Choosing where to settle in South Africa is not exactly a straightforward decision. The country sprawls across such varied terrain—from windswept coastlines to vineyard valleys—that narrowing down the options can feel overwhelming.
After spending time reviewing quality-of-life data and speaking with people who have made these moves,
I have put together this ranking based on what actually matters: scenery that does not get old, reasonable safety, access to what you need day-to-day, and whether residents seem genuinely content.
These are not just pretty places on postcards. They are communities where people have built real lives.
1. City of Cape Town (Western Cape)
Cape Town sits wedged between Table Mountain and the Atlantic, which gives it an almost unfair geographical advantage.
The latest quality-of-life figures put it at the top in Africa, and anyone who has watched the sunset from Signal Hill understands why. There are beaches that stay relatively uncrowded even in peak season, hiking routes that wind through indigenous fynbos, and enough cultural activity at places like the V&A Waterfront to keep weekends interesting.
Property prices tell their own story. Camps Bay averages around 25,000 rand per square meter, which is steep. But the city has committed to renewable energy projects that should pay off long-term, assuming the implementation goes according to plan.
The wind is relentless in summer, and the traffic between the city center and southern suburbs during rush hour tests patience. Still, for people who want coastal living without sacrificing urban infrastructure, Cape Town makes sense.
2. Mossel Bay Local Municipality (Western Cape)
Mossel Bay does not try too hard, which is part of its appeal. It sits along the Garden Route where the water stays relatively warm year-round, and the pace of life slows down noticeably compared to the major cities. Dolphins appear often enough that locals barely glance up anymore, though visitors still crowd the harbor for boat trips.
George Airport is close enough for convenient flights, and schools like Point High have solid reputations. Housing ranges widely—beachfront properties can reach 3.5 million rand, but you can find decent places under 2 million if you are willing to be a bit inland. The town lacks some amenities that bigger cities take for granted, but people who move here usually knew that going in. Pollution stays low, and the seafood markets actually sell fish caught that morning.
3. Stellenbosch Local Municipality (Western Cape)
Stellenbosch has managed to keep its historical character intact while still functioning as a university town, which is not an easy balance. The oak-lined streets and Cape Dutch architecture photograph well, but beyond aesthetics, the area has become a hub for people working in agriculture and wine production. Estates like Spier have moved toward more sustainable farming practices, which has created some interesting job opportunities.
Safety tends to be better here than the national average, partly because of active neighborhood watch groups. Houses typically run about 4.2 million rand, positioning it firmly in the upper-middle market. The trade-off is worthwhile for people who want proximity to Cape Town without living in the city itself. You get farm-to-table restaurants, trail running in Jonkershoek, and a community that still feels connected. The student population does mean noise levels rise during certain times of year, but most neighborhoods stay relatively quiet.
4. Knysna Local Municipality (Western Cape)
Knysna wraps around a lagoon protected by two massive sandstone cliffs called The Heads, which create a natural harbor that has drawn people here for generations. The forests nearby are dense enough to get properly lost in, and the annual Oyster Festival has grown into something of a regional event. Recent years have seen a push toward eco-tourism, with more lodges and tour operators focusing on conservation.
The area invested in public transport infrastructure, which actually works reasonably well for a town this size. Crime stays lower in neighborhoods like Belvidere, though nowhere is entirely immune. Properties average 3.8 million rand, appealing particularly to retirees who want scenery without complete isolation. The downside is that job opportunities are limited unless you work remotely or in tourism. But if you have sorted out the income question, the daily soundtrack of bird calls and lapping water compensates for a lot.
5. Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (Eastern Cape)
Port Elizabeth rebranded as Nelson Mandela Bay, though locals still use both names interchangeably. It stretches along Algoa Bay with beaches that go on for kilometers, and the cost of living runs significantly lower than Cape Town. You can find sea-view apartments starting around 1.8 million rand, which opens it up to people priced out of the Western Cape.
Addo Elephant National Park is close enough for weekend trips, and healthcare facilities like Netcare Greenacres Hospital maintain good standards. The Boardwalk area offers entertainment options, though it cannot compete with what larger metros provide. The municipality has been developing its port facilities with a focus on renewable energy, trying to position itself for future industries. Summers get hot and winters can be surprisingly cold, but the affordability and beaches make it work for families looking to establish themselves without breaking the bank.
