Johannesburg, South Africa

What It Is Like to Retire in Johannesburg

The largest city in South Africa and one of the fifty largest cities in the world, Johannesburg has a popular international retirement community. It is well known for its perfect weather, warm and welcoming people, and modernity and prosperity, all of which make it a beloved African city for expats. Parts of the city are extremely modern with shopping malls and complexes that could be in any city of the world. It is very large and is adjacent to Soweto, a former township home to millions of Africans. Nelson Mandela lived there in the early part of his life, and in his latter years in a very large home in a prosperous home in an affluent area of Johannesburg.  

 Photo of the Johannesburg skyline courtesy of the Maharishi Institute.

Where to Retire in Johannesburg and Home Prices

Johannesburg housing runs the gamut of price and quality. In the residential areas, there are plenty of luxury suburbs. Almost all homes are gated, fenced, or patrolled by guards. However, limited housing options in the city means that shanty towns and former townships are a reality for Johannesburg's poor. The average home price in the country is about U.S. $100,000.

What Is Special about Johannesburg

Johannesburg in 2008 was rated number 47 out of 50 top commerce centers in the world, the only city in Africa on the list; it's a very Western-friendly, contemporary city.

What Is Not Special about Johannesburg

Crime in Johannesburg is notoriously high.

Who Will Like Retirement in Johannesburg

Those with a sense of adventure who want to live in a very big city with suburbs might want to retire here.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Mining (there is still some gold mining in the area, although it is very deep and very mechanized). There is finance and manufacturing as well.

Climate and Physical Environment

Johannesburg is located in a subtropical highland climate; it is nearly always sunny and always warm with hot summers (which are reverse those of the northern hemisphere).

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

There are many history museums in the city, some centering on Nelson Mandela. The Apartheid Museum is spectacular, and so is a visit to Liliesleaf, an estate where Mandela and ANC hid during apartheid. There are also many wildlife opportunities; the Johannesburg Zoo is one of the largest in South Africa. The quality of food and wine is high in the city's restaurants.

Crime

Crime is still a concern in Johannesburg, but through major financial efforts in the city center, crime has been dropping since the early 2000s.

Medical facilities

South Africa is proud of its medical care, which even the poorest citizens can take advantage of. The world's first successful heart transplant was here in Johannesburg.

Transportation

As a young city, Johannesburg still lacks a reliable public transport system. It is serviced by an international airport and a collection of smaller commercial airports.

Valuable Links

Johannesburg on Wikipedia