. The coastal setting makes it a top choice for homebuyers and renters.
As a coastal town, Knysna has a temperate Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm and dry while winters can be mild to chilly. These conditions make the area ideal for your all-year-round living. Knysna is also celebrated for its superb air quality. IQAir rates Knysna as 4 on its live AQI index, so take a deep breath - you're getting the good stuff.
Come rain or shine, Knysna provides plenty of activities fitting for a favoured coastal getaway. Water sports lovers can hit the sand and surf at beaches in and around Knysna including Bollard Bay Beach, Brenton Beach, and Buffalo Bay Beach. Taking to Knysna Heads, two dramatic sandstone cliffs, gives you enchanting views; you might even spot a dolphin or whale.
If you wish to unplug yourself from technology, you can hike the Terblans Hiking Trail or Pledge Nature Reserve, and even picnic at Jubilee Creek. A trip to the Old Gaol Museum opens your eyes to fascinating local art and history. And beyond this, Knysna still has boat cruises, boutique shopping, art galleries, spas, golf courses, and bookshops to keep you occupied.
Also high on Knysna's must-do list, is dining out at the fantastic restaurants in town. Living by the coast means you'll always have a fresh supply of heart-healthy, protein-rich seafood. There are too many to name, but firm favourites include The Anchorage Restaurant, Drydock Restaurant and Terrace, and Tapas and Oysters. You can also buy healthy foods at the Grain Mill Organic Bistro and Rawganic.
With so many community-driven Knysna activities on offer, it's easy to make friends with locals. Throughout the year, festivals and events unite locals and tourists whether it's the Knysna Oyster Festival, Knysna Literary Festival, or Pink Loerie Mardi Gras & Arts Festival™. Even during COVID-19 lockdowns, the Knysna community found a way to connect and support each other through local social media groups.
If you're on the property hunt, Knysna's homes are your gateway to prime coastal living. You can easily find a spacious property overlooking Knysna Lagoon, a secure estate home, or vacant land to build your ideal residence.
Your coastal dream life is waiting in Knysna
Living by the coast has the power to invigorate your senses, nurture your passions, and restore your well-being. It's the key to the good life. Century 21 Knysna invites you to make the area your home with our range of properties for sale and to let. Our relentless agents take pride in finding a home that matches your needs - contact us today.