Kia ora! As a local bloke who now runs Paramount Plumbing right here in Johnsonville, Wellington, I can tell you this – it’s a fantastic place to raise a family. Wellington has lots of great suburbs, but Johnsonville ticks all the boxes for whānau life. Here’s why:
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Schools Galore: When it comes to education, Johnsonville offers a real advantage. You’ve got excellent choices for all ages, from decile 8 Johnsonville School for the primary years to the co-educational Onslow College for high school. There’s also Iona College, a Catholic girls’ school, nearby. No long commutes for the kids – most schools are within walking distance or a short bus ride.
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Parks and Playgrounds: Keeping the tamariki entertained is easy in Johnsonville. We boast the massive Fraser Park, with its epic playground that features slides, swings, climbing frames, and even a flying fox! There’s also Ngaio Park with its skatepark and BMX track for older kids, plus smaller reserves scattered throughout the suburb – perfect for picnics, frisbee throws, and backyard cricket matches.
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Community Spirit: Johnsonville has a real heart to it. There’s a strong sense of community, with everyone looking out for each other. It’s a great place to raise kids because you get to know your neighbours, and there’s always a friendly face around. Plus, there are heaps of community events throughout the year, like the annual Johnsonville Light Up Christmas Parade – a magical night that brings the whole neighbourhood together.
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Location, Location, Location: Johnsonville sits smack in the middle of Wellington, making it super convenient. The city centre is just a 15-minute train ride or a 20-minute bus trip away. Need to get out of town for a weekend getaway? The motorway is easily accessible, opening up options for exploring the Kapiti Coast or further afield.
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Shops and Services: You won’t be stuck for anything in Johnsonville. We have all the essentials – supermarkets like Countdown and New World, a great selection of cafes and takeaways for those busy nights, plus libraries, doctors, dentists, and even a handy Mitre 10 Mega for those DIY projects. And of course, if your plumbing ever goes on the blink, you know Paramount Plumbing is your friendly neighbourhood plumber, always here to help!
- Family-Friendly Vibe: Safety is a big concern for parents, and Johnsonville delivers. It’s a low-crime area with a strong sense of community. There’s always something happening at the local community centre or library, but it’s not an overly busy suburb – just the right balance for raising a family.
- The Johnsonville Library: The Waitohi Hub is a fantastic resource for families. It’s got a huge children’s section with books, DVDs, and even board games to keep the little ones entertained. They also run regular events like story time sessions and LEGO® building workshops, which are a great way to meet other parents and get the kids socialising. Plus, there’s a comfy seating area where you can relax with a book while the kids explore, or you can even take advantage of the free wifi and get some work done while they play.
Here’s a quick snapshot of Johnsonville’s demographics to give you an idea of the vibe:
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Family-oriented: Over a third of Johnsonville households have children under the age of 18.
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Diverse: While predominantly European (around 70%), Johnsonville has a growing Asian population (around 15%) and a sprinkling of other ethnicities, making it a vibrant and multicultural place to live.
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Upwardly mobile: The median income in Johnsonville is slightly higher than the Wellington average, with a good mix of young professionals and established families.
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Family-Friendly Vibe: Safety is a big concern for parents, and Johnsonville delivers. It’s a low-crime area with a strong sense of community. There’s always something happening at the local community centre or library, but it’s not an overly busy suburb – just the right balance for raising a family.
So, if you’re after a friendly, convenient, and family-oriented suburb in Wellington, then Johnsonville is definitely worth a look-see. Come on down, check it out, and maybe even swing by Paramount Plumbing for a chat – we’re always happy to help out a new neighbour!