Retiring in Centurion: Pros, Costs, Suburbs
Centurion has become a popular retirement destination for people looking for an affordable, well-connected, and service-rich urban environment in Gauteng.
With its mix of established suburbs, private healthcare, secure housing, and proximity to family-friendly amenities, retiring in Centurion offers both comfort and convenience.
This article explores why Centurion is well-suited to retirees, the cost of living, the best suburbs for retirement, and practical considerations for older residents.
Why Retire in Centurion?
1. Central Location
Centurion sits halfway between Johannesburg and Pretoria, making it easier for retirees to:
- Stay connected with family in both cities
- Access major hospitals and specialist clinics
- Reach airports and business centres when needed
2. Quality Private Healthcare
Access to top hospitals is a key retirement concern. Centurion is home to:
- Netcare Unitas Hospital (the largest private hospital in South Africa)
- Intercare Centurion, Mediclinic Midstream, and various specialists
- Day clinics, dental practices, physiotherapists, and frail care services
3. Secure Living Options
Retirees can choose from:
- Sectional title apartments in gated estates
- Retirement villages with full-service offerings
- Life rights developments with nursing and frail care
4. Convenient Shopping and Transport
- Centurion Mall, Mall@Reds, and local centres offer wide access
- Gautrain provides fast rail to OR Tambo, Sandton, Pretoria
- Local shuttles and community transport services available
Retirement Lifestyle in Centurion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Climate | Warm summers, mild winters, low humidity |
| Public Facilities | Parks, walking paths, libraries, churches |
| Community Support | Many suburbs have senior forums, hobby groups, churches |
| Safety Measures | Secure complexes, boomed streets, CPF groups |
Activities include bowls, gardening clubs, community choirs, local travel groups, and volunteering.
Cost of Living for Retirees in Centurion (2024)
| Expense Type | Typical Monthly Cost (Estimates) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment rent | R6,000 – R8,000 |
| Retirement village levy | R1,800 – R4,500 |
| Medical aid (65+) | R1,900 – R3,800 per person |
| Utilities & rates | R900 – R1,500 |
| Groceries (single/couple) | R2,500 – R4,500 |
| Domestic or carer help | R2,000 – R4,000/month (part-time) |
Overall, Centurion offers better value for money than Sandton, Midrand, or Pretoria East, especially when it comes to secure housing and healthcare proximity.
Best Suburbs in Centurion for Retirement
1. Die Hoewes
- Close to Gautrain and Centurion Mall
- Easy walking access to shops, churches, and parks
- Many apartment complexes suited for low-maintenance living
Popular Developments: Die Hoewes Retirement Village, sectional title flats along Gerhard Street.
2. Irene
- Quiet and green with a village atmosphere
- High-end but peaceful, with access to Southdowns Centre and Irene Market
- Close to Intercare Irene and Southdowns College (useful for visiting grandchildren)
Popular Developments: Irene Glen Estate, Somerset Place.
3. Highveld
- Centrally located, strong community involvement
- Lower traffic areas, access to private clinics
- Ideal for active retirees still driving or using Gautrain buses
Popular Developments: Highveld Retirement Village, sectional units along Nellmapius Drive.
4. Amberfield & Rooihuiskraal North
- Quiet residential zones with parks and good roads
- Strong presence of churches and retirement centres
- Proximity to Mall@Reds and Raslouw medical facilities
Popular Developments: Amberfield Retirement Village, Bethal Retirement Centre.
5. Midstream Estates (Technically not Centurion, but included)
- Purpose-built for multi-generational living
- Has its own hospital, schools, church, parks, and even frail care
- High cost but high convenience
Popular Developments: Retire@Midstream, Midstream Ridge Retirement.
Life Rights vs Sectional Title vs Rental: What’s Best?
| Model | Description | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Life Rights | Right to live in a unit, no ownership, often includes care services | Retirees needing long-term care or medical access |
| Sectional Title | You own the unit and pay levies | Independent retirees who want resale value |
| Rental | Month-to-month or annual lease | Those testing the area or downsizing temporarily |
Sectional title is most common in Centurion, but life rights options are expanding.
Frail Care and Assisted Living Options
These are limited but growing, especially in:
- Midstream Estates
- Bethal Centre (Rooihuiskraal North)
- Abendruhe (Die Hoewes)
- Olive Crescent (Wierdapark)
Waiting lists are common for high-quality frail care facilities. Early application is advised.
Retirement-Friendly Amenities in Centurion
| Amenity Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Unitas Hospital, Intercare Irene, local GPs |
| Transport | Gautrain, local shuttle groups, Uber availability |
| Shopping | Centurion Mall, Southdowns, Eldoraigne Centre |
| Faith Services | Numerous churches, senior groups, outreach units |
| Security | Boomed areas, security complexes, CPF patrols |
Considerations Before Retiring in Centurion
- Check if retirement villages include levies for frail care, security, and cleaning
- Review the accessibility of the unit (e.g., stairs vs ground-floor)
- Consider access to family, clinics, and churches
- Ensure that levy escalation clauses are understood before buying
- Join local WhatsApp or Facebook groups for senior community integration.
Conclusion
Centurion is a strong retirement choice for people seeking accessible healthcare, secure homes, and a suburban lifestyle near major cities.
Whether you choose to rent in a low-maintenance flat in Die Hoewes or invest in a secure village in Irene or Amberfield, there are many options to suit a range of budgets and health needs.
With solid infrastructure, safety-conscious communities, and medical readiness, Centurion is quietly becoming one of Gauteng’s best places to live and to retire.
