Johannesburg Earns A Spot Among The World’s Best Cities To Raise A Family

Raising a family in a big city can come with its fair share of challenges, but a new global study suggests that Johannesburg still has plenty to offer parents and kids alike.

A recent international report ranking the best cities in the world to raise a family has placed Johannesburg among the top 50 globally. The study highlights several factors that shape everyday family life, from safety and cost of living to green spaces and child-friendly activities.

While South African cities often face criticism over issues such as safety and infrastructure, the findings show that Johannesburg still holds its own on the global stage.

Johannesburg Ranked 41st In Global Family-Friendly Study

The research was conducted by Compare the Market AU, an Australian home loan comparison company that analysed 50 cities around the world.

Each destination was assessed using nine key indicators designed to reflect family life. These included safety scores, access to activities for children, cost of living for a family of four, and national vaccination rates for children.

When the results were tallied, Johannesburg placed 41st globally with a weighted score of 3.307.

The city scored lower in some areas, including safety ratings and the global happiness index. However, it performed particularly well in the category measuring green spaces per capita, where Johannesburg recorded an impressive 36.12.

That result is hardly surprising for locals. Johannesburg is widely known for its vast urban forest, often described as the largest man-made forest in the world, with millions of trees lining its suburbs and parks.

A City Filled With Family-Friendly Experiences

Despite its fast-paced reputation as South Africa’s economic powerhouse, Johannesburg offers plenty of opportunities for families to spend time outdoors and explore the city together.

Weekend picnics at Emmarentia Dam remain a favourite for many Joburg families, while nature lovers often head to the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden to enjoy hiking trails and spot the famous Verreaux’s eagles that nest near the waterfall.

For a more traditional day out with children, the Johannesburg Zoo continues to draw visitors looking to introduce younger generations to wildlife in the heart of the city.

These attractions, along with shopping centres, museums and family entertainment hubs, contribute to the city’s standing as a destination where families can still find balance between urban living and outdoor recreation.

How Other South African Cities Ranked

Johannesburg was not the only South African city to make the global list.

Cape Town placed 46th, earning a score of 3.180. The Mother City performed well in categories such as family activities and vaccination rates, although its score was affected by lower government spending on family benefits.

Further down the list was Durban, which ranked 49th with a score of 2.752. While the coastal city offers a relaxed lifestyle and beach culture, the study noted fewer child-friendly activities compared to other cities in the ranking.

Together, the three cities show how South Africa’s major metros still play a role in global conversations about family living, even as they grapple with social and economic challenges.

The Cities That Topped The Global Ranking

While South Africa’s cities appeared further down the list, the top positions were dominated by destinations known for strong infrastructure, safety and quality of life.

The five highest-ranked cities were:

1. Brisbane, Australia – 6.457

2. London, England – 5.992

3. Auckland, New Zealand – 5.460

4. Helsinki, Finland – 5.305

5. Sydney, Australia – 5.239

These cities stood out for their combination of accessible healthcare, strong family support systems and wide access to recreational spaces.

What The Ranking Means For Johannesburg

While Johannesburg still faces well-documented challenges, the study highlights an important reality. The city remains a place where families can build a life, raise children and enjoy access to green spaces and activities that encourage outdoor living.

For many residents, that balance between bustling city life and moments spent in parks, gardens and nature reserves is part of what makes Johannesburg unique.

And as global rankings like this show, the City of Gold still has qualities that place it firmly on the international map for family living.

{Source:The South African}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com