Sandton

Sandton at a glance

"The new finance hub for Johannesburg", "A modern-day success story" and "Africa's Manhattan" - these are all phrases used to describe the much-loved and hyper-trendy suburb of Sandton. Tshenolo Properties takes a look at Sandton and all that it has to offer.

Sandton's suburbs: Put down roots

Sandton is made up of a variety of sought-after areas. To name just a few, these areas include Fourways, Bryanston, Hyde Park and Sandown. Fourways is a rapidly developing residential and commercial hub which is home to well-loved icons like Fourways Crossing and Montecasino. If you're looking for a home with proximity to spectacular entertainment facilities, world-class restaurants and shopping malls, Bryanston is a great place to be looking. Hyde Park is home to spacious homes, winding streets and enough trees to make the area reminiscent of the London icon after which it is named. Sandown is just a stone's throw from many of Sandton's best-loved features, including Sandton City, Sandton Square and the Sandton Convention Centre.

Sandton's history: A trip down memory lane

It seems hard to believe now that back in the 1960s, the suburb of Sandton that we know and love was comprised of farmland and smallholdings. One of the first steps in the evolution of Sandton came with the construction of Sandton City, which opened its doors in 1974.

Fast forwarding to the mid-1980s, land in Sandton was suddenly more affordable than land in Johannesburg's CBD. The area grew rapidly in appeal thanks to the property prices and attractive spaces that were available in Sandton. Ever since, Sandton has continued its evolution as the country's most noteworthy commercial district. Sandton gets its name from a combination of the names of two of its suburbs: Sandown and Bryanston.

Sandton's climate: Explore the area's weather

As part of Johannesburg, Sandton experiences typical Highveld weather - and that means warm summers with rainfall and thunderstorms and significantly cooler winters. The coldest months of the year are June and July, when a winter's day typically reaches a maximum temperature in the high teens or low 20s. A winter's night can see temperatures of less than 5°C. The height of Sandton's summer falls in December, January and February. In these months, the mercury often rises into the high 20s or low 30s.

Sandton's schools: Give your child a great education

If you're a resident of Sandton, you can rest assured that your child has the choice of going to several public and independent schools, all of which have the resources to help your child get started on the road to success.

The range of preschools in the area includes The Little Ashford Preschool Sandton, Nurture and Nature Montessori Preschool, Little Ashford Sandton and Woodlands Creche and Pre-School, amongst others. When it's time for your little one to start primary school, the choice before you includes schools like Sandton Primary School, Bryanston Primary School, Bryneven Primary School, Rivonia Primary School and Wendywood Primary School.

The array of high schools on offer to your teen if you're a resident of Sandton includes Sandown High School, Bryanston High School and Fourways High School. There are also a number of independent schools in the Sandton area, including Redhill School, St Peter's College and Crawford International Sandton.

Sandton's healthcare: Enjoy top medical attention

In any medical emergency, residents of Sandton can take reassurance from the fact that home is in proximity to great private hospitals like Mediclinic Morningside and Netcare Sunninghill Hospital. In addition, Intercare Sandton Day Hospital offers a range of medical professionals including a dentist, ear, nose and throat surgeons, gastroenterologists and plastic surgeons. Residents of Sandton will have no problem finding a doctor, dentist, optometrist, physiotherapist or virtually any other type of medical professional close to home.

Sandton's shopping centres: Get some retail therapy

According to many shopaholics, Sandton is South Africa's shopping mecca. With various malls including Sandton City, Morningside Shopping Centre, Sloane Square Shopping Centre, Riverside Shopping Centre, Bryanston Shopping Centre and many others besides, there is plenty of shopping to be done in Sandton. The most iconic of these shopping destinations is Sandton City, where those who love haute couture and designer brands can find the likes of Montblanc, Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo, Bvlgari and Versace - brands you will be hard-pressed to find elsewhere in South Africa. The shopping continues adjacent to Sandton City at Nelson Mandela Square, where you'll find an array of stores offering fashion, jewellery, homewares and everything else you can imagine.

Distance from key points (Airport/CBD): Experience easy travelling

When you need to go to O. R. Tambo Airport, you'll need to cover a distance of approximately 30 km. In average traffic, this trip will take about half an hour. The travelling distance from Sandton to Lanseria Airport is also about 30 km, and the drive should take you about 40 minutes. If you need to go into Johannesburg's CBD, you're looking at a drive of about half an hour, covering approximately 20 km.

Sandton's restaurants: Dine on the best dishes

As any resident of Sandton will tell you, this suburb is home to an array of restaurants to tantalise your taste buds. Three of the much-loved favourites are Pigalle Sandton, Saint and Trumps Grillhouse & Butchery.

Pigalle Sandton is renowned for its seafood, and Sandton residents can enjoy a selection of dishes ranging from grilled lobster and langoustines to Lobster Thermidor or king giant prawns.

It is immediately apparent from a glance at the Saint menu that the chef is both talented and passionate about food that stands out from the crowd. The antipasti menu boasts dishes such as arancini with saffron aioli or oven-roasted camembert with peanuts and apple chutney. A smorgasbord of salads, pizzas, pastas and dishes from the grill round off Saint's offering. 

At Trumps Grillhouse and Butchery, you could be forgiven for taking a long time to choose your meal, because the range of delectable options is vast. From bespoke salads and sashimi to gourmet burgers and signature seafood, there's something for everyone.

Sandton's special attractions: Discover what's on offer

One of the best places to visit in Sandton on Thursdays and Saturdays (between 9am and 3pm) is the Bryanston Market. Established in 1976, this market offers everything from organic produce and delicious deli foods to gifts, clothing and jewellery.

For a taste of Italy, a trip to Montecasino in Fourways is a must. With its restaurants, casino, theatre and much more, Montecasino has something to offer everyone.

The Bird & Wildlife Park at Montecasino provides a memorable opportunity to encounter more than 60 species of birds, as well as small mammals.

For a dose of art and culture, Sandton residents can head to The Art Eye Gallery, which is a platform for emerging and established South African artists to gain exposure.

Why buy or rent property in Sandton: 

There are many reasons why Sandton is a great place to call home, whether you are looking to buy or rent. Here are just a few of the factors that make Sandton a great home.

• If you're a resident of Sandton, you're close to every possible amenity and you'll enjoy upmarket living at its best.
• Thanks to the wide range of properties here, you'll always find a home that meets your needs. If you're a property investor, it's possible to start off by buying an affordable apartment with a prestigious address.
• Rental properties are sought after, which makes Sandton a smart choice for buy-to-let investors.

Your home revealed in Sandton: 

Your new home within the beating heart of Sandton awaits you. Tshenolo Properties has various properties for sale and to let and our team is waiting to help you find your next home or your next investment. Contact us today.