Sydney remains one of the most dynamic and expensive major cities in Australia. Most people consider affordability, strong community, easy walk to the office, or short commute to the office, comfort, and physical environment. According to NAB, the median house value in Sydney was about A$1,550,563, and the median unit (apartment) value was about A$880,777. Sydney is one of the most expensive housing markets in Australia, so depending on your requirements, you can choose the best suburb to live in Sydney that is affordable, easily commutable, and has a good physical environment.
In this guide, we have chosen the best places to live in Sydney based on the lifestyle, budget, easy commute, beach, and other things.
What Makes a Great Suburb in 2026
Your choice of suburb could have a direct influence on your daily commute, living experience, and quality of neighborhood. The people who relocate across Sydney mostly look at these key factors to make the right decision.
- Affordability for house or rental costs relative to the budget
- Commute and connectivity with CBD or major business hubs, public transport access
- Lifestyle and amenities with nearby shops, cafés, nightlife, culture, or green spaces
- Community Demographics that match families, students, professionals, beach-goers,and creatives
- Liveability and future outlook for growth prospects, infrastructure upgrades, and rental/ownership value
What are the Best Places to Live in Sydney
Sydney has many suburbs, and we have mentioned the top places that people choose to live a comfortable life. These suburbs can easily be categorised for young professionals who prefer an urban lifestyle or for families who look for long-term stability. Here is a comparative overview of different suburbs to show which category fits them the best.
Surrey hills
Surrey Hills will be at the top of our list. It is one of the most chosen areas to live in Sydney. It is close to the central business district and is in the southeast. From restaurants to offices and shops, Surrey Hills has everything to offer. If you choose Surrey Hills, you will have an easy walk or a short train ride to everything you need.
Pros
- Short commute to the main central business district
- Enjoy daily life by going to cafes, the supermarket, or work.
- Good place for going out with friends and family for dining or clubbing
- Easy access to public transport.
Cons
- Surrey Hills is on the pricer side
- As it is close to the CBD, it can get noisy and busy all the time.
- Parking issues are common as streets are narrow. (not everywhere).
- Houses are generally small and expensive near the CBD. less spacious for a family.
Newtown
Newtown will be on the second. It is situated in the inner west of Sydney and is a happening place for the young ones. The reason we have chosen the new town second is its lively neighbourhood. Newtown is best for young people, new weds, families with young people, and students. It gives more of a street culture vibe filled with energy, food, and young people.
Pros
- Newtown has a vibrant culture filled with music, events, and shops.
- Food is one of the main attractions in Newtown, which is filled with different cultures.
- Good public transport facilities
- It has a very strong walking lifestyle where people walk to work and other areas.
Cons
- Streets can be very busy on the weekends.
- Higher rents and parking facilities.
- Less space for parking on the weekends.
- A less spacious house than other suburbs, far from the CBD.
Parramatta
Parramatta is frequently referred to as Sydney’s secondary CBD. Parramatta, an urban centre located in western Sydney, has been established for many years and continues to grow as a business centre. Parramatta is located in western Sydney and is approximately 23km (14 miles) east of the Sydney CBD.
Pros:
- Diverse dining and entertainment options
- Strong job opportunities, with many of the largest corporations located there
- Rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks
- Train and bus connectivity is very strong
Cons:
- A lot of foot and vehicular traffic, especially during peak times
- Some neighborhoods have high crime rates.
- Congestion of traffic during the peak hours
Paddington
Paddington is one of the busiest and historical suburbs in Sydney. It is