Life in Hillcrest
Living in Hillcrest means enjoying the convenience of city amenities while maintaining a quieter, suburban lifestyle. The neighbourhood’s tree-lined streets and established gardens create a peaceful atmosphere, while the variety of nearby shopping centers and restaurants means you’re never far from urban conveniences. Residents particularly value the area’s walkability, with many daily necessities accessible on foot. The community consists mainly of long-term residents and families, contributing to a stable, neighbourly environment.
Family Living
Hillcrest caters well to families with its combination of spacious properties, quality schools, and recreational facilities. The neighborhood’s safe streets and proximity to healthcare facilities make it particularly attractive to families with children and older residents seeking a secure environment:
- Healthcare Access: Mater Dei Hospital, just 1km away, provides 24/7 emergency care and comprehensive medical services. The hospital’s 4.0/5 rating from over 100 reviews reflects its reliable service quality.
- Shopping Convenience: Zonkizizwe Shopping Centre, a mere 650m walk, serves as the neighborhood’s primary retail hub. With over 2,000 positive reviews, it offers essential services and daily shopping needs.
- Recreational Spaces: The Hillside Dams Conservancy provides a natural retreat for family outings, while WaterWorld Bulawayo (2.8km away) offers popular weekend entertainment with its 4.3/5 rating from 277 reviews.
- Community Facilities: The Bulawayo Municipal Club, 1.2km from the center, serves as a social hub for residents, hosting various community events and activities throughout the year.
Education
Hillcrest residents benefit from access to both private and public educational institutions, with several highly-rated schools within walking distance. The area’s educational offerings span from primary through secondary levels, providing continuous education options:
- Private Education: Hillcrest College is a presitigous and highly rated (4.7/5) ATS school in the heart of the area. One of the best schools in the country is on residents' doorstep. Destiny Learning Centre, located 2km away, maintains an impressive 4.7/5 rating, offering a modern learning environment with standard business hours convenient for working parents.
- Primary Options: Hillside Primary School, just 650m from the neighborhood center, holds a solid 4.1/5 rating and serves as the area’s main public primary institution.
- Secondary Education: Hamilton High School provides quality secondary education with a 4.4/5 rating, though limited reviews suggest visiting the campus for a firsthand assessment.
- Alternative Options: Masiyephambili College, 3.8km away, offers additional choice with its 4.1/5 rating based on 53 reviews and flexible operating hours.
Things To Do in Hillcrest
The neighbourhood offers diverse recreational and leisure options, from outdoor activities to dining experiences. The mix of established venues and newer attractions provides entertainment options for various interests and age groups:
- Dining Venues: King’s Kraal (1.2km away) and CottonKraal at Zonkizizwe Shopping Complex offer traditional and modern dining options, both maintaining 4.2/5 ratings.
- Outdoor Recreation: The Hillside Dams Conservancy provides natural surroundings for walking, picnicking, and outdoor activities.
- Sports Facilities: Bulawayo Golf Club (2.6km) offers an 18-hole course and clubhouse facilities, rated 4.0/5 by 190 reviewers.
- Cafe Culture: Brooks Cafe on Hillside Road (650m) serves as a popular local meeting spot with a 4.2/5 rating from 378 reviews.