Wording Tim Johnson – Principal, Local Real EstateIt’s been a jam packed past few months. The real estate sector in the coastal and selected smaller towns is continuing its upward trajectory with a consistent level of enquiries and sales activity. It seems clear that people are being attracted to a number of our towns in pursuit of a more balanced and connected lifestyle. The remote working trend has been well documented and shows no signs of losing momentum, but what does it mean for the communities in which these new imports are choosing to call home?
Having grown up as part of a multigenerational family in a small farming community on the KZN North Coast called Umhlali, I am no stranger to village life. Everyone knew everyone. We went to school, church and the country club together, celebrated special occasions together, shopped at the same supermarket, congregated at the post office and generally enjoyed a strong sense of community and belonging. We were Locals. But things changed as the town began to experience a growth spurt. New faces arrived and we didn’t know everyone. New shops opened, gated estates started popping up, hospitals, new schools, and an international airport. The growth was significant, and the identity of the area was changing. As you can imagine, there were many longstanding locals troubled by the influx of newbies, understandably protective of their town and community. It’s natural, after all, many families like ours had been in the area since the mid to late 1800’s and were struggling with the adjustment. Was there a fight for the soul of the community? Was it ‘them’ vs ‘us’?
What I realised very quickly was that the people moving to the area, especially in the first number of years, were not trying to change anything. In fact, they were envious of our town, the strong sense of community, and the lifestyle we were privileged to lead. They didn’t want to change what we had, they wanted to immerse themselves in it. They did however bring new energy, refreshing perspectives, an appreciation for the area and some much-needed innovation and investment. They just wanted to be locals too.
Of course, there are always growing pains and lessons to be learned from other growth nodes. New residents should be respectful of the communities into which they have moved, but they should also be welcomed with open arms and encouraged to participate and add value. Being a Local is not therefore necessarily how long you’ve lived in a place. It’s about how you contribute to, care for and serve the community. It’s about being a positive influence and an ambassador.
There are so many wonderful community organisations, NGO’s and tourism related initiatives throughout your local area. So, get stuck in. Give your time. Perhaps offer your products or services. Make a positive impact. Be a Local.