Whether it’s a butcher, a baker or a fine Italian pizza that you’re after – Linden is where it’s at. Possibly one of Jozi’s quaintest suburbs, Linden lies nestled between Northcliff, Emmerentia, Craighall Park and Darrenwood. It’s one of the regions oldest ’burbs too – so finding a delightful old home with a huge garden, pressed ceilings, wooden floors and big bay windows isn’t too difficult. While Linden has the charm of an old farming village – it’s fast becoming one of the trendiest places to live. The property market has remained robust in Linden over the past five years and it’s uncommon to find anything in the area for less than a R1million. According to property research gurus Lightstone, 70% of the property in Linden falls into the freehold market. Homes that sold for R700k in 2004 are now worth about R1,4m. Sectional schemes in Linden have also reaped a solid return on investment. What cost R300K five years ago, sells for a neat R820K in 2009. 
Even in this trying economic climate, there’s been plenty of activity in the property market in Linden. Deeds office data reveals that there have been 25 transfers in Linden in the past three months. The maximum transfer was R1,8m. And in the last year, there were 71 transfers in total – of which the most expensive was for a R3,7m home. The average age of recent buyers in Linden is an even mix of young adults (18-35) and middle age folk (50-64). Cornelis and Loudine Claasen bought their delightful family home in Linden in 2007. They own a large 1600sqm property with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious loft / study area, pool and entertainment portico and a double garage. The Claasens paid R2,8m for their house. They absolutely love living in the area. “It’s a great community to raise our children in. There is a warm, family-orientated manner about the suburb and it’s wonderful to bump into your friends when you at the grocery store, the butcher or at one of the beautiful coffee shops in the area. “We have a very efficient security block watch and residents receive weekly updates and crime reports. The government schools like Louw Geldenhuys are good schools and we will be happy to send our children there. A great private school that’s close by is Kings in Robin Hills.” Loudine says one of the best perks about Linden is that it’s a very central suburb. “We have great shopping centres like Cresta just down the road. Then there’s the best pizza in town at Satori’s on 4th; amazing cappuccinos and awesome croissants at the Argentinean bakery on 7th; and who can resist the tea and cake at Paputzis?” Residents of Linden seldom venture beyond the suburb’s borders considering that they find everything they need within a 5km radius.
Linden boasts a famous butchery on 4th Avenue: Rembrandt’s Slaghuis. Pop in on a Saturday and you can grab a delicious borewors roll. Then there’s everybody’s favorite fresh fruit and veggie store – Impala’s. If it’s hip clothing, quirky home accessories or fun goodies you’re after, The Blue Room on 3rd Avenue is the place to shop. Art fundi’s will love Die Blou Hond – Linden’s own supper theatre and gallery. Then there’s the Library on the corner of 4th and 6th that offers a daily story-time for kids. Linden also even has its own public pool (also on 4th). But possibly Linden’s best-kept secret is Flowertime on 3rd. Run by mother and daughter team Mandy and Pat, this exquisite store is a treasure trove full of gorgeous flowers, ornaments, specialty decor items and marvelous gifts for any occasion.
