Linkside is a pretty neighbourhood characterised by wide streets flanked by tall, leafy trees and broad grassy pavements and many properties also have sweeping views over the Baakens Valley.
Although this is a quiet, residential suburb, it’s close to the business epicentres of Cape Road and Greenacres. In fact, it takes less than three minutes to reach Cape Road while driving and around 15 minutes to walk there. The many guesthouses and bed & breakfast establishments in and around Linkside, coupled with its close proximity to the business district, make it ideal for corporate travellers and holidaymakers alike.
According to Claire Joubert, who has lived in Linkside for the past three years, it’s a quiet suburb with many families with young children.
“I never realised how central Linkside actually is. We always wanted to buy in Walmer, but at the time we couldn’t find anything within our budget, so Linkside was the next best option, and it turned out to be a great area,” she says.
“ I would definitely recommend Linkside to people. It’s an amazing location that has excellent security with people patrolling 24 hours a day.”
Linkside combines convenience with an undeniable sense of being in a green retreat away from the real world.
Another resident Charmaine Goddard, who has also been in the area for about three years, says the drawcard for her was the proximity to her work and amenities.
“It is relatively safe in comparison to other suburbs,” she says. “There’s a lovely view from most homes around the valley and because we’re close to the Baakens Valley, there’s an abundance of bird life, including the Knysna loerie (turacao).”
Property
Homes here tend towards the luxurious, and are beautiful to explore when taking a leisurely stroll around the block. According to Claire, most homes in Linkside are quite big.
“We have a six-bedroom house with lots of space. Here are mostly big family homes with swimming pools and large gardens,” she says.
Charmaine agrees. “The area has conventional family homes, generally three bedrooms and above, with a large yard. There are quite a few houses for sale at any given time and generally the properties do not stay in the market for too long,” says Charmaine.
“It’s quite affordable in comparison to Mill Park and Walmer, which is very close.”
Schooling According to Claire, there aren’t many schools in the suburb.
“Linkside Pre-primary is in my street and is an excellent pre-school. It is the feeder for Grey Junior School (a boys’ school in neighbouring Mill Park),” she says.
There are also Linkside High School, Newton Park Technical High School in First Avenue, and Newton Park and Grey High School in Mill Park.In addition, there are at least two primary schools in Newton Park.
Explore
According to Claire, it’s a family-friendly suburb.
“People are always walking pets, riding bikes and we also have the Port Elizabeth Golf Club which has a cycle trail, for walking or running,” she says.
The golf course borders on one side of Linkside and fitness fans can enjoy the Virgin Active gym at the nearby Greenacres Shopping Centre, which Charmaine enjoys in her free time.
“My favourite things about the area are the golf course, the Baakens Valley, and the official access to the Linkside High School Grounds,” says Claire. “We love taking our dog and daughter for a walk or bike ride.”
Property prices
In neighbouring Mill Park, you would expect to pay around R3,495m For a typical property (four-bedroom house). Expect to pay slightly less in Linkside.
DO
The beautiful beaches for which the Friendly City is known, are a mere 10-minute drive from Linkside.
The Port Elizabeth Golf Club in Linkside is one of the oldest 18-hole championship courses in the country. The clubhouse is a popular venue for functions and Sunday lunches, which are open to the public
EAT
Richmond Hill is a few kilometres away and has many eating places: Fushin Sushi & Eastern Cuisine: the name says it all
Asada: New Orleans-inspired creole food
2 Olives: great for tapas and Mediterranean style meals
Tilting Heads Taco Cafe and Margarita Bar: if you’re craving Mexican food and some cocktails
Flava: good service and delicious salads