Why older neighbourhoods like Chatsworth outshine sterile housing estates

THERE'S something special about older, well-established neighbourhoods like Chatsworth and Shallcross in Durban.

- JERALD DANASEKERA VEDAN

These places have character, something that modern, gated housing estates, with their identical mansions and manicured lawns, simply lack.

In these cookie-cutter estates, people live behind high walls, barely knowing their neighbours, always chasing expensive lifestyles, and complaining about the smallest things.

Meanwhile, in Chatsworth, life is richer, not in money, but in community, warmth and real happiness. Walk through Chatsworth, and you'll see children playing outside, neighbours chatting over fences, and families buying fresh vegetables from trusted vendors.

There’s laughter, shared struggles, and a sense of belonging. Now, step into a luxury housing estate, what do you see? Silent streets, closed garage doors and security cameras watching every move. People barely greet each other. Why? Because in these estates, life is sanitiser, too clean, too controlled, and too lonely.

Studies show that strong community ties improve mental health. A Harvard University report found that people with close-knit social connections are happier and live longer. In Chatsworth, neighbours look out for each other. In gated estates? Many residents don’t even know who lives next door.

There is a high cost to luxury living.