Jeppestown, More Than Just Joburg CBD's East Side Suburb

A Brief History Before We Start…

Jeppestown was established in or after 1886 by C.E.G. Julius Jeppe, who formed the Ford and Jeppe Estate Company with his son, who was also called Julius Jeppe, and L.P. Ford. In 1894, Jeppestown was described as consisting of "421 buildings, two churches, a Masonic temple, St Mary's Collegiate for Girls and a library". In 1896, the suburb had 5,647 inhabitants. St Michael's School for Boys, which has since been renamed Jeppe High School for Boys, was established in 1890, and the piece of open land called Julius Jeppe Oval was converted to a park in approximately the same year. The eastern part of Jeppestown came to be known as Belgravia. The "Jeppestown Tragedy" was a shootout that took place between police and armed robbers on 25 June 2006. Four policemen and eight robbers were killed before the remaining 15 gang members surrendered. 

Jeppe is rich in history, culture, and opportunities, and in this article, we will take a look at this east-side suburb and why you should consider living on this side of Jozi. 

Historic Buildings, New Opportunities 

Jeppestown sits very close to Maboneng, which is an inner city that was established to give the art and entertainment scene in Johannesburg its own home. When in Maboneng, residents and visitors are treated to different restaurants that specialise in different menus and tastes. From Ethiopia to Asia to Italy, Maboneng has restaurants for almost all taste buds. Architecturally, Jeppestown is quaint and fascinating, with many different styles reflecting 125 years of Johannesburg’s urban development. With buildings such as The Cosmopolitan having been turned into one of Maboneng and Jeppestown’s loved clubs, offering a nightlife experience like no other, Victoria Yards located in Lorentzville being turned into a market space, and other Jeppestown buildings being used for flats, schools and churches, it is clear that the heart of Jeppestown stays pumping to the rhythm of its citizens. 

Sustainable Living And Livelihoods 

Jeppestown (or Jeppe) understands convenience to the core. As a resident, you can understand that living in the city of Jozi may get a little expensive, and you will have to look at ways to afford groceries and essentials without breaking your bank. Luckily, Jeppe has a lot of stalls with entrepreneurs that sell groceries, fruit and veg, as well as other essentials at reasonable prices to make it easy for customers. A pro tip when living alone in a flat is to buy your groceries weekly instead of monthly. This way, you will not have to worry about things spoiling in the long run, and you can buy what you need to use in that week only. 

Business opportunities are there for you too if you are someone who has an entrepreneurial knack. In Jeppe, you can visit KwaMaiMai, which is a flea market-style venue filled with entrepreneurs who are ready to share their skills, space, knowledge, and products with you. Simply interact with the community, find your tribe, and start flourishing. 

Art, Culture, And Paaarty 

Jeppe and Maboneng have had to fight for their place in the hearts of the party enthusiasts of Jozi, with Braamfontein being the most famous for hosting great events. Since Maboneng's inception, the inner city created not only restaurants that offer different cuisine tastes but also night clubs that pride themselves in being safe spaces, especially for vulnerable and othered people such as women and the members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The Jeppe side of things offers the old school ‘tavern’ aesthetic for when you miss the good old school music, vibe, and setup, while Maboneng will usher you into the present and possibly future. The relationship between Jeppe and Maboneng works because of that. One is still very much hanging onto the suburb’s history while the inner city works to adjust to the future. 

Living In Jeppe 

Now that we’ve piqued your interest, you are probably wondering if you can find a place in the interesting and intriguing Jeppe. Lucky for you. Johannesburg Housing Company has affordable flats to rent in Jeppestown. With rental charges that have not been increasing for a few years, JHC understands your city living priorities and the way the economy is set up, so you will need all the help you can get. If you are considering renting with JHC, then get the application form here, and let’s get you loving the home you live in. 

Final Words 

Even if Jeppestown is not your cup of tea, we offer a range of flats to rent in and around Jozi CBD. From bachelor flats to 1 or 2-bed options, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today.