Durban’s laid-back lifestyle, matched by its wide variety of suburbs, makes it an attractive place to live.
Durban’s heritage is still very evident within its central suburbs, where art deco buildings take pride of place and many a home is a historically listed building.
Durban central
Beyond the busy city centre and stretching out towards the ocean, the recently renovated Point Waterfront features plush high-rises with penthouses offering spectacular ocean views with many fun things to do, modern designs and elegant finishes, making this a prestigious address, and more and more people are looking to invest in this rejuvenated stretch of land.
Moving towards the inner city, Pixley House (formerly Prefcor House) is being refurbished as part of an urban regeneration project. With a rooftop garden and swish apartments, it is the first of many proposed developments.
While the CBD remains the commercial heart of the city, more and more business developments are springing up across all areas of Durban, turning what outsiders may have thought was a sleepy hollow into a city of opportunity.
The Berea
Head up Berea Road and soon you’ll be looking out over the city beneath the ridge. Travel further up the hill and you’ll find yourself gazing out at azure oceans.
It’s not just the great views that make living on the Berea a dream, however; this area is conveniently located midway between the city centre and the Northern Suburbs. A quick trip along the freeway takes you across the bridge to Durban North and Umhlanga’s Gateway Theatre of Shopping and amazing beach hotel accommodations.
But there’s no need to head out, for the Berea is home to the marvellous Musgrave, Davenport Square and Windermere shopping centres, each with its unique charm.
Hit the hotspots along Morningside’s Florida Road or Glenwood’s Helen Joseph Road for late-night cuisine or a casual drink with friends.
Durban North
A quick hop across the Umgeni River and you’re in Durban North. Flanked by the stylish suburbs of La Lucia and Umhlanga, Durban North is ideal for raising families. Typified by homes with rolling lawns, the area is dotted with highly regarded primary and high schools, well-kept suburban parks and amenities such as the Durban North public swimming pool.
Shaun Ryley, councillor: Durban North Ward 36, says, “Durban North is a great place to live because of the passion and pride of the residents who live within the various suburbs. They are always willing to get involved in initiatives that seek to better the area, whether it has to do with safety or beautification. We have an incredible quality of life in a magnificent part of the world. There is a deep sense of community in Durban North, and we have seen the rise in popularity of events such as the CPF Nite Series (a fundraiser for the community policing forum) and the Hirsch’s I Love DN Theatre Market, which aims to raise funds to beautify and maintain the park in which it is held.”
“The many people who choose to make Durban North their home are so happy here. I think that this deep sense of community exists because there are families that have been living here for three or four generations. It’s a very difficult place to leave.”
Get to know the Durban Neighbourhood
Property prices in Durban Central
A typical property for sale in Durban Central is a two-bedroom apartment.
• Average asking price: R850 000
• 31% of properties for sale are houses, at an average asking price of R2,6m.
• 10% of properties for sale are in complexes, at an average asking price of R1,58m.
• Average monthly rental for a two-bedroom apartment: R7 000
Demand
Properties for sale in Durban Central comprise 8% of total sales listings in KwaZulu-Natal.
They receive:
• 14% of the interest
• 41% more views per listing
• 67% more leads per listing
than properties elsewhere in KwaZulu-Natal.
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
