Linden Area Profile
Linden, one of Johannesburg's oldest and most well-established suburbs, is a vibrant and sought-after area. Linden has an abundance of trees and is surrounded by green park-like areas. Linden offers a wonderful ambiance reminiscent of its pastoral past, when it was famous for peach and cherry orchards, maize fields, chicken farms, and a large dairy.
- Location:
Linden, nestled near the foot of Northcliff Hill in Randburg, northern Johannesburg, is bordered by 5th Avenue on its western side (adjacent to Risidale, Montroux and Franklin D Roosevelt Park suburbs) and 1st Avenue, Bram Fischer Drive and Boundary Road to the east (adjacent to Pierneef Park, Pine Park Blairgowrie and Robindale suburbs).
The suburb stretches from Tana Road and 13th Street on its southern side (adjacent to the Franklin D Roosevelt Park, Emmarentia and Victory Park suburbs), up to 1st Street and West Street, which forms its northern border (adjacent to the Aldara Park, Darrenwood, Cresta, Jacanlee and Robindale suburbs).
- History of Linden
The suburb derives its name from Johannes Jacobus Rabie van der Linde, a farmer from Philippolis in the Free State, who established Linden Farm over a century ago. He co-owned part of the Klipfontein farm with Louw Geldenhuys, who farmed on the neighbouring Braamfontein.
By the 1920s, Linden had begun to be divided into smaller plots, offering an idyllic "country life" just eight kilometres from central Johannesburg via dirt tracks. Once farmhouses were built, roads to Linden were laid out, and in 1932, £3 600 was put aside to tar Rustenburg Road, the thoroughfare on the eastern border of Johannesburg.
The area's exceptionally fertile soil and abundant water from boreholes and wells contributed to its growth, though it essentially remained a peach farming area, exporting, as an area, the most peaches to the UK. By 1934 between 300 and 400 families were living in Linden, and most appear to be engaged in fruit farming. Water was not a problem as private wells or boreholes supplied good quality and plentiful water. The area's exceptionally fertile soil contributed to its growth, though it essentially remained a peach farming area. Some of the remaining fruit trees can be seen in the garden of the Paputzi's restaurant in 4th Avenue.
The Gieskins dairy, believed to have been "the biggest private retail dairy in South Africa" at the time, supplied residents with fresh milk twice a day from its milking, cooling, and bottling operation.
Post-World War II, Linden began to see more structured development. The late 1940s and 1950s marked the beginning of suburban expansion in Johannesburg, driven by economic growth and a burgeoning middle class in search of more spacious and tranquil living environments compared to the bustling city centre. The 1950s were characterized by the establishment of basic infrastructure. Roads were paved, and essential services like water and electricity were extended to the area.
Over the decades, farms gradually gave way to residential properties, predominantly bought by upper-income Afrikaans speaking families. The 1960s and 1970s were especially transformative decades for Linden. The suburb became more established as Johannesburg's northern expansion continued. This period saw an increase in residential development, including the construction of family homes and small apartment complexes. During the 1960s, educational institutions began to be established, contributing to the suburb's family-friendly reputation. Schools such as the Linden High School were founded, providing quality education to the growing number of children in the area. The presence of good schools was also a significant drawcard for families and contributed to the stability and appeal of the suburb.
Commercial development also started to take root during this period. Small shopping centres and local businesses began to appear, serving the needs of the residents and reducing their dependency on Johannesburg for everyday necessities.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Linden continued to grow and diversify. The suburb saw the construction of more modern homes, reflecting contemporary architectural trends. By the end of the 20th century, Linden had transformed from a sparsely populated area into a well-established, vibrant suburb.
Today, Linden boasts a diverse mix of residents, including young professionals, families, and retirees, with Albertina Sisulu listed as one of its most famous former residents.
- Linden Lifestyle Offerings
Linden offers a convenient suburban lifestyle, known for its spacious properties, and strong community feel. It's particularly appealing to families due to its excellent selection of schools within or near the suburb, including both primary and high schools, as well as various crèches.
The area boasts a vibrant atmosphere with numerous local shopping centres, quaint cafes, and eateries that contribute to a relaxed yet engaging pace of life. Residents enjoy ample public open spaces perfect for dog walking, strolling, or jogging. Linden’s leafy streets and parks provide a tranquil environment. The strong community focus often translates into well-maintained public areas and local initiatives that enhance the living experience.
3.1 Amenities In & Around Linden
Linden is well-served by a comprehensive range of amenities. Third and Fourth Avenues form the commercial hub of Linden and passes through the middle of the suburb where some of the best coffee shops in Johannesburg, eateries, shops, churches, and schools can be found. Linden has two public swimming pools, several recreation centres and numerous sports clubs and facilities. The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and the Emmarentia Dam and Sailing Club are within easy reach.
Linden is well-connected to other parts of Johannesburg via major roadways, including Beyers Naudé Drive and Republic Road. Public transportation options include buses and taxis, providing easy access to the city centre and surrounding areas.
3.1.1 Schools:
It has an excellent choice of private and public schools, such as:
- Hoërskool Linden is a top Afrikaans high school that has excelled in all fields since 1947. For a virtual tour of the school, please click on this link.
- Laerskool Louw Geldenhuys (est. 1902) is an Afrikaans primary school offering a holistic approach to education for Grades R to 7 (developing academical, cultural, sport and social activities), while Robindale Louwtjies offers a double medium, private, early childhood development centre for infants, toddlers, Grade RRR & RR as well as an aftercare facility between 13h30 and 17h30.
