Sydney is one of Australia’s largest and busiest cities. This means it is a fantastic place to live with easy access to a wide variety of jobs, education, and food and drink options.
Best Places To Live In Sydney, Australia
However, the city also has its own distinct personality and if you’re looking to move there, choosing the right area to live in can be tricky. Whatever your lifestyle, there’s a suburb in Sydney that’s perfect for you.
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There are a number of distinct areas in Sydney that have completely separate advantages and styles to them, from city living to rural living with excellent transport links and plenty of space for nature lovers.
East Sydney
The eastern side of Sydney is home to the city’s most popular suburbs such as Surry Hills, Woollahra, Redfern and Kings Cross with plenty of cafes, bars and clubs for the night owl. It is a great spot for those looking to be surrounded by entertainment and is considerably more affordable than the city centre and Darling Harbour.
Western Suburbs
The western side of Sydney has seen improvements in the areas of liveability, jobs, transport links and local education. With new job opportunities and cultural centres, it is now an increasingly desirable area for buyers of older and newer properties.
South West Sydney
South West Sydney is an up and coming region that has seen a lot of development over the last few years, including affordable housing. It has a number of family-friendly suburbs, including West Hoxton and Horningsea Park and is considered one of the fastest growing regions in the country. Having access to larger blocks and more affordable property prices, it is a fantastic location for families and young couples.
Sydney is one of the best cities to live in Australia. It offers ease of travel overseas, social life with other expats and great jobs.
Point Piper #1
One of Sydney’s best places to live is Point Piper. Located on the harbourside, it offers stunning views of Sydney’s iconic skyline and the Sydney Opera House. It’s also surrounded by a number of parks, including Centennial Park and Waverly Gardens.
These spaces are great for enjoying nature in the city and are just a short stroll from Point Piper. The suburb is a short drive from the CBD and can be accessed by car or public transport.
It’s a popular choice for families and is close to shopping centres, schools, green space and medical facilities. Another popular area is West Hoxton, which was named as the most family-friendly suburb in Australia. It’s a fast-growing area and boasts larger blocks and affordable properties.
If you’re looking for a quieter lifestyle, consider Pymble in the upper north shore. It is known for its low crime rates and has a relaxed lifestyle. It’s a popular area for families, with many homes boasting larger backyards.
| Postal code | 2027 |
| Area | 39 ha |
| Elevation | 23 m |
| Weather | 21 °C, Wind N at 23 km/h |
Darling Point #2
Darling Point is one of Sydney’s most expensive and desirable suburbs. It’s a blue chip harbourside suburb, walking distance to the CBD and home to some of the city’s wealthiest residents.
This is the perfect place for anyone who wants to live in the heart of the action, with its proximity to the waterfront, Circular Quay and The Rocks. It also offers a host of top restaurants, bars and attractions.
The suburb is a popular choice among families and young couples with its proximity to great schools, parks and green spaces. However, it can be expensive if you’re looking for something on the lower end of the scale.
If you’re more budget conscious, then there are plenty of other good options that will be within easy access to the city centre. Areas like Redfern, Newtown, Ultimo, Waterloo and Surry Hills are all close to the city but are a little more affordable.
If you’re planning on living in the city, it’s worth spending some time deciding what exactly is most important to you and what you can afford. This way, you’ll be able to narrow down your search and find the right neighbourhood for you.
| Postal code | 2027 |
| Area | 67 ha |
| Founded | 1833 |
| Weather: | 21 °C, Wind N at 23 km/h |
| Population | 3,977 (SAL 2021) |
Vaucluse #3
Vaucluse is one of Australia’s most affluent suburbs, and is home to many prestigious real estate properties. Located on the eastern side of Sydney Harbour, it is known for its exclusive atmosphere and beautiful views. The area has a large concentration of luxury homes, including grand mansions and charming waterfront properties.
It is also a popular spot for young professionals and families who are seeking a high-end lifestyle. Another famous landmark in Vaucluse is the Wentworth House, a stunning gothic revival mansion. It is managed by the Historic Houses Trust and offers views over Sydney Harbour.
For foodies, there are plenty of delicious local delicacies available in the surrounding area, including fragrant Carpentras strawberries, Venasque cherries and black figs. You can also sample a range of cheeses, nougat and honey at various markets.
The area is also known for its wine, with Chateauneuf-du-Pape and other Cotes du Rhone wines renowned worldwide. There are many cellar doors to visit, and you can even hire a Segway or take a 16km bike ride around the vineyards.
| Elevation | 76 m |
| Weather | 21 °C, Wind N at 23 km/h |
Woollahra #4
Affluent and exclusive, Woollahra is a small part of Sydney’s eastern suburbs and has been home to many celebrities. Its elegant Edwardian and Victorian-style terraced houses have been protected, maintaining their character.
The area boasts wide leafy streets, harbour views and a wealth of prestigious schools. It’s also home to some of the city’s most expensive real estate, with federation mansions and affluent apartment blocks all lining its streets. Iconic Bondi Beach, a short drive to the north, is renowned for its swimming, surfing, sunbathing and shopping.
