While much of Pretoria is now characterised by luxurious lifestyle estates and high-rise living, there are still suburbs that offer quaint and affordable family-orientated living. Montana is one of these.
Nestled along the foothills of the Magaliesberg Mountains, Montana comprises three nodes: Montana, Montana Gardens and Montana Park. According to Annette Louw, Operations Manager for Aida, which services the area, Montana was once a far-flung outpost. But, thanks to suburban sprawl, the area’s smallholdings have since largely been replaced by a mix of small, sectional and full title security complexes and large freehold properties which range in price from as little as R400 000 to R4-million.
In her experience, Louw says that Montana is sought-after as it caters to different income and age groups, which allows people to upgrade and downsize according to their needs, without having to leave the area. The fact that many of Montana’s properties are of the lock-up-and-go persuasion also appeals to those seeking a hassle-free lifestyle, she adds.
Attractions and activities
Properties aside, Montana has a few other tricks up its sleeve. Says Louw: “Montana is a quiet, picturesque suburb and enjoys a balmy, sub-tropical climate. It’s also a lively neighbourhood with 14 different shopping centres. Primary and secondary schools are plentiful and Pretoria’s museums, monuments, hospitals, guest houses and theatres lie within close reach.”
Louw adds that Montana lies within close proximity of a number of work nodes such as central Pretoria and nearby Rosslyn, which is geared primarily towards industrial concerns. An active community policing forum has also kept Montana’s crime in check which, unsurprisingly, has bolstered the area’s appeal considerably.
Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve is another big “pull” for Montana residents. Located opposite Montana on the other side of the N1, the reserve is divided into northern and southern sections. The northern section is given over mostly to leisure activities such as canoeing and fishing, while the southern area is host to a large bird sanctuary. Both sections make for great family outings and can be incorporated into a day trip to the nearby historical mining town of Cullinan.
And business is brisk says Louw, who explains that property sales in the Montanas are up. In 2013, 763 sectional title properties were sold alongside 448 freehold properties. To date, 428 sectional title properties and 268 freehold properties have been sold in 2014. The average sectional title property currently sells for R686 000 and freehold properties are currently selling for R1.2-million on average. More development is also on the cards with many of the last agricultural stands being re-zoned for residential use.