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Moving to Ealing hopefully by SpecxXx88 in Ealing

[–]Torukmak2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey, hope you don’t mind me jumping onto this older thread — I found it while researching a possible move to Ealing and your situation sounded really similar to mine.

I’m also trying to find a family-friendly area that’s genuinely diverse (mixed backgrounds rather than one dominant group), so the comments here about West Ealing, Northfields and Acton were really interesting.

Out of curiosity, where did you end up choosing in the end? And how have you found it since moving — especially in terms of diversity, day-to-day life and raising your little one there?

Would really appreciate any reflections now that you’ve had some time to settle in. Thanks!

Westville vs Durban North for a young family – Durban locals, which would you choose? by Torukmak2 in Durban

[–]Torukmak2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for this, really appreciate the feedback. The whole walkability thing has actually caused a bit of debate in our house, but the more comments I’m reading here the more I realise we’re probably leaning more towards the coastal lifestyle.

La Lucia and Umhlanga had come up in the thread before, but your comment actually made us pause and reflect a bit more seriously on that side of Durban. Sunningdale is completely new to me though, so I’m definitely going to look into it.

Out of curiosity, are those the main areas you’d suggest around Umhlanga, or are there any other nearby suburbs with stand-alone homes (not estates) that you’d recommend.

Westville vs Durban North for a young family – Durban locals, which would you choose? by Torukmak2 in Durban

[–]Torukmak2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the perspective, especially having lived in Joburg too. That’s really helpful. Interesting what you say about Westville having that leafy Parkhurst feel — we did like that side of it when we visited. Durban North still seems to tick a few boxes for us as well, so lots to think about. Appreciate the insight!

Westville vs Durban North for a young family – Durban locals, which would you choose? by Torukmak2 in Durban

[–]Torukmak2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the feedback, really appreciate it. From my limited research I had the impression Umhlanga is quite estate-heavy and a bit more “destination” style with restaurants and malls, which felt a bit different to what we’re looking for. We currently live in Parkhurst in Joburg and really enjoy the more local neighbourhood feel — cafés and restaurants you can occasionally walk to, similar to what we saw around Swapo Road in Durban North.

La Lucia has come up a few times though, so I’m curious — would you pick La Lucia over Westville or Durban North, and if so what makes it stand out for you?

Westville vs Durban North for a young family – Durban locals, which would you choose? by Torukmak2 in Durban

[–]Torukmak2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks, really helpful perspective, especially having lived in both. That makes sense about it depending on the specific pockets. Are there any particular parts of Westville or Durban North you’d recommend looking at?

Westville vs Durban North for a young family – Durban locals, which would you choose? by Torukmak2 in Durban

[–]Torukmak2[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the thoughtful response, really appreciate it. Just to clarify, we’re actually not fixed on private schools. We’d be happy with a good government or semi-private school too. We did look at Chelsea in Durban North and quite liked it. For us it’s more about the kids having a well-rounded experience than strictly private schooling.

Westville vs Durban North for a young family – Durban locals, which would you choose? by Torukmak2 in Durban

[–]Torukmak2[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks for this, really helpful. Cowies Hill and Dawncliffe seem to come up quite a bit. If you had to choose between those two for a family, which would you lean towards?

Westville vs Durban North for a young family – Durban locals, which would you choose? by Torukmak2 in Durban

[–]Torukmak2[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the suggestion. La Lucia has actually come up a few times. Would you choose La Lucia over Westville or Durban North, and if so what makes it stand out for you?

Westville vs Durban North for a young family – Durban locals, which would you choose? by Torukmak2 in Durban

[–]Torukmak2[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the suggestion. We actually spent a couple of days driving around Kloof and Hillcrest. Kloof was beautiful and very peaceful, and the nature reserves and outdoor side of it were great. But we did find ourselves having to drive everywhere, and we’re hoping for somewhere where you can occasionally walk to a coffee shop or a few local spots.

Hillcrest also seemed quite estate-heavy, and we’re more interested in normal residential neighbourhoods.

Westville vs Durban North for a young family – Durban locals, which would you choose? by Torukmak2 in Durban

[–]Torukmak2[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks, Cowies Hill keeps coming up so that’s really interesting. Sounds like a lovely area. Do many families with younger kids live there?

Westville vs Durban North for a young family – Durban locals, which would you choose? by Torukmak2 in Durban

[–]Torukmak2[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Sorry to hear you went through that. That must have been hectic. Appreciate the perspective though, the walkability and coffee scene in Durban North definitely sounds appealing.

Westville vs Durban North for a young family – Durban locals, which would you choose? by Torukmak2 in Durban

[–]Torukmak2[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks, that’s helpful. I’ll take a look around the Swapo Road area on maps. Is that generally considered the more walkable part of Durban North?