In recent years the area has expanded at a phenomenal rate with more and more people desiring the lifestyle and being attracted to the beautiful free-standing homes and elite security complexes now available.  Hillcrest is no longer a small village, it is now a large town featuring a host of facilities, restaurants and department stores that were non-existent in the area just a couple years ago.  Hillcrest is also the gateway to the elite equestrian area of Summerveld which is exceedingly popular amongst discerning buyers.

Big names in local gated communities include Augusta Country Estate and Plantations, the 700-home Tuscan-theme village-within-a-village that ignited the whole development boom in the first place. Homes here range from one and two bedroom apartments to palatial mansions and command an average price of R2.5-million.

Other developments include: Le Domaine- a unique retirement home for feisty over-50s – including former Springbok rugby coach Ian Macintosh, Kirtlington Park Equestrian Estate- home of Proteas cricketer Shaun Pollock, the new classy Cotswold Downs Golf Estate, and Georgian-style Langford Estate. Queensbridge Estate is unlike any gated community you’ve ever seen incorporating outstanding facilities for residents such as a giant-sized heated jacuzzi, rock swimming pool, tennis courts, hiking trails, a fishing dam, a huge entertainment gazebo for functions and much more. Units here offer flexible accommodation and work-from-home options, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two lounges and authentic natal-style wrap around verandahs upstairs and downstairs. Prices start from R1.95-million for a 359m² home, 407m² homes are also available.

Climate
Hillcrest is reputed to have one of the most healthiest climates in the world by virtue of its geographical position, its elevation of 650m above sea level and position 30km form the warm Indian Ocean ensures a temperate climate all year round.

Shopping
Hillcrest is home to numerous shopping facilities that stretch along most of Old Main Road.  Some of these include the ever popular Heritage Market, the well known Christians Pick ‘n Pay Shopping Centre, and more recently and number of flagship centres for the area including the brand new upmarket 20000m² Hillcrest Corner and Lillie’s Quarter Lifestyle & Design Centre both visibly situated in the very heart of Hillcrest. 

Hillcrest Corner offers residents the latest trends and everything from Checkers to Woolworths, Carlton Hair, Kauai and much more.  Lillie’s Quarters offers the likes of Décor stores, exclusive restaurants Olive & Oil and the ever popular Oscars Restaurant, Take Away and Video Hire. The Heritage Market, which recently doubled in size, is a happy throwback to a more leisurely age: think gazebos, walkways, manicured lawns, rose gardens, a wonderful array of craft and gift shops, funky art, clothing and decor dens, and excellent restaurants offering everything from steaks to seafood, Thai to tapas. It also houses the hugely popular Heritage Theatre, a Moulin Rouge-style supper club that stages regular sell-out musicals and comedy shows.