Getting to know downtown Newtown

Getting to know downtown Newtown

Moving to a new city or new neighbourhood can be both exciting and terrifying whether you’re relocating because of family, a job or for a fresh start. It’s a big decision that you have to be comfortable with.

The sense of comfort comes when you know a bit about the new area you’re looking to move into. Gathering information gives you the level of familiarity you need to make your journey in the new neighbourhood a lot easier.

So, if you’ve been searching for flats to rent in Newtown or student accommodation in Newtown, Johannesburg, you might be interested to learn about Newtown. This article will take a closer look at Newtown and share all of the information we could collect about this neighbourhood.

The history of Newtown, Johannesburg

Located in the Western area of the inner city, Newtown is known as the original centre of Johannesburg. Towards the end of the 18th century, the area was rich in clay, and because of this, brick making became a popular form of earning a living. At the time, it was aptly called Brickfields.

However, at the beginning of the 19th century, the bubonic plague broke out in the area. The leaders at the time decided that lighting up the area in flames was the best measure to combat the plague. A few months later, the area was redeveloped and renamed Newtown.

Newtown: A cultural precinct

Today, it’s known as an arts and culture precinct, with these popular landmarks:

• The Nelson Mandela Bridge
• Mary Fitzgerald Square
• The Square
• Newtown Music Centre
• The Market Theatre
• MuseuMAfricA
• Worker’s Museum and Library
• National Design and Craft Centre
• Crafty Facts
• Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
• Africa Cultural Centre
• Intel Computer Club
• No.1 President Street
• Dance Factory
• Moving into Dance

But these are only a few of the spots you can visit. There’s an unlimited number of things to do in Newtown, Johannesburg. When you wish to explore, you’ll find the Sophiatown Bar Lounge next to the Market Theatre. The bar offers an authentic local experience filled with all of the interesting bits and pieces of Sophiatown history. It’s known for good African cuisine and live music that makes the ambience worth experiencing.

The area is filled with other trendy restaurants, coffee shops, and clubs that exude the pioneering attitude that made it a hub of apartheid-era protest through the arts.

In this article, the editor of Epicure and Culture, Jessica Festa, said, “It [Newtown] is an area where everyone can participate in the burgeoning arts scene regardless of social status or wealth.”

The home of affordable accommodation

When you search for Newtown Johannesburg flats to rent, you’ll find a selection of options to choose from. But there’s one thing guaranteed, the Johannesburg Housing Company (JHC) will show up in your search with affordable options you can’t turn away from.

This is because JHC specifically caters to mid-to-low income earners searching for homes they can afford at a budget of between R1 500 to R15 000. Whether you’re relocating to JHB for the first time, a young adult that needs to be close to the workplace, or a senior looking for a safe home, we’ve got you covered.

Final thoughts

Living paycheque to paycheque is hard, and with living expenses on the rise, it’s even harder to make ends meet and live sustainably. The last thing you want to worry about is a pricy roof over your head, especially in a new area you’re unfamiliar with. That’s why we offer a safe and affordable housing solution so you can have one less thing to worry about. It’s also why we’re happy to help you learn more about the neighbourhood you could potentially be moving into. If you need any more information to help you throughout this journey, do not hesitate to connect with us.