Kensington, Johannesburg

Kensington was established in the late 1800's. It has a distinct charm with its tree lined streets. Many Jacaranda trees and Royal Oaks were deliberately planted to give it the more wooded feel. And some of the streets are stunning when the Jacaranda's are in full bloom. It has a rich history and appeal of its own with the many historical homes in the area. The Kensington Cross is an iconic landmark planted on Caledonia Hill . Kensington is built over slopes of several koppies, and it is a steep hilly area. 

Distance from Key points:

Kensington has Bedfordview and its many offerings to its east, Troyeville to its west and Cyrildene and Bruma to the north. It is 15 minutes (16,7km) via the R24 from Oliver Tambo International Airport, 26 minutes (21,2 km) from Sandton via the N3 eastern bypass. Johannesburg CBD is only 15 minutes (6,9km) via Albertinia Silsula Rd, and it takes 42 minutes (56,7 km) from Kensington to Pretoria via Ben Schoeman Freeway/Pretoria main road/ N14. 

Climate: 

Kensington, Johannesburg has a subtropical climate, warm summers, and rainy winters. The coldest month is July when temperatures are 25°C to 32°C and in winter the temperature drops as low as 9°C. The area is also prone to heavy showers and thunderstorms during the summer months.

Education in the area:

Parents in Kensington have the advantage of having Jeppe Girls High School nearby. The school is known for its excellent academics. Jeppe High School for Boys is famous and highly sought after because of its excellence in sports, culture, and academics. There is also Leicester Road Primary School. Other schools close by include Reddam House Private School, and Bedfordview Primary. Schools like St Andrews School for Girls and Holy Rosary are in the neighbouring suburbs.

 Shopping Centres

There is no shortage of choice for shopping for Kensington residents with the local convenience Darras Centre, Bedford Centre premium shopping mall with Pick and Pay, Woolworths, and Dischem. It also has high end boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment. Eastgate Shopping Centre has Checkers and Clicks and all the leading retailers. There is also Park Meadows community and lifestyle Centre. It has a Wimpy and Food Lovers Market as well as many popular retailers. 

Medical & Health

Kensington has the Life Bedford Gardens hospitals within close proximity. It has high quality care, casualty, and pharmacy. There is also Bedford Medical Suites and Kensington Medical Center in Langerman drive.

Restaurants

There are many restaurants in and around Kensington. Eastgate Shopping mall has Piatto Mozambik, Simply Asia, Spur, Primi and Ocean Basket. Bedford Centre has more upmarket restaurants which include Catch, Salsa, Lupu Osteria. In Queen Street in Kensington there is  Pastelaria Princesa Kensington it is home to traditional Portuguese breads and pastries. And a popular venue with the locals. Also in Queen Street is Ottimo Pizzeria with its traditional Italian pizza and pasta, it is well known. They offer dine-in, kerbside pick-up and deliveries in the area.

Special Attractions

Observatory Golf Club offers a challenging and enjoyable golfing experience. This course has been around since 1914. Golfers return to the course to improve their game.

Gillooly's farm is only 6 minutes (3.6km) away from Kensington, with its 44-hectare park. On Saturdays at 8am there is the 5km park run, which is popular amongst the Edenvale community.

Bedford Centre and Eastgate shopping centres are close by, with their wide choice of shops and restaurants, there are also food courts and entertainment options including Ster Kinekor. Virgin Active Gym is at Eastgate Shopping Centre and Planet Fitness is at Bedford Centre. These centres provide all the necessary amenities to the Kensington, Johannesburg community.

The area is very popular with families looking for freehold properties, freestanding houses and sectional title properties.