Top 10 Places to Live in South Africa as a Foreigner (2025 Guide)
Thinking about relocating to South Africa? Whether you’re a retiree, investor, digital nomad, or adventure seeker — South Africa offers a rare mix of affordability, natural beauty, and lifestyle.
But not every town is ideal for foreigners.
In this blog, we break down the Top 10 Best Places to Live in South Africa as a Foreigner in 2025, based on what truly matters:
Safety & Infrastructure
Visa + Property Ownership Opportunities
Internet & Remote Work Readiness
Real Cost of Living
Healthcare, Travel & Expat Access
Let’s count down from 10 to 1…
10. Hermanus – Best for Coastal Retirement
A peaceful seaside town famous for whale watching and a relaxed pace of life.
Who it suits: Retirees, nature lovers, small-town expats
Why it works: Great healthcare clinics, affordable coastal homes, small but growing expat community
Cost: A 2-bed coastal home starts around 1.8M–3M rands
Lifestyle: Excellent wine farms, scenic drives, quiet evenings
9. George – Best for Access + Stability
Part of the Garden Route, George is a well-developed city with its own airport and great schools.
Who it suits: Families, semi-retired couples, expats seeking calm but not isolation
Why it works: Safe neighborhoods, mountain views, strong infrastructure, easy flights
Cost: Modern 3-bed family homes from 2M–3.5M rands
Visa Note: No restrictions on buying property
8. Johannesburg North (Sandton, Bryanston) – Best for Investors
South Africa’s financial capital with luxury estates, high-end malls, and big business.
Who it suits: Investors, business expats, global entrepreneurs
Why it works: High rental demand, business-friendly, excellent schools & clinics
Cost: Modern apartments in Sandton from 1.5M rands, houses from 3M+
Remote Work Friendly: Strong fibre networks, co-working hubs
7. Plettenberg Bay – Best for Nature + Affordability
A beautiful coastal town with beaches, forest reserves, and an easygoing lifestyle.
Who it suits: Europeans seeking affordable second homes or nature escapes
Why it works: Affordable beachfront options, great weather, low-density living
Cost: Apartments from 900K rands, houses from 1.5M
Expat tip: Growing German, Dutch, and UK expat community
6. Knysna – Best for Eco-Living & Culture
Nestled between forest and lagoon, Knysna is popular among creatives, retirees, and eco-tourists.
Who it suits: Artists, semi-retirees, alternative lifestyle expats
Why it works: Rich culture, art festivals, green living
Cost: Lagoon-view homes from 1.8M rands
Internet/Remote Work: Decent coverage, fibre in central areas
5. Umhlanga (Durban North) – Best for Warm Weather & Beach Life
Durban’s most upscale suburb with ocean views and a big expat presence.
Who it suits: Brits, Indians, expat families, remote workers
Why it works: Warm ocean, malls, English-speaking locals, close to King Shaka Airport
Cost: Ocean-view apartments from 1.2M rands, luxury homes from 2.5M
Work From Home: Fast fibre, co-working cafes popping up
4. Franschhoek – Best for Wine Estate Living
A French-inspired valley town filled with vineyards, galleries, and gourmet food.
Who it suits: Foodies, luxury investors, remote creatives
Why it works: World-famous wine, art culture, boutique estate properties
Cost: Smaller wine farms and estates from 5M–15M rands
Healthcare: Access to Stellenbosch and Cape Town clinics
3. Mossel Bay – Best for Low Crime + Affordability
Voted one of SA’s safest towns with growing expat interest.
Who it suits: Safety-first expats, retirees, families
Why it works: Very low crime rate, great schools, fast-growing property market
Cost: Modern 2-bed apartments from 850K, houses from 1.2M
Expat Tip: Growing UK and EU buyer base
2. Stellenbosch – Best for Culture + Education
Home to the prestigious Stellenbosch University and a charming town with deep history.
Who it suits: Academics, investors, young professionals
Why it works: Wine farms, walkable town, strong healthcare
Cost: Flats from 1.3M, homes from 2.5M–5M
Internet & Work: Excellent fibre, university resources
1. Cape Town – Best All-Round Lifestyle City
If you're only picking one city, Cape Town delivers everything: lifestyle, luxury, ocean, mountains, and business.
Who it suits: Everyone — digital nomads, retirees, investors, entrepreneurs
Why it works: Stunning natural beauty, English spoken widely, major expat community, direct flights to Europe/Middle East
Cost: Flats from 1.5M, homes from 3M+, elite suburbs like Clifton/Bantry Bay go higher
Bonus: Airbnb laws allow flexible short-term letting for property owners
Final Thoughts:
South Africa isn’t just a great travel destination — it’s a powerful lifestyle move if you pick the right town. From mountain retreats to luxury beachfront villas, there’s a location for every kind of expat.
Whether you're retiring, investing, or working remotely — it’s time to consider calling SA home.
Want help buying your first South African property? Visit www.thepropertyguys.org for expert guidance.