- De La Salle Holy Cross College - a leading independent co-educational Catholic school for Grade RR to Grade 12, follows an academic curriculum that has been designed to meet the national Independent Examination Board (IEB) requirements for all grades.
Other notable schools in the vicinity include Blairgowrie Primary School, Casa Do Sol School (for learners with intellectual disabilities and special educational needs), King David High & Primary Schools Linksfield (13,8km - Jewish Day Schools with an IEB curriculum) , Risidale Primary School, Roosevelt High School, Northcliff High School and Northside College (independent, non-denominational, co-educational high school for Grades 8 & 9).
Numerous crèches and learning centres are available, like Linden Pre-Primary School and Baby Centre (admission age from 3 months to Grade R), Kleuternessie (a Christian creche for ages 3 months to 5 years, offering an age focussed and weekly themed based learning program and outdoor activities such as High-Five Pandas and Playball), Joy For Life , Pathways Nursery School (a Christian based holistic baby and child care which curriculum aligns with the National Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS)), and Hannaford Learning Centre (offers a non-discriminatory home-school environment with a teaching approach which is student-centric, offering small and customised classes tailored to each individual's needs, where learners with specific academic needs or educational gaps can thrive).
3.1.2 Shopping Centres:
Linden’s proximity to the regional Cresta Shopping Centre and supermarkets like Pick & Pay and Woolworths Food in Victory Park Shopping Centre and the bottom of 2nd Avenue Linden, makes convenient shopping. Randridge Mall (14 min / 8,2 km) has over 60 top quality stores, including many national stores like Pick n Pay, Woolworths, and Dischem. Linden’s excellent position in relation to the business hubs of Sandton, Randburg, and the Johannesburg CBD, makes shopping a breeze.
Linden Lanes (20 stores including Pick & Pay, Dischem, Intercare, and a variety of eateries) offer further retail options and local shopping convenience.
The Linden Market in Emmarentia is a community market with about 160 stalls that is held every three months - if you want to take a break from the malls and discover the unique finds on offer from local designers and vendors.
3.1.3 Eateries and coffeeshops:
The culinary and coffee offering in Linden has during the last decade become very diverse.
The most popular coffee shops are The Whippet Coffee (voted top 100 Best Coffee Shops in the World in 2025 / 4,5 Google), Opium Coffee (the only 5* Google rated coffee shop in Linden), Yield Coffee Bar (4,7 Google) , Goddess Café (girlie charm, where wholesome, healthy meals meet an irresistible selection of cakes / 4,6 Google), Njam Eatery (a new take on traditional food recipes with a deli offering freshly baked goods / 4,6 Google), Fond Boutique Eatery (good coffee and fusion food / 4,8 Google),
The choice of restaurants includes Fond Boutique Eatery, Brian Lara Rum Eatery (Caribbean inspired menu with a fresh and focussed approached to cocktails), Cheese Gourmet (banting friendly restaurant and cheese store with over 140 handmade SA cheeses), Satori Restaurant (Italian restaurant that has won several awards for Best Neighbourhood Restaurant), The Fat Zebra (cafe food with locally sourced ingredients and good coffee) and Farina Caffe & Cucina (an Italian restaurant and coffee shop).
3.1.4 Medical Facilities:
Healthcare facilities are also easily accessible, with Intercare Linden, a medical centre offering a range of services, including wellness screening, chronic disease management, ECGs, minor surgery and radiology. Medicross Randburg (3km / 5 min) is a day hospital with eight adult and two paediatric beds, which offers a range of eye, general, ENT, dental and scopes procedures in a well-equipped theatre.
The closest hospitals are Netcare Milpark Hospital (6,7km / 10min) and Netcare Garden City Clinic (9km / 15min), ensuring high-quality medical services for residents.
3.1.5 Security
Linden has a well-managed police station, and an active Community Association dedicated to crime prevention and community safety.
3.1.5 Religious
A wide variety of religious denominations are available in and around Linden, including St Thomas Anglican Church, Linden Presbyterian Church, NG Gemeente Aan die Berg, St Charles Catholic, Trinity Methodist, Greenside Mosque, and the Greenside Shul, all within a 5km radius.
- Linden Property Market:
4.1 Linden Property Types
Linden's property market is predominantly made up of freehold houses, contributing to its family-friendly appeal:
Freehold Houses: 1 503 properties, accounting for 69.74% of all properties in the suburb.
Sectional Title Properties: 632 properties, making up 29.33%.
Freeholds in Estates: 20 properties, or 0.93%.
4.2 Property Owner Profile
Linden attracts a stable and affluent demographic. The average household income range in Linden is between R105 000 and R140 000, falling into the LSM 10 High category, with a total of 6 103 adults residing in the suburb.
The period or tenure of ownership in Linden indicates high stability:
49% of existing owners have owned their homes for more than 11 years.
12% have owned for 8 to 10 years.
13% have owned for 5 to 7 years.
26% have owned for less than 5 years.
The age profile of existing stable owners shows a mature community (measured in 2025):
Older than 65 years: 33%.
50 to 64 years: 41%.
36 to 49 years: 23%.
35 and younger: 3%.
The age profile of recent buyers (2025) suggests a good mix of demographics entering the market:
18-35 years: 21%.
36-49 years: 46%.
50-64 years: 21%.
65 and older: 11%.
For more detailed information about recent property sales in the Linden suburb, please contact one of our local member estate agents to provide you with a comprehensive property market report.