Highlands North, Johannesburg

About the suburb of Highlands North

Highlands North is a smaller suburb of Johannesburg, situated in the north east, with the bigger suburbs of Waverley, Oaklands, and Orchards as neighbours.  Louis Botha Avenue is one of several arterial roads near Highlands North, running from Johannesburg Central towards the northern suburbs and dividing the suburb of Highlands North into western and eastern sections. 

Highlands North, established in 1903, is known for its older well-built houses on manageable size gardens. There are a few sectional title properties that are priced lower than in the more affluent areas. 

There are regular security patrols and cameras within the suburb, and the Highlands North Residents Association encourages safety and a community spirit among the residents. 

Interesting facts about the history of Highlands North

Highlands North was so-called to differentiate it from the suburb of Highlands further south in Johannesburg and was on one of the original routes to Pretoria when the suburb was first established. 

Highlands North is home to the Randjes Retirement Estate on Randjeslaagte Road on the eastern side of the suburb, set amongst lovely trees and gardens on a large, 42-acre property. It was founded in the 1930s and is home to more than 400 senior citizens.

Schools in the area

Highlands North Boys High is a public school established more than 80 years ago, with a strong community of Old Boys that participate and contribute to school fundraising. Queens High School in Bezuidenhout Valley is a highly respected public school with a reputation for outstanding sporting achievements and is not far from Highlands North. Waverley Girls High is the nearest all-girls public school. It was founded in 1951 and remains a top choice for residents in the surrounding suburbs, including Highlands North.

The Torah Academy school in nearby Orchards is a Jewish community school. It is a Chabad Jewish day school that includes a nursery school, primary school, boys' high school, and girls' high school.

Medical facilities in the area

Netcare Linksfield Hospital is a private hospital nearest to Highlands North. The hospital has an excellent reputation. Situated in the suburb of Orange Grove, it offers a broad range of medical and surgical services. It also has a level-3 accredited emergency department.

Shopping centers and malls in the area

Balfour Court Centre, the Norwood Mall, and the Highlands Centre are all convenient shopping centers for residents of Highlands North.

Restaurants to visit near Highlands North

Corner Café in Northfield road is open in the mornings and afternoons and is a great coffee shop with a bakery. It's also well suited for those wanting a quick takeaway. Thava Indian Restaurant in Norwood sells delectable dishes from southern and northern India. Kung-Fu Kitchen, Norwood, is well-known for its Asian dishes, including sushi. Tortellino d'Oro in nearby Oaklands remains a firm favourite for residents of Highlands North looking for incredible, authentic Italian food.

Things to do near Highlands North

Looking for weekend activities around Highlands North? Here are our Top 5 things to do in and around the suburb:

1. Bowling Clubs in Highlands North Sports Centre, Hilson Park Bowling Club, and Orchards Bowling Club.

2. Five-a-side Soccer at the Waverley Bowling Club. There is also volleyball and a   restaurant with outdoor seating.

3. James and Ethel Gray Park in the Birdhaven / Melrose Estate area is a 36-hectare open space with the Zandspruit River running through it, making it a pretty greenbelt area.  Walkways for strollers and kids on bikes make the park popular for picnics, dog walkers, cyclists, and joggers. 

4. Melrose Bird Sanctuary, 10 hectares situated within the James and Ethel Gray Park, is dedicated as a bird sanctuary. A bird hide is located on the edge of the park's dam for bird watchers to enjoy the abundant birdlife. 

5. Acrobranch Adventure Course, also within the James and Ethel Gray Park, has obstacle courses, zip lines, elevated swings, bridges, and tunnels for fit and fun to enjoy. It's an excellent spot for children's birthday parties.

Distance to airports, main roads, and the CBD

The main road Louis Botha Avenue traverses the suburb of Highlands North. This road leads through Orange Grove, the Johannesburg inner city to the south, and Bramley and Wynberg to Kramerville in the north.

The M1 highway is easily accessed at the Atholl-Oaklands and Corlett Drive on-and-off ramps.

The Sandton CBD is 9 kilometers north of Highlands North, and the Johannesburg CBD is 11 kilometers south of the suburb. ORT International Airport is the closest airport to Highlands North, about 20 kilometers away, on the East Rand. Lanseria Airport is in a westerly direction but is 42 kilometers away.

Weather in Highlands North

Sunny South Africa! That's how locals describe the climate, and Johannesburg is no exception. Highlands North, situated in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, is a sunny suburb year-round. The shortest winter's day is usually ten and a half hours of daylight, and almost 14 hours of light on the longest summer day can be enjoyed. 

Make Highlands North your home, your story.

If you think that the suburb of Highlands North is where you could start your next chapter, please be in touch with Seeff Sandton here. We look forward to helping you. Home, Is Our Story.