Relative affordability, charming atmosphere, convenient location and proximity to a number of international schools has attracted a very cosmopolitan population to the well-established suburbs of Gardens, Oranjezicht, Higgovale and Tamboerskloof. This charming area, enjoying a picturesque setting at the foot of the Table Mountain and Signal Hill and being a just stone throw away from Camps Bay and City Business District, has undergone an impressive facelift in the last few years. Although property prices and rentals have been going up, these suburbs still present good value and investment potential.

The choice of accommodation is very diverse. You can choose between the dominant in these suburbs Cape Dutch houses, charming in an old-fashioned way and full of character, or a bunch of new ultra-modern slick properties. Apartments are available as well, some of the nicest ones at the new and chic Wembley square, which also houses a fantastic flagship Virgin Active gym. There is also a number of estates (gated communities) here, notably St John’s Estate in Higgovale. Tamboerskloof has been somewhat lagging behind in this process, however given its superbly convenient location it is bound to catch up in the coming years.  

In terms of security, this is a relatively safe suburb. Make sure you have a full burglar alarm system connected to an armed response service, and set your alarm when leaving the house and at night. Refer to our Safety and Security section for more tips. The area is safe to walk during the day, but do not walk on your own after dark.

Grocery shopping can be done at the Gardens Centre, a small mall which houses a rather large Pick’n’Pay and a claustrophobically tiny Woolworth, while on Kloof Street you can find a rather decent Checkers (all local supermarket chains).

There is a great choice of eateries, ranging from relaxed cafes and delis to top gourmet establishments. Kloof Street is the main social hub with lots of places to eat and interesting shopping, and a good place to stroll on a nice day.

The area is home to 3 good independent schools - St.Cyprians, the Ecole Francaise and the Deutsche Schule.

If you work in Central Business District or at the Waterfront this is a very convenient location commute-wise and should not take you more than 10 minutes in rush hours. 

Tucked away from major crossroads, and elevated above the busy Green Point, De Waterkant is a compact historical area lying between Green Point and Bo Kaap. The last 5 years brought enormous interest to this gem. Property prices soared. Many charming old cottages that line less than a dozen quiet streets of De Waterkant have been refurbished and transformed into architectural and interior design masterpieces, now private residences and boutique hotels.

Accommodation here is expensive, limited and consists primarily of townhouses – houses with separate entrances but sharing walls, with little or no garden space, and often with street parking. Many houses have attractive roof terraces with great views over Green Point and down to the Atlantic Ocean, especially beautiful at sunset.

De Waterkant is a relatively safe area, but take special care if you stay close to holiday rental properties that may be empty (and thus targeted) in winter months. This area is safe to walk during the day, however avoid walking alone after dark.

Make sure you have a full burglar alarm system connected to an armed response service, and set your alarm when leaving the house and at night. Refer to our Safety and Security section for more tips.

The piazza at Cape Quarter is the social hub of de Waterkant and a great place to meet for a drink or a meal. You will be spoiled here with the choice of great cafes and restaurants. De Waterkant is also a popular hangout of Cape Town’s gay community.

Although de Waterkant houses some of the trendiest boutiques in Cape Town, it is completely devoid of essentials. Do your grocery shop at the V&A Waterfront, a short 5-10 minute drive away.

There are no international schools in the area, but there is one in neighbouring Green Point and 3 in Gardens, 10 minutes drive away. If you work in the Central Business District or at the Waterfront, this is a very convenient location in terms of commute and should not take you more than 10 minutes in rush hours.

V&A Waterfront is essentially a large chic shopping mall located right along the Atlantic Ocean’s waterfront and surrounded by a small number of very exclusive residential developments, consisting of apartments and penthouses. This is as good as it gets in Cape Town in terms of convenience of location and security, but it will certainly cost you.

Waterfront apartments are best suited as a short term rentals, perhaps while you are hunting for a permanent location. Rentals are high year-round, and availability is poor outside winter months. The space you get for your money is very modest by Cape Town terms, and there will certainly be no garden and no pool (although many apartments come with an outdoor jacuzzi). Apart from short term rentals, Waterfront would also be a good

choice for professional (or otherwise not financially restricted) singles and couples, especially those working at the Waterfront.

Due to smaller spaces these flats are not great for families, unless you or your employer is prepared to shell out for one of the few available penthouses.

Waterfront is Cape Town’s shopping mecca, where you can take care of all your shopping needs from toasted bread to designer shoes. There is also a great choice of restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as 2 cinemas.

Bear in mind that Waterfront is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cape Town, thus in summer it gets extremely busy. On the other hand, slower winter months are very pleasant.

Vredehoek and Devil’s Peak lie on green mountainous slopes between Gardens and M3 road that leads to the Southern suburbs. These quiet residential are perhaps modest in comparison to their historical neighbours, but offer a very good value, convenient location between the City and the Southern suburbs, and closeness to the Table Mountain parks. This makes them a popular choice with families with kids.

Property prices in the area are the lowest in the City Bowl, and there is plenty of budget rental accommodation, including houses with nicely sized gardens as well as apartments, many with great mountain views.

Although this area is relatively safe, security is not as good as in Gardens, and you need to especially vigilant. Do not walk on your own in remote areas and also avoid empty streets after dark. Make sure you have a full burglar alarm system connected to an armed response service, and set your alarm when leaving the house and at night. Refer to our Safety and Security section for more tips.  

When walking on the slopes of Table Mountain during light hours, weather permitting, is safe, but it is best to bring a friend or your dog with you - and remember to bring your cell phone.

Grocery shopping can be done at the Gardens Centre, a small mall which houses a rather large Pick’n’Pay and a claustrophobically tiny Woolworth, while on Kloof Street you can find a rather decent Checkers (all local supermarket chains). The choice of places to eat is very limited, but you will find lots of great eateries 10 minutes away in Gardens, especially along Kloof Street.

There are no international schools in the area, but the location of Vredehoek and Devils Peak is convenient for commuting to 3 international schools in Gardens (within 10 minutes drive) or a number of international schools in the Southern suburbs (10-20 minute drive against traffic). Similarly, regardless of whether you work in the City or in the Southern Suburbs, the commute is very manageable and against traffic.