Best Cities and Towns to Live in South Africa (2025):

Choosing the best place to live in South Africa can be challenging. The country offers an exceptional diversity of cities, towns and coastal areas, each with its own lifestyle, culture, economy and long-term appeal. Whether you’re a young family looking for safety and good schools, a remote worker wanting a peaceful environment, or a professional chasing career opportunities, South Africa’s main provinces offer plenty of options.

This 1500-word guide explores the best cities and towns to live in South Africa in 2025, with a special section highlighting which locations are ideal for families. Importantly, Port Shepstone ranks highly thanks to strong lifestyle value, community-focused living and improved service access on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.

Below is the definitive list for 2025.

1. Cape Town – Best Overall Lifestyle, Amenities and Career Balance

Cape Town continues to secure the top position due to a combination of world-class amenities, lifestyle opportunities and economic stability. The city offers diverse neighbourhoods, excellent restaurants, thriving technology options and easy access to beaches, mountains and nature reserves. For many South Africans and international semi-grants, Cape Town is the ideal mix of urban convenience and scenic beauty.

Families benefit from top public and private schools, modern healthcare, strong neighbourhood watch programmes and stable property values. Suburbs such as Durbanville, Panorama, Newlands and Constantia remain high on the list for safety and quality of life. Cape Town’s consistent performance makes it the benchmark for liveability in South Africa.

2. Port Shepstone – Best Coastal Value and Family Lifestyle on the KZN South Coast

Port Shepstone earns the Number 2 spot in 2025 due to its balance of affordability, coastal living, essential services and community culture. As the main hub of the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, it combines modern infrastructure with easy access to some of the province’s most loved beaches.

The town provides access to top facilities including private hospitals, regional shopping centres, strong schooling options and growing residential developments in surrounding suburbs like Umtentweni, Oslo Beach and Shelly Beach. Property prices remain significantly lower than major metros, drawing families, retirees and remote workers who want good value and a relaxed lifestyle.

The area continues to grow through tourism, hospitality, small business activity and development along the Hibiscus Coast. With central access to Uvongo, St Michaels-on-Sea, Margate and several Blue Flag beaches, Port Shepstone offers one of the best lifestyle-per-rand ratios in the country. It is increasingly seen as the most liveable small coastal hub in KwaZulu-Natal.

3. Umhlanga and Durban North – Best for Convenience, Schools and Coastal Suburban Life

Umhlanga and Durban North remain strong competitors for families and professionals. These areas offer the perfect mix of safety, private estates, reliable service delivery and modern infrastructure.

With easy access to King Shaka International Airport, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, major business parks and some of KZN’s top private schools, these suburbs attract families wanting convenience and comfort. Property comes at a premium, but the lifestyle benefits are substantial.

The job market is robust in sectors such as finance, IT, retail and corporate management, making this part of Durban one of the most economically reliable areas to live in South Africa.

4. Johannesburg – Best for Job Opportunities and Urban Amenities

Johannesburg remains South Africa’s strongest economic driver. It offers unmatched employment opportunities, corporate headquarters, business networks and cultural diversity.

For families, areas such as Sandton, Fourways, Randburg, Bedfordview and Midrand provide access to some of the country’s best schools, private hospitals and gated estates. While crime is a concern, well-managed neighbourhood watch groups and secure communities continue to offer safe living environments.

Johannesburg’s infrastructure, education sector and business environment continue to make it the country’s most opportunity-rich city.

5. Pretoria – Best for Safety, Stability and Family-Friendly Suburbs

Pretoria is consistently recognised for its stability, green suburbs and calm atmosphere. Many families prefer Pretoria over Johannesburg due to its lower density, strong community feel and excellent public amenities.

The city is home to embassies, government institutions, universities and research centres. Suburbs such as Waterkloof, Menlyn, Hatfield, Faerie Glen and Centurion remain top choices. Pretoria also offers reliable schooling options and a manageable cost of living for families looking for long-term stability.

