Those who have visited Cape Town before know that the nickname “the Mother City” is more than just words. Beaches, sunsets, and a blend of cultures make Cape Town everyone’s home away from home. It’s no wonder that it’s rated as one of the best places to live in Africa.
When planning to live in the Cape, selecting an area appropriate for your needs is essential. Here are the best options for your new home.
Best Places to Live in Cape Town For:
- Expats: Camps Bay
- English Speakers: Durbanville
- Digital Nomads: Sea Point
- Solo Travelers: Observatory
- Couples: Rondebosch
- Groups: Rondebosch
Top 10 Places to Live in Cape Town
1. Camps Bay
Best Place to Live for Expats
Cost of living: $$$
Camps Bay is the height of luxury when it comes to the Cape and one of the best places to live in South Africa. With prime real estate being right on the beachfront and surrounded by looming mountain ranges and beautiful vegetation, Camps Bay is the first pick for a life of tranquil living and glamorous lifestyles.
Tip: There are frequent events on the beach, such as music events.
Who would like to live here: Expats, English speakers.
Pros:
- Camps Bay is extremely safe.
- Camps Bay has a vibrant nightlife.
- You have the beach on your doorstep.
Cons:
- Property costs and general living expenses are high.
- Being on the coastline, wind speeds can often get very powerful.
- Public parking is almost impossible to find.
2. Observatory
Best Place to Live for Artists
Cost of living: $
Observatory, located on the slope of Table Mountain, overlooks the inner city of Cape Town. Well known for being the art and cultural hub of the city, it is covered with vintage stores, coffee shops, funky restaurants, and quaint houses almost a century old.
Tip: You are likely to see the best sides of Cape Towns’ beautiful personality with all the cafes and art exhibitions in Observatory.
Who would like to live here: Couples, English speakers, solo travelers, digital nomads, groups.
Pros:
- Property is generally well priced.
- The public of the Observatory is extremely friendly.
- No other area adopts the same passion for art, music, and culture.
Cons:
- Some streets have been known to be unsafe (at late hours of the night).
- Streets and public facilities could be cleaner
- Observatory is a densely populated area.
3. Rondebosch
Best Place to Live for Students
Cost of living: $$ – $$$
Rondebosch is home to the well-renowned University of Cape Town and holds a large residential area with a small shopping and business district. Home to a large student population, the suburb is described as vibrant and youthful, despite its old town heritage and traditions.
Tip: Schools are spread out throughout the area and often a short walk away, ideal for parents.
Who would like to live here: Couples, English Speakers, Expats.
Pros:
- Schools, hospitals, and shops are all within walking distance.
- Rondebosch is very safe.
- Rondebosch has an active nightlife
Cons:
- Traffic is known to be a problem in the area.
- Property is very expensive.
- The suburb has been described as having a lack of sunlight.
4. Constantia
Best Place to Retire
Cost of Living: $$$
Constantia is a well-balanced blend between city life and country lifestyle. This wineland-focused suburb is a 20-minute drive from Cape Towns’ city center, and is regarded as one of the most desired areas throughout the entire Western Cape. Lush vineyards, beautiful open territories, and stunning residential areas are what puts Constantia at the top of our list.
Tip: Constantia is well known for its world-class restaurants and winetastings. Explore as many as you can.
Who would like to live here: Expats, Couples, Digital Nomads, English speakers.
Pros:
- A standard of living incomparable to other suburbs in Cape Town.
- There is a strong presence of community.
- Fully equipped with shopping facilities, schools, and hospitals.
Cons:
- Property and general cost of living is High.
- Rising crime in farmland areas.
- Local transport is in short supply.
5. Durbanville
Best Place to Live for English speakers
Cost of living: $
Durbanville is a fast-growing residential suburb located roughly 15 miles (25km) / 30-minute drive from Cape Town’s city center. Famous wine farms and extensive open farmlands host several rapidly evolving economic and residential developments surrounding this peaceful suburb.
Tip: Take time to explore the world-famous ‘Durbanville Hills’ wine estate.
Who would like to live here: Expats, English Speakers, Couples, Groups, Digital nomads, Solo travelers.
