Up-and-coming professionals and young families are flocking to Pretoria. With employment possibilities, a range of facilities and affordable properties, it has become a popular place to put down roots. Pretoria is a city with fine weather, fascinating points of interests and easy access to shops, restaurants and schools. In October, its true beauty emerges. You'll be charmed by streets of purple-flowered Jacaranda trees.
Of course, these are well-known facts about the area. Pretoria has so much more to appreciate. Here are some of the highlights.
Great for wine and coffee
If you're a wine connoisseur or 'javaphile', Pretoria is the place to be. Pretoria's Orient Boutique Hotel and its celebrated in-house eatery, Restaurant Mosaic, won the 'Best Hotel Wine List in the World' award. With over 75,000 bottles in its cellar, you know you'll find a wine to quench your thirst.
If you're more into coffee, you need to visit Vintage Coffee in Lynnwood, Pretoria. This coffee shop was voted number one in the country by Big Seven Travel. Their barristers bring out the best in the beans. Because they pour their profits into community-based NGOs, every cup you drink helps to make the world a better place.
Perfect for star spotting
Celebrities, not actual stars. Although, a shooting star did grace Pretoria's skies this month. Many prominent actors, singers and sports stars have taken up residence in the area. Moditle Pholo, who made his name on the award-winning horror TV series, Lesilo Rula, is one of them. Pretoria has also played host to the Parlotones, Karen Zoid and John Kani.
Birthplace of a music genre
A truly exciting chapter in Pretoria's history is being the originator of Bacardi House. This music is described as a "fusion of martial military-style snares, wobbly, disorientated synth sounds and gruff call-and-response vocals". The style can be heard on DJ Mujava's 'Township Funk'. This song dominated the South African music scene in 2008. It could be heard on taxis and in townships. But, it also made its way onto radio playlists and YouTube. Pretorians hold this as a mark of pride.
Safer than you think
For tourists and residents, safety will always be a concern. Thankfully, Pretoria has received some positive press. Numbeo's recent quality of life index placed Pretoria within the top three in the country. The city CBD is safe enough for locals to enjoy its beauty. A recent Freedom Day walk to the Union Buildings best exemplifies this. It had people from various Pretorian communities safely exploring routes within the city they had never taken before.
Space for medical marvels
Pretoria has many respected hospitals such as the Advanced Groenkloof Day Hospital, Mediclinic Heart Hospital and Netcare Femina Hospital. What makes it particularly notable, though, is its many medical breakthroughs. Local practitioner, Dr Jacobus Benson, found a way to control blood pressure without the use of potent drugs. The University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital developed a novel way to remove liver cancers. This year, Steve Biko Academic Hospital performed the world's first successful middle ear transplant. A 35-year-old man was given back his hearing during this incredible surgery.
This scratches the surface of what makes Pretoria special. You need to experience it for yourself. Century 21 gives you that opportunity. There are currently 413 properties and homes for sale on their website. You can call their knowledgeable estate agents to help you. Customer satisfaction is at the core of everything that they do. So rest assured, you'll find the Pretoria home you're looking for.