To the south, Tamarama and Bronte beaches are less crowded. A walk along the esplanade or suburban backstreets can take you to many more of Sydney’s beaches and coastal walks. You can even take a ferry trip to Manly, with its harbor-side and sweeping beaches.
| Postal code | 2025 |
| Weather | 21 °C, Wind N at 24 km/h |
| Area | 123 ha |
| Population | 7,189 (SAL 2021) |
Double Bay #5
Whether you are looking to rent or buy a property in Sydney, you will want to choose the best suburb for your needs. There are many different factors that come into play when deciding on a suburb such as proximity to work, good schools, access to parks and open space and of course affordability.
If you are looking for an elegant and stylish area to live in, look no further than Double Bay. This harbourside district is home to high-end designer stores, salons and incredible restaurants as well as a vibrant cafe society and beautiful residential homes.
Aside from its enticing shopping, this neighbourhood is also known for having some of the best bars in Sydney. A great place to head to for a night out is InterContinental Stillery which features more than 100 types of local and international gins as well as their signature espresso martini.
Located in the eastern part of Sydney, Double Bay is a highly sought-after destination for luxury real estate and fine dining. It’s one of the most fashionable and expensive shopping districts in Sydney, and is also known for its picturesque Blackburn Cove.
| Postal code | 2028 |
| Weather | 21 °C, Wind N at 24 km/h |
| Elevation | 10 m |
| Federal division(s) | Wentworth |
Rose Bay #6
The city’s most affordable, family-friendly suburb, Rose Bay is a short ferry ride from Sydney’s CBD. With harbour views and a great school system, the area has become a popular choice for families looking to raise their children in Sydney.
If you’re looking for more space, the western suburbs of Parramatta and Blacktown have been ranked high in the Urban Living Index (McCrindle). They’re also considered a great place to live due to their affordability and the large number of schools and community facilities available.
While the suburbs of the eastern suburbs are generally a little more expensive, they offer access to some of Sydney’s most iconic beaches and harbour views, along with parks, top schools, and other amenities. The eastern suburbs are also a great choice for those looking for a quieter base to live.
With many excellent schools, parks and plenty of outdoor space, the eastern suburbs are an ideal option for families. The suburbs are well serviced by public transport, which is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.
| Postal code | 2029 |
| Weather | 21 °C, Wind N at 23 km/h |
| Area | 2.6 km² |
| Elevation | 11 m |
Bellevue Hill #7
Bellevue Hill is one of Sydney’s most affluent suburbs and is a popular choice for families. This area is also home to some of the city’s best private schools and a large Jewish community. This upscale neighborhood is located around 5km from the centre of the city and features stunning views of the harbour.
It’s an excellent location to explore the city, with attractions like Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge within easy reach. It’s also a great place to take a stroll, thanks to its many green areas and parks.
The Bungaree Reserve and March Street Reserve are both good spots to relax and enjoy the scenic views. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Bellevue Hill, there are a number of vacation rentals available. Make sure to check out “Barakee Creek – The Old Shack” and “Waterfront On Manly Harbour”.
If you’re traveling with your family, we recommend finding a holiday rental near or in Bellevue Hill that offers spacious rooms and amenities for your trip. For example, “Patonga Views Holiday Retreat 2 Night Minimum Stay” is a great option that offers 3 bedrooms and can sleep up to 8 people.
| Postal code | 2023 |
| Weather | 21 °C, Wind N at 27 km/h |
| Population | 10,590 (SAL 2021) |
| Location | km (3 mi) east of Sydney CBD |
Hunters Hill #8
Situated on a peninsula where the Lane Cove and Parramatta rivers meet, Hunters Hill exudes historic luxury and elegance just nine kilometres north-west of the CBD. Known for its fine colonial architecture, sandstone homes, welcoming community and leafy green parks, this Sydney suburb is a great choice for those seeking peace and quiet.
With its French-village atmosphere, Hunters Hill exudes an air of romance more than a suburban oasis. It is renowned as one of Australia’s oldest garden suburbs and boasts an extensive range of cafes, restaurants, shopping villages, private hospital and a waterfront, lush Boronia Park Reserve.
Unlike terrace-house suburbs like Paddington and Glebe, a significant proportion of the properties in Hunters Hill are detached and have retained a lot of their original character, including workers’ cottages built from local sandstone.
This, combined with the peninsula heritage conservation zone, has meant that many of the most beautiful homes in the suburb have retained their original appeal. Residents of our Hunters Hill Lodge enjoy the perfect lifestyle – prime positioning within the community, close to cafes and restaurants and the community centre.
While also enjoying the stunning views of Tarban Bay from their spacious homes on 3+ acre lots. With a wide variety of weekly outings, visits from special interest groups and exercise classes offered on site, it’s easy to stay active, healthy and connected.
| Postal code | 2110 |
| Area | 5.75 km² |
| Founded | 1861 |
| Weather | 21 °C, Wind N at 16 km/h |
FAQs about Live In Sydney
What is it really like to live in Sydney?
Living in Sydney is an experience that offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions. It’s a bustling city with iconic landmarks such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, surrounded by beautiful beaches and national parks. However, it can also be expensive and crowded, with traffic and housing affordability being major challenges.
What are the good things about living in Sydney?
There are many great things about living in Sydney. The city is known for its excellent quality of life, diverse culture, and world-class dining and entertainment. It’s also surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including beaches, parks, and waterways. Sydney has a strong economy and is home to top universities and research institutions.
