Suburb Overview: Character & Community
Demographics (2011 census): approx. 5 853 people in an area about 1.4-2 km². The population is diverse: ~57% Coloured, ~11.9% Black African, ~13.4% Indian/Asian, ~9.2% White.
First-language is mostly English (~84%), then Afrikaans (~7.8%), others.
Religious diversity: there are mosques (York Road Mosque, Islamia / Masjid Al-Furqaan), churches of various denominations.
Safety & Community
• As with many suburbs in the Cape Flats-adjacent area, Lansdowne experiences safety issues: crime (both petty and more serious) has been a concern.
• Neighbourhood Watch groups are active in Ward 60 (which includes Lansdowne), and they are working with local authorities to improve safety.
• Some incidents (such as crime or violent events) have increased sensitivity among residents, especially along major roads. “You need to have your wits about you,” in certain parts.
• Community is diverse and has a civic feel: local gatherings, use of facilities such as the civic centre, local schools, mosques/churches, etc.
Who Should Buy in the Area
Lansdowne is likely suitable for:
• First-time homebuyers who are looking for more affordable property close to the city but not in the immediate CBD.
• Families who want access to reasonably good schools without the premium price of Southern Suburbs’ top suburbs.
• Investors looking for rental properties in an area with demand (due to proximity to transportation and amenities).
• Those comfortable with urban/suburban mix – willing to trade off some aspects of “quiet suburbia” for good connectivity and convenience.
It may be less ideal for:
• Those seeking ultra-luxury housing or pristine, very low-crime neighbourhoods.
• Buyers who want minimal traffic / road noise, or who are very sensitive to safety concerns on main roads.
Education & Schooling
Some of the schools in and around Lansdowne:
• High Schools: Windsor High School (formerly Lansdowne High), Groenvlei High School, Oaklands High School.
• Primary Schools: York Road Primary School, Portia Primary School, Windsor Primary School.
• Public school options are available; likely a mix of government and possibly some private/independent, but the major ones listed are public.
Gallery
Attractions
Shopping & Amenities
• Medical facilities: Lansdowne Clinic, Vitacare Pharmacy.
• Public services: post office, police station, civic centre (Lansdowne Civic Centre), public library.
• Recreation / sports: Turfhall Stadium is in or near Lansdowne, used for sports/leisure.
• Commercial zones along key roads: mixed-use properties, retail shops, some industrial/workshop uses.
Proximity to Beaches & City
• To City: about 10 km to Cape Town CBD, so depending on traffic it’s relatively accessible.
• To Beaches: not immediate – Lansdowne is inland; beaches will take some travel (20-30+ minutes depending on traffic). It is not coastal.
Restaurants & Local Favourites
• The sources I checked did not list very specific individual restaurants or cafés as “musts” in Lansdowne.
• Local favourites might include smaller local shops, community cafés, and take-aways more than upscale dining.
• For more varied restaurant choices, residents often go to adjoining suburbs like Claremont, Kenwyn, or Wetton where there are more established restaurant strips.