5 min read

The Best Places to Stay in Pretoria

If you've been wondering where the best places to call home are in Pretoria, you're in luck– we've round up the best ones so that you can settle into life in the Jacaranda city as soon as possible.
Mbali Nkosi
· October 24, 2024
The Best Places to Stay in Pretoria

Are you planning to move to South Africa or Gauteng? Pretoria ticks all the boxes. Whether you're chasing bustling city life or peaceful suburban living, there’s a place for everyone in PTA.

Everyone loves Pretoria thanks to its central location, natural features, and rich heritage. Having excellent weather year-round doesn’t hurt either. But in such a sprawling and diverse city, it can be challenging to find the right place to call home.

Why move to Pretoria?

Pretoria Jacarandas in bloomPretoria is the best of both worlds. Gorgeous parks and gardens, peaceful suburbs and friendly residents, but career-climbers and entrepreneurs won't be left out.

As one of South Africa's three capital cities, the Jacaranda city has a thriving private sector. It offers a wealth of business and employment opportunities. The city also features top-rated universities, historical sites, art galleries and other popular landmarks.

With all this, Pretoria still boasts a lower cost of living than other major cities.

So, if you're trying to stay close to family, or the city that you love– here is our selection of the best and safest suburbs in Pretoria. There is something for every budget and lifestyle.

Looking for retirement options? Read our guide to the best places to retire in South Africa.

The best neighbourhoods and suburbs in Pretoria

From amazing hiking routes to art and culture hubs, here are the best places to call home in Jacaranda City.

Waterkloof

Waterkloof Pretoria Neighbourhood Guide

Waterkloof has nailed luxury living. It’s one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in Pretoria. Even the Jacaranda tree-lined streets got their names from British royalty. It's also private and safe, highlighted by the diplomatic residencies in the suburb.

Waterkloof residents enjoy pristine streets and spacious modern homes. The town offers incredible city views minus the chaos. Expats moving to Pretoria will feel right at home.

And, that’s also why the suburb is home to diverse local and international residents.

Perfect for luxury lifestyles, nature lovers, expats, retirees, working professionals.

Features

  • Luxury living

  • Privacy and advanced security

  • Country clubs and nature reserves

Nearby attractions

  • Groenkloof Nature Reserve

  • Waterkloof Golf Club

  • Pretoria Country Club

Faerie Glen

Faerie Glen Pretoria Neighbourhood Guide

Prioritising affordability doesn’t mean you can’t live in style and comfort. Faerie Glen proves this. This charming suburb boasts excellent schools nearby and various recreational activities and parks like the Faerie Glen Nature Reserve. It's an instant win for families.

Despite its proximity to the city, Faerie Glen still feels like a peaceful forest community. The friendly suburb is walkable, with many nearby shops, restaurants, and other amenities. Families are spoilt for choice when it comes to recreational and community activities.

As the biggest suburb in Pretoria East, Faerie Glen is an in-demand area to move to. However, there are a few smaller areas within the neighbourhood that stand out for a smaller community vibe– like the Faerie Glen Nature Village, which will be access controlled.

Perfect for families, hobbyists, working professionals, nature lovers.

Features

  • Sports and recreational activities

  • Great schools

  • Many nearby hospitals

Nearby attractions

  • Faerie Glen Nature Reserve

  • Sammy Marks Museum

  • Atterbury Theatre

  • Scuba Crew

Queenswood

Queenswood Pretoria Neighbourhood GuideEvery day feels like a holiday when you live in Queenswood. With historic and cultural attractions and popular spots surrounding the area.

On one day, you could get lost in the natural beauty of the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens. The next, channel your inner historian at the National Cultural History Museum which is a quick 20 minute drive away. It’s also easy to travel to from the city and close to the University of Pretoria.

Queenswood delivers comfortable, convenient living. Not sure what to do in your spare time? The choices are limitless. Explore nearby markets, restaurants, theatres, shopping centres, or any of the many health and wellness facilities.

Perfect for adventurers and explorers, history and culture lovers, cyclists, nature lovers.