Pros:
- Durbanville is a fast-growing economic infrastructure.
- Property in the area is affordable and in great supply.
- Durbanville is home to some of the best schools in the province.
Cons:
- Crime within this area is relatively high.
- Durbanville is surrounded by new rural developments and has an increase in unemployed individuals.
- Traffic is an increasing problem in residential areas.
6. Hout Bay
Best Place to Live for Couples
Cost of Living: $$
Hout Bay is a quiet coastal suburb, where peaceful living meets functional and active lifestyles. Residents here have a strong sense of community, and it shows in the cleanliness and safety of the area. Hout Bay is where you go to enjoy all the beautiful views of Cape Town, without the hustle and bustle.
Tip: Hout Bay is home to “the World of Birds”, which is South Africa’s largest bird sanctuary.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats, digital nomads.
Pros:
- Perfect for new families.
- Neighborhood watches are on constant patrol.
- Hout Bay has world-famous restaurants.
Cons:
- Expanding rural settlements.
- Lack of public transport.
- Lack of activities outside besides beach strolls and hikes.
7. False Bay
Best Place to Live for Ocean Lovers
Cost of Living:$$$
Also known as “The Deep South”, False Bay is a quiet and slow-paced town, which is home o beautiful nature life and scenery and has some of the best beaches in Cape Town. It’s the perfect place for those who are looking to escape the noise of the city and enjoy a peaceful life in a happy suburban community. False Bay is a popular choice for parents starting a family.
Tip: False bay is famous for its whale watching.
Who Would Like to Live There: Couples, Digital Nomads.
Pros:
- Very safe.
- Amazing seafood restaurants.
- Community driven.
Cons:
- Limited public transport.
- Far from Cape Town city center.
- Lack of nightlife.
8. Sea Point
Best Place to Live for Digital Nomads
Cost of Living: $$$
Sea Point is where all the action is. Lined with world-class restaurants, clubs, bars, and some of the best housing available in Cape Town, it’s the peak of ‘Cape Town living’. Home to Cape Town’s Football stadium, and Sea Point promenade, everyone spends their days being active in the sun, and nights hitting the town.
Tip: The ‘MOJO Market’ is one of Sea Points’ main attractions, and has a large variety of food and drink stalls.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats, Groups.
Pros:
- High standard of living.
- Great infrastructure.
- Vibrant nightlife.
Cons:
- Crime at night is an issue.
- High cost of living.
- High unemployment rate.
9. Stellenbosch
Best Places to Live for Wine Lovers
Cost of Living: $$
Stellenbosch is a well-known student town thanks to Stellenbosch Univerisity and its endless list of nightclubs and social bars. Located about 45 minutes out of Cape Town, Stellenbosch is a picturesque Wineland town with busy streets and an electric atmosphere. Youths travel long distances to spend a weekend here.
Tip: Stellenbosch is world-famous for its wines.
Who Would Like to Live There: English Speakers, Students.
Pros:
- Excellent education facilities.
- Good infrastructure.
- Beautiful scenery.
Cons:
- Congestion.
- High property rates.
- Notable crime.
10. Newlands
Best Place to Live for Sports Fans
Cost of Living: $
What Newlands offers is different, with fascinating little ‘village-style’ shopping centers, steakhouses, bars, and restaurants. It’s relatively close to Cape Town’s city center, but well outside of the hustle and bustle. It’s also home to the Newlands Stadium, so it’s a popular choice for those attending sporting events.
Tip: Kirstenbosch Gardens (Cape Towns’ largest botanical garden) is a short drive from Newlands.
Who Would Like to Live There: English speakers, groups.
Pros:
- Great nightlife.
- Lots of public transport.
- Low cost of living.
Cons:
- Crime.
- Congestion.
- High unemployment rate.
FAQs
1. Is It Safe in Cape Town?
For the most part, Cape Town is safe, but always be aware of your surroundings and belongings.
2. What Currency Do They Use in Cape Town?
South African Rand (ZAR).
3. What Language Do They Speak in Cape Town?
English and Afrikaans are the two most common languages.
4. How to Travel Around Cape Town?
There are several bus, train, and taxi services throughout the city.