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Almost midway between Cape Town and the northern suburbs of Tyger Valley, Parow is a convenient residential area well-served by arterial roads – Voortrekker Road, one of the longest roads in Cape Town, runs through it – boasting an array of family-friendly amenities.
Johann Parow, after whom the suburb was named, was a captain of a schooner which ran aground in Table Bay in 1865. The telescope he used on that ill-fated journey is displayed in the town hall.
Parow is bisected by De La Rey Street – Klipkop is on the eastern side and Parow Valley on the west. Each precinct shares a common atmosphere and community spirit, but the physical property characteristics differ a little.
Houses on the Parow Valley side of De la Rey Street, seen here, tend to be on bigger
erven than those on the Klipkop side, but the KIipkop houses are pricier, thanks to the
area’s proximity to excellent amenities. Picture: Courtney Africa/African News Agency (ANA)
Klipkop properties are slightly smaller, but benefit from higher prices because of proximity to Tygerberg Hospital. “Parow is an exceptionally central, convenient place to live,” says Rawson Property Group franchisee Alvin Suklall. “We’re only 8km from the airport, 20km from the CBD and the N1 highway runs alongside the suburb.”
Parow boasts a healthy public transport system with taxis, bus routes as well as two railway stations – Parow and Tygerberg.
“Shoppers are well catered for. There is a wide range of larger retailers and healthcare services are well represented with Tygerberg and Melomed hospitals providing efficient healthcare services.”
There are many places to shop in Parow, including Shoprite Park. Picture: Courtney Africa/African News Agency (ANA)
Grand West Casino is a popular destination, also providing dining and entertainment facilities, a cinema and an ice rink. Educational facilities round out amenities, with plenty of primary and high schools and tertiary colleges.
Rugby players Eben Etzebeth and Justin Geduld, two of South Africa’s most recognised sportsmen, were educated at Tygerberg High, a non-traditional rugby school. “House prices are relatively affordable compared to nearby areas.
“The average home is a single storey, three-bedroom, one to two-bathroom, family-style house with a garage, on around 496m² of land at a price of around R1.1 million to R1.5m. In some instances there may be additional benefits, such as a pool or granny flat.” Apartments generally cost around R550 000 for an average one or two-bedroom unit. Affordable prices are seeing a significant shift in the average age of residents.
According to Lightstone statistics, there is a significant increase in buyers aged 18 to 35. “The rental market is also well covered,” says Suklall. “Three-bedroom homes are in highest demand; monthly rents range from R8 500 to around R11 000.”
Apartment rents begin around R4 000 for a one bed-roomed unit, excluding electricity and water. Most complexes are equipped with prepaid electricity meters. The general residential market remains slow, much in line with the general sentiment affecting the entire market.
As there are few development opportunities, buyers with an eye for redevelopment can find properties in the mainly 1950s architectural style which will benefit from an upgrade.
“Parow has been one of Cape Town’s stable residential areas. It has lots to offer – reasonable prices, good schools and easy access to public transport. Those looking to move into a central position equidistant between the northern and southern suburbs would be hard-pressed to do better,” says Suklall.
Jules de Combes’ favourite things to do
1 Drink
If you’ve had an exhilarating sport session at the Jan Burger Complex, the NNK Sportsbar is a great place to watch a big game, Drinks are at club prices. food offering is solid. 0219112750
2 Eat
Make sure you come hungry is the rallying cry of Bar-B-Que Steakhouse on Voortrekker Road. Portions are large, prepared by owner/operator and traditional. Chicken schnitzel, ribs and steaks are the go-to items. 0219396328
There’s the usual array of fast food and chain outlets.
3 Outdoors
Ajax Soccer Club next to the Churchill Estate. Ajax Cape Town, a top national soccer team, calls Parow home. Picture: Courtney Africa/African News Agency (ANA)
The Jan Burger Sports Ground is a fabulous municipal facility. Almost every sport is catered for at this vast complex: most ball sports, athletics and swimming. There are halls and meeting rooms for private functions. 0214003507.
Soccer enjoys special focus in the area. In addition to smaller clubs for the amateur and the recreational community, Ajax Cape Town, one of the country’s top professional teams, also calls Parow home.
4 Shop
N1 City Mall offers 140 stores which include all major brands. Parking is free and there are cinemas and a gaming centre. Open seven days a week. Check for exact hours. 0215951170.
Rustic Parow Market attracts a wide range of informal traders offering a good selection of goods and produce.