6. Ballito – Best Small Coastal City for Modern Living

Ballito has become one of South Africa’s most desirable coastal towns for affluent families and semi-grants. The North Coast’s growth has accelerated with estate living, modern retail centres and a thriving hospitality industry.

The town is known for its safety-focused gated communities, excellent schools, medical facilities and access to King Shaka International Airport. It provides a high-end coastal lifestyle with a strong sense of order and quality.

Ballito continues to attract young professionals, families and remote workers wanting a secure and modern seaside environment.

7. Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) – Best for Affordability and a Peaceful Coastal Lifestyle

Gqeberha offers one of the best affordability-to-lifestyle ratios in the country. With clean beaches, manageable traffic, a laid-back community atmosphere and lower property prices than most major coastal cities, it appeals to families and retirees.

The city offers good healthcare facilities, strong schooling options and continued improvements in safety around well-managed suburbs. It is an ideal choice for those wanting coastal life without the cost of Cape Town or KwaZulu-Natal’s premium suburbs.

8. George – Best for Quality of Life on the Garden Route

George consistently ranks among South Africa’s most liveable towns due to its clean environment, safe suburbs and excellent healthcare. Situated on the Garden Route, it offers mountain views, golf estates, beaches and nature trails.

Families appreciate the reliable schools, stable infrastructure and peaceful neighbourhoods. George is also a favourite for remote workers and retirees who want calm living without sacrificing essential services.

9. Stellenbosch – Best for Education and Lifestyle

Stellenbosch offers a high-quality lifestyle anchored by the university, wine estates and excellent restaurants. For families, the town provides access to some of the Western Cape’s best schools and one of the safest environments for children.

It is an excellent choice for academics, professionals and wine-country lifestyle enthusiasts. Stellenbosch blends natural beauty with cultural richness and a strong community feel.

10. Mbombela (Nelspruit) – Best Inland City for Outdoor Living

Mbombela offers warm weather, natural scenery and easy access to the Kruger National Park. The city attracts residents wanting affordable living, strong family neighbourhoods and outdoor adventure.

It provides solid schooling options, modern healthcare and a friendly community atmosphere. Families who prioritise a slower pace often view Mbombela as an ideal inland choice.

Best Cities and Towns in South Africa for Families (2025)

While the overall list highlights the best places to live generally, housing priorities shift when it comes to raising a family. Parents usually seek safety, schooling, healthcare, affordability and a strong sense of community. Here are the best cities and towns in South Africa for families in 2025.

Top Family-Friendly Locations in South Africa:

Pretoria – Balanced, stable, green and safe. Excellent schools and large family homes.
Port Shepstone and Surrounding South Coast Suburbs – Affordable coastal living, good schools, beaches, outdoor activities and strong community values.
Ballito – Safe estates, premium schools and a modern coastal environment.
Umhlanga / Durban North – Strong upmarket family lifestyle with excellent access to facilities.
George – Clean, safe and peaceful with natural amenities.
Cape Town South Suburbs – High-quality education and safe neighbourhoods.
Stellenbosch – Safe, educated and community-driven environment.
Gqeberha – Affordable and relaxed coastal lifestyle for growing families.
Fourways and Sandton (Johannesburg) – Gated estates, strong schools and convenience.
Mbombela – Warm climate, family neighbourhoods, and outdoor spaces.

These towns and cities stand out because they support long-term family well-being, offering the right combination of safety, education and lifestyle value.

Final Thoughts

South Africa’s diversity means that there is no single “best” place to live. The ideal location depends on lifestyle preferences, family needs and career goals. Cape Town remains the top city overall, while Port Shepstone has risen rapidly as one of the best-value coastal lifestyle hubs, especially for families seeking affordability and safe, community-centered living.

From the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast to the Garden Route, Gauteng’s suburbs and the Western Cape’s wine country, South Africa continues to offer a wide range of highly liveable cities and towns in 2025.