Sydney is one of the world’s most iconic cities, famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and bustling harbour. Thousands of expats, including many Brits, flock to Sydney each year for its high quality of life and exciting career opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to the inner city, the peaceful northern beaches, or the lively eastern suburbs, Sydney has something for everyone.
Here’s our pick of the top 10 places to live in Sydney.
1. Paddington
Best suited to: Young professionals and creatives looking for a trendy, inner-city lifestyle.
Property costs: In the past 12 months, the median price of purchasing a property in Paddington was around $3,175,000 AUD and the median price of renting a property approximately $1,392 AUD per week. This makes it one of the most expensive suburbs you can live in Sydney. The suburb offers stylish terraces, modern apartments, and chic townhouses.
Transport links: Excellent – Paddington is well-connected to Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) by bus, with commutes typically under 20 minutes.
Lifestyle & recreation: Paddington is known for its artsy atmosphere, with plenty of galleries, boutique shops, and trendy cafes. Known for being one of the most fashionable suburbs, Oxford Street is a key highlight, offering everything from vintage shopping to vibrant nightlife.
2. Manly
Best suited to: Beach lovers and professionals seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Property costs: In the past 12 months, the median price of purchasing a property in Manly was around $4,400,000 AUD, with rental prices around $1,800 AUD per week. Most housing here consists of modern apartments and beachfront properties.
Transport links: Good – Manly is serviced by a short ferry ride to the CBD of around 18-20 minutes, making it a pleasant but slightly longer commute. You can also reach the CBD via car which is around a 15 minute drive and bus, which takes around 45 minutes.
Lifestyle & recreation: Manly is perfect for those who love the outdoors, offering world-class beaches, surfing, and waterfront restaurants. The area also boasts picturesque coastal walks, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
3. Surry Hills
Best suited to: Young professionals and creatives looking for a vibrant, inner-city experience.
Property costs: In the past 12 months, the median price of purchasing a property in Surry Hills was around $2,215,000 AUD and the median rent around $1,150 AUD per week. Accommodation ranges from converted warehouses to contemporary apartments.
Transport links: Excellent – Surry Hills is just minutes from the CBD, with both bus and rail options.
Lifestyle & recreation: Known for its eclectic vibe, Surry Hills is home to a thriving food scene, featuring everything from gourmet restaurants to quirky cafes. The suburb also boasts many creative spaces, galleries, and live music venues.
4. Marrickville
Best suited to: Families, creatives, and young professionals seeking a multicultural, community-focused suburb.
Property costs: In the past 12 months, the median price of purchasing a property in Marrickville was around $2,035,250 AUD, with median rents approximately $925 AUD per week. The area features a mix of townhouses and apartments.
Transport links: Good – Marrickville is well-connected to the city via train, with travel times around 15 minutes.
Lifestyle & recreation: Marrickville is a cultural hub, known for its mix of international cuisine, breweries, and live music venues. The area also offers plenty of parks and playgrounds, making it ideal for families.
5. Bondi
Best suited to: Beach lovers, young professionals, and expats seeking the quintessential Sydney lifestyle.
Property costs: You can expect to pay a premium to live in this iconic area. In the past 12 months, the median price of purchasing a property in Bondi was around $3,750,000 AUD, with rental costs around $1,675 AUD per week. The housing market is competitive, with beachfront apartments and smaller houses in high demand.
Transport links: Fair – While Bondi is just 7 km from the CBD, public transport options (mainly buses) can get crowded, particularly in the summer months. Taking public transport into central Sydney takes around half an hour, whilst the drive is around 15 minutes. You could also cycle in under 30 minutes.
Lifestyle & recreation: Bondi is world-famous for its beach, but it’s also known for its vibrant cafe culture, outdoor fitness spots, and coastal walks like the Bondi to Coogee trail. Summer can get busy, but the laid-back vibe persists year-round.
