This Cape Town suburb is much loved by its residents. Find out more about this neighbourhood’s charms.
About the area
With the mountain as a scenic backdrop, quiet residential streets patrolled by guinea fowl, and several of Cape Town’s top schools right on its doorstep, it’s no wonder that Claremont is a top choice for families with school-aged children. In the catchment area for schools such as Rondebosch Boys High School, Westerford High School, Rustenberg schools, SACS, with Herschel Girls’ School and The Grove Primary School within the suburb itself, family houses here are in high demand and the school run takes a matter of minutes.
Skateboarders, dog walkers and family groups bring the streets to life, creating a sociable neighbourhood vibe, whether you’re in leafy Upper Claremont, heading to Paradise Park, or in the midst of residential Lynfrae herding a flock of small kids on bicycles to Keurboom Park, also a green haven for dog walkers and joggers. Older teens and UCT students have the night life of Claremont Main Road close by, sports fans can walk to major rugby and cricket matches at the nearby stadiums, and sporty kids have top training on hand at the related clubs.
Residents also love how central Claremont is. You can be surfing at the beach in Muizenberg within 15 minutes, or in the CBD for work or play in the same amount of time, and Newlands Forest is the shortest of drives away for walking or mountain biking. Even closer, the restored trails along the Liesbeek River offer an easy and pretty cycling route from Claremont Main Road to Kirstenbosch arboretum.
For everyday shopping locals find the small neighbourhood centres of Belvedere Square and Palmyra Junction most convenient, with Woolworths’ greenest flagship store at the latter. When boutiques and more upmarket stores are calling, Cavendish Square is right there, while at the other end of the spectrum the factory shops of Access Park provide hunting grounds for bargain lovers.
“I have always enjoyed how the streets are alive. People are out and about walking dogs, skateboarding, cycling, running. The community feels pretty relaxed and because there are so many schools in the area a lot of people know each other through their children.” Robyn von Geusau, resident
Top education:
- The Grove Primary
- Herschel Girls’ School
- Rustenberg Girls’ High
- Rondebosch Boys’ High
- Bishop’s Diocesan College
- SACS – South African College Schools
- Westerford High School
Best in food:
- Starlings Cafe
- The Eatery Wood Fired Grill
- Knead Bakery (Palmyra Junction)
- The Larder
- Cafeen
Things to do:
- Cycle along the Liesbeek River
- Walk and play in Keurboom Park
- Cricket and rugby matches at the various stadiums
- Movies and shopping in Cavendish Square
- Bargain hunting in Access Park
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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