Where Should You Live in Ghana? My Favorite Areas for Women Over 50
One of the questions I hear most often is:
“What’s the best place to live in Ghana?”
My answer is always the same:
“Tell me what kind of life you want.”
If you’re planning a move to Ghana, you may enjoy my complete guide, Moving to Ghana After 50, where I walk through the entire relocation process from planning to settling in.
There isn’t one perfect place to live in Ghana. There is only the place that best fits your lifestyle, personality, budget, and priorities.
Before you start comparing neighborhoods, start by asking yourself a few questions.
What’s important to you? Think about what you want daily life to look like where you live.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Neighborhood
Do you want a walkable neighborhood?
Walking has always been one of my favorite ways to get to know a neighborhood. I make it a point to greet people along the way because greetings are an important part of everyday life in Ghana.
I learn the landmarks – where small shops and businesses, places of worship, open-air markets, and nearest grocery stores are located, as well as banks and ATMs, beauty salons, malls, bus stops, and so much more.
Walking has always been one of my favorite ways to discover a neighborhood, which is one reason I’m such an advocate for taking care of your feet, especially as we get older. If you’d like to learn more, you may also enjoy my articles, Healthy Feet Matter More Than We Think and Why Foot Health Matters When You Travel.
So the walkability factor is very important for me. Wherever I live, it’s important to take morning, and sometimes evening walks around the neighborhood to increase my understanding of the personality of the neighborhood.
Do you enjoy nightlife?
I am early to rise and early to bed. So nightlife is not an important consideration for me, although the idea of an occasional night out to a sophisticated spot popular with a mature, seasoned crowd, cool mellow music, drinks, food and good company is not ruled out. Especially when I have visitors.
Do you prefer quiet surroundings?
As I get older, quieter, gentler environments have become more important to me. Some cities are quite loud and busy, and filled with hustle, bustle and traffic, from early morning to late at night. And sometimes, there are the sounds of generators during the occasional power outage.
However, the sounds of people calling to one another, exchanging greetings, and children playing do not bother me in the least. In fact, they are a pleasant reminder that I am immersed in the culture of the neighborhood.
Do you feel more comfortable living among expats?
Some expats and foreigners, including retirees, prefer to live in communities with other expats and retirees. It gives them an added sense of community and security in some ways.
Me? I prefer to live in local neighborhoods where most Ghanaians live. I guess that makes sense given my preference of immersing myself in the people and culture of Ghana.
Also, I am quite comfortable doing that because I am definitely bicultural as a Nigerian American who grew up in both Nigeria and the United States. Living like the local folks is seamless in my experience, but for many people coming from Western countries, it may not be so seamless.
Do you love coastal living?
I am a water person who likes being around the ocean. Close enough to see the water, hear the water, or be on the receiving end of ocean breezes. Are you a water person too? Or do you prefer hillside views or lush rainforest scenery?
For water lovers and beachgoers, Ghana works well because of the long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and miles and miles of beaches and sandy shores.
Do you prefer cooler weather?
It can get tropical hot and humid in Ghana for most of the year. A good respite from that is up in the hilly and mountainous areas of Ghana where you can enjoy higher altitude breezes and cooler temperatures.
Do you want to retire abroad or just live abroad part-time?
Many people, myself included of course, look to Ghana as a place to retire, or live in for months at a time. One reason Ghana appeals to many retirees is that, depending on your lifestyle, the cost of living can be significantly lower than in many parts of the United States.
Do you plan to live alone?
Will you be living solo, or will family members be living with you too? Another thing to ask yourself is whether family and friends will be visiting and staying with you, and for how long?
When I decided to rent my four-bedroom apartment in the Accra area, I did so because I knew I would need extra bedrooms for family members when they visited for weeks at a time, or in the case of my nieces, for the entire summer.
Do you want to be able to get around near and far?
At my age now, access to reliable transportation and roads is a must.
In order to get around I use Bolt, Ghana’s most widely used ride-hailing service, which will come where I am and pick me up.
Being able to easily walk to a main street in the neighborhood and hail a passing taxi is also very important to me. Why? Because there were a few times when my ride-hailing app did not work because I did not have enough internet data on my phone.
Maybe you’re the type of person who doesn’t go out regularly. In this case, pick a neighborhood that has everything you need located in close proximity to your apartment or house.
By the way, I choose not to own a car and drive myself when I’m in Ghana. That’s just me.
Do you want the best for what you can afford?
There is a wide range of housing options in Ghana, and where you live and your lifestyle preferences will determine where you can afford to live.
Once I’d answered these questions for myself, choosing where to live became much easier.
Areas I’d Encourage You to Consider
So where would I suggest living if you’re considering retirement in Ghana? Especially if you’re over 50, or even over 60, like me?
Here’s my take: Look at the areas where most foreigners live as a starting point.
But, before that, it’s a good idea to think about the lifestyle you want for yourself, and your preferences because that will determine which areas might be better for you.
In Ghana, or wherever I find myself, I also take into consideration who I may know in the neighborhood that I am thinking about living in. I’m going to pick an area where I know at least one person.
