Gauteng's suburbs are experiencing steady growth, driven by affordable housing and job opportunities. Recent figures show that homes and rentals in the province cost 20-30% less than in Cape Town. Additionally, Gauteng has created more jobs than the Western Cape over the past five years, with its metros paying the highest average income in the country. This combination of affordability and economic growth is attracting young professionals to the area.
The suburb of Hazelwood in Pretoria East has transformed into a foodie hub, with a cluster of restaurants, bars, and padel courts. Time Out describes it as the city's undisputed foodie hub, with popular spots like The Village and The Club. The area is also home to the first standalone Pantry by Marble store, which recently opened. With its proximity to other suburbs like Menlo Park, Brooklyn, and Lynnwood, Hazelwood has become a popular destination for socializing and entertainment.
Fourways, a suburb in Johannesburg's north, offers a different lifestyle experience, with secure estates, trails, gyms, and pools. The area is also home to Fourways Mall, the largest in the country, which attracts over a million visitors a month. The mall's new R100 million precinct, The View, adds restaurants, entertainment, and wellness options to the area. Nearby, Steyn City recorded more sales than any other luxury suburb in Gauteng last year, highlighting the area's appeal.
Both Hazelwood and Fourways offer a lifestyle that combines work, shopping, and entertainment within minutes of home. This convenience is a major draw for young professionals who value their time and want to avoid long commutes. According to Paul Keursten, CEO of Workshop17, the suburbs have the amenities, but what they've been missing is a place to work without sacrificing the rest of the day.
Workshop17 aims to fill this gap by providing flexible workspace in neighborhood hubs. The company is set to open two new locations, one in Fourways on January 1, 2027, and another in Hazelwood on April 1, 2027. These spaces will offer a convenient and productive work environment for freelancers, small teams, and professionals who want to meet clients without driving across the city.
The growth of lifestyle hubs in Gauteng's suburbs is driven by demand for mixed-use developments. Over R23.8 billion has been committed to four projects, highlighting the sector's potential. Developers are responding to the trend, creating spaces that combine living, working, and entertainment.
As Gauteng's suburbs continue to grow in popularity, they are likely to attract more young professionals and businesses. With their convenient lifestyle, job opportunities, and now, flexible workspace options, the suburbs are becoming an attractive alternative to traditional urban centers.
Key points
- Gauteng's suburbs offer affordable housing and job growth, attracting young professionals.
- Lifestyle hubs like Hazelwood and Fourways provide a convenient combination of work, shopping, and entertainment.
- Workshop17 is introducing flexible workspace options in these suburbs, responding to demand for productive work environments.
