Excellent beaches, a thriving property market and a wealth of entertainment options make this a popular suburb for PE buyers.
With summer upon us, the Port Elizabeth suburb of Summerstrand is the perfect place to be, whether you’re a resident or a visitor. Holiday-makers typically flock here over the festive season to enjoy the many fine beaches along this stretch of the city’s main beachfront. Summerstrand is always full of activity at this time of the year and the beaches are ideal for people who enjoy water sports and those who just want to soak up the sun.
Beverley Erickson has lived in Summerstrand for eight years and says apart from the proximity to schools, the university and her workplace, the beaches were the biggest drawcard for her and her family. “The area is quite vibey due to the number of students and the fact that there are numerous entertainment establishments and restaurants.”
Summerstrand is home to various restaurants, pubs, cocktail bars and the ever-popular Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World, which is popular with residents and visitors from around the country. This was not always the case, however. “The area used to be considered ‘at the end of town’ and had little in the line of shops and entertainment. There were no supermarkets, just a ‘corner cafe’ one block up from the beach where Prestons Liquor Store is now,” Beverley says.
One thing that has remained constant is the high quality of schools and educational facilities in the area. “There are playschools, pre-primary schools, a primary school, a high school, a special needs school and a university. At one point, we had an organisation called the Summerstrand Educational Guild, which was made up of representatives of all of those institutions who worked together to achieve educational goals,” Beverley says.
A number of retirement facilities have also popped up in the area as it offers the holiday lifestyle that many retirees want. When it comes to her own home, Beverley says the backyard is her favourite spot. “We have an amazing back garden that’s completely surrounded by big trees, so when we look out of the window it seems as if no one else is around. We also have an awesome braai area where we spend a lot of our time.”
With a strong property market, Summerstrand has much to offer everyone from students to large families and retirees, whether they choose to visit or put down roots.
Living in Summerstrand is like living in a small town all on its own. Everything you need is right here, and being close to the sea and beach is such a treat.
-Beverley Erickson, resident.
Where to eat in Summerstrand
- De Kelder Restaurant: for excellent food and service
- Ginger Restaurant: for modern fine dining
- Blue Waters Cafe: for tasty meals on the seafront
- Something Good Roadhouse: for great burgers and beautiful views
- La Kouzina: for an eclectic menu
- Barney’s Tavern: for drinks and sea views
- Yi Pin Restaurant: for wonderful Chinese cuisine
- Charlie’s Pizza and Pasta: for great pizza and pastas
- John Dory’s Summerstrand: for delicious seafood
Schools in the Summerstrand area:
- Summerwood Primary School
- Pearson High School
- Cape Recife High School
- Beachwood Pre-Primary School
- Nelson Mandela University
Things to do in Summerstand:
- Visit one of the stunning beaches in the area.
- Explore the mountain bike trail on the Nelson Mandela University nature reserve.
- Visit Cape Recife Nature Reserve and the resident penguin rehabilitation centre.
- Enjoy a round of adventure golf, ten-pin bowling, go-karting or movies at Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World.
- Play a round of golf at the nearby Humewood Golf Club.
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