6. Neutral Bay
Best suited to: Professionals and families looking for a quieter, upscale suburb close to the city.
Property costs: In the past 12 months, the median price of purchasing a property in Neutral Bay was around $3,225,000 AUD, with rental prices around $1,200 AUD per week. The area has a mix of upscale apartments and family homes.
Transport links: Very good – Neutral Bay is serviced by buses and ferries, with easy access to the city and North Sydney.
Lifestyle & recreation: Neutral Bay offers a more relaxed, family-friendly environment, with plenty of parks, shopping strips, and cafes. The views of the harbour are an added bonus, with walking paths offering some of the best in the city.
7. Cronulla
Best suited to: Families and beach lovers looking for a more affordable coastal lifestyle.
Property costs: In the past 12 months, the median price of purchasing a property in Cronulla was around $2,900,000 AUD, and the median rent was approximately $1,500 AUD per week. There’s a mix of modern apartments and larger family homes.
Transport links: Good – Cronulla is serviced by a train line that takes about 50 minutes to reach the CBD. The drive into central Sydney is around 45 minutes.
Lifestyle & recreation: Known for its surfing and relaxed lifestyle, Cronulla boasts expansive beaches and plenty of outdoor recreational activities. The area also has a growing food scene, with many beachside cafes and restaurants.
8. Balmain
Best suited to: Families and professionals looking for a village-like atmosphere close to the CBD.
Property costs: In the past 12 months, the median price of purchasing a property in Balmain was around $2,650,000 AUD, and the median rent was approximately $1,100 AUD per week. Expect charming Victorian terraces and modern townhouses.
Transport links: Good – Balmain is serviced by buses and ferries, offering a quick commute to the CBD. You can also drive in around 15 minutes or cycle in around 20 minutes.
Lifestyle & recreation: With its village charm and leafy streets, Balmain offers a laid-back lifestyle. Darling Street is the heart of the suburb, with an array of boutique shops, trendy cafes, and pubs.
9. Mosman
Best suited to: Families and professionals seeking an affluent, picturesque neighbourhood.
Property costs: In the past 12 months, the median price of purchasing a property in Mosman was around $5,734,500 AUD, and the median rent was around $1,972 AUD per week. The area is known for its grand, historic homes and modern luxury properties.
Transport links: Good – Mosman is connected to the CBD via buses and ferries, making it a convenient commute. You can typically drive from Mosman into the CBD in under 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Lifestyle & recreation: Mosman boasts beautiful beaches like Balmoral, scenic harbour views, and plenty of green spaces. It’s also home to Taronga Zoo and has a variety of high-end dining options.
10. Newtown
Best suited to: Students, young professionals, and creatives seeking an eclectic, vibrant suburb.
Property costs: In the past 12 months, the median price of purchasing a property in Newtown was around $1,762,500 AUD, with median rents at approximately $900 AUD per week. Expect a range of more affordable housing options in this area, including terrace houses and apartments.
Transport links: Excellent – Newtown is serviced by both buses and trains, with fast connections to the CBD. Via car you can reach the CBD in under 15 minutes and cycle in under half an hour.
Lifestyle & recreation: Newtown is renowned for its bohemian vibe, with a thriving arts scene, eclectic cafes, and lively music venues. King Street is the suburb’s bustling centre, packed with restaurants, bars, and shops.
This list contains just our top 10 areas to live in Sydney, but there are so many other amazing suburbs to enjoy. If you’re planning on moving to Sydney, make sure to do your research. Think about your budget for purchasing or renting a property and plan accordingly. Consider what’s most important to you; access to the beach, proximity to work, family-feel and choose a suburb that will complement your desired lifestyle.
For help with all other aspects of your move to Sydney, get in touch.
We offer a wide range of relocation and removals services, for a stress-free experience. You can also explore our range of guides and resources such as our blog on what it’s like to Live and Work in Sydney.
Sources
All property stats from https://www.realestate.com.au/, accurate as of September 2024.
