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Are you thinking of buying a home in Sydney?
If so, you may be wondering which suburbs are the best to live in. There are many factors to consider when choosing a suburb, such as affordability, schools, and amenities.
In this blog post, we will discuss the best suburbs in Sydney for home buyers. Keep reading for tips on what to look for when choosing a suburb!
How to find the right Sydney suburb for you
There’s no question that buying a home is a huge decision – one that should never be taken lightly. It’s important to find the right suburb to buy in, and there are a few things you can do to make sure you make the best choice for your family. Here are a few tips on how to find the right suburb to buy in.
PWC published a report called CityPulse Sydney, highlighting three key factors you should consider when searching for a suburb to live in or invest in.
The Live metric:
Among other things, this metric mainly looks at things like proximity to the CBD, easy access to amenities, availability of high-quality schools, community health scores, crime, housing affordability and access to good health care.
The Work metric:
Since work takes up a large part of most people’s lives, the work metric evaluates how easy it is to get to work, i.e. transport availability. It also looks at how good the infrastructure is and if there is access to local jobs.
The Play metric:
As the saying goes, ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.’ Simply put, the Play Metric determines how fun your suburb is by looking at things like the availability of restaurants, cultural experiences, sports, parks, gardens and other entertainment amenities.
Remember, everyone is different, and what is important to someone may not be important to you. So, when thinking about which suburb to live in, it is crucial that you take time to think of what is most important to you and use that to choose a suburb.
Best suburbs to live in Sydney
You may have heard that Sydney is one of the most liveable cities in the world. But what does that mean, exactly? And where are the best suburbs in Sydney?
Today we’re going to take a look at Sydney’s top 20 most liveable suburbs, as ranked by domain.com.au. We’ll take a look at what makes each suburb so liveable, and how you can find your own perfect neighbourhood in Sydney. We’ll also compare Domain’s ranking to the CityPulse Sydney report.
So read on for all you need to know about Sydney’s best suburbs!
1. Milsons Point
Live: 8.9 Work: 8.8 Play: 8.4
Milsons point was in second place in Domain’s rankings in 2016 and has since bumped up to first place. This could be due to the harbourfront location, which gives the suburb spectacular views. It has a very vibrant foodie scene and cafes which you can easily access on foot because of its high Walkscore. If you are an outdoor person, there is plenty of open space.
Milsons also has good employment opportunities, but access to good primary schools is one of its weaker points. This is something you might want to consider before moving there if you have a young family.
2. Lavender Bay
Live: 8.9 Work: 8.8 Play: 8.4
Lavender Bay probably lost its place at the top because of a lower ranking for crime. However, it is still a very high-performing suburb which, like Milsons Point, boasts of vibrant culture, high walkability and availability of public transport. For those who love shopping, this Sydney suburb ranks very high when it comes to retail, thanks to the many shops along Blues Point Road.
3. Sydney
Live: 3.5 Work: 10 Play: 10
Packed with cafes, restaurants and shops — some of which are in the iconic Queen Victoria Building — Sydney can be referred to as the heartbeat of the city. Since it is a CBD, it ticks so many liveability boxes. One of its strongest points is (obviously) employment. It scores highly for public transport due to the number of railway stations in its radius, which make access to trains super easy. However, being a CBD also has its downsides, and two of them are a lack of tree cover plus a poor crime score.
4. Kirribilli
Live: 8.4 Work: 6.5 Play: 8.1
Kirribilli House is the official Sydney home of the Prime Minister for some very good reasons. It offers breathtaking harbour views and has easy access to ferries for its residents. Excellent walkability, employment and access to cool cafes like Cool Mac and BTP make Kirribilli a great suburb to live in. When it comes to education, the suburb scores high on secondary education but low on primary education. The suburb also has some room for improvement when it comes to crime.
5.McMahons Point
Live: 8.9 Work: 8.8 Play: 8.4
McMahons takes the happiness of its residents very seriously. Spaces like Blues Point and Reserve offer spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge. The suburb also has a great walkability score with easy access to cafes, cultural activities, shopping and job hubs. However, if you need a train, you will have to walk to North Sydney or Waverton.
6. Wollstonecraft
Live: 8.4 Work: 6.1 Play: 8.8
Located on the lower north shore, Wollstonecraft is another top-ranking suburb with a high walkability score, cultural activities, shopping and cafes. The suburb also offers a train station for ease of travel, the Mater Hospital, reserves and lots of spots from which to enjoy the views of the harbour. One of its weaknesses is a low congestion score, so you might need a lot of patience when driving around Wollstonecraft.
