Choosing the right area to move to is a huge consideration when you're buying or renting property. There are several factors that come into play: amenities, healthcare, schools, entertainment, and accessibility. Safety is definitely a major priority for most South Africans, and this is where Pretoria shines as an area. Celeste Opperman, Property Agent at Century 21 Montana/Moot, unpacks the safety trend, provides advice for finding a safe suburb, and reveals the most secure areas in Pretoria.
Safety tops lists for home-seekers
While South Africa offers much in terms of lifestyle and amenities, crime remains a challenge. According to Opperman, buyers and renters often approach her with safety in mind on the property hunt.
"Those searching for homes have unfortunately already experienced the awfulness of an armed robbery, pickpocketing, or hijacking in South Africa. This trauma causes one to be more safety-conscious when choosing a property.
"Safety, as a factor, should never be overlooked by serious buyers and renters. The reality of our times means you should consider this carefully and connect with a property practitioner who can advise you accordingly."
Choosing a safe suburb
Finding an area that will give you peace of mind might seem daunting. However, there are signs you can use to see if a place is a good fit.
"In a suburb, look for areas that are boom gated," says Opperman. "For estates and complexes, check if they have strict measures at the gate. Streets with a community watch is also a positive sign."
Besides these signs, you can also dive deeper for your safety check. Opperman advises property buyers and renters to do the following:
- Suss out the neighbourhood: By visiting the area at different times, you can get a feel for the environment.
- Contact the local police department: They can provide you with statistics and confirm recent crimes in the area. It will also help you see how engaged the police is in protecting the community.
- Talk to the locals: You can ask your potential neighbours about crime in the area or have a chat with local residents at shops. If you're not comfortable asking these questions in person, look to area Facebook groups where people might voice their concerns.
Safest suburbs in Pretoria
If you're considering Pretoria, you'll find plenty of homes with security features such as electric fencing, alarm systems, security beams, and panic buttons. While each of Pretoria's suburbs offers something for everyone, Opperman shares her top five choices for peaceful living:
1. Montana: This Pretoria suburb is known for being a lovely country escape and having its own hospital, Netcare Montana Hospital. It offers security estates and complexes with electric fencing and strict security measures at the entrance gates.
2. Magalieskruin: As its name suggests, the suburb is nestled against the foothills of the scenic Magaliesberg. It boasts a neighbourhood watch in almost all streets. The streets have WhatsApp groups where all suspicious activities are reported.
3. Sinoville: As one of the older Pretoria suburbs, Sinoville offers large, classically styled homes with sizeable gardens and pools. Its safety factors include community watches and complexes with electric fencing.
4. Wonderboom: This lovely suburb is close to a green space, the Wonderboom Nature Reserve. It has an active neighbourhood watch presence on almost all streets. These streets have WhatsApp groups where any suspicious activities are quickly reported.
5. Annlin: The leafy green suburb of Annlin offers a range of townhouse developments, complexes, and free-standing homes. The complexes and gated estates are known for their security, which is boosted by crime prevention and monitoring by the local sector police.
With secure estate living also on the rise, there are plenty of options such as Zambezi Country Estate, Bougainvillea Estate, and Montana Manor Estate.
Get help finding a secure home
Never discount the value of a property practitioner in finding your own personal sanctuary. Opperman says, "A good property practitioner will have years of experience in the area they service. In this way, they can offer insight into specific security features of each complex and estate and also the street where a free-standing house is located. They will also be able to give you sufficient advice on all the safety features of a property.
"At Century 21 Montana/Moot, we have knowledgeable property practitioners with years of experience in Montana and surrounding areas. They can locate the perfect property according to your specific needs as a buyer or renter."
Contact Century 21 Montana/Moot
Pretoria suburbs offer much more than safety. With their pleasant weather, friendly people, and exceptional shopping experience close to residences, you'll enjoy every moment you live in the area. View our properties for sale or properties to let, and send us a message to get the ball rolling.
Image credit: South African Police K9 Ford Focus by Bob Adams | Wikipedia | CC BY-SA 2.0 | bit.ly/34Xt7PE