6. Overstrand Local Municipality (Western Cape)
Hermanus built its reputation on whale watching, and between July and November, southern right whales arrive close enough to shore that you can watch from the cliffs without binoculars. Beyond the seasonal spectacle, the area has attracted a wellness industry—yoga retreats, holistic health centers, that sort of thing—all positioned along Walker Bay.
Property demand has driven prices up to around 3.2 million rand for estates in Onrus, which puts it out of reach for some buyers. Traffic stays manageable even during peak tourist months, and schools like Hermanus High perform well academically. The community organizes regular coastal cleanups, which suggests a level of civic engagement that you do not always find. It lacks the nightlife of bigger cities, so younger residents sometimes complain about limited entertainment options. But for people in a phase of life where ocean views and quiet evenings sound appealing, Overstrand delivers.
7. Cape Winelands District Municipality (Western Cape)
Franschhoek and Paarl anchor this region, where vineyards climb hillsides under the Helderberg peaks. The food scene has gotten serious attention—restaurants here compete with anything Cape Town offers, and the Bastille Festival each July draws crowds interested in the area’s Huguenot history. High-speed internet has finally reached most areas, making remote work feasible even from vineyard cottages.
Housing ranges from 5 million rand for upscale chalets down to 2.5 million for smaller properties. Safety has improved thanks to coordinated policing efforts, though crime has not disappeared entirely. The lifestyle here revolves around wine, food, and outdoor activities, which either sounds perfect or slightly limiting depending on your interests. If you need urban energy and diverse career options, this might feel too quiet. But for people who want to live surrounded by working farms and mountain views, the Winelands provide exactly that.
8. eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality (KwaZulu-Natal)
Durban operates at a different tempo than the Western Cape cities. The Golden Mile promenade runs along beaches where the water stays warm enough to swim year-round, and the city’s Indian influence shows up everywhere—especially in the food. Bunny chow remains a local staple, and the spice markets in the city center are worth exploring if you can handle the crowds.
Recent urban planning has added bike lanes and expanded uShaka Marine World, making it more family-friendly. Housing in Umhlanga averages 3 million rand for oceanfront units, though you can find cheaper options further from the beach. The humidity during summer months is genuinely oppressive, and the city deals with infrastructure challenges that Cape Town has managed better. Cultural events like the Durban International Film Festival bring diversity, and the city’s energy appeals to people who find Western Cape municipalities too sedate. It is not for everyone, but residents tend to be passionate about defending it.
9. Bitou Local Municipality (Western Cape)
Plettenberg Bay anchors Bitou, with Robberg Peninsula creating dramatic coastline where seals haul out on the rocks. Remote work trends have brought new residents, and fiber-optic internet has kept pace surprisingly well for a smaller town. Lookout Beach hosts regattas throughout the year, and the local wildlife center does legitimate conservation work.
Properties average 2.9 million rand for lagoon-view homes, positioning it as more affordable than Knysna or Hermanus. The community has developed trail networks and communal gardens, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Job opportunities remain limited outside tourism and remote work, which restricts who can make it work. But for digital workers who want to live near the ocean without paying Cape Town prices, Bitou represents good value.
10. Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (Gauteng)
Pretoria’s jacaranda trees bloom purple each spring, transforming the city into something that photographs cannot quite capture. As the administrative capital, it houses government departments and embassies, creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere distinct from Johannesburg’s commercial energy. Quality-of-life metrics place it high for green space access—the National Zoological Garden alone covers substantial ground—and the universities bring intellectual activity.
Housing in neighborhoods like Brooklyn averages 2.7 million rand, reasonable for a major metro. You miss out on ocean access entirely, which matters more to some people than others. The altitude means cooler winters and spectacular thunderstorms in summer. For professionals in government, academia, or diplomacy, Tshwane offers career opportunities that coastal towns simply cannot match. The jacarandas are nice, but the real draw is the combination of urban infrastructure and slightly more relaxed pace than Johannesburg.
Conclusion
South Africa’s municipalities continue to evolve, each with distinct advantages and inevitable drawbacks.
The places that looked perfect five years ago have changed, and they will keep changing. Talking to residents who already made the move helps more than any ranking article can, and visiting during different seasons reveals things you would not notice otherwise. What works for one family might feel completely wrong for another, and that is fine.
The real question is what you need from a place, and whether these locations can provide it.