7. Darling Point
Live: 5.4 Work: 7.5 Play: 7.7
The small suburb of Darling Point flies high the flag for Sydney’s east, with a large number of benefits. It has an excellent score for proximity to jobs and has great strengths when it comes to walkability, culture and retail. Darling point is near Edgecliff train station. Unfortunately, it scores low on congestion and access to schools – both primary and secondary.
8. Waverton
Live: 8.4 Work: 6.1 Play: 8.8
With a train station that will get you to the CBD in only 3 stops, Waverton scores quite high for access to employment. The suburb has a small shopping village in the northern part which gives it high marks for cafes and moderate marks for shopping. When in Waverton, you must give The Grumpy Baker a try and then go to Balls Head Reserve, which is the best place to enjoy views of Waverton Harbour.
9. North Sydney
Live: 8.9 Work: 8.8 Play: 8.4
North Sydney deserves its spot in the top 10. It is conveniently located on the train line, has excellent access to employment and has a vibrant culture and retail scene. The suburb also has a great walkability score. With Milsons Point and McMahons Point to its south, the suburb gets moderate points for harbour views. However, North Sydney scores lower for crime and easy access to primary schools.
10. Edgecliff
Live: 5.4 Work: 7.5 Play: 7.7
With Double Bay and Paddington within strolling distance, Edgecliff has a great walkability score and has many strengths when it comes to liveability. Edgecliff Station is frequented by buses and trains, giving it a very high score for employment. Other strong areas include cafes and cultural services. The suburb also has perfect scores for retail but a lower score for access to education.
11. Neutral Bay
Live: 8.4 Work: 6.5 Play: 8.1
If you are a foodie, then Neutral Bay is the place for you as it has a high score for cafes. The suburb also has a high retail score — mainly the shops near Military Road –and great access to employment and walkability. Transportation options include ferries and busses, but its railway transport score is lower than that of North Sydney. A lack of open spaces may be the reason it has failed to make it into the top 10.
12. Woollahra
Live: 7.6 Work: 6.8 Play: 5.9
Woollahra is one of the prize pockets of the inner city because it is close to the CBD, has beautiful terraces, and is also a leafy suburb. It boasts admirable scores for cultural activities, retail and cafes. With a public transport hub at Bondi Junction, the suburb has a good score for access to employment, but high congestion may be a deterrent for some.
13. Jannali
Live: 4.9 Work: 4.6 Play: 4.2
Jannali had an almost miraculous jump from position 132 in 2016 to 13th position. This is because of impressive improvements in crime rates, access to education, tree cover and plenty of open spaces. The suburb also has direct railway access to the CBD. However, Jannali still has some way to go when it comes to cultural activities and employment.
14. Millers Point
Live: 3.5 Work: 10 Play:10
Millers point is right next to The Rocks and boasts of great Harbour Bridge views. However, it is mostly known for its rich architectural history and numerous heritage-listed properties. The suburb has great walkability and easy access to shops, cafes, museums, restaurants and railway stations. Millers Point has a perfect score for employment but an extremely poor score for crime, as well as a significantly low score for congestion.
15. Elizabeth Bay
Live: 2.1 Work: 6.6 Play: 7
Elizabeth Bay offers some stunning views of the harbour and a wide selection of cafes, bars and shops – with more options available across the border in Potts Point. The suburb has a good walkability score, and residents can catch trains or buses at King Cross station to go into the city. Elizabeth Bay scores very low on crime but has strong employment scores.
16.Paddington
Live: 7.1 Work: 7.5 Play: 7.7
When it comes to cultural activities, retail, cafes and walkability, Paddington passes with flying colours. Head over to Five Ways to get a feel of Paris or to Oxford Street for a New York vibe filled with fashion stores, galleries and luxurious bars. If you don’t mind the congestion, Paddington also has high scores for access to primary schools and open spaces.
17. Mosman
Live: 4.9 Work: 6.5 Play: 9
With desirable harbour views and picture-perfect pockets like Balmoral and Clifton Gardens, Mosman is in the heart of many buyers. Homeware stores and cafes can be found near Military Road. The suburb has strong points in safety, cultural activities, access to employment, greenery and access to secondary education. Two of its weaker points are congestion and access to railway transport.
