Hillcrest Central, Hillcrest

Hillcrest is part of the outer west suburbs of Durban and has evolved from a small village into a large booming suburb. The area boasts beautiful free-standing homes and some of the most prestigious security estates that the Upper Highway area has to offer. Property here is becoming increasingly popular with discerning buyers who want access to a host of services, activities and excellent schooling. Hillcrest is located in close proximity to the charming and established area of Kloof and is only a 30 minute drive from Durban.

A brief history of the area

Hillcrest was founded on a rise in the main road between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in 1895 and was known for being a sleepy or weekend town. Since the late nineties however it has expanded massively. While the area is home to some of the most prestigious schools today, the first school in this town - when it was still known as ʺHill Crestʺ until 1969 - was established in a wood and iron cottage. The village of Hill Crest was initially laid out as leasehold sites on a portion of the farm Albinia owned by William Gillitt after which the nearby suburb of Gillitts is also named.

Climate

As part of the Upper Highway area, Hillcrest is known for being significantly cooler than its coastal neighbour of Durban. The climate is mostly mild and generally warm and temperate. The rainfall is quite significant - with rainfall even in the driest months. February is the hottest month with an average temperature of 21.4 degrees Celsius, while June is the coldest month with an average temperature of 14.1 degrees Celsius.

Schools in the area

The Upper Highway area offers a wide range of excellent schooling and the best private schools in KZN are all in the Upper Highway area. These include Kearsney College, St. Marys, Highbury Private, Curro Junior, Senior & High School, Thomas More College and Waterfall Prep and College.  

There have also been multiple new schools in the Waterfall area and the Curro Primary and High Schools have also proved to be welcome additions. 

Healthcare in the area

There are various medical facilities in the area that include the recently completed Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital, Medicross Hillcrest, Crest Health, the Highway Subacute and Rehabilitation Hospital and various private practices that boast dentistry, physiotherapy, health and baby clinic services, amongst others.

Shopping centres in the area

Retail industries like Toyota, Jaguar and Woolworths have flocked to the Hillcrest area in recent years making for an effortless shopping experience. Shopping malls and centres include Hillcrest Corner, Hillcrest Village Centre, Hillgate Mall, the Lifestyle Centre and Watercrest Mall among many others. Shopping centres in Waterfall and Kloof are also within a short distance to reach.

Distance from Key points 

The King Shaka International Airport is located around 50 minutes from Hillcrest, while the CBD of Durban can be reached in about 30 minutes.

Restaurants

There is no shortage of restaurants and cuisine in Hillcrest. The town offers various cafes, steakhouses, fast food outlets, bars and more formal establishments. Some favourites include Mozambik, Olive and Oil, Street Café and Republik.

Special Attractions

There are many fun activities for young and old to enjoy in and around Hillcrest. These include various markets like the Shongweni Farmers Market and the Hillcrest Country Market, activities like mountain biking and horse riding at the Giba Gorge Park, extreme sports like rock climbing at Monteseel and scenic drives via the Valley Of A Thousand Hills.