Bells HardingstoneKensington is one of Johannesburg’s oldest and most charming eastern suburbs, offering a unique blend of historical character, urban convenience, and strong community spirit. This guide provides a detailed overview of property trends, safety considerations, and the lifestyle that makes Kensington a sought-after place to live.
Kensington Johannesburg Property Safety And Living Guide
A Historical and Charming Suburb
Established in 1897, Kensington is a well-established suburb with a distinct identity. Its streets, laid out in 1902, are lined with mature trees, including beautiful Jacarandas and Royal Oaks, creating a leafy, tranquil atmosphere that is rare so close to the city centre. The area is built on several koppies (hills), adding to its scenic appeal and offering elevated views. This history is reflected in the suburb’s architecture, which features a delightful mix of Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco homes, many of which have been lovingly restored.
Property and Real Estate
Kensington’s property market is diverse and popular, particularly among young couples and families drawn to the character of older homes.
Property Types: The area is known for its freehold houses and freestanding homes, many on generous stands averaging 495 square metres. You can find everything from century-old homes with pressed-steel ceilings and Oregon pine floors to more modern, renovated properties and sectional title units. There are also opportunities for investors, with properties ripe for rezoning and densification.
Price Range: The property market is varied. A recent snapshot showed a studio apartment for rent at R4,500 per month and a one-bedroom garden cottage at R4,500 pm. On the sales side, properties range from as low as R495,000 to over R5.9 million for a five-bedroom home in a sought-after security estate. The average property price typically falls between R900,000 and R1,500,000. This range reflects the diversity of stock, from fixer-uppers to move-in ready family homes.
Safety and Security
Safety is a key consideration for any resident in Johannesburg. Kensington is described as a peaceful and diverse suburb. However, like any urban area, it is important to be informed and proactive.
Community-Led Safety: Residents are actively engaged in keeping their suburb safe. The “I LIKE KENSINGTON ASSOCIATION (ILKA)” plays a vital role in keeping property owners informed about local developments and safety matters. Engaging with neighbours and community groups is highly recommended for valuable local insights and support.
General Context: One source notes that, similar to many Johannesburg neighbourhoods, safety can vary from one part of the suburb to another. The general advice for the city includes avoiding areas like Hillbrow, Yeoville, Berea, and Alexandra for independent exploration, though some of these offer excellent guided tours. This context underscores the relative safety and desirability of well-established residential areas like Kensington.
Living in Kensington: Lifestyle and Amenities
Kensington offers a high quality of life with a surprising array of amenities, making it highly popular with property buyers.
Dining and Shopping:
Queen Street is the vibrant heart of the suburb’s local economy. It is home to antique shops, quaint coffee shops, and diverse restaurants. Local favourites include Pastelaria Princesa for Portuguese treats and Ottimo Pizzeria for traditional Italian fare. Other local gems are The Rusty Lady Bistro and Cut and Craft Bistro.
Major Shopping Centres are also just minutes away. These include Eastgate Shopping Centre, Bedford Centre (with upmarket restaurants like Catch and Salsa), Park Meadows, and the Darras Centre for local convenience.
Education: The suburb is renowned for its access to top-tier schools, making it a magnet for families. Notable institutions include:
Jeppe High School for Boys
Jeppe High School for Girls
Leicester Road Primary School
Kensington Ridge Primary and Kensington Secondary
Nearby private schools such as Reddam House, St Andrews School for Girls, and Holy Rosary
Recreation and Parks:
Rhodes Park is a beloved local green space featuring a lake, picnic areas, and walking trails.
The Observatory Golf Club, established in 1914, offers a challenging course for golfing enthusiasts.
Gillooly’s Farm is a 44-hectare park just 6 minutes away, hosting a popular 5km park run every Saturday.
Healthcare: Residents have access to quality medical facilities, including Life Bedford Gardens Hospital and the Kensington Medical Centre. Life New Kensington Hospital is also in the area.
Location and Accessibility
Kensington’s central location is one of its greatest assets.
Commute Times:
Johannesburg CBD: 15 minutes
O.R. Tambo International Airport: 10 to 15 minutes
Sandton: 26 minutes
Bedfordview, Edenvale, and Germiston: Very close proximity
Transport Routes: The area has excellent access to major road networks, including the R24 highway to the airport and the N3 eastern bypass to the north and south. Jeppe train station and Johannesburg Park Station are also within reach.
Summary
Kensington is more than just a suburb; it is a community. Its combination of historic charm, strong community ethos (exemplified by groups like ILKA), diverse property market, and excellent location make it one of Johannesburg’s most desirable places to live. While standard city safety precautions apply, the active and proud resident base works hard to maintain the area’s appeal and security.