Eersterivier at a glance
Eersterivier, situated on the outskirts of Cape Town, forming part of the Oostenberg subregion. The suburb offers a unique blend of urban living and access to the surrounding natural beauty of the Cape Winelands behind the Vlaeberg Hills. The area is characterized by its proximity to essential amenities and access to transport networks, making it a crucial residential hub within the broader Cape Town metropolitan area.
Community-Focused Lifestyle
Eersterivier is defined by its strong sense of community and the vibrant daily life of its residents. The area provides a range of housing options, catering to diverse needs and budgets, from family homes to smaller dwellings. Residents value the accessibility of local amenities, including schools, shops, and community centers.
The lifestyle in Eersterivier is characterized by a close-knit community where neighbours often know each other. Local initiatives and community projects play a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging and addressing local needs. While not known for recreational beaches, residents often utilize nearby parks and open spaces for leisure and social activities. The area is becoming increasingly recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and the growth of local businesses.
History of Eersterivier
The area was historically important for agriculture, but its development as a railway stop in 1862 marked the start of its growth into a town and later a suburb within the broader Cape Town municipality. Eerste River began as a collection of farms before experiencing vast expansion after the 1980s. Eersterivier's history is intertwined with the development of the Cape Flats and the broader expansion of Cape Town. The area grew significantly during the apartheid era, becoming a designated residential area for people classified as Coloured. Its development was shaped by the socio-political context of that time, with limited resources and infrastructure.
Post-apartheid, Eersterivier has undergone significant changes as part of the broader efforts to address historical inequalities. The area has seen improvements in housing, infrastructure, and access to services including modern shopping centres. The name "Eersterivier" (First River) refers to the river that flows just east of Eersteriver suburb through the area towards False Bay, historically significant for early settlers.
Location - Accessibility
Eersterivier is conveniently located on the eastern outskirts of Cape Town, providing easy access to major transport routes. The area is well-connected by roads and public transport, including trains and buses, facilitating travel to other parts of the city.
The R102 and the N2 highway are major arterial routes that provide access to Eersterivier. The Cape Town International Airport is relatively close, making it accessible for travel. The area's strategic location makes it a key residential hub for those working in Cape Town and surrounding industrial areas.
Suburbs adjacent to Eerste River include Blue Downs, Delft, Blackheath, Wesbank and Brentwood Park. The suburb also borders the Stellenbosch District – with the Aan de Wijnlanden Estate and the De Wijnlanden Estate located between Van Riebeeck Road and Baden Powell Drive.
Climate
Eersterivier shares Cape Town's Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The area experiences seasonal variations in temperature and rainfall, typical of the Western Cape region.
Summer temperatures can reach highs of around 30°C, while winter temperatures average around 15°C. Rainfall is concentrated in the winter months, typically between May and August.
Closest Schools
Eersterivier has several schools catering to pre-school, primary and secondary education. Some of the schools in the area are:
Pre-school:
- Eersteriver Educare
- Hope Pre-school
- Curo Somerset West Preschool (Sitari)
Primary Schools:
- Firgrove Primary School
- Palm Park Primary School
- Stratford Primary School
- Spurwing Primary School
- Tuscany Glen Primary School
- Melton Primary School
- Helderkruin Primary School
- Apex Primary School
- Forest Height Primary School
Private Schools
Secondary Schools:
- Eersterivier Secondary School
- Tuscany High School
- Forest Village Leadership Academy
- Kleinvlei High School
- Forest Heights High School
- Kleinvlei High School
- Malibu High School
- Apex High School
- Axios School of Skills
These schools provide essential educational services to the community, contributing to the development of local youth.
Healthcare Availability
Eersterivier is served by several healthcare facilities, including the Eerste River Hospital, clinics and medical centers. These facilities provide essential primary healthcare services to residents.
For more specialized medical care, residents can access hospitals in nearby areas such as Khayelitsha and Stellenbosch. Local clinics such as the Eersterivier Clinic provide important primary care.
Shopping Convenience
Eersterivier offers a range of shopping options, including local supermarkets, retail stores, and markets. Residents can access essential goods and services within the area.
Shopping centers like the Sanbury Square (next to baden Powel Drive), Eersterivier Shoppig Centre, Superspar Eersterivier, Forest Glade shopping center, and local spaza shops, provide access to groceries and other necessities. There are also many smaller local businesses that provide needed services.
Restaurants + Coffee Shops
Eersterivier has a growing number of local eateries, providing diverse culinary options. Local restaurants and takeaways offer a variety of cuisines, reflecting the multicultural nature of the area, including Dial-a-pizza, Fives River Bar & Kitchen, Wimpy, KFC and Clara’s Barn (at Vergenoegd Low Wine Estate).
Eersterivier has many local food spots that provide hearty meals. There are also a growing number of small coffee shops and cafes that are opening in the area, including Café Amor and Annie’s Coffee.
Eersterivier lies in close proximity to a variety of winelands eateries, delis and wine tasting venues – such as Meerlust and Vergenoegd Low (just on the opposite side of Baden Powell drive from Eersterivier).
Things To Do – Eersterivier Attractions
- Local Community Parks: Residents can enjoy local parks and open spaces for leisure and recreational activities.
- Community Centers: These centers host various events and activities, fostering community engagement.
- Access to Nature Reserves: Nearby nature reserves offer opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities.
- Local Markets: Explore local markets for fresh produce and artisanal goods.
- Sporting Facilities: Local sporting facilities provide opportunities for sports and recreation – with the new Fiver facility at Sanbury Square a popular venue.
- Nearby wine routes: Eersterivier is very close to the Stellenbosch wine route, allowing for day trips.
- Access to major shopping centers: Areas such as Somerset west and Stellenbosch are a short drive away and offer large shopping experiences.
Residential Property Market
The residential property market in Eersterivier offers a range of affordable housing options. The area includes a mix of freestanding houses, apartments, and other residential properties.
The market caters to diverse needs, with properties available for first-time buyers and families. The area is continually developing, with ongoing efforts to improve housing and infrastructure.
Contact our local CCH real estate agents for information on properties for sale or rent in Eersterivier.
From R450,000 to R4,300,000