18. Sutherland
Live: 7.3 Work: 4.5 Play: 4.8
Sutherland is another suburb that skyrocketed from 98th place in 2016 to 18th place. While its retail score isn’t very high, it offers stores like Coles and IGA to make sure you have enough groceries. Sutherland is also littered with a variety of restaurants and cafes, such as Frank and Blanco and Left Bower. The suburb also gets high marks for tree cover, access to employment and express railway transport to the CBD.
19. Cammeray
Live: 8.6 Work: 6.3 Play: 7.1
Boasting several reserves and parks, Cammeray has some good liveability factors such as tree cover, open areas, safety and walkability. Although it is not as popular as Mosman, the suburb has good access to employment and cafes such as The Alchemist Espresso and Wild Sage Cafe.
20. Chatswood
Live: 6.8 Work: 7.5 Play: 7.7
Chatswood is only 7 stops from the CBD and scores high for access to employment and secondary education, especially Chatswood High School on Centennial Avenue. The suburb has restaurants like Mama Mulan, Chum Tang and other go-to places, which give it a high score for cultural and culinary availability. If shopping is your thing, Chatswood also has a high retail score.
Best suburbs in Sydney for nightlife
Looking for a suburb with plenty of nightlife options? Sydney has many suburbs that would be perfect for you. Whether you’re looking for trendy bars and clubs or something more low-key, there’s definitely a suburb in Sydney that will fit your needs. Here are some of the best suburbs in Sydney for nightlife.
Surry Hills
Surry Hills is one of Sydney’s central suburbs and is home to specialty coffee from cafes such as Single O, Reuben Hills and Paramount Coffee Project. The suburb, which used to be dominated by the working class, is now populated with inner-city professionals and boasts contemporary restaurants like NOMAD, Chin Chin and Firedoor.
Despite gentrification, the suburb still has some of its rugged roots with the largest concentration of watering holes, such as Shakespeare Hotel, the Forresters and Keg & Brew hotel. So, if you are looking for some old-school Sydney, this is the place for you.
If you are into the quieter side of things, Surrey hills also has a quiet and tranquil side street called McElhone Place, which is also known as Cat Alley.
Newtown
Due to the huge student population from Sydney University, Newtown is a very vibrant suburb with street art, independent retailers and offbeat boutiques on King Street. This suburb is bohemian and eclectic and is the most fashionable part of Sydney. It is the gateway to the inner west and has classics like Clem’s Chicken Shop, sharing King Street with vegan places like Lentil As Anything. Record stores, bookshops, vintage boutiques and a collection of bars are also available.
Newtown has many places that boast the title of ‘best something’ in Sydney. For example, Mary’s Fries has Sydney’s best burger, Sydney’s best gig venue is The Enmore, Young Henry’s is Sydney’s premier brewery and The Courthouse – or ‘the Courty’ for locals – is Sydney’s best beer garden, Because of it energetic and eclectic population, Newton is never boring, and there is something new to experience every day.
Darlinghurst
Darlinghurst hosts Sydney’s epic Mardi Gras celebration every March, and the party basically goes on throughout the year. The suburb is next-door to Surry Hills, s the heart of the LGBTQ community and is known for its rainbow-coloured Oxford Street precinct.
Among many exclusive galleries in Darlinghurst are must-visit galleries like Gallery 9, Stanley Street Gallery, Arthouse Gallery, The ARTERY, King Street Gallery and Aboriginal Art Gallery. If you want some late night fun, then places like Shady Pines Saloon and ARQ, which is a queer club, are cool places to hang out. The government recently relaxed the lockout law, which will make the nightlife of Darlinghurst even cooler.
Bondi
Bondi Beach is arguably the most famous beach on the planet, and even though the suburb Bondi is a bit more upscale, enjoying the beach won’t cost you a cent. Streets that lead down to the beach are filled with invigorating bars, boutiques and cafes where you can grab a kale smoothie or breakfast bowl.
Bondi Icebergs Pool is a completely free attraction that you can also enjoy in Bondi.
When you get hungry from all the activity on the beach, you can fine-dine in waterfront restaurants like Sean’s Panorama or the Icebergs, which has an Instagram-perfect dining room.
In October, Bondi hosts the Sculpture by the Sea Exhibition, which offers dazzling views from Bondi to Coogee walk – along the clifftop via Tamarama, Bronte, Gordon’s Bay and Clovelly.
Even though Bondi is a cosmopolitan city of 5 million people, a swim in the water will make you feel like you are in your own little paradise.