That brings me to another point. We are similar, and yet very different when it comes to personality types.
Are you the type of person who can make friends anywhere you go? Or find a community wherever you go? I ask this because that’s going to be a very important factor in choosing the right neighborhood for you.
One challenge some of us face as we grow older is that it can often be harder to meet people and develop genuine friendships.
Some of us are lifelong introverts and find it extra challenging to go out and meet people. If that sounds like you, your chances of feeling quite lonely are greater when you live in certain areas.
If you’re like me, a woman who enjoys being by the water, beaches, and coastlines, then you may be attracted to certain neighborhoods and not others. Fortunately, Ghana has a wide variety of beautiful places, outside the capital city of Accra.
There are rainforest areas, hills, mountains, grassy savannahs, as well as towns, cities and villages to choose from. It all depends on what you want.
Once you’ve determined your preferences in terms of landscapes, amenities, and community opportunities, you can look at what Ghana has to offer you in terms of living space.
The main areas where expats tend to live in enclaves are primarily in Accra, followed by Tema, Cape Coast, Aburi and Kumasi. So, we can take a look at some specific Accra neighborhoods, and a more general look at the other areas.
Accra Expat Neighborhoods
I’ve always thought that just like people, neighborhoods have their own personalities.
East Legon
East Legon is one of Accra’s most upscale residential neighborhoods with gated compounds, luxurious apartments and townhomes, pools, and security. Located close to the international airport, the area’s residents include retired professionals, families with children, foreign diplomatic staff, expats, and the occasional celebrity.
Nearby amenities include, shops, markets, supermarkets, renowned international schools and several universities, including Islamic University. There are also excellent restaurants, and sophisticated bars and nightclubs. Something for everyone who can afford it.
I enjoyed strolling around the neighborhood during one summer when my niece attended Vivies Dance and Theatre Academy It definitely had that neighborhood with children feel.
Cantonments
Cantonments could just be the most high-end, prestigious neighborhood in Accra, and indeed, the whole country. It is quiet, very exclusive, and very expensive. It is where you will find ambassadors and other diplomats living, as well as ranking military personnel, corporate executives, and high net worth Ghanaians and expats. Tree-lined, quiet, and heavy on security, many embassies are located here.
Airport Residential
Airport Residential is another prestigious, highly sought-after area of Accra. According to some reports, this is the neighborhood where a majority of expats choose to live.
The neighborhood is safe and peaceful, and located just minutes from the international airport, central Accra and the business district. A well-planned community, it features high-end accommodation types, including gated communities, apartments, townhomes, luxury apartments and short-stay rentals. The homes often include pools, staff quarters, and all the modern amenities.
Spas, gyms, shops, businesses, the best international schools and healthcare facilities, restaurants, rooftop clubs and bars abound. And so much more. The Accra Mall is also nearby.
Who lives here, you may wonder. Residents include wealthy professionals, diaspora members, diplomatic or embassy staff, business travelers, foreign executives and many other relatively wealthy expats.
Interesting fact: Sometimes, when I fly into Accra during daylight hours and look out the window as the plane descends, I can often see three colorful buildings (red, green and yellow) which I like to call the kente cloth buildings. The buildings are actually the Villaggio Vista Residential Complex (high-rise apartments). If you are in Ghana and you see these buildings, located close to Accra Mall, you’ll know that you are in the Airport Residential Area.
Just know that living in this area will cost you, whether you live in an apartment or house.
Achimota
Achimota is a relatively affluent suburb of Accra, with residents of different income levels choosing to live here. It is the first neighborhood I lived in when I visited Ghana, and one of the reasons it holds a soft, sweet spot in my heart. This is when and where I began to fall in love with the land, people and culture of Ghana.
I lived with my host family in one of the estates which was quiet, safe, shady and easy to walk around. Achimota features different types of accommodation – apartments, townhomes, and single homes.
The area has more of a local feel than expat enclaves. Transportation (Bolt, taxis, local buses known as tro-tros, city buses and inter-city buses) and roads leading into and out of Accra, including to and from Kumasi and the north, are easily accessible.
Achimota Mall, the multi-level Melcom Supermarket, the sprawling Dome market (part indoor, part outdoor), healthcare facilities and pharmacies, restaurants, schools and so much more, are all conveniently located nearby, or relatively easy to get to.
Achimota is a bustling community but compared to Accra proper, it feels less so. In the evening, in the estates, such as the one that I stayed in, the neighborhood was quiet and peaceful.
Dansoman
Often overlooked by expats, I added Dansoman because I rented an apartment here for three years and I loved it. In many ways, it became my Ghana home.
Dansoman is essentially one large estate, and is said to be the largest estate in West Africa. It’s an affordable suburb of Accra. Still busy and with a lot of hustle and bustle during the day, but evenings are serene. It is quieter and so much less hectic than Accra, but with easy access to all parts of Accra and beyond. Dansoman checked nearly every box on my list.
I loved the wide neighborhood streets where I took morning and evening walks. I could walk to Dansoman Market, and take Bolt or taxis to several different malls. I lived in an enclosed compound and had wonderful neighbors.
