Bethlehem

Bethlehem at a glance

Province: Free State

Municipality: Dihlabeng

Popular suburbs: La Provence, Panorama, Eureka, Jordania, Panorama-Oos, Morelig, Bakenpark,   Bohlokong, Bergsig, Hospitaalheuwel, Wesselsheim and Bethlehem Central.

Bethlehem population (census 2011): 16 015

Leapfrog Office Contact Details

Owner:

Address: 2 Theron Street, Bethlehem 9700          

Contact number: 058 303 3739                                     

Email: bethlehem@leapfrog.co.za                          

History

When the early Voortrekker settlers discovered that wheat crops flourished in the small area between the dramatic Maluti Mountains and Liebenberg's river in the eastern Free State province in 1864, the area became known as Bethlehem, a derivative of ‘Beit Lechem' which is Hebrew for ‘house of bread'. Because of its fertile land, Bethlehem became the largest industrial, educational and commercial agricultural centre in the Free State region, as well as a thriving wool and cattle farming area.

Location

Bethlehem is situated on the N5 route between Bloemfontein and Durban and is the principal town of the Eastern Free State. You will find a small airport and a railway line transporting passengers and freight. Developed around the dramatic mountains of the Eastern Free State, in a picturesque valley of lush terrain, grazing cattle and exquisite historical sandstone buildings, the small town of Bethlehem has managed to build a reputation as a leading tourist destination, thriving industrial and commercial centre and most unexpectedly, a prime location for real estate and property investment.

Amenities

Bethlehem has many shopping centres and is the main shopping location of the Eastern Free State for residents from the surrounding smaller towns. Bethlehem also offers quality medical services with private and government hospitals, day clinics and excellent doctors and specialist in different fields. Outstanding primary, secondary and high schools with hostels are known for their academic and sport achievements. You will also find two retirement villages, luxury hotels and a casino, as well as guest houses, wedding venues and restaurants. Visitors can also view historical sandstone buildings that are provincial heritage sites in town.

Tourist attractions include the nearby Golden Gate Highlands National Park and the Lions Rock Big Cat Sanctuary, where the Four-Paws organisation rescue wild animals that are in captivity and focus on the plight of big cats in zoos, private captivity and the entertainment industry.

Reasons to invest in property in Bethlehem

The Bethlehem property market is set to become a force to be reckoned with in the South African property industry. With Fouriesburg, Reitz, Senekal, Rosendal, Harrismith and Clarens as neighbouring towns (property investment in Clarens has boomed, making it one of South Africa's fastest growing property regions), Bethlehem property in abundance and thriving agricultural and industrial sectors, commercial and residential investors can't help but take note of this developing town.

A wide range of lifestyle and recreational facilities appeal to potential real estate investors and holiday makers. Some of the recreational facilities on offer in Bethlehem include: golf, yachting and skiing on the Loch Athlone and Sol Plaatjies dams. Cycling, angling, hiking, gliding, skydiving and horse riding along some of the most scenic routes in the region’s protected nature reserves.

To find out more about the various Bethlehem real estate and property investment opportunities on offer, contact one of Leapfrog's Trusted Property Advisors today.