Parys, Free State

Parys at a glance

Background and Historical Information of the Area

Parys is a small town located in the Northern parts of the Free State. This town was found in 1876 by a German Surveyor by the name of Schilbach and its name 'Parys' was claimed by him. Parys is an Afrikaans name that translates to 'Paris'. It is said that the Vaal River reminded him of Paris on River Seine and that is how he came up with the name 'Parys'.

What makes Parys special is that, it is home to the Vredefort Dome, a meteorite site that is one of the oldest and largest in the world. It has also been declared the 7^th World Heritage Site within South Africa.

Not only is Parys famous for its history, but also for its agriculture where corn, sorghum, soja beans and cattle are being farmed with.

Area Serenity

The Vaal River meets the riverbanks of Parys, which makes this town famous for its water activities like river rafting and kayaking since it is the only place along the Vaal River to find rapids.

In terms of real estate, this town offers Properties that include freehold properties, flats, apartments and sectional title properties. There is 2 beautiful Golf Estates on 2 separate islands, namely Parys Golf and Country Estate in town and the Vaal de Grace Golf Estate which plays host to the only Nick Price Signature Golf Course in the country that is situated 6km outside Parys. 

Lifestyle

Parys is known for its charm that boasts lifestyle and entertainment since there are many activities to keep you busy, go away for a weekend with family, friends, or loved ones to take a break from the 'hustle' of the city of Johannesburg. It is also known for its more 'relaxed' lifestyle and has become a popular choice to live over the last couple of years as the city is just an hour away.

One can choose to be adventurous by partaking in the following activities:

• Hiking trails
• Mountain biking
• Quad biking
• 4x4 trails
• Abseiling and rock climbing
• Zip Lining
• River rafting and kayaking
• Running marathons

Or if you are not feeling particularly adventurous, this small town caters for that too. You can explore by doing bird watching at the Vredefort Dome, view the Parys monument, visit Art galleries, Antique and gift shops, or visit delis or one of many restaurants to fulfil your taste buds. 

Attractions of the Area

In Parys, the options are endless with what to see. Whether you love to play golf, learn about history, or have an interest in Cheetahs or berries - Parys is just for you.

Take a day to visit or play a few rounds of golf at the Vaal de Grace Golf Estate or Parys Golf and Country Estate. By visiting the Parys golf course, you can see the 1919 Suspension Bridge, which paves its way to one of the islands on the Vaal.

There is also a meteorite site known as Vredefort Dome. This siting was declared the 7^th World Heritage Site in South Africa by UNESCO. This meteor struck about 2 billion years ago, and it is said to be between 200-300 kms in diameter.

If you feel like doing something different, you can pick berries at the Bon-Af Berry Farm with friends, family or loved ones. This farm has 65 different types of berries to choose from including blueberries, blackberries, framboise and more. However, you can only pick the berries during certain periods of the year (November - April).

Just 10km outside of Parys, is the Dell Cheetah Centre where one can learn about Cheetahs or even volunteer! Parys boasts a few favourite family resorts just outside Parys like Umfula Resort where you can go and relax or ride your boat on the Vaal and Casa Cara Lodge with a waterpark and animal park next to the Vaalriver.

How could you not want a property with all these pristine attractions? Click here to see all of our properties in the neighbourhood.

Education

In Parys, you will find several fantastic schools to choose from, whether it is public or private for Primary and Secondary schooling. You can feel at ease knowing your children will be catered for.

The private school in the area is Parys Christelike Skool.

The public schools are Hoërskool Parys, Laerskool Parys, Selogilwe Primary School, Dome Primary School, Phehellang Secondary School, and Am Lembede Pre-Primary School.

Safety

Within Parys, there is the Parys Golf and Country Estate and Vaal de Grace Golf Estate, well secured residential golf estates by offering secured fencing and 24-hour security that roams the estate. This provides peace of mind for friends, family and loved ones to spend time together or for children to ride their bicycles in the street.

Statistics

The demographics in Parys range from different ages to sellers, buyers, and owners.

However, the highest statistic is shown below:

Sellers: 47.6% of the age 65 or older.

Buyers: 40.6% between the age of 50-64.

Owners: 42% of the age 65 or older.

Healthcare

Parys has clinics such as the Wound Clinic, Schonkenville Clinic, and Parys Municipal Clinic.

Parys does have a public hospital - Parys District Hospital.

If you want to find a private hospital, you can travel to Mediclinic Potchefstroom Hospital(57km); Netcare Vaalpark Hospital (45,6km); or Mediclinic Emfuleni Hospital

(52.2km) from Parys.

Shopping Centres

Even though Parys is a small town, it has a lot to offer to provide all the essentials and luxuries you may need.

There is a Palm Gate Shopping Centre, Parys Boulevard Centre and the Rivershed Lifestyle centre will open in 2023 offering great lifestyle stores.

Restaurants

For all the foodies out there, Parys caters for a wide variety. The famous restaurants to visit in Parys are O's Restaurant, Hoi Polloi, Angelo's Pane Vino, Jimmy Jaggers, The Pickled Pig Ale House, Die Koffiekan, Plumtree Coffee & Art Gallery, and Chang Chang Chinese Restaurant.

Distance from key points

The nearest airport to Parys is O.R Tambo International Airport, which is 137.2km away via the N1 or Lanseria Airport, which is 139km away via the N1 as well.

City Convenience

Parys is a popular destination for many because it is close to Johannesburg, since it is 111km away. Motorists can use the N1 route, which could take an hour to 2 hours depending on traffic.

If motorists continue to travel down south by using the N1 route, they can reach Bloemfontein, which is 307km away from Parys.

Franchisee - Agents

Chantal Forster Le Roux is the owner of the Parys, Free State 3%.Com Properties franchise t/a as Forster Attorneys. 

Not ready to move or sell yet? Subscribe to this Areas Newsletter.

Alternatively, contact our agents in the area to find out more.