Ferndale
While the leafy suburb of Ferndale cannot be compared to the glitz and glamour of affluent Sandton or sophisticated Bryanston, it in itself offers visitors and residents a more complete and less overwhelming experience. The city of Johannesburg can at times become too much – too much noise, too many people – and many locals need to just get away from the rat race and rejuvenate their tired bodies and minds. This is where Ferndale is ideal; with a superb central location and an atmosphere of tranquillity, this northern enclave is one of the city’s finest.
Situated just outside the major hub of the Randburg CBD, Ferndale’s biggest advantage is easily its location; you can reach most places in Johannesburg from here without much hassle. The city centre is under 20 minutes away while the likes of Sandton is a quick sojourn up Republic Road. Ferndale is furthermore mere moments away from a number of popular shopping malls namely the shopping haven of Cresta Centre and the Randburg Waterfront – both facilities catering for a wide and diverse array of tastes and preferences. Ferndale itself is packed with trendy shops and chic eateries and cafes, but like neighbouring suburbs Blairgowrie and Robindale, it still has enough greenery and open spaces to exude an idyllic ambience.
A must-visit location in close proximity to Ferndale is the Emmarentia Dam and Botanical Gardens. This is a very popular retreat for many Johannesburg residents looking to get back to nature and escape the doldrums of city life for an afternoon or day. Popular pastimes to enjoy at the dam and botanical gardens include dog walking, Frisbee throwing, fishing, picnicking, and sometimes even live music at sunset.