Balmain
Balmain has a big Italian community which gives it a rich Mediterranean flavour in its cafes and restaurants along Darling Street. The suburb has a long blue-collar history, and about a hundred years ago, it would have been filled with wharfies and dockworkers, but now fancy young professionals make up the majority of patrons for high-class venues such as The Balmain Hotel, East Village Hotel and Wilhelmina’s.
A bit of interesting history: The Australian labour party was founded in Balmain in 1891.
Located in the inner-west, the suburb has quirky houses and leafy streets with historic terraces that have views over the water. It has a pretty cool village vibe and has many restaurants and cafes within walking distance.
CBD
Underneath the seemingly uncool offices of lawyers and bankers in the CBD lies a staggering volume of bars and restaurants, which come alive once the workers have taken their trains home in the evening.
Sydney boasts of The Baxter Inn, which is on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. There are also other hip cocktail joints like the Ramblin Rascal, The Bulletin Place and the Lobo Plantation. This CBD also boasts a plethora of high-quality restaurants to choose from – Quay and Bennelong, Mr Wong, Hubert, Aria, Tetsuya…the list goes on and on.
The Sydney nightlife scene with its increasing variety is now truly giving arch-rival Melbourne a run for its money.
Marrickville
The once-industrial Marrickville was a refuge to the Greeks after World War 2 and the Vietnamese a few decades later, and these cultures and flavours permeate the eateries along Illawarra Road.
Cafes like Coffee Alchemy, Matinee and Two Chaps, as well as breweries like Grifter, Willie the Boatman and Bath, are favourite joints for this hipster-dominated neighbourhood.
Local brews are easy to find in unique pubs like Marrickville Bowlo, and some pubs like the Hensons and Vic on the Park allow dogs. The Hensons is a particular favourite of rugby fans on their way to Henson Park to watch the Newton jets.
Marrickville offers a vibrant environment of culture, community, industry and leisure.
Sydney’s most family-friendly suburbs
If you’re looking for a great neighbourhood to raise your family, Sydney has plenty of them. Here are some of the best suburbs in Sydney for families, complete with parks, schools and other amenities that will make your life easier. So check them out – you won’t be disappointed!
Queens Park
Queens Park is a charming and upmarket coastal neighbourhood that also has a bit of a city feel. It has picturesque streets lined with beautiful Victorian homes surrounded by greenery and parks. This suburb offers upmarket living with good choices of public and private schools as well as being close to Bondi Junction, which offers shopping, entertainment and transport.
Lane Cove
Lane Cove is one of Sydney’s most coveted family-friendly suburbs, especially for young families, because it is centrally located, has lots of green areas and has plenty of amenities. It has playgrounds, an aquatic centre, a library and a bustling village that is home to cafes, restaurants and supermarkets. You can enjoy exploring Lane Cove National Park or take a 20-minute drive to the CBD.
Dulwich Hill
Dulwich Hill has a delicious eatery scene packed with Greek, Chinese, Portuguese, Italian and Lebanese flavours. It is a multi-cultural, family-friendly neighbourhood with character-filled streets, lush parks, grocery shops, specialty stores and a railway linking it to Central Station.
Kareela
Located in the Southerland Shire, Kareela has sprawling homes which are affordable and bound by the lush bushland and Georges River. The area has a local golf course, bushwalking trails, supermarkets, easy access to the railway and is close to Westfield Miranda. If you are longing for some sand, the beaches of Cronulla are just 20 minutes away.
Glebe
The historic neighbourhood of Glebe point is both family-friendly and offers an urban lifestyle. It boasts a thriving art and cultural scene as well as its famous weekly markets. The suburb is littered with restaurants and cafes. Glebe and Forest Lodge Public schools are a good point for those with school-going kids.
Maroubra
Maroubra offers a classic beach lifestyle and is filled with picnic facilities, schools, green reserves, playgrounds and shopping areas. The suburb is multi-cultural and family-friendly with the Mahon Pool, which has been offering surfing from as far back as 1906. To top it all up, Maroubra is just a 20-minute bus ride into the CBD.
Frenchs Forest
Frenchs Forest is a peaceful, leafy northern suburb that is close to great beaches and major shopping centres. The properties in Frenchs Forest are spacious, with easy access to bushland, national parks, playgrounds and schools for all ages. A 30-minute drive will take you from the city centre to French’s Forest.
