A village feel, sense of community, outdoor lifestyle and fantastic schools are just some of the reasons for the enduring popularity of the Southern Suburbs in Cape Town.
Moving out to the ‘burbs takes on a whole new meaning when you talk about the Southern Suburbs. There’s nothing dull about the old established suburbs of Rondebosch, Newlands and Claremont, with their tree-lined streets, Victorian cottages and large family homes wrapping around the skirts of Table Mountain. Newlands has a secluded-village feel and chic cafes, and Rondebosch spreads out from the imposing UCT campus down to the expansive common.
The only time you don’t have a mountain view is when the tablecloth of clouds is draped over the peaks. “We live in Newlands,” says Brian, “where we can step back and gaze at our wonderful mountain looming above, but still get the late afternoon sun to warm us in winter.”
Open-air living is just as much a part of the lifestyle as it is in Cape Town’s beach suburbs, but here morning walks, runs or mountain biking take you up beside a mountain stream in Newlands Forest, across the wide expanse of Rondebosch Common, or through one of the many family-friendly parks. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is another favourite playground. With trickling streams full of tadpoles, manicured lawns perfect for picnics, the “boomslang” treetop canopy walkway, a sculpture garden, open-air cinema, carols by candlelight and more, it's a place where golden childhood memories are made.
It’s not just the outdoor lifestyle that attracts so many families to the Southern Suburbs. Many of Cape Town’s oldest and best-known schools are clustered here. Living within their catchment areas is a huge advantage, which allows for the shortest of school runs or even kids being able to walk to school.
“Our wonderful group of neighbours, all with young families like ourselves, makes it feel like we’re not isolated but can bring up our children in the community where they will learn and connect with the world and other people,” says Mary of their part of Newlands. “Great schools are around each corner and we don't have to travel far to manage our and our kids’ busy worlds.”
Rondebosch has the UCT campus and there’s a vibrant student population in the area. You can enjoy quality productions at the Baxter Theatre, a vibrant nightlife and casual cafes along the Rondebosch Main Road.
The summer ritual of an Artscape Shakespeare production preceded by a picnic at the Maynardville Open Air Theatre in Wybnerg, and summer concerts and outdoor movies at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden are all easily accessible.
You can't think of Claremont without picturing the trendy Cavendish Square mall. There's more to the area, however, with clothing boutiques and popular eateries such Limnos Bakers, Hudsons The Burger Joint and Tiger's Milk all within walking distance.
By choosing the Southern Suburbs you're by no means turning your back on the city centre. Out of peak tra¬ffic, the CBD is a 10-minute drive away along De Waal Drive, with panoramic views over the city.
The Southern Suburbs have many magical pockets to live in. The sea is nearby, the mountain is up close. We can make nature part of our daily life and still catch an early morning coffee at our local after a walk. We feel blessed to live where we do.
-Mary, Newlands resident.
Eating out in the Southern Suburbs:
- Myoga at the Vineyard Hotel: for an eclectic menu
- Tiger's Milk in Claremont: for craft beer and tasty burgers
- A Tavola in Claremont: for tasty Italian cuisine
- El Burro in Newlands: for Mexican delights
- Sushi Box in Newlands: for the fresh, delicious sushi
Things to do in the Southern Suburbs:
- Walk the Boomslang in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
- Hike up Table Mountain from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
- Run, walk and play in Newlands Forest.
- Watch live sports at the Newlands Stadium.
- Fly kites on Rondebosch Common.
- Visit Maynardville Open Air Theatre for summer Shakespeare performances.
- The Baxter Theatre for cutting-edge performing arts.
- Go bowling at Stadium on Main.
- Shop for trendy goods and watch movies at Cavendish Square.
Schools in the Southern Suburbs
- Herschel Girls' School
- Rustenburg Girls High School
- Westerford High School
- Rondebosch Boys’ High School
- Bishops Diocesan College
- South African College Schools (SACS)
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood,Sunday Times.
View more of the neighbourhood here:
