Hillcrest is a suburb of eThekwini in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and forms a part of the Upper Highway Area. Hillcrest has since lost its independent status and is now subject to administration by the Outer West Council. The suburb of Hillcrest has become known as a middle-income residential area and the new influx of capital has, in the past 10 years, spurred on the construction of many shopping and lifestyle centres all around. The town centre is barely recognisable from the way it was a decade ago. House prices have boomed in recent times and average incomes have increased dramatically. Boasting a very clean and pollution-free environment as well as a country feel to it and also being 30 minutes away from the Durban central business district, with a freeway link, the area has become one of the most lucrative in KwaZulu-Natal.