George

The Garden Route in the esteemed Western Cape of South Africa is known for its small quaint towns, however, there are also locations which have been elevated to city status as well. One such place is George and its well-known for being a great place in which to live as its closely located to some of the most picturesque holiday destinations in the whole of South Africa. Geographically George is situated conveniently between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The two other major cities in the vicinity. The area is popular for its abundance of nature, quaint towns and temperate year-round weather. 

A brief history of the area

If one looks back to the origins of this regarded Garden Route city. The answer to this question revolves around the establishment of the timber industry of frontier South Africa. Its stated that around the year 1776 the Dutch East India Company set up camp around what is today known as George for the purpose of trading in this variety of wood. 

This past time became typically popular in this part of the world from the early to mid-1900's, largely due to the fact that there was a devastating drought in the Karoo region. Many travelled to the greener areas of the Garden Route due to the fact that this particular drought had an impact on the industry of Ostrich Feathers which became popular in that part of South Africa during this period.

Infrastructure

Due to the fact that George is pretty much the major urban area of the Garden Route, infrastructure is generally well-maintained and well kept. Transportation is limited, however, there is a municipal bus service that is planning on integrating routes throughout some of the main towns of the Garden Route. Some of the roads that connect George with the rest of the Garden Route and country include York Street, Hope Street, Olympic Street, Battalion Road, Beach Road, Mission Street, Church Street, 437, Glenwood Avenue, Madiba Drive and Seven Passes Road. 

Schools in the area

Another reason why so many people are choosing George for residential reasons is for the fact that the town is within close proximity to so many worthwhile schooling facilities. Some of the more popular ones include Glenwood House School, Outeniqua High School, Outeniqua Primary School, Holy Cross Primary School (George), George-Suid Primary School, George High School, Curro Castle George, George Preparatory School, Vine Christian School, Laerskool Denneoord and Thembalethu High School.  

Hospitals nearby

Although hospitals are limited in George the ones that are available are widely considered to be world-class. There are also great medical facilities in nearby Jefferey's Bay, Plettenberg Bay or Port Elizabeth. George hospitals include George Hospital, Mediclinic George, Mediclinic Geneva and Bergville Intercare.

Distance from key points (Airport/CBD)

The city of George in the Western Cape has an airport and if one travels from the central business district of the city to the airport it will be roughly 10 km, away and will be 10 to 15 minutes drive, traffic depending. Alternatively one can also use the Plettenberg Bay Airport which is situated roughly an hour and a half away from the epicentre of George. These are both slightly smaller airports so a lot of the international flights will take place in Port Elizabeth which is 300 to 400 km away and will take roughly 3 to 4 hours travel time traffic depending. 

Malls/Shopping

Another great aspect about living in George or the Garden Route is for the fact that there is never a shortage of great places in which to shop. Besides for all the great artisan markets, one can also check out the Eden Meander Lifestyle Center, St George's Square Shopping Centre, the Old Khaki Garden Route Mall, George Loerie Centre, York Mall, George's Walk Arcade, Shamrock Place and the Garden Route Mall. 

Restaurants

The entire Garden Route region is great for any foodie or restaurateur and the city of George is no different. Here are a few great restaurants to eat at on your next visit to George: Old Townhouse Restaurant, 101 Meade Street Restaurant, Kafe Serefe, The Fat Fish, La Capannina George, iMorelli, Pure Craft and Foods, Shan Sushi, Bayleaf Cafe, Mujo Bar and Restuarant and Krua Thai Restaurant and Takeaways. 

Special Attractions

Another factor that makes living in George desirable is that there is never a shortage of great weekend activities. From the breathtaking nature to other prominent towns within close proximity there is always something fun to do for the whole family. Below are three highlights:

Montagu Pass

The iconic Montagu Pass has had a huge part to play in the heritage of South Africa and by the year 1972, it was declared a National Monument. The pass is 10 km in distance and is noted for its picturesque beauty which has a large amount of the breathtaking indigenous fynbos vegetation. If one chooses to meander through this well known South African pass they will end up at Cradock's Kloof which is noted for being equally as breathtaking. 
 
Back to nature with the Garden Route Horse Trails

Horse riding is a great way to get back to nature and that is exactly what the Garden Route Horse Trails offer. This iconic activity takes one to the breathtaking location of the Garden Route National Park, where patrons are treated to an exciting journey through arguably one of  South Africa's most beautiful areas. The horse ride itself is said to take roughly an hour and a half and goes through a gum tree forest. Alternatively one can opt to do the 2-hour ride which traverses through the pine tree forest. 

Get rugged with Duiwelsberg 4x4 Trail

This is definitely one for those who are looking for a little more rugged adventure from their George and Garden Route experience. The route itself is approximately 30 km in distance and is believed to take about 3 hours to accomplish the task at hand. Its also a fascinating piece of history as the trail itself has its origin dating back to the year 1776. The route can be done alone, however, there are also options to take a guide to get a little more background information to this riveting part of George and the Garden Route.  

Time to invest

Now you have the lowdown on why George is a great town for both residential and recreational purposes. There really couldn't be a better time to relocate to this great destination. With leading property companies such as Century 21, it's an easy decision to make. With so many great reasons to be close to nature and the ocean, you'd be silly not to want a piece of this picturesque part of South Africa. Get on the phone today and start your next residential home out of George. You really couldn't be in better hands then with Century 21. There is a reason why so many different people are moving to George situated in the middle of the Garden Route, be apart of the reason with Century 21.