Durban North has shed its residential-only mantle and given its lights-out-at-seven reputation a lively social, commercial and retail injection that has transformed it into a younger, more self-sufficient suburb.

Durban North always sported a rather staid, establishment-type reputation. Even the name is more directional than descriptive. But that's the old Durban North. Today it has a fresh, youthful appeal which came about largely when north became the direction of choice. Durban North is perfectly positioned along that northern coastal corridor, offering quick access to both the city and Umhlanga and beyond. That's a major drawcard for us Durbanites, who simply aren't accustomed to time spent in traffic – it interferes with our surfing.

DESTINATION RULES

Cross the Umgeni River and that's effectively Durban North, one of a handful of KZN's older suburbs and therefore one of the least affected by the property roller-coaster ride. It is a great family suburb: large plots, spacious old homes, established gardens and tree-lined streets, few gated estates, easy access, and often, from its slope down to the sea, superbly wet and wild views. Subdivisions of less than 1 800m2 aren't allowed; so, loads of elbow room. Riverside and Umgeni Park consist of numerous gated estates and apartments (not all entry level by any means though) and are the perfect feeder suburbs for those seeking space for kids to play and superb schools. Other bordering suburbs, such as Virginia and Glenashley, simply merge into the Durban North landscape.

The most significant change to the area has been in the retail and commercial sectors. Previously, shopping happened elsewhere; now it's all here. Most of life's essentials and many of its luxuries are in the heart of Durban North, while numerous surrounding properties have been taken up by doctors, dentists and other professionals. It's clear that the Broadway precinct has revitalised Durban North, as have the recent improvements to the shops in Mackeurten Ave.

Durban North has had a lively wake-up call, and smart young families and investors are recognising the opportunities it presents.

BEAUTY CALLS

Swamps, mangroves and the vast Umgeni River, populated with hungry wildlife, were the early landscape which became Durban North. According to Janie Malherbe in her book, Port Natal, the settlers north of the river were part of Victoria County, and they spent a decade persuading a succession of Durban mayors on the south side of the river to build a bridge. Queen's Bridge, the biggest and longest in SA at the time, was opened to much fanfare in 1864, but five years later was swept away by floods. A temporary bridge followed, then Connaught Bridge. That entry changed the commercial face and lifestyle of Durban's residential and farming communities further north. Today, the 77ha of Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve is not only a protected area, but also a national monument.

PUTTING DOWN ROOTS

Durban North is 96% made up of freestanding homes. Setting aside reasons for choosing a gated lifestyle, rand for rand, a Durban North home is better value than a sectional title unit in an estate: a generously sized home on 1 000m2–plus equates price-wise to a standard townhouse in Umhlanga. Generally, people choose Durban North for the space to raise children. They're often old dwellings requiring a little to lots of TLC, which makes them more affordable to the young and energetic, so they're snapped up with little fear of overcapitalising. There's also a range of reputable schools to accommodate tots to teens. High schools include Northwood Boys', Northlands Girls', Danville Park Girls', Our Lady of Fatima, Crawford College La Lucia and Afrikaanse Hoërskool Durban Noord. Senior primary schools include Virginia, Chelsea Drive, Northlands, Glenashley Senior Primary and Crawford College La Lucia, and junior primaries include Glenashley, La Lucia, Chelsea and Northway.

BEACH-GOING AND PLAYING

Views for many, walking distance for some, a short drive for others, the wonderful Umhlanga boardwalk is a favourite for dog-walkers, runners and those who enjoy their exercise with a spray of salt. There is also ample space for sports fields, so a number of clubs exist, including the well-known DHS Old Boys' Club and bowling, cricket, rugby and hockey clubs.

THE SOCIAL SCENE

For visitors, the Riverside Hotel and boutique hotels such as Endless Horizons are great to book into when visiting the area, and there is also a good range of B & Bs. The various restaurants, coffee shops, delis and pubs are all contributing to a café society that was previously unknown in the suburb. From established restaurants, such as Al Firenze, Mamma Luciana's and La Pizza Pazza, to the offerings of Craft Trattoria, Panaji and Coimbra, just name your country and you'll find the cuisine. Foodies are also able to quality- shop: Durban North's home-grown goodies and organics Food Market is held on the last Saturday of the month at the Hellenic Community Centre in Umgeni Park, and won the 2011 Eat In award for Best Market in the Eastern Region for the second successive year.

Words: Anne Schauffer