Simons Town Central, Simons Town

Simon’s Town, Cape Town: A Historic Naval Town with Endless Ocean Views and Coastal Prestige

Welcome to Simon’s Town, Cape Town; a distinguished maritime town steeped in naval heritage and framed by the dramatic False Bay coastline. Nestled at the foot of the Cape Peninsula and home to South Africa’s primary naval base, Simon’s Town offers residents a lifestyle that blends seafront tranquillity with historic charm and timeless prestige.

Famous for its colonial-era architecture, resident penguin colony, and sweeping ocean views, Simon’s Town is a magnet for lifestyle buyers, holidaymakers, and those looking to invest in a truly unique piece of the Cape. Whether you're considering buying, selling, or letting in this heritage-rich enclave, Simon’s Town stands apart as one of the Southern Peninsula’s most desirable coastal addresses.

Natural Beauty & Lifestyle in Simon’s Town

Simon’s Town is defined by its picture-perfect setting, nestled between the sea and mountain, with uninterrupted views over False Bay and access to pristine nature on all sides. Life here unfolds at a leisurely pace, with residents enjoying:

Long stretches of white-sand beaches including Seaforth and Boulders Beach

Protected tidal pools and calm, family-friendly swimming bays

Snorkelling, sea kayaking, and scuba diving with rich marine biodiversity

Hiking and trail running in the nearby Table Mountain National Park

Regular whale and dolphin sightings; especially from June to November

Simon’s Town is one of the few Cape suburbs where you can walk to the beach, hike into a nature reserve, or launch a boat; all within minutes of your home. It’s a lifestyle built around the ocean and shaped by natural beauty.

Community & Demographics of Simon’s Town

Simon’s Town offers a close-knit yet cosmopolitan community of residents who value its walkability, heritage charm, and natural surrounds. It draws:

Families who enjoy safe streets and good schools

Retirees seeking a peaceful coastal setting

Professionals and creatives who work remotely or commute via road or rail

Naval personnel and those working in defence and maritime industries

Holiday homeowners and investors; both local and international

The town has a well-developed civic culture, with active residents' associations, environmental groups, and historical societies helping preserve its heritage and charm.

A Brief History of Simon’s Town

Founded in the 1740s and named after Dutch governor Simon van der Stel, Simon’s Town has a rich naval and colonial legacy. It served as a winter anchorage for the Dutch East India Company before becoming the headquarters of the Royal Navy’s South Atlantic Squadron and later the South African Navy.

Key historical highlights include:

Royal Navy era architecture and churches from the 1800s

Simon’s Town Museum and Jubilee Square

Boulders Beach, where a penguin colony took up residence in the 1980s

The Dog Memorial and other naval tributes throughout the town

Much of the town's original Victorian and Edwardian architecture remains intact; lending Simon’s Town a strong historical character.

Thinking of Buying, Renting, Selling, or Letting in Simon’s Town?

Buying Property in Simon’s Town

Simon’s Town has long been considered a blue-chip location in the False Bay property market. Properties include historical cottages, contemporary townhouses, seaside apartments, and luxurious oceanfront villas.

As of mid-2024, based on recent market trends:

Average house prices range from R3,500,000 to R10,000,000+ depending on views and location.

Apartments in heritage or newer developments average R2,000,000 to R4,000,000.

Exclusive homes in Boulders, Froggy Farm, or Rocklands often command premium prices.

This suburb is a top choice for lifestyle-driven buyers and long-term investors looking for a unique, historically anchored community.

Renting in Simon’s Town

The rental market in Simon’s Town includes:

Long-term rentals; popular with professionals, families, and retirees.

Short-term holiday lets; especially near Boulders and Seaforth.

Pet-friendly options and homes with off-street parking or garage space.

Monthly rental prices typically range from R8,500 to R25,000+, with some luxury and furnished units priced higher during holiday seasons.

Selling or Letting in Simon’s Town

With its consistent demand and limited stock, Simon’s Town is a strong seller’s market; especially for homes with character, sea views, or investment appeal. Sellers can benefit from Seeff’s hyperlocal insight and national reach to market their homes effectively.

Landlords enjoy high occupancy and quality tenants, particularly in managed apartment blocks or well-maintained freestanding homes. Holiday letting remains a lucrative option in this tourism-friendly suburb.

Distance from Key Locations

Simon’s Town is the southernmost suburb on the False Bay side, yet still easily accessible:

Fish Hoek – approx. 7 km / 10 minutes

Muizenberg – approx. 14 km / 20 minutes

Cape Town CBD – approx. 40 km / 50–60 minutes

Cape Town International Airport – approx. 45 km / 50 minutes

Simon’s Town Train Station – terminus of the scenic Southern Line

Climate in Simon’s Town

Thanks to its east-facing bay, Simon’s Town enjoys a unique microclimate:

Warm, dry summers (Dec–Mar): Average highs around 26–28°C

Cooler, wetter winters (Jun–Aug): Average highs around 17°C

Whale watching season: June to November

Less wind than Atlantic coast suburbs: ideal for outdoor living

Education & Schools Near Simon’s Town

Simon’s Town and its surrounds offer access to quality education:

Simon’s Town School – A combined school (Grade R–12) with maritime focus

Fish Hoek High School – Reputable co-ed secondary school

Bay Primary School & Sun Valley Primary

Private schools within reach in Constantia and Tokai

Healthcare Facilities Near Simon’s Town

Local healthcare is easily accessible through:

False Bay Hospital (public)

Simon’s Town Medical Practice (private GPs and specialists)

Fish Hoek Medical Centre – a short drive away

Tokai’s Melomed Private Hospital – approx. 25–30 mins

Shopping & Amenities in Simon’s Town

Simon’s Town is well equipped with both village-style charm and essential services:

Harbour Bay Mall – Modern shopping hub with Checkers, pharmacy, eateries, and banking.

Jubilee Square shops – Souvenirs, cafés, and local crafts.

Nearby Fish Hoek and Longbeach Mall - additional major retail options in the area.

Furthermore, convenience stores, bottle stores, bookshops, and specialty retailers are found throughout town.

Restaurants & Eateries in Simon’s Town

Dining in Simon’s Town is both scenic and satisfying:

Seaforth Restaurant – Seafood and family dining near the penguin colony.

The Lighthouse Café – Bistro favourites with a Mediterranean twist.

Monocle & Mermaid – Eclectic décor and hearty brunches.

Bertha’s – Classic South African fare on the water’s edge.

Sav Café at Harbour Bay Mall – Modern, convenient, and great for families.

Black Marlin (just outside town) – Fine dining with sea views.

Why Choose Simon’s Town for Your Next Home?

Simon’s Town combines coastal living with a rich historical backdrop and unmatched ocean access. Whether you're buying, selling, renting, or letting, it’s a suburb with enduring appeal, lifestyle value, and strong capital growth.

Heritage and character-filled properties

Outstanding sea and mountain views

Walkable village with strong infrastructure

Nature, water sports, and history all at your doorstep

A community rich in identity and pride

Let Seeff False Bay Help You Make Your Move in Simon’s Town

With decades of local experience and a specialised team based in the heart of False Bay, Seeff False Bay is perfectly placed to help you buy, sell, rent, or let property in Simon’s Town.

Whether you’re searching for a home by the sea, a retirement investment, or a heritage holiday let, our team will guide you with insight, honesty, and unmatched local knowledge.

Contact Seeff False Bay today to view exclusive Simon’s Town listings or to request a tailored property assessment.