Features

  • Nearby attractions and activities

  • Area rich in arts and culture

  • Walking and cycling suburb

Nearby attractions

  • Pretoria National Botanical Gardens

  • Pierneef Theatre

  • Church Square

  • Magnolia Craft Market

  • Kruger House Museum

  • National Cultural History Museum

Waverley

Waverley Pretoria Neighbourhood GuideCan’t decide between East or North Pretoria? Land right in the middle with Waverley. Waverley is a well-developed modern suburb. Its excellent schools and green spaces make it an ideal location for families.

Professionals can access the N1 and N4 in minutes. But you won’t always have to travel far. Shopping centres, restaurants, and more are only a few kilometres away.

But the prime location is what makes Waverley special. The suburb sits at the foot of the breathtaking Magaliesberg Mountains. It manages to be an affordable option even with the winning backdrop.

Perfect for families, professionals, nature lovers, budget-conscious renters and buyers.

Features

  • Affordability

  • Good schools

  • Family-friendly suburb

Nearby attractions

  • Wonderboom Nature Reserve

  • Melrose House

  • Transvaal Museum

Menlo Park

It might be last on the list, but Menlo Park takes the cup for the most development. The city-like suburb has seen immense growth and expansion in the past decade.

It features a trendy theatre and some of the best restaurants and nightlife in Pretoria. Are you an artist hungry for inspiration? Menlo was the home of the famous South African artist, Walter Battiss.

Wellness is a core part of Menlo culture. Activities include tennis, wrestling, yoga, athletics, karate, and now, Padel. There are many indoor training and wellness centres available.

Menlo is a thriving upmarket suburb located close to major business districts. Residential properties are always in development with quality homes for different budgets.

Perfect for young professionals, young families, students, social butterflies.

Features

  • Ongoing development

  • Nightlife and shopping venues

  • Modern amenities and exciting activities

Nearby attractions

  • Menlyn Park Shopping Centre

  • Greenlyn Village Shopping Centre

  • Brooklyn Theatre

  • Hazel Food Market

  • Struben Dam Bird Sanctuary

Ready to make the move to Pretoria?

Any of these suburbs will be a fantastic place to start afresh, settle down, or retire. When you’re ready to move to Pretoria, Wise Move is here to make it stress-free with quick and affordable moving quotes.

What do our customers say?

Read reviews of Wise Move to learn stories from our customers.
R 1,850
Pretoria, Equestria
Midrand, Plooysville AH
10
Shannon
Reviewed 5 hours ago
Desmond was very friendly and helpful. They handled everything with care and were quick and efficient. Would definitely pick them again for my next move.
R 3,650
Pretoria, Silverton
Bluff, Jacobs
9.5
Shain
Reviewed 7 hours ago
Awesome service,will definitely recommend 👌
R 1,250
Chatsworth, Umhlatuzana
Chatsworth, Umhlatuzana
10
Shivaan
Reviewed 8 hours ago
The team was on time ,it was a tight spot to move furniture up the stairs but they did so with care and was quick, they where very helpful and I will definitely use they service in future and recommend to others. Big thank you to them made my move so much easier.
R 980
Randburg, Valeriedene
Sandton, Sunninghill
10
Jodi
Reviewed 13 hours ago
Lisa was so helpful and great communication!
R 8,500
Pietermaritzburg, Athlone
Cape Town, Western Cape
10
Lucinda
Reviewed 1 day ago
Hi..i am very happy with your service nd grateful for everything, the only thing I was a bit upset with was the fact that I ask for a door to door delivery but my parents that is both over the age of 60 had to walk a distance to fetch the car..Please in the near future please make 100% sure of the area the goods need to b delivered and tell the customers that u can only come so far if they can arrange someone to meet you guys half way.Please don't look at this in a bad way because we are really very happy with your service..Thank you Klint and team I will definitely recommend you guys to my friends nd family.Have a wonderful day further. GOD BLESS 🙌
Are you a Transport Company? Learn More
All Covered. No Hassle.
Movers services across South Africa
— book online now
Get Prices
Cape Town Johannesburg Durban Pretoria Port Elizabeth Bloemfontein Car transport Motorcycle transport Home movers Furniture removals Man with a Van Junk Mail courier Gumtree courier Pet transport Piano movers Boat transport Meubel vervoer