The central location and wide range of property available make the Berea a perennially popular choice for buyers and renters.
About the area
Durban’s Berea is one of those places that has something for everyone, no matter what they are looking for in the way of accommodation. Gracious colonial mansions, upmarket sectional title units and apartments, as well as student accommodation are all part of the mix that makes this spot so popular.
The suburb’s popularity and desirability have always driven prices and for a long time, the Berea was regarded as Durban’s most expensive suburb. Times have, however, changed and although Umhlanga and Durban North now top KwaZulu-Natal’s property price list, there are still many who are willing to pay a premium to live here.
An area that once housed Durban’s elite has now been transformed into one that offers good shopping, great views and an array of tempting restaurants. Thanks to its location it's also close to just about everything that Durban has to offer. The nearby arterial routes make getting to the centre of town an absolute breeze, and it's also relatively easy to hop on the Ruth First highway and wend your way to Durban North and beyond.
The suburb is home to one of the oldest schools in the country, Durban High School (founded in 1866), as well as Durban Girls’ College, a highly regarded private institution. Other schools in the area include Berea Primary School and Maris Stella School.
I purposely chose to live on the Berea when I looked for a place to rent...
Perhaps one of the biggest drawcards, particularly for the younger set, is what the area offers on the entertainment front. The Musgrave and Berea shopping centres offer great opportunities to indulge in a bit of “retail therapy”, and there are a host of eateries and several movie theatres nearby. Eating out is a favourite pastime for Durbanites and the Berea certainly doesn't disappoint as far as choices go. The Little India Restaurant in Musgrave, Fusion World Food Cafe, and Market restaurant are just some of the options available for locals to enjoy. Nearby Glenwood and Morningside have a large number of establishments to tempt you out of your kitchen.
"I purposely chose to live on the Berea when I looked for a place to rent. It’s an exciting, vibrant area with loads to do, and makes for an excellent ‘meeting’ spot where my friends and I can hang out” says Berea resident, Kirsten Thompson.
Things to do:
The oldest botanical gardens in Africa have been part of the Berea landscape since 1849 and continue to draw visitors from all walks of life.
The Roof Top Night Market in Musgrave is held on the first Friday of every month. Stalls offer an array of fresh produce including artisan breads, craft beer and baked goods, as well as handcrafted shoes and vintage clothing.
The Ricksha Bus is a fun, informative way for Durbanites and visitors to learn more about the city. The guided tour takes approximately three hours and the bus visits places like Victoria Road Market, Florida Road, the beachfront and the Berea.
Nearby medical facilities:
Life Entabeni Hospital
Netcare Parklands Hospital
Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital
Nature nearby:
Durban Botanical Gardens
Burman Bush nature reserve
Mitchell Park
