Moved from the USA to South Africa & Bought My Home for $184,300—31 Years Later, No Regrets

#webnationafrica #DiasporaTransition
I Moved from the USA to South Africa | Bought a Home for $184,300, Cost of Living & Real Life

In this episode, Sherida Stevens, a Black American entrepreneur and real estate professional, shares her journey of relocating from the United States to Johannesburg, South Africa in 1994 and explains why she has never looked back. She offers an honest look at life abroad, including buying property in post-apartheid South Africa, building a career as an immigrant, and creating a high quality of life centered on family, freedom, and community.

The video explores the real cost of living in South Africa, property prices, and lifestyle differences compared to the US, while taking viewers inside South African homes and real estate opportunities. Sharita also shares lessons learned, common mistakes to avoid, and practical advice for Americans and members of the diaspora considering relocation.

If you’re thinking about leaving the US, moving to Africa, or investing in South African real estate, this conversation provides real-world insight from someone who has lived it for over 30 years.

Guest info : Sherida Stevens
www.sheridaproperties.co.za
+27825049217
Sherida@sheridaproperties.co.za
Instagram @sheristevens1
Facebook Sherida Stevens

Join our trip to South Africa: https://afrotopia.squadtrip.com/trip/11-day-10-nights-south-africa-tour-johannesburg-cape-town-kruger-national-park-11836
Join our waitlist : https://mailchi.mp/a549363e9c39/webnationwaitlist

Chapters:
0:02 – Introduction: Moving from the US to South Africa
0:21 – Arriving in Johannesburg With No Family or Friends
1:01 – Buying a Home During Post-Apartheid Restrictions
1:49 – Home Tour Begins: Entrance, Office, and Layout
2:29 – Kitchen Tour, Solar Power, and Entertaining Spaces
2:59 – First Impressions of South Africa in 1994
4:45 – Dining Room, Lounge, and Garden Tour
6:30 – Quality of Life vs Income After Leaving the US
7:48 – A Typical Day Working in Real Estate
8:59 – Monthly Living Expenses in South Africa
11:04 – Work Restrictions, Immigration, and Early Career
12:20 – Starting a Real Estate Career in South Africa
12:59 – Consulting Americans Relocating to South Africa
13:29 – Client Story: Wendy McGee’s Move From the US
17:12 – Finding Community and Building a Trusted Network
17:30 – Invitation: South Africa Relocation Experience 2026
18:18 – Waterfall Estate Home Tour
21:40 – Cost of Living and Travel Affordability
23:03 – Banking, Credit, and Investing in South Africa
24:20 – Rental Properties and Financial Freedom
25:31 – Recounting the 1994 Relocation Journey
27:17 – Choosing Neighborhoods and Language Considerations
29:06 – Early Property Growth and Real Estate Appreciation
31:50 – Family Reactions to Leaving America
32:53 – Sacrifices of Living Abroad
34:04 – Building Community as an American Expat
35:13 – South African Hospitality and Culture
35:45 – Raising Children and Education in South Africa
37:13 – Motherhood, Family Values, and Work-Life Balance
38:47 – Entrepreneurship and Business Opportunities
39:52 – Consumerism, Freedom, and Lifestyle Choices
41:02 – Identity, Belonging, and Peace Living in Africa
43:10 – Early Financial Mistakes and Lessons Learned
43:56 – Life Goals and the Next Chapter
44:48 – Advice for Relocating to South Africa
46:02 – Advice to Her Younger Self

Produced by: Team Webnation
Director : Hayford
Editor: Charles
Color Grading : Webnation Africa
Thanks to : Sherida Stevens
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About Webnation Diaspora Transition: Diaspora Transition is a documentary series that follows the emotional, financial, and cultural journeys of African Americans relocating to Africa—exploring why they left, how they adapted, and what they gained in the process.
#webnationafrica #DiasporaTransition
I Moved from the USA to South Africa | Bought a Home for $184,300, Cost of Living & Real Life