I met people, felt safe and a part of the community. When I had to see a doctor, there were several healthcare facilities nearby.
Dansoman holds a special place in my heart.
Other Areas
Cape Coast
Although I have never lived in Cape Coast, I have visited many times over the years and have always enjoyed spending time there.
Life here feels slower, more relaxed, and closely connected to the ocean. If you’re someone who enjoys morning walks along the beach, a rich sense of history, and a smaller-city atmosphere, Cape Coast may be worth serious consideration.
Home to the historic Cape Coast Castle and several universities, the city has a lively local population without feeling as fast-paced as Accra. Many retirees and long-term visitors appreciate the lower cost of housing, the friendly pace of life, and the opportunity to become part of the community rather than simply living alongside it.
Healthcare and shopping options are available, though not as extensive as those in Accra. Many residents travel to Accra when they need specialized medical care or international flights, which is about a three-hour drive under normal conditions.
For women who value history, coastal living, and a quieter lifestyle, Cape Coast offers a wonderful balance.
Tema
If someone asked me to choose an alternative to Accra while still remaining close to the capital, Tema would certainly be on my shortlist.
Located about 30 to 40 minutes east of central Accra, it offers many of the conveniences of the capital while generally feeling more organized and less hectic.
Originally designed as a planned city, Tema is divided into numbered communities, each with its own personality. Many retirees, professionals, and members of the diaspora appreciate its wider roads, established neighborhoods, shopping centers, healthcare facilities, and proximity to both the Atlantic coast and Accra.
Housing is often more affordable here than in many of Accra’s upscale neighborhoods and that makes Tema an attractive option for those who want good value while still remaining close to the airport, major hospitals, and other services.
Aburi
If there is one place outside Accra that consistently steals my heart, it’s Aburi.
Located in Ghana’s Eastern Region, about a 45-minute drive from Accra, Aburi sits high in the Akuapem Hills. Because of its higher elevation, temperatures are often noticeably cooler than in Accra, making it a welcome escape from the capital’s heat and humidity.
One of the things I love most about Aburi is how green it is. The towering trees, flowering plants, and rolling hills create an entirely different atmosphere from the busy streets of Accra. Even the air feels different. It seems fresher somehow, and on clear days you can enjoy sweeping views across the plains toward Accra in the distance.
Life in Aburi moves at a gentler pace. Many retirees, professionals, and long-term visitors are drawn to its peaceful setting while still appreciating that the airport, major hospitals, shopping centers, and other services in Accra are less than an hour away.
Accommodation ranges from modest homes and guesthouses to beautiful villas tucked into the hills. While you won’t find the same level of nightlife or shopping as you would in Accra, that’s precisely the appeal for many people.
If your ideal day includes cooler mornings, birdsong instead of traffic, and relaxing on a veranda surrounded by trees, Aburi deserves a place near the top of your list.
Every time I visit Aburi, I find myself slowing down without even trying. I breathe a little deeper, linger a little longer, and wonder why I don’t come more often.
Kumasi
Kumasi is referred to as Ghana’s second largest city. It does have an international airport, and while there is a significant number of expats and foreigners living in Kumasi, the center of Ashanti culture, most expat retirees choose other areas to live, primarily in Accra and surrounding areas.
For retirees looking for a city that feels less crowded than Accra, offers more green space, and often comes with a slightly lower cost of living, Kumasi may be just right.
Like every city, Kumasi has neighborhoods that differ greatly, so I would encourage you to spend time exploring before deciding where to settle.
For many people, Kumasi offers an appealing balance between city conveniences and a slightly slower pace of life.
Final Thoughts
When people ask me where they should live in Ghana, they are often hoping I’ll name one perfect neighborhood.
I can’t.
Because the right place for me may not be the right place for you.
If you enjoy quiet mornings, long walks, and becoming part of a local community, your answer may be very different from someone who wants nightlife, luxury apartments, and an active expat social scene.
At this stage of my life, my priorities are simple. I want to feel safe. I want easy access to healthcare and transportation. I enjoy being able to walk around my neighborhood, greet people along the way, and feel connected to everyday life. I like knowing that if I need a pharmacy, a taxi, or the airport, they aren’t far away.
Those are the things that matter to me now.
Your list may look different.
And that’s perfectly okay.
There isn’t one perfect place to live in Ghana.
There is only the place that best fits the life you want to live.
Start there.
The neighborhood will follow.
Continue Your Ghana Journey
If you’re planning a move to Ghana or simply exploring the possibility, these articles may help answer your next questions. Each article explores a different part of the relocation journey, so you can make informed decisions one step at a time.
- Moving to Ghana After 50 My complete guide for women considering travel, long-term stays, or relocation.
- The Cost of Living in Ghana Housing, transportation, food, healthcare, and the expenses you should plan for.
- Renting an Apartment in Ghana: What I Learned from Renting Two Apartments in Accra My personal experiences, surprises, and practical lessons.
- Do I Really Need a Retirement Residence Permit for Ghana? What I discovered while researching long-term living.
- The Night Ghana Began to Feel Like Home A personal reflection on the moment Ghana became more than just another destination.
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