Nicknamed the City of Gold, Johannesburg is known as Africa’s wealthiest city. Johannesburg is the buzzing business hub of Africa, housing the most millionaires on the continent. This means that Johannesburg has some of the richest suburbs in the country, making it one of the best cities for property, whether you’re investing or looking for a home.
While most of them are concentrated in Joburg's city centre, you’ll still find a range of property types and prices, so you’re sure to find an area perfect for you if you’re planning on making the move to Johannesburg.
Here are the top 10 richest suburbs in Johannesburg.
Known as the wealthiest neighbourhood in the country, Sandhurst is the place to go if you’re looking for the elite. Sandhurst is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle, offering expansive and extravagant plots, lots of greenery and the highest level of security.
While the average property price is around R20 million, it can range into the hundreds of millions. On top of this steep price, most of these luxurious properties cost tons to maintain. Drawn to its symbol of status, this is a very popular area for those who can afford it.
Image courtesy Southern Sun Hyde Park, Sandton Hotel
Named after the prestigious London suburb, Hyde Park definitely lives up to the name. As one of the older neighbourhoods in Johannesburg, you’ll find a good mix of traditional homes and new-age gems. Either way, you can be certain they’ll be state-of-the-art, surrounded by luscious greenery, quiet stress, and 24-hour security.
In Hyde Park, you’re a stone's throw away from Sandton City and right next to the famous Hyde Park Corner Shopping Centre, known as Africa’s Centre of Luxury and home to some of the most premium brands.
Hyde Park’s position between the arterial routes of Beyers Naude and Rivonia Drives ensures easy access to the major highways, which open a route between the North and South of the city.
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As one of Johannesburg’s oldest and wealthiest neighbourhoods, a drive through Parktown will take you past impressive mansions, Victorian homes, and Sir Herbert Baker designs. There are weekly tours run by the Parktown and Westcliff Heritage Trust that take you right through Parktown, passing notably by The View, Johannesburg’s oldest mansion, built in 1896.
While busy business centres, Rosebank and Sandton are easily accessible, Parktown offers a quieter suburban life with still plenty to do, with lots of entertainment, shopping malls, restaurants and cafes.
Image courtesy Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg
This wealthy Johannesburg suburb also has a rich history as the old stomping ground of the Randlords, the leaders of the diamond and gold mining industries. This piece of history can be seen in the historic Sir Herbert Baker mansions.
With streets lined with trees, Westcliff is home to gorgeous mansions, some of Joburg’s best coffee shops and stunning views of the Northern Suburbs.
Nestled between Melrose, Rosebank, Illovo and Hyde Park, Dunkeld is a prime location in northern Johannesburg. Whether it’s a spacious home or a modern apartment, you’re sure to find luxury in Dunkeld.
Its central position makes it accessible to many of the top areas in Johannesburg as well as their attractions, schools, transportation and businesses, making it possible for lively business life and peaceful suburbia.
Illovo has become one of the upmarket hotspots for young professionals and creatives, conveniently located between Johannesburg’s two business hubs, Sandton and Rosebank.
Illovo has also become known as the lively and trendy centre of life in Johannesburg, with good food and cool bars. This is especially true for sports enthusiasts with the Wanderers Cricket Club and Golf Course found in the heart of Illovo. When there’s a sporting event on, Illovo comes even more alive, drawing thousands of locals to its centre.
Since recent developments, Rosebank has secured itself as the cosmopolitan centre of Johannesburg, becoming a major tourist attraction and vibrant, multi-cultural district. While it is a bit compact compared to other areas, it’s packed with prime shopping centres, cinemas, trendy restaurants and cafes, markets, art galleries, as well as bars and nightclubs. Its denser layout means it’s also easier to explore, making everything accessible on foot.
It’s also become one of the epicentres of business and commercial life in Joburg, home to many head offices, perfect for professionals looking for a lively atmosphere.
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With properties ranging from lavish family homes, modern townhouses in gated communities and stylish apartments, Morningside has something for everyone. Located in northern Johannesburg between the bustling city of Sandton and quiet residential suburbs, Morningside gives you the perfect mix of residential and commercial property and a balance between the city buzz and quiet leafy streets.
The affluent suburb of Morningside offers locals upmarket shopping malls, coffee shops, restaurants and office blocks as well as an excellent array of government and private schools, clinics and hospitals.
Famously known as the previous home of the late president, Nelson Mandela, Houghton boasts a mix of spacious, prestigious homes and new subdivided developments. This is shown in the division of Upper and Lower Houghton, where the former has not only been declared a National Heritage area for its location on the ridge but also offers opulent mansions, while the latter has become a popular spot for commercial investors and subdivided clusters.
Houghton is also home to some of the best private schools in the country, including St John's College for Boys, Roedean School for Girls & King Edward's Boys High School.
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Bryanston is an affluent residential neighbourhood located north of Sandton, connected to the N1 highway on its northern border.
Bryanston is a popular suburb for families due to its access to some of the top education institutions, a range of entertainment, world-class restaurants and Mediclinic Sandton, one of the largest private hospitals in Johannesburg, open 24/7.
These suburbs might come with a big price tag, but your moving company doesn’t have to. Whether you’re heading across town or making the big move to Joburg from another city, Wise Move makes it easy to compare multiple quotes from vetted, trusted movers in Johannesburg and nationwide—all in one place.
At Wise Move, we’re here to take the stress out of your move. Our experienced movers treat your belongings with the care they deserve, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free move so you can focus on settling into your new home. Make your move to one of Joburg’s most sought-after suburbs the smart way. Choose Wise Move and start your new chapter with confidence.