Cape Town : South africa

One of the most popular international retirement communities, Cape Town is always rated as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Cape Town is an economic hub of the Western Cape and home to the seat of the National Parliament. It's the most visited city in the country, due to its well-established infrastructure; renowned beaches; many popular shopping areas; natural wonders including the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and many other attractions. 

Photo of Cape Town skyline courtesy of Andrew Massyn and Wikipedia

Cape Town housing prices are lower than most of Europe, with standards and size generally being higher. There are an array of property options to suit every budget here.

There are also a wide variety of excellent retirement community options that start for as low as R60,000. 

Cape Town is known for Table Mountain National Park, two coasts' worth of great beaches, and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, among many others. The surrounding area has many beautiful vineyards for wine tastings. 

Since the mid-nineties Cape Town has been struggling with a rise in drug-related violent crime.

Particularly popular with Brits, retirees from the UK and across Europe (the US, too), Cape Town is a vibrant and diverse community in which many expats create communities of their own.

Cape Town has experienced a healthy economic boom in both the tourism and real estate markets.

Cape Town has a lot physically in common with southern California: Mediterranean climate, coastline, mountain ranges, and some semi-desert areas. 

The V&A waterfront has several hundred shops and an aquarium. There is an annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival. The Cape Winelands offer much in the way of wine and restaurants.