Rents in Petaling Jaya’s older commercial areas like Section 19 and SS2 are rising, reflecting renewed interest and vitality driven by young entrepreneurs and new lifestyle trends such as indoor pickleball courts. These niche ventures, including venues like Hyprground and Picks & Rec, are generating significant monthly turnovers, signaling a fresh commercial energy in these once-overlooked neighborhoods. Meanwhile, old shophouses are being transformed into creative hubs and unique retail or dining spaces, offering a quieter, community-focused alternative to the city center despite challenges like rising rents and renovation costs.
However, the increasing rental prices pose a risk of pricing out the small, bold businesses that helped revive these areas, potentially favoring larger commercial players in the future. For now, Petaling Jaya’s older grids remain a vibrant testing ground for innovative concepts, blending old charm with new purpose and fostering a sense of local community amidst a shifting commercial landscape.
