Quiet, leafy lanes and upmarket property have seen this accessible suburb retain its popularity even in the face of the economic downturn.
Even in the face of economic downturn, Rivonia has weathered the storms far better than many other areas and continues to be a sought-after suburb. Estate agents note that one of the reasons for this resilience is that people who buy into Rivonia stay in the area for a long time.
Furthermore, it has transformed in recent years, with large freehold properties in quiet, leafy lanes, and an increasing number of upmarket sectional title and cluster developments. The area has also become a thriving commercial node.
“Rivonia is accessible and I love the convenience of having everything at my doorstep,” says Portia Gule, who has lived in the area for five years. Portia says Rivonia is ideal because everything is concentrated in one area. She could literally push the trolley to her apartment from the shops, and Rivonia Road, where she can choose to take a minibus taxi, Metrobus or the Gautrain bus to work in Morningside, is a mere five-minute walk away.
The area is also home to Liliesleaf Farm, an award-winning heritage site, and The Oasis Boutique Hotel run by the Beazley family.
For shopping, the chic Rivonia Village boasts retail outlets such as Woolworths, Checkers and Clicks; banks, health and beauty stores, Room Five Private Function Venue and HFPA Health and Fitness Shop (a one-stop shop for all health and fitness needs). There is also the Oriental City, the Rivonia Asian Supermarket, the Post Office, Planet Fitness gym and a number of Chinese shops.
For dining, Gule says she is spoilt for choice, with fast food takeaways such as McDonald’s, and eateries including BBQ Workshop; Japa, a Japanese restaurant; News Café; Nino's; and Pizza Luna, among others.
Once you live in Rivonia, it’s hard to leave because it’s really accessible and conveniently located
-Portia Gule, resident.
Transport plus:
- Close to major roads including Rivonia Road
- Close to major highways
- Rivonia Road has a number of taxis, buses and the Gautrain bus running through the area to Sandton, Alexandra and Johannesburg CBD
- Uber and metered taxis
Best attractions:
- Artisan Market on Saturdays at Morningside Shopping Centre
- Bounce Inc in Midrand
- Hyundai Sky Park in Sandton
- Rivonia Village Craft Market
- The Barnyard Theater
- Liliesleaf Farm
- The Bryanston Organic and Natural Market
- Outspan Bird Sanctuary
Top schools:
- Crawford Village Pre-Primary
- Curro Rivonia
- Redhill School
- Rivonia Primary
- St Peter's College
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
View more of Rivonia's surrounding neighbourhood here:
