Pretoria East
Recently replacing Sandton as the richest suburb in Gauteng, Pretoria East is made up of established suburbs such as Equestria, Faerie Glen, Garsfontein, Waterkloof and Erasmuskloof, with newer suburban additions like Olympus, Mooikloof Ridge, and Woodhill being added. Its biggest drawcard is that the neighbourhood provides residents with a relaxed, suburban lifestyle, while still offering plenty of the advantages of city life.
The area boasts a selection of spacious nature reserves like Klapperkop Nature Reserve, Austen Roberts Bird Sanctuary, Moreleta Nature Reserve, Groenkloof Nature Reserve and Faerie Glen Nature Reserve that cater to family activities. Visitors will also find pro-designed golf courses such as Woodhill and Silver Lakes. At the same time, Pretoria East is home to some of the hottest hangouts Gauteng has to offer: the new Time Square Casino complex, the Menlyn Maine precinct, trendy shopping spots like Brooklyn Mall and Menlyn Park as well as an array of exclusive night clubs, theatres and newly opened restaurants.
Pretoria East provides parents with a selection of good schools too. Whether you prefer steadfast traditional schooling from legendary institutions like Pretoria Boys' and Girls' High, Affies, Menlo Park, WHPS, Anton van Wouw, Constantia Park and Lynnwood, or if you’re looking to keep up with educational trends and enrol your kiddos in Curro or Spark, you’ll be spoilt for choice. With quite a number of embassies located in the area, you will also find this neighbourhood houses international schools such as the Deutsche Schule Pretoria and the new Chinese International School.
Every October, all of this is set to the trademark purple backdrop of hundreds of Jacaranda trees in beautiful full bloom. According to data obtained from Private Property online, Pretoria East has seen accordant price growth over the last few years. The average price for a three-bedroom house will set you back around R2.2 million, and the midpoint rental is around R16 500 per month.
Sandton
Known for its affluent community and chorus of skyscrapers, Sandton’s Central Business District (CBD) is not just a mecca for shoppers who enjoy the finer things in life but also home to almost 10% of South African companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Now one of Africa’s busiest districts, only five decades ago Sandton was comprised of grasslands and farms. Considering the country’s advancements in global business, the city is well-positioned for future growth and expansion, and there’s little doubt that Sandton has cemented its position as the most important financial and business sector in the province.
Situated on the highveld plateau, the city enjoys many a sunny day. Thanks to its high elevation, Sandton enjoys fairly mild temperatures year round – the only exception being the notorious creeping frost the city seems to experience during the colder months.
It also serves as an excellent location for equestrianism. Inanda boasts a pony club complete with a polo field that meets international standards and fully kitted stable. Surrounding areas, such as Parkmore, loan a shade of suburban life to this bustling area of steel and commerce. The average estimated property value, according to Property24, sits at a whopping R3.1 million per house and R1.25 million per apartment, with recent buyers being between the age of 18 to 35.
Sandton’s overall accessibility makes it clear why business tourism booms in the area. It is along the official route of the Gautrain, an 80-kilometre commuter rail system in Gauteng, which links high-traffic areas within the province and O. R. Tambo International Airport. Getting around the CBD is simple with the ever-popular Uber service and, for those travellers who enjoy getting around on foot, shopping centres and restaurants are well within walking distance.
Thanks to its prime positioning, the CBD is surrounded by not-to-be-missed tourist attractions and accommodation facilities. If you're new to the area, the multi-cultural offering will give you a taste of the diversity for which Johannesburg has become renowned.
But this district is not all business and no play. Whether you’re after a fun local foodie experience with your team, or luxurious sophisticated dining to impress clients, Sandton offers a variety of cuisines to suit every palate. Nelson Mandela Square is peppered with top-quality restaurants, with everything from burgers and ribs at Hard Rock Cafe to sophisticated fine dining at the Piccolo Mondo.
By Shawn Greyling
Pretoria East provides parents with a selection of good schools too. Whether you prefer steadfast traditional schooling from legendary institutions like Pretoria Boys' and Girls' High, Affies, Menlo Park, WHPS, Anton van Wouw, Constantia Park and Lynnwood, or if you’re looking to keep up with educational trends and enrol your kiddos in Curro or Spark, you’ll be spoilt for choice. With quite a number of embassies located in the area, you will also find this neighbourhood houses international schools such as the Deutsche Schule Pretoria and the new Chinese International School.
Every October, all of this is set to the trademark purple backdrop of hundreds of Jacaranda trees in beautiful full bloom. According to data obtained from Private Property online, Pretoria East has seen accordant price growth over the last few years. The average price for a three-bedroom house will set you back around R2.2 million, and the midpoint rental is around R16 500 per month.
Sandton
Known for its affluent community and chorus of skyscrapers, Sandton’s Central Business District (CBD) is not just a mecca for shoppers who enjoy the finer things in life but also home to almost 10% of South African companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Now one of Africa’s busiest districts, only five decades ago Sandton was comprised of grasslands and farms. Considering the country’s advancements in global business, the city is well-positioned for future growth and expansion, and there’s little doubt that Sandton has cemented its position as the most important financial and business sector in the province.
Situated on the highveld plateau, the city enjoys many a sunny day. Thanks to its high elevation, Sandton enjoys fairly mild temperatures year round – the only exception being the notorious creeping frost the city seems to experience during the colder months.
It also serves as an excellent location for equestrianism. Inanda boasts a pony club complete with a polo field that meets international standards and fully kitted stable. Surrounding areas, such as Parkmore, loan a shade of suburban life to this bustling area of steel and commerce. The average estimated property value, according to Property24, sits at a whopping R3.1 million per house and R1.25 million per apartment, with recent buyers being between the age of 18 to 35.
Sandton’s overall accessibility makes it clear why business tourism booms in the area. It is along the official route of the Gautrain, an 80-kilometre commuter rail system in Gauteng, which links high-traffic areas within the province and O. R. Tambo International Airport. Getting around the CBD is simple with the ever-popular Uber service and, for those travellers who enjoy getting around on foot, shopping centres and restaurants are well within walking distance.
Thanks to its prime positioning, the CBD is surrounded by not-to-be-missed tourist attractions and accommodation facilities. If you're new to the area, the multi-cultural offering will give you a taste of the diversity for which Johannesburg has become renowned.
But this district is not all business and no play. Whether you’re after a fun local foodie experience with your team, or luxurious sophisticated dining to impress clients, Sandton offers a variety of cuisines to suit every palate. Nelson Mandela Square is peppered with top-quality restaurants, with everything from burgers and ribs at Hard Rock Cafe to sophisticated fine dining at the Piccolo Mondo.
By Shawn Greyling
