Johnsonville
The northern Wellington hub with options for everyone
Overview
Everything at its fingertips but less than 10 minutes from Wellington City, Johnsonville is a popular locality for families. There is a wide variety of housing styles here, from large homes to compact units; something for all age groups. The covered mall is a central hub attracting shoppers from around the northern suburbs. The area contains a good supply of affordable homes for first home buyers, many of whom travel to work in the city by bus or train, each day.
Best Suited To
First home buyers, retirees due to flat sections and proximity to the shopping centre, young families.
Population Profile
Demographic statistics for Johnsonville show a suburb that lies fairly close to Wellington averages, with some localised differences. The median age across the suburb is slightly higher than average, but this can depend on what part of Johnsonville you are in.
The central and southern portions tend to have a slightly older population (closer to shops and services). The eastern portion, across the motorway, tends to be slightly younger. Ethnicity is mostly European but with a strong Asian presence in central Johnsonville. Incomes tend to be slightly less than Wellington averages with many people working in the local retail sector.
Professionals are the most identified work type and many travel each day into the central city. A working class suburb, many older residents have lived in the area all their lives. Johnsonville attracts first home buyers due to its relative affordability and handy location, close to extensive shopping and services. The central city is less than 10 minutes away in non-peak periods.
Typical Homes
Johnsonville was first settled from the mid 1800s, although the only home to remain standing from this era is Daisy Hill Farm House, on Truscott Avenue. This was constructed circa 1860, for Robert Bould, an early settler and the first sheep farmer in the area.
Residential development really took off from 1920, and many homes were built in the period up to the Second World War. The older homes were set on large sites and a substantial number of these sites have been subdivided, in particular those that are located on the valley floor. Homes from the 1920s to the 1940s are sought after for their character features, especially if they remain on full sized sites.
A further wave of development occurred between 1960 and 1980, including a number of semi-detached and multi-unit flats. Most of these are located close to the railway line and shopping mall.
Amenities
Johnsonville shopping centre is a covered mall containing approximately 50 retail stores. There are another 30 or so stores set on streets around the perimeter of the mall complex. Plans have been made to redevelop the entire shopping area, including the mall and surrounding streets, into a more cohesive hub . At the time of writing these plans appear to have stalled. The shopping area services a wide area including the neighbouring suburbs of Newlands, Khandallah and Churton Park.
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Johnsonville School, centrally located in Morgan Street, is reputed to be the oldest state primary school in New Zealand. The school caters for years one to six. West Park School is located on Broderick Road. Secondary schools in the local area include popular Onslow College (1250 pupils, 90 teachers) and Newlands College.
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Keith Sprey Swimming Pool, a short distance from the shopping mall, is a popular local attraction. There are a number of parks in Johnsonville and weekend sports are a popular activity for families. The Northern Walkway and the Skyline Track commence at the western end of Truscott Avenue, rising to Mt Kaukau (with television transmitter). It’s well worth the uphill hike for the panoramic views over the city and harbour.
Real Estate Trends
Large, newer homes situated in the western hills overlooking Johnsonville, continue to command the highest prices. These are typically four bedroom, two bathroom dwellings with attached garaging. Purchase prices are in the $1 million to $1.4 million range. Well-proportioned, traditional Johnsonville homes from the 1950s to the 1980s, continue to sell in the $700,000 to $1 million bracket. Under $700,000, the market tends to be made up of attached flats and units.
Best Streets
Frankmoore Avenue, Earp Street, Rotoiti Street and Woodland Road contain a number of older villas and bungalows, some refurbished, all handily placed a short walk to central services.
House Prices
Three bedroom homes from $700,000. Most in the $800,000 – $1 million range.
Four bedroom homes from $750,000. Most in the $900,000 + category.
Travel Times
Central city – driving, 10 minutes non-peak, up to 30 minutes peak.
Airport – driving, 20 minutes non-peak.
Hutt Valley – driving, 10 minutes non-peak.
Weather
Johnsonville experiences a mixture of weather patterns, depending on the elevation of the site. Homes on the valley floor receive good sunlight and shelter from the worst of the wind. Homes higher up, such as those on Fraser Avenue, can experience high winds, especially from the north.