Sunninghill/Lonehill/Fourways
They are well-established neighbourhoods and have a host of good private schools to choose from. It is here that one finds one of the largest concentrations of security estates clustered around the Fourways area, which offers many options for shopping, entertainment, healthcare and recreation. It is fairly close to Sandton.
Sandton/Bryanston
In the last twenty years or so, Sandton has replaced central Johannesburg as the city’s hub of business and commerce, which means that many corporate headquarters, banks and large hotels are located there. As a general rule, the closer one gets to Sandton, the more expensive housing becomes, so expect to pay a premium in this area. Bryanston along the northern edge is slightly less expensive, and is mostly known for its beautiful freestanding homes on tree-lined streets which explode in a purple sea of blooming jacarandas in late spring. Further to the south, in Morningside, Sandown and Hyde Park one finds stately homes as well as apartment complexes. This area also sports a large concentration of renowned private hospitals.
Randburg/Ferndale – (Lenox Lodge)
Much quieter and less ritzy than Sandton, this area is nevertheless perfect in many ways – it’s close to Sandton; the centre of Randburg has its own assortment of businesses; the nearby Cresta shopping centre is one of Joburg’s largest; as well as restaurants and government offices. These are leafy suburbs with spacious homes and gardens in close proximity to a championship golf course as well as the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam (perfect for dog walking and summer picnics). Randburg is a large area with lots of choice and housing here is generally cheaper than in areas like Sandton. Generally, this is a good area for families as well as apartment dwellers.
Northcliff/Melville
These are older and more established suburbs with some of Johannesburg’s most beautiful scenery. Northcliff Hill with its winding roads and park-like homes nestled on the slopes is especially stunning, while next-door Melville is trendier and has a bohemian feel. It’s definitely one of the most diverse neighbourhoods of Johannesburg, perhaps fuelled by the proximity of two universities. Here you will encounter a lively nightlife scene, plenty of street cafés, antique shops and unique restaurants, as well as the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve with its beautiful walks and views.
Linden/Parkhurst/Greenside
Similar to Northcliff and Melville, Parkhurst and Greenside are some of the city’s nightlife hotspots, while Emmarentia Dam and Zoo Lake offer beautiful scenery and recreation right within the city. Centrally located within easy reach of both central Johannesburg and Sandton, Parkhurst and Linden’s comfortable family homes are set in well-established gardens surrounded by some of Joburg’s most beautiful trees. Parkhurst, especially, is a trendy neighbourhood for young families pushing their strollers along 4th Avenue on a Sunday morning, a place where one can find eclectic coffee shops, bakeries, interior design boutiques, antique dealers and some of the best restaurants in Johannesburg.
Rosebank/Parktown
People who find a home in one of these historic suburbs will be living at one of the city’s best addresses in close proximity to three of its oldest and best schools – King Edward VII School, Parktown Boys High, and St John’s College. The homes here are sizeable and dignified, set on large properties, and residents are very close to the popular, sprawling Johannesburg Zoo.