Clovelly
In Clovelly, you can spend your weekends soaking up the sun and salt and taking the amazing Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. This affluent neighbourhood on the waterfront boasts beautiful beaches, leafy green spaces, a saltwater lap pool and a wide selection of cafes and restaurants along Clovelly road. The quality of public and private schools in Clovelly cannot be beaten.
Rozelle
Rozelle is an inner West haven close to the city centre for cafes, shopping and healthy eating stores. Located right on the waterfront, it has serene parks, schools and walks. On Saturday morning, you can head to Leichhardt for the Orange Grove Farmers Market or Rozelle Collectors Market. The properties in Rozelle are smaller in size and are made up mainly of original workers’ cottages and terrace houses.
Baulkham Hills
Baulkham Hills is an affordable, family-friendly suburban dream neighbourhood. It is multi-cultural, community-oriented, has decently sized homes and has the most in-demand primary and secondary schools. If you are looking for entertainment, shopping, restaurants and cafes, then the nearby Castle Towers Shopping Centre is the place to go.
Best suburbs in Sydney for coastal living
If you’re looking for a beautiful coastal suburb to call home, Sydney has plenty to offer. Here are some of the best suburbs in Sydney for coastal living. Each one has its own unique charm and offers something special for those who love spending time near the water. So if sea air is your thing, read on to discover the best Sydney suburbs for you!
10. Tumbi Umbi:
Offering prime relaxed family-oriented living and located just 10 minutes from beaches and 5 minutes from Tuggerah lakes, Tumbi Umbi comes in at number 10. It is a mix of semi-rural areas, modern housing estates and older holiday-style houses. The place is extremely attractive if you are a fitness guru or just want to take a leisurely stroll on the walking and bike tracks along the lakefront with spectacular views of the Tuggerah Lake.
9. Cronulla:
Coming in at number 9 is Cronulla, which has significantly improved its atmosphere and style within the past 15 years. The suburb now boasts 2 supermarkets and a variety of choices for restaurants and cafes. One of its strongest points is the beach lifestyle. You can stroll along the headlands to Bass and Flinders point with the option of coming back via Gunnamatta bay along the sand. If you need a bit of a cool off, you can take advantage of the rock baths, surfing areas and patrolled bathing areas. Behind the train station, you will find a timber ferry to the Royal National Park.
8. Frenchs Forest:
Frenchs Forest has some of the most laid-back and friendly people who have strong relationships through local school activities, taking walks with their dogs or just seeing each other around. The neighbourhood is located close to the beach and the North Coast and has 5 different parts divided by Forest Way, Warringah Road and Wakehurst Parkway. Each section has its own unique feel. French forest is about 2 minutes away from Manly and Curl Curl beaches.
7. Coogee:
Coogee was once a seaside resort town in the 1900 but is now one of Sydney’s most sought-after coastal suburbs. It has crystal clear waters, a stunning coastline, parks and aquatic reserves. Coogee offers family-friendly sand beaches. For nightlife, Coogee now offers some fun options since the Famous Coogee Pavillion was recently renovated.
6. Terrigal:
Terrigal offers unparalleled outdoor living as well as many shops and cafes – it is also close to Erina. It offers activities like, boating, skiing, running, walking and plenty of swimming. The beach at Terrigal is stunning.
5. Manly:
Manly is a beautiful seaside location which offers some fantastic restaurants. However, watch out for parking problems on the weekend when people flood the beach. So, if you are going to live there, look for a property with parking!
4: Dee Why:
When it comes to beachfront living, Dee Why is an absolute winner as it offers everything (and more) that Manly offers without a large number of tourists and grandiose people. If you are a surfer, the place offers some great waves, good retail stores and a great RSL.
3. Bateau Bay:
Bateau Bay is central to everything and offers the best value beachside living. There are many reserves with enough parking and which offer bbq facilities. Bateau Bay Reserve even has an off-the-leash dog area. You can also relax on the golden beaches whilst enjoying panoramic views from Crackneck Lookout. Bateau bay has so much to offer, including some mighty waves for surfing.
There are also some non-beach activities like footy, tennis, bowling, tennis, basketball and a golf range. These are all available at the Entrance District Sporting and Community Centre.
For foodies and shopaholics, Bateau bay offers cafes, restaurants and clubs at the Bay Village Shopping Centre and smaller centres like Cresthaven and Bateau Bay Road.
