· ZA

Bedfordview

Bedfordview, Gauteng, South Africa

Welcome to Bedfordview, a charming suburb located in Gauteng, South Africa! Nestled in the heart of the bustling city of Johannesburg, Bedfordview offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and serene surroundings, maki…

#Affluent#Residential#Safe#Gauteng#South Africa

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Bedfordview.

Top Hotels in Bedfordview

Top Flights to Bedfordview

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Bedfordview.

Currency
R | ZAR | South African Rand
Population
13959.0
Languages
English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Sotho
Average weather
Bedfordview
Jan
rain
26°15°
Feb
rain
26°15°
Mar
rain
25°13°
Apr
clear
23°10°
May
clear
20°6°
Jun
clear
18°4°
Jul
clear
18°4°
Aug
clear
21°6°
Sep
clear
24°9°
Oct
rain
25°12°
Nov
rain
25°13°
Dec
rain
26°15°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Bedfordview.

What people love

Bedfordview, located in Gauteng, South Africa, is a suburb with several appealing aspects for travelers. Here are some of the pros of visiting Bedfordview:

  1. Proximity to Johannesburg: Bedfordview is conveniently located just east of Johannesburg, making it an ideal base for exploring South Africa's largest city. It's close to O.R. Tambo International Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in Africa, providing easy access for international travelers.

  2. Shopping and Dining: The area is known for its excellent shopping and dining options. Bedford Centre and Eastgate Shopping Centre are two major malls offering a wide range of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.

  3. Safety and Affluence: Bedfordview is considered one of the more affluent and safer suburbs in the Gauteng region. This makes it a comfortable and secure place for visitors to stay, with many upscale hotels, guest houses, and residential areas.

  4. Recreational Activities: The suburb offers various recreational activities, including golf courses, parks, and fitness centers. This makes it appealing for those who enjoy outdoor and fitness-related activities.

  5. Cultural and Historical Attractions: While Bedfordview itself may not have a large number of historical sites, its proximity to Johannesburg allows visitors easy access to significant cultural and historical attractions, such as the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, and the Nelson Mandela Square.

  6. Business Hub: For business travelers, Bedfordview is strategically located near several business districts and is well-connected to the commercial heart of Johannesburg. It is a convenient location for meetings and conferences.

  7. Diverse Community: The area is home to a diverse community, which is reflected in the variety of cultural events and activities available. This diversity can enrich a traveler's experience as they engage with different cultures and perspectives.

Overall, Bedfordview offers a mix of convenience, safety, and access to both leisure and business activities, making it an attractive destination for various types of travelers.

What to know

There are a few potential cons to traveling to Bedfordview, Gauteng, South Africa, that you may want to consider:

  1. Safety concerns: Like many areas in South Africa, Bedfordview may have safety issues such as crime rates, including theft and robbery. Travelers should always be cautious and take necessary safety precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

  2. Traffic congestion: Bedfordview is a busy suburb located near Johannesburg, which means it can experience heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. This could impact your travel plans and lead to delays.

  3. Limited public transportation: While there are public transportation options available in Bedfordview, they may not be as extensive or reliable as in some other cities. This could make it more challenging to get around without a car.

  4. High cost of living: Bedfordview is known for being an affluent area, which means that prices for accommodations, dining, and other services may be higher compared to other parts of South Africa. Travelers on a budget may find it more expensive to stay in Bedfordview.

  5. Limited tourist attractions: While Bedfordview offers a more residential and upscale experience, it may not have as many tourist attractions or activities compared to other destinations in South Africa. Travelers looking for a more vibrant cultural or natural experience may need to venture further out.

Overall, while Bedfordview is a well-established suburb with amenities and services, travelers should be aware of these potential cons before planning a trip to the area.

Bedfordview is a suburb located in Gauteng, South Africa, and is part of the greater East Rand region. Its history is intertwined with the development of Johannesburg and the surrounding areas.

The area now known as Bedfordview was initially farmland and was part of the land owned by the original Voortrekker settlers. The name "Bedfordview" is derived from the suburb's vantage point, offering views towards Bedford, a district in the Eastern Cape, home to some of the early settlers in the area.

Significant events and developments in Bedfordview's history include:

  1. Early 20th Century Development: The area began to develop significantly in the early 20th century as Johannesburg expanded. It became a desirable residential area due to its proximity to Johannesburg and later to the burgeoning industrial hubs on the East Rand.

  2. Municipal Status: Bedfordview was proclaimed a municipal suburb in 1926, reflecting its growth and development. It continued to evolve as a residential and commercial area over the following decades.

  3. Post-World War II Boom: Like much of South Africa, Bedfordview experienced a post-war economic boom, leading to increased suburbanization. During the 1950s and 1960s, many families moved to the area, attracted by its suburban lifestyle.

  4. Integration into Greater Johannesburg: In the latter half of the 20th century, Bedfordview became increasingly integrated into the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Area, reflecting the urban sprawl and development patterns of the region.

  5. Modern Developments: Today, Bedfordview is known for its affluent residential areas, shopping centers, and proximity to key highways. It hosts a mix of residential, commercial, and retail properties, and is considered a prime location for many businesses.

Notable landmarks and institutions in Bedfordview include:

  • Eastgate Shopping Centre: One of the largest shopping centers in South Africa, Eastgate has been a central retail hub since it opened in 1979.

  • Gillooly's Farm: A popular recreational area offering open spaces, a small dam, and facilities for picnics and outdoor activities.

  • Bedford Centre: Another major shopping and entertainment destination in the suburb, known for its diverse range of shops, restaurants, and cinemas.

  • St. Benedict's College and Reddam House: Prestigious educational institutions located in Bedfordview, providing high-quality education to students in the area.

While Bedfordview may not have singular historical figures of national prominence, its development reflects the broader trends of suburban growth in South Africa during the 20th century. The suburb's evolution from farmland to a key node in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Area highlights its importance in the region's socio-economic landscape.