Complete Guide to Cape Town Suburbs

Deciding which area of a city to live in can be crucial when buying or renting a house. A good location can mean everything when it comes to real estate. While you may think all suburbs look alike, there’s more to choosing the right neighborhood for you and your family than it seems. So, if you’re thinking of moving to Cape Town or just looking for another suburb to move to – we’ve got you covered! We’ve compiled a guide to Cape Town suburbs to help you narrow your search for your dream home!

Living in Cape Town

Cape Town is considered one of the best cities to live in South Africa. It’s one of the country’s three capital cities, and it’s located right between mountains and hills on one side and the ocean on the other. Because of its great location, living in Cape Town provides a unique feel of fast-paced life in a modern city surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. This makes it perfect for young business people and families who enjoy hiking, cycling, and spending time in nature.

Cape Town is made up of many suburbs and neighborhoods, and it’s difficult to choose between them. However, not all suburbs are the same or offer the same amenities and benefits. In the rest of our guide to Cape Town suburbs, we’ll take you through some of the best suburbs to live in.

City Bowl

City Bowl is an area of Cape Town made up of the Central Business District and several residential suburbs. Although the City Bowl is the busiest part of the city, its location between Table Bay and the mountains means it also has plenty of natural attractions. Most expats living in Cape Town choose to live in Gardens and Vredehoek. On the other hand, Woodstock, often compared to New York’s Brooklyn, attracts creative spirits and young professionals. The city’s popular pubs and nightclubs, as well as art galleries and theaters, are all located in the City Bowl.

Atlantic Seaboard

If you’re looking to be near the beach, stay on the Atlantic seaboard. It’s where Table Mountain drops steeply into the ocean, which creates a beautiful backdrop for some of Cape Town’s most desirable neighborhoods.

The most affluent and expensive neighborhoods on the Atlantic Seaboard are Camps Bay and Clifton. Besides being home to many wealthy expats, Camps Bay is also known for being one of the safest neighborhoods to live in Cape Town. On the other hand, Sea Point is more densely inhabited and home to many retirees. At the same time, Green Point is more popular with young professionals and members of the LGBT community.

West Coast

West Coast is the perfect area for young families and those looking to explore nature at a slower pace. The beaches in this area are stunning and regarded as the greatest site for surfing in the city. Moreover, if you want to start a business or find a job in water or outdoor sports, West Coast is the place to be. Overall, it’s a lot like the Atlantic Seaboard, except it’s quieter. 

Hout Bay

Hout Bay, situated in the southwest and surrounded by spectacular coastline scenery, has a distinct beach tourist town vibe to it. It’s comprised of various neighborhoods. Despite many vacation houses and weekend commuters, it has a strong sense of community. Hout Bay is a popular destination for both young families and young professionals. It boasts a strong community spirit, numerous active neighborhood groups, and a diverse foreign population. Hout Bay is also home to some excellent seafood restaurants, a bustling weekend market, live music bars, and water sports. Mariner’s Wharf, which contains restaurants, marine-themed stores, and tourist activities, is one of the major cultural attractions in the area.

Southern Suburbs

Families who value proximity to some of the greatest educational institutions in the country will like the Southern Suburbs. If you’re looking to buy a dream home in a peaceful neighborhood – Newlands and Claremont are your top choices. On the other hand, neighborhoods such as Mowbray, Rosebank, and Observatory are examples of more active student-populated areas. 

The biggest disadvantage to living in Southern Suburbs is traffic to and from the city during rush hour. However, many locals believe that affordable living costs are worth it. 

Northern Suburbs

Though trade and business are all handled in the city center, Cape Town’s industrial sector is located in the Northern Suburbs. That’s why the Northern Suburbs is a great area for people looking for a safe, suburban atmosphere with plenty of job opportunities. This area also offers a diverse range of entertainment options. While it’s home to several shopping malls, the Northern Suburbs are most famous for the Durbanville wine route. Like with the Southern Suburbs, this area is also far away from the city center, making for a long daily commute.

Moving to Cape Town

If you’re moving to Cape Town from a different city or country, it might take you some time to settle in completely and get to know the area. However, there are things you can do to prepare yourself in advance and ease yourself into the new culture and surroundings. For example, start researching the area and customs before moving there. That’s one of the best ways you can avoid culture shock. Then, once you’re there, don’t hide away. Go out and explore the neighborhood, try the local cuisine, and visit local galleries and theaters.

Final Thoughts

It can be tough to pick between the many suburbs and neighborhoods that make up Cape Town. However, from our guide to Cape Town suburbs, you probably learned that each area is unique. When deciding, take into consideration the wants and the needs of you and your family. Do you want to live in the city or a quieter neighborhood? Do you want to live by the beach or have a shorter commute? Figure out which one suburbs most of your needs and preferences, and start house hunting!