2. Bondi:
Even though it is the most famous and quintessential beach in Australia, Bondi comes in at just number 2. Bondi Junction has a massive shopping centre and excellent access to public transport, making it an easy commute to the city. Bond is close to the Randwick races and has a wide selection of schools. However, the high cost of living and parking space problems are the two main things keeping it from being number 1 on the list.
1. Umina Beach:
If you are looking for the ‘perfect nostalgic’ neighbourhood without traffic lights, where people still wave at you when driving, are courteous on the road, and you can still see kids playing in the street, the Umina Beach is the place for you.
Being mostly flat, Umina Beach is the ultimate walkability neighbourhood – and you can almost ride almost anywhere. South Umina is a leafy hotspot due to its closeness to the beach and a serene environment. If you want a quiet spot on the beach, Umina Beach has plenty of those.
Sydney’s most walkable suburbs
Are you looking for a suburb in Sydney that is walkable? If so, then you’ll want to check out the neighbourhoods on this list. We’ve compiled the top five most walkable Sydney suburbs, based on Walk Score data. Whether you’re looking for convenient access to restaurants, shops, or public transportation, these suburbs have you covered.
1. Haymarket
Walk Score: 99 | Population: 5,365
Dubbed a Walker’s Paradise by Walk Score, Haymarket is home to most of Sydney’s Chinatown, Thai town and Railway Square localities. In Haymarket, you can do most of your daily errands on foot, and there are about 8 restaurants, coffee shops and bars, all of them within a 5-minute walking distance!
2. The Rocks
Walk Score: 98 | Population: 683
Home to one of Sydney’s oldest pubs, The Rocks is the urban hub of cultural offerings, with buskers performing live along the harbour front promenade. If you are into art, the Museum of Contemporary Art offers both local and international exhibits. The suburb’s main hangout place is the open-air Rocks Market which draws people from many different backgrounds and sells a lot of street food and handmade items. If you are looking for fine dining, the Rocks also offers many upscale restaurants with views of the harbour.
3. Sydney
Walk Score: 98 | Population: 14,287
4. Ultimo
Walk Score: 98 | Population: 7,106
Ultimo is home to the Corporate headquarters and studios of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, which are located in the Ultimo Center. The Ultimo Center also has an auditorium and recording studio as well as TCS, NITV and Aurora.
The suburb is located only 2km southwest of CBD, and some of its major attractions are Broadway and a range of heritage-listed buildings.
5. Surry Hills
Walk Score: 97 | Population: 15,379
Surry Hills is a trendy suburb filled with hip coffee joints, fashion shops and international eateries, which can be found on beautiful terraced houses on Croan and Cleveland streets. It is constantly evolving and boasts many galleries, wine bars, pubs and the Surry Hills Library. Once a month, you can treat yourself to street food and vintage goods at the Surry Hills Market.
6.Chippendale
Walk Score: 97 | Population: 4,069
7. Millers Point
Walk Score: 96 | Population: 1,742
8. Darlinghurst
Walk Score: 96 | Population: 10,096
9. Newtown
Walk Score: 95 | 14,142
10. Rushcutters Bay
Walk Score: 94 | Population: 2,378
Sydney’s most expensive suburbs
Sydney is a city known for its high cost of living. So it’s no surprise that some Sydney suburbs are among the most expensive in the world. If you’re thinking of buying a home in Sydney, be prepared to pay a premium. Here’s a look at some of the most expensive suburbs in Sydney and what you can expect to pay for a property there.
1. Tamarama – $9.2m
With a jaw-dropping median house price of $9.2million and a median price of $2.4 million for apartments, Tamarama comes in at number 1!
Tamarama is close to Bondi and offers modern and art deco buildings with gorgeous views, but be prepared to pay a median rent of $2,572 per week for only a few homes.
2. Vaucluse – $8.23m
In 2nd place is the incredibly affluent Vaucluse, with a median-price home setting you back an impressive $8.23 million. However, apartments are relatively cheaper – relative to other expensive suburbs, of course -coming in at $1.4 million and costing $700 a week to rent.
However, the breathtaking views of the peninsula and harbour, as well as the lavish beaches found everywhere, make the price worth paying…
3. Centennial Park – $7.46m
Located 4km away from Sydney CBD, Centennial Park has many Federation and Victorian-style homes with a median house price of $7.4 million — but they are extremely difficult to secure. Units are, however, significantly cheaper at about $865,000 and weekly rents of around $500.
4. Bellevue Hill – $7.45m
Bellevue Hill boasts luxurious homes and incredible gardens. With a median house price of $7.45 million and weekly rents of $2,400, this is an area for buyers with some deep pockets. The average price of a unit in this area is about $1.45million, and they rent out for $695 a week.
