Located north of Johannesburg, Northwold is a quaint suburb with accommodation ranging from entry-level apartments to some spacious freestanding homes.
About the area
George Neophytou, co-owner of Spar supermarket at Northwold Shopping Centre, has lived in Northwold since 1974. He says back then the area mostly had farm-style dwellings on big plots. The area has since developed to have many homes and apartments with easy access to suburbs such as Olivedale and Northgate and the highway.
“The convenience of having everything at one’s doorstep makes it pleasant to live in Northwold,” says George.
Northwold is close to good schools such as Curro Aurora Independent School, Trinityhouse High School and Rand Park High School. Locals frequent the Spar for groceries as the shopping centre is small and easy to access.
Some stores include the Pharmacy at Spar, PostNet, Pizza Perfect, and there is a Total service station so residents can shop, eat, fill up. There is also Movies in Da Hood where residents can hire DVDs if they choose to stay at home. The centre is being expanded to add more stores and parking bays to meet demand.
Neophytou enjoys the occasional banter with his regular customers and neighbours and always has time to chat with visitors about the suburb. Additional shopping can be done at Northgate Shopping Centre, Randridge Mall as well as Summerfield Shopping Centre in neighbouring Boskruin.
When it comes to eating out, Neophytou recommends a number of eateries at neighbouring Northgate and Boskruin Village shopping centres. However, he says Tony’s Spaghetti Grill at Honey Crest Shopping Centre is a firm favourite Italian restaurant.
I love the green spaces and the friendly community feel of living in Northwold
George Neophytou, resident
Top attractions:
- Boskruin Koppie
- Ticketpro Dome: for events and music concerts throughout the year
- Northgate Ice Rink: for fun on the ice
- Lion Park Theme Park: for family outings
- Lifestyle Garden Centre: for garden decor items and plants
Best in food:
- Cafe Vesta
- Dakota Spur at Northgate Shopping Centre
- Chinese cuisine at Kylin Kitchen
- Pizza Perfect
- Tony’s Spaghetti Grill at Honey Crest Shopping Centre
Top schools nearby:
- Amazing K Specialised Educational Services: a school for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Curro Aurora Independent School
- Newtown House School
- Trinityhouse High School
- Randpark Primary School
- Rand Park High School
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
Take a trip from Northriding to Lanseria in this apectacular video:
