Where is Upper Houghton?
Why is Upper Houghton regarded as Johannesburg's best kept secret?
- Location - centrally located between Johannesburg and Sandton. Close to Johannesburg International Airport and hospitals.
- Big stands and large trees
- Houses of heritage value.
- Good community atmosphere (friendly neighbours, rugby matches at schools over weekends...)
- Active residents' association
- Good security: crime under control and response and patrolling initiatives involving the residents and local schools.
- Proximity to good schools, notably St Johns, King Edward School, Roedean School, Sacred Heart College. (We have linked St John's and Roedean with a pedestrian bridge recently)
- Not far from most parts of the University of Johannesburg
- Next to green belt of Houghton Ridge and The Wilds
- Easy access to major roads and the M1
- Good value for money (especially for renovations!)
- Proud heritage and a vision for the future.
For decades, people turned away from the Victorian and Edwardian styles, believing them old fashioned. As a result, Upper Houghton fell into neglect. Fortunately the area was largely passed by and has only recently started to be appreciated for style, the generous proportions of a bygone era and value for money. There is convenient access to many motorways and main arterials, and many rush-hour routes can be circumvented through the suburbs.
Situated conveniently close to some of the best schools in Gauteng, the area is steeped in academic atmosphere. Like Westcliffe, many sites have spectacular views of the Northern Suburbs. The Munro Drive is a National Monument. Upper Houghton incorporates the Wilds, a nature reserve established in the 30’s. A recent initiative of Wilds Walks and co-operation with the Police have had a very positive effect on vagrancy and security.
Some of the houses are listed as national monuments. The area’s many established trees give one a sense of continuity and history. It is regarded by many as having some of the best architecture in the City.
Many prospective buyers see security as a problem because of the area’s proximity to the Hillbrow areas. This perception may have been justified a couple of years ago, but recently there has been an influx of residents and businesses with an interest in old houses and the means to restore and convert them. The burgeoning development in the area has attracted a significant population of people with interests to protect This infusion of new energy has brought life to the area and an active security association has co-ordinated a highly effective system which entails close co-operation between residents and the schools. Security incidents have dropped dramatically and the statistics compare most favourably with any other suburb in Johannesburg.
Along with an active security committee, there is also a highly active Resident’s Association that has successfully registered a neighbourhood Development Framework . Whilst encouraging development, densification and business use, this vigilant Committee watches to see that development takes place in an appropriate and sustainable way that does not encroach upon the area’s character. It is undertaking many initiatives to ensure that his happens.
On top of this, billions of rand will soon be spent on upgrading the Yeoville area. The surrounding areas must benefit in the long term from this upgrading and should represent superb long-tern investment opportunities. Houses of superb standing can still be found for very reasonable prices.