Bellevue Hill is very close to the best private schools, the city centre and beaches.
5. Darling Point – $7.1m
Darling Point sits at number five as one of the most expensive places to buy a house and is located just 4km away from the CBD as well as boasting picture-perfect waterfront views.
No wonder the median price for houses is $7.06 million, and rents come in at $2,200 a week. Even the units are expensive, with price tags of around $2.56 million and rentals of $850 a week.
6. Woolwich – $6.8m
Dominated by the 60-69 age group, the small suburb of Woolwich has a median house price of about $6.82 million, and these houses are extremely difficult to find. This small peninsular north of the Sydney Harbour Bridge has very minimal data on the median price of units, but they are estimated to be around $450 per week.
7. Double Bay – $6.5m
This suburb will provide you with elegant shopping boutiques and classy cafes right on your doorstep as long as you are willing to pay an average of $6.5 million for a house and $1.8 million for an apartment. Rentals for houses and units come in at $1,600 and $750 per week, respectively. The price is totally worth it as all the properties are prestigious and sophisticated.
8. Dover Heights – $6.3m
Located just 9km away from the CBD, a house in Dover Heights will cost you $6.3 million to buy or $2,150 a week to rent. Apartments are a staggering $2.05 million to buy and $730 to rent.
This coastal suburb is close to the Dudley Page Reserve, the beach and Bondi.
9. Mosman – $5.4m
Mosman is popular with both young families and retirement-age residents, possibly because it has a good mix of both modern and old homes. Located in the Northern Beaches, the suburb offers harbour views and many other benefits of coastal living.
It is only about 8km from the CBD, and houses cost $5.4 million, while apartments come in at $1.23 million.
10. Rose Bay – $5.1m
Rose Bay properties are iconic for their uniqueness and luxury, and they will set you back about $5.1 million for a house and $1.4 million for an apartment. Rentals are $1,375 and $670 per week for houses and units, respectively.
This is probably because the suburb is conveniently located between Bellevue Hill and Dover heights and has direct water access to the Sydney Harbour.
Sydney’s safest and most dangerous suburbs
Even though Sydney as a whole is a great city, ranked 5th safest city in the World (unlike Melbourne, which came in 10th), not all neighbourhoods can be considered safe. As with any city, here and there, you are bound to get pockets of drugs, crime and disorder.
So it is important to do a bit of research before buying, investing or renting in a particular neighbourhood. So, what are the safest and most dangerous suburbs in Sydney for homebuyers and renters currently?
Sydney’s safest suburbs
Using data from the crime rate of each neighbourhood, the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research in NSW, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), CANSTAR researchers came up with a list of the top 10 safest Sydney suburbs with regard to assault, theft or drug-related crimes. Here they are.
1. Pleasure Point
Pleasure Point truly offers a pleasurable living experience with only 0.76 crime incidents per 100 residents. Named after a geographical formation on the Georges Riverbank, it is located southwest of Sydney and is about 27km from the CBD. More than 90% of the 517 people who live there own their homes and have an average age of 40-59.
2. Westleigh
Westleigh comes in second with a crime rate of 0.83 incidents per 100 residents. Out of the population of 4,500 residents, only 7% are renters. Located on Sydney’s upper north shore, Westleigh is about 22km from the CBD in Hornsby Shire.
The suburb is close to Berowra National Park and offers other parks and sporting facilities for families.
3. Gymea Bay
Gymea Bay is a high-income waterside suburb that offers walking tracks, reserves and an estuary. Located 27km south of Sydney, the neighbourhood’s residents consist of about two-thirds of families, with 98% of the 6,878 population owning their homes.
The suburb has a low crime rate of 0.94 incidents per 100 residents.
4. St. Ives Chase
Leafy St. Ives Chase has 1.01 crime incidents per 100 residents and is located in the upper north shore area, 18km from the CBD. There is no through traffic, so it is a popular suburb for commuters.
Most of the 3,200 people who live there own their homes, and it has a relaxing village feel due to the absence of large commercial retail stores in favour of mum-and-dad shops
5. Bonnet Bay
Bonnet Bay is 29km from the CBD, has a crime rate of 1.02 incidents per 100 residents and is a warm, welcoming neighbourhood with renters making up only 5% of the population. It is located on the eastern bank of the Woronora River.
