Home is where the heart is, so you want to find an area that resonates with your lifestyle and values. Here are some great Sydney suburbs that will tick all the boxes.
Sydney offers a diverse range of places to live – from spectacular harbourside suburbs and proximity to world-famous beaches to chic inner-city neighbourhoods and artistic multicultural communities, and many more in between.
The catch? While there is much to love about Sydney, it is also one of the most expensive places to live in Australia.
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Sydney is one of the world’s most desirable locations, with Double Bay being one of the most expensive suburbs – but there are equally as good alternatives. Picture: Getty
With a median house price of $1,195,000, it’s well above the national average of $792,000.
Only 8% of Sydney suburbs have a median house value below the national average, but they are at least 30 kilometres from the CBD, scattered around the Central Coast, Blacktown, the outer west and Blue Mountains.
Sydney’s median rental price – $720 per week for houses and $650 for units – is also well above the national capital cities’ average of $600 and $570, respectively.
The good news for renters is there are suburbs in Sydney that offer the same lifestyle perks of a great location without the eye-watering price tag – if you know what to look for and where you might find it.
Features of a quality neighbourhood
Safety
We spend most of our time in the community we live in, so it’s important to feel safe at home and around your local area.
When choosing a place to settle down, it’s a good idea to research local crime statistics, chat to locals in the area, and consider properties that have security features such as alarms, lockable windows, security doors and lock-up garages.
“When renting a new home, it’s important to evaluate any security weak spots and hazards (and look to get those fixed) and check that any home security installed is in good working order before moving in,” says a GIO insurance spokesperson.
The safety of your suburb can also impact insurance costs, adds our spokesperson.
“Finding the right suburb and place to live takes time and research, it can influence your lifestyle, mental wellbeing, and finances even to the cost of insurance.”
Moving into a new home is massive – if you can, always take time to get to know an area before committing. Picture: Getty
To cover yourself in the event of accidents or the unexpected, our GIO spokesperson recommends renters think about insurance cover.
“Whether you’re living in a unit or a house, it’s worth considering taking out some Contents insurance cover to make sure that your previous contents are protected,” they explain.
“Contents insurance can provide cover for everything from valuables and important documents to appliances, furniture and more when lost or damaged by events such as storms, theft, fire (including bushfire) or flood.”
Services and public transport
You want to be able to get around easily, with the convenience of being able to pop down to the local shops for groceries or other necessities.
Check the public transport services available and the frequency of their timetables in the suburb, as well as connectivity and accessibility to major roads for commuting.
Good local schools
If you have children, easy access to quality education is a key consideration. Particularly a school environment where your child will feel comfortable, safe and welcomed.
Greenspace
A lot of homes in Sydney are tight on backyard space, so being able to enjoy quality parklands, walking and bike paths in your area is important for a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
5 ideal suburbs for Sydney renters
From trendy urban enclaves to peaceful, family-friendly greenbelts, these locales offer the best of Sydney lifestyle at more affordable prices.
Newtown
Just six kilometres from the CBD, this bohemian borough offers a vibrant and eclectic living experience.
Close to the University of Sydney, it’s bustling with independent retailers, boutiques, and music venues including the iconic Enmore Hotel.
Newtown is a trendy and eclectic mix of urban essentials – retail shops, pubs, restaurants, cafes, and lively residents. Picture: Getty
A diverse community popular with young people, Newtown’s median unit rent is just above the Sydney median at $575 per week.
Collaroy
Nestled along Sydney’s northern beaches, Collaroy offers a serene coastal lifestyle with a strong sense of community.
With easy access to stunning beaches, scenic coastal walks, and an array of outdoor activities, Collaroy is a short drive to the more famous Manly, but far cheaper with a median rental of $700 for a unit and $1,272 for a house, compared to Manly’s $900 (unit) and $1,800 (house).
Marrickville
Known for its multicultural atmosphere, Marrickville’s humble working-class roots have developed into an industrial-chic aesthetic.
The suburb’s rich tapestry of post-war Greek and Vietnamese immigrants is reflected in diverse dining options and bustling markets. Handy to a range of schools, parks and public transport, Marrickville has a median unit rent of $600 per week.
Westmead
Offering a convenient and family-friendly lifestyle, Westmead comes with a lively yet peaceful vibe and strong community spirit.
Home to Westmead Hospital, one of Australia’s largest hospitals, the suburb has a range of schools, parks and public transport, along with a range of dining options that reflect diverse culinary traditions.
Median rent for a house is well below the Sydney median at $640, and $550 for a unit.
Glebe
A vibrant inner-city suburb, Glebe offers a charming and eclectic lifestyle with a unique blend of heritage architecture, cultural diversity, and boutique shops.
Glebe is full of green space, great food, is close to the city, and enjoys a vibrant community. Picture: Getty
Just a stone’s throw from the CBD, it’s handy to universities, schools and parks. Glebe attracts a mix of residents including students, professionals and families.
Glebe has a similar vibe to nearby Surry Hills, yet is cheaper with a median unit rent of $660 and $1,000 for a house, compared to $720 and $1,100 respectively.
Disclaimer: Price values based off the median Sydney rental value for each suburb according to PropTrack data as of April 2024.
Disclaimer: Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Go to gio.com.au for a copy. The Target Market Determination is also available. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.
This information is intended to be of a general nature only. We do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss incurred as a result of reliance upon it – please make your own enquiries.
Price values based off the median Sydney rental value for each suburb according to PropTrack data as of April 2024.
This article was originally published on
11 Jul 2024 at 1:40pm
but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.