Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa March 2013 | Page 47

COMMERCIAL

Map of Johannesburg suburbs
Sandton/Bryanston
Including Morningside, Wendywood, Sandown, Sandhurst, Hyde Park
In the last twenty years or so, Sandton has replaced the CBD as Johannesburg’s hub of
business and commerce, meaning many corporate headquarters, banks, and large hotels are
located there. As a general rule, the closer you get to Sandton, the more expensive housing
becomes, so expect to pay a premium in this area. Bryanston along the Northern edge is
less expensive, mostly known for its beautiful free standing homes on tree-lined streets
exploding in a purple sea of blooming jacarandas in late spring, whereas further to the South
in Morningside, Sandown and Hyde Park you will find stately homes as well as apartment
complexes. This area also sports a large concentration of renowned private hospitals.

Roodepoort
Roodepoort has a growing student population due to the
presence of Monash University South Africa and has seen large
population growth due to Johannesburg urban sprawl. This
is one of the gateways to Johannesburg from Northern areas
of South Africa and Botswana and so it has economic and
logistical importance. Although Roodepoort has traditionally
been regarded as being part of the West Rand, it is was not
made part of the West Rand District Municipality, instead
being integrated into the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan
Municipality, following the post-apartheid reorganisation of
local government in the late 1990s.

Midrand
Including Waterfall, Kyalami
Technically Midrand might not count as a Johannesburg
suburb as it is so far removed, but especially in the last
few years it has become a popular area to live, offering
affordable housing set in wide open spaces and still
relatively easy access to the main hubs of business.
Midrand also has the advantage of being relatively close
to Pretoria.

Joburg CBD
Including Bruma, Kensington, Lyndhurst
Most people would not dream of moving into Joburg’s city
centre, given the bad reputations and crime problems of
areas like Hillbrow, Berea, and Yeoville. However, just like in
other big cities, this area has lately undergone some urban
rejuvenation and many hail Newton and Braamfontein as the
next up and coming places to be, especially for professional
singles and couples without children. There are plenty of
renovated apartments and lofts available with good security,
beautiful views, amazing nightlife and shopping within
walking distance, and the campus of Wits University just
around the corner.

Rosebank/Parktown
Including Houghton, Melrose, Saxonwold, Killarney, Westcliff
Soweto
Soweto is considered a metropolitan municipality of Johannesburg. It
has an area of approximately 150 square kilometers. It’s 2010 population
rose to 2 million from 1.3 million in 2008. The density in Soweto is 7,666
people for every square kilometer. News on Soweto shows violent
crimes against women and children and violence in general.

If you find a home in one of these historic suburbs you will live at one of the city’s best
addresses in close proximity to three of its best “old” schools – King Edwards, Parktown
High, and St. John’s College. The homes here are sizeable and dignified, set on large
properties, and you will be very close to the sprawling Johannesburg Zoo as well as the
well-known Rosebank Sunday Rooftop Market that attracts visitors from near and far.

Orange Farm

www.reimag.co.za

Orange Farm is a township located approximately 45 km from Johannesburg.
It is one of the youngest informal settlements in South Africa, with the original
inhabitants; laid off farm workers, taking up residency in 1988. Support for the
population came slowly mostly from people who were tenants at the great
township of Soweto. The settlement now includes a modern library, few paved
roads, permanent housing for some, electricity in places, a clinic, an information
centre with internet access, and a multi-purpose community centre.

March 2013 SA Real Estate INVESTOR

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