Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Port Elizabeth at a glance

Background and Historical Information of the Area

Port Elizabeth, often referred to as "PE," is one of South Africa's major coastal cities, and it has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Port Elizabeth has been renamed to "Gqeberha" in February 2021, however, it is also known as "the Friendly City" or "The Windy City". Port Elizabeth was founded in 1820 by Sir Rufane Donkin, who named the settlement after his late wife, Elizabeth. PE is the second oldest city in South Africa (with Cape Town being the oldest).

Area Serenity

Port Elizabeth is known for its picturesque coastline along Algoa Bay. The city boasts numerous sandy beaches, including Hobie Beach and Kings Beach, where residents and visitors can enjoy the sun, sea, and water sports. The scenic views of the Indian Ocean add to the city's natural beauty.

Lifestyle

The people of Port Elizabeth are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness, creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. (therefore, the nickname "Friendly City") PE is influenced by its coastal location, natural beauty, cultural diversity, and a mix of urban and suburban living.

Attractions in the area:

The city offers a wide and exciting range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.

1. Safari and Wildlife Viewing: Visit the nearby Addo Elephant National Park to see elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, and more. Game drives and safaris are popular activities here.
2. Shark Cage Diving: Experience the thrill of getting up close to great white sharks in their natural habitat..
3. Water Sports:
   • Kiteboarding and Windsurfing: The city's windy conditions make it a great place for kiteboarding and windsurfing.
   • Kayaking: Explore the coastline by sea kayak and keep an eye out for dolphins and whales.
4. Hiking and Nature Trails:
   • The Sacramento Trail offers a scenic coastal hike with views of the Indian Ocean.
   • The Alexandria Hiking Trail is a multi-day hike through the beautiful Eastern Cape landscape.
5. Mountain Biking: Port Elizabeth has a variety of mountain biking trails for all skill levels, including the Baakens Valley trails and Hopewell Conservation Estate.
6. Skydiving: Experience the ultimate thrill by skydiving over the stunning landscapes of Port Elizabeth. There are reputable skydiving operators in the area.
7. Deep-Sea Fishing: Join a deep-sea fishing charter to catch a variety of game fish, including yellowtail, tuna, and marlin.
8. Abseiling and Rock Climbing: Enjoy rock climbing and abseiling in nearby locations such as the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve and nearby mountain ranges.
9. Quad Biking: Take a quad biking adventure through the dunes and forests for an adrenaline rush.
10. Whale, Dolphin, and Penguin Island Cruise:  Experience the breathtaking marine wildlife in the untouched waters of Algoa Bay on this leisurely and eco-friendly cruise, available just once a day.

Best Suburbs in PE

Port Elizabeth offers a variety of suburbs, each with its own unique charm and characteristics. The choice of the "top" suburbs often depends on individual preferences, lifestyle, and priorities. Here are some of the popular suburbs in Port Elizabeth:

1. Summerstrand: (Also one of the top vacation spots) Summerstrand is a prestigious coastal suburb known for its beautiful beaches and proximity to the Nelson Mandela University. It's popular among students, professionals, and families. The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World is a notable attraction in this area.
2. Walmer: This is a more upscale neighbourhood. The suburb is known for its tranquil atmosphere, upper-class housing, and proximity to shopping centres like Walmer Park Shopping Centre. It's favoured by families and professionals for its convenient location.
3. Mill Park: Mill Park is an established and affluent residential area known for its large homes, lush gardens, and tree-lined streets. It's close to good schools and amenities, making it a popular choice for families.
4. Lorraine: Lorraine is a family-friendly suburb with a range of housing options, including modern developments and spacious properties. It's known for its good schools, shopping centres, and parks.
5. Newton Park: Newton Park is a well-established suburb with a mix of residential and commercial properties.

Education

There are quite a few good schools to choose from, namely, Hoërskool D.F. Malherbe (Walmer area), Elsen Academy, Pearson High School, Greenwood Primary School, St George's Preparatory School, Victoria Park High School, and Herbert Hurd Primary School (Newton Park).

Safety

There are two golf courses in Walmer. The Walmer Country Club and Walmer Golf Estate, that offers estate living and safety. Other residential estate living options are the luxurious Mill Park Private Estate, Westbrook Estate, Walmer Heights, Lovemore Heights, and Kamma Heights to name a few.

Statistics

Let us look at the demographics of homeowners, sellers and buyers by age in PE.

Sellers: 37% Aged 18-35.

Buyers: 44% between the ages of 18-35.

Owners: 35% aged between 36-49.

Healthcare

PE has the following hospitals and clinics:

Edge Day Hospital, Netcare Greenacres Hospital, Life St George's Hospital, and Port Elizabeth Provincial Hospital.

Shopping Centres

There are a few shopping centres such as Walmer Park Shopping Centre, Greenacres Shopping Centre, Baywest Mall, Sixth Avenue Shopping Centre, The Bridge at Greenacres, Walker Drive Shopping Centre, Summerstrand Village Shopping Centre, and Sunridge Village.

Restaurants

For all the foodies out there, here are a few restaurants in the area that you might want to visit.

Muse Restaurant, SUKI Sushi & Asian Cuisine, De Kelder Restaurant Port Elizabeth, Backstreet Grill, Tapas Bar and Restaurant and by far the best ice cream in the city, Friesland Milkshake Bar.

Distance from key points

Port Elizabeth has its own airport, Port Elizabeth (PLZ) Airport. Making it easy to travel from there.

Franchisee - Agents

DLC Inc. Attorneys is the owner of the 3%.Com Properties franchise in PE. 

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