Handsmill on Lake Wylie
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Knysna, South Africa
What It Is Like to Retire in Knysna
Kynsna is a very popular place to retire in the Western Cape area of South Africa. It is located in what is called the Garden Route. Known for its beautiful coves and beaches, it also attracts numerous tourists. The town is primarily built on the northern shore of the Knysna Lagoon, which is fed by the Knysna River. The estuary opens to the ocean after passing between two large headlands. These are popularly known as "The Heads", and have become infamous due to the loss of boats and fishermen passing through their treacherous and unpredictable waters. Near them are geological formations, known locally as "The Map Stones." The timber industry was and remains important, although there was a short-lived gold rush. Photos courtesy of Wikipedia: Waterfront by Zaian, Millwood House by Simon Harriyott, and Kynsna from heads by michael clarke stuff.
Where to Retire in Knysna and Home Prices
There are numerous estates that retirees will find attractive (See Knysna Active Communities link at top right). Some of those are built around golf courses, while others offer great views. Homes tend to be a bit more expensive in this area due to its popularity, with small but nice homes starting around 900,000 R and going up to 6 million R or so (the Rand converts to .097 U.S. $.)
What Is Special about Knysna
This is a beautiful area popular with tourists and retirees alike. British and former expatriates are attracted here due to the year-round warm climate. The town has also become a preferred destination among golfers, as the town boasts several world class golf courses including Pezula Golf Course, Simola Golf Course and the well established Knysna Golf Course situated on the lagoon.
What Is Not Special about Knysna
You might not like it if you don't want to live in a tourist community.
Who Will Like Retirement in Knysna
Brits and other expats familar with South Africa like it here. Others who like living near the water in a beautiful area will like it here. Racially the most populous group is Black Africans followed by Coloureds followed by Whites.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism, timber, and retirement are important to the local economy.
Climate and Physical Environment
Kynsna is located along the N2 National Highway some 72 kim east of George. This area was difficult to settle because the land is separated by deep gorges and high mountains. The climate is Mediterranean with summers rarely getting above 30 C and winters mild to chilly, not usually getting below 17 C or so. The coastline is quite picturesque.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
According to Wikipedia Knysna hosts a variety of events annually, which draw considerable numbers of visitors. Those include the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival (late June/early July); the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras (end of April/beginning of May); Gastronomica lifestyle festival, which promotes healthy eating and organic principles (September); and the Rastafarian Earth Festival held at the end of July. As a tourist town there are many restaurants.
Crime
There is crime in certain areas of Knysna.
Medical facilities
Nearby George has more extensive medical facilities although resources here include Knysna Hospital.
Transportation
The N2 Highway goes through town. George has the nearest airport.
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