The best small towns to retire to in South Africa

The best small towns to retire to in South Africa

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After decades of working and saving, retirement is the time to relax and enjoy life in an idyllic part of South Africa. Various factors such as beautiful scenery, value for money and saying goodbye to the stresses of big city life are driving South Africa's retirees to various coastal towns. Seeff takes a look at the best small towns to retire to in South Africa.

South Africa's most popular retirement hotspots

The Eastern Cape is home to many of South Africa's retirement hotspots, including Port Alfred, St Francis Bay and Jeffreys Bay. Port Alfred has been known as a retirement idyll for many years, boasting a scenic marina, a village ambience and a friendly way of life. The retirement villages in the area are known for their beautiful gardens and living spaces and the area offers retirees an array of ways to remain active and enjoy a vibrant social life.

St Francis Bay, with its picturesque canals, golf estate, dune fields and fynbos, has been aptly described by one resident as "the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life". For those who have endured a frenetic pace of life during their working years, the tranquillity of St Francis Bay can be the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed retirement. The close-knit community of St Francis Bay is another appealing factor and the town is also popular with semi-retired people still working part time from home.

Jeffreys Bay is another Eastern Cape retirement gem that boasts far more than the waves for which it is renowned. It's home to a laidback way of life and retirement villages with affordable properties. Retirees love "J Bay" for its pleasant climate, leisure activities (think golf, tennis and bowls clubs) and the array of healthcare facilities in the vicinity. 

The safest areas in South Africa

Safety is one of the biggest considerations when choosing a retirement home, and while most retirement villages in any part of the country will have security measures in place, it's worth considering the list of South Africa's safest towns when choosing your retirement home. 

The Western Cape's Atlantic Seaboard, as well as parts of Cape Town's southern suburbs, are renowned for offering a fantastic quality of life and great security. 

Spanning both the Eastern and Western Cape, the Garden Route has a reputation of being one of South Africa's safest areas - and one of the country's most scenic too. Over and above the security offered by various Garden Route retirement villages, there's plenty to do in the area, with beaches, golf courses, forests, animal sanctuaries and much more.

Another piece of paradise offered by the Eastern Cape is Port St Johns. The rugged untouched beauty of the part of the coast formerly known as the Transkei offers a relaxed way of life. Some great community programmes have been implemented in the area, and Port St Johns offers a safe haven for retirees to call home.

Within two hours' drive of Cape Town, you can find yourself at various West Coast towns such as Yzerfontein, St Helena Bay and Churchhaven. These towns are well-loved by retirees for their natural beauty, peaceful ambience, lower-than-average crime rates and a strong sense of community.

Is South Africa a good place to retire?

With its warm climate, scenic small towns and affordability, South Africa is a popular retirement destination among locals and expats alike. The key to a happy retirement is finding the small town or city that meets your needs and your budget.

When it's time to choose the perfect retirement home, Seeff is here to help. We have decades of experience in helping retirees find the right town and the right property. Contact us today for more information.

Author: Seeff