Interestingly most of the streets in Bonnet Bay are named after American presidents.
6. Wareemba
With a small population of about 1,500 people, the small suburb of Wareemba has a low crime rate of 1.03 incidents per 100. It is located 12km from the CBD in Canada Bay and has a large Italian population with lots of coffee shops and areas to enjoy water views.
7. North Epping
North Epping is home to more than 4,500 people, 87% of whom own and live in their homes. It has a crime rate of 1.08 incidents per 100 residents, putting it at position 7. Despite sharing a postcode with Epping, which is a part of Parramatta City, North Epping actually belongs to the Hornsby Shire.
Located 19km from the CBD, the suburb offers plenty of activities, including some memorable bush walks.
8. Willoughby East
Willoughby East is a great place to live, with only 1.10 recorded incidents per 100 residents and a small population of just 1,818 people. It is located 9km from the CBD on the lower north shore, and 87% of the population own their houses.
9. East Killara
With a crime rate of 1.1 incidents per 100 residents, East Killara is a safe and serene place to stay. Located on Sydney’s affluent upper north shore, the suburb is made up mostly of large standalone houses, with about 90% of the 3,000 residents of them being owner-occupiers.
Here you can enjoy shopping and exploring the local parks and bushland.
10. Chatswood West
With less than 1,500 people, Chatswood West had a relatively good crime rate of 1.13 per 100 residents. It is very popular with families, and 85% of the residents own their homes. Located 11km from the CBD in the Willoughby and City of Ryde precincts, Chatswood boasts of Chatswood Golf club, which offers neighbouring residents with green views.
Sydney’s most dangerous suburbs
Sydney, a vibrant and diverse city, is home to a wide range of suburbs, each with its unique character and set of challenges. While it’s essential for potential residents and investors to be aware of these challenges, it’s equally important to recognise the efforts and potentials these suburbs hold. Below, we explore some of Sydney’s suburbs, focusing on their current challenges and the opportunities they offer for improvement and growth.
10. Blacktown
Blacktown, known for its convenient shopping facilities and diverse community, faces the challenge of managing a higher crime rate, which is often a consequence of its larger population. The suburb boasts good connectivity and a range of amenities. Efforts are being made to enhance safety and community engagement, making Blacktown a suburb with potential for growth.
9. Doonside
Doonside presents a tale of two halves, with areas showing significant promise and others facing social issues. The suburb has accessible public transport and affordable property prices, but faces challenges such as public safety concerns. Recognizing these issues, there are ongoing efforts to improve the overall living experience in Doonside.
8. Claymore
Claymore has historically been an area with social housing and faces challenges related to property safety and youth offences. The community and local authorities are actively working to improve the living standards and shake off its tough past. This suburb’s evolution is a testament to the resilience and potential for transformation.
7. Fairfield
Fairfield’s rich multicultural diversity is one of its strengths, though it has faced challenges with crime related to its history as a resettlement location. Efforts to better integrate the community and plan urban development are key to enhancing Fairfield’s appeal and safety.
6. Merrylands
Merrylands, known for its proximity to Parramatta and excellent connectivity to the Sydney CBD, faces challenges with public safety and gang activity. Community initiatives and increased law enforcement presence are part of the efforts to improve the living conditions and ensure a safer environment for its residents.
5. Shalvey
Shalvey’s challenges are rooted in socioeconomic factors, with efforts underway to address property safety and community welfare. Local initiatives aim to foster a stronger community spirit and reduce crime, focusing on breaking the cycle of poverty and improving the overall quality of life.
4. Bankstown
Bankstown, despite its diverse culture and good amenities, faces challenges with crime. However, recent trends show a decrease in crime rates, reflecting the community and authorities’ efforts to create a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone.
3. Liverpool
Liverpool, with its excellent educational facilities and public transport, faces challenges with public safety and petty crimes. Ongoing community and government initiatives are focused on improving these aspects, aiming to highlight Liverpool’s potential as a multicultural hub.
2. Kingswood
Kingswood’s proximity to educational institutions like the University of Western Sydney adds to its appeal, though it faces day-time safety challenges. Efforts to enhance safety around key areas like the train station and parks are part of the plan to improve the suburb’s overall living experience.
1. Tregear
Tregear faces significant challenges with crime, but it’s important to note the efforts being made to revitalise the area. The community is engaged in initiatives to reduce crime and improve economic opportunities, striving to overturn stereotypes and create a safer, more inclusive environment.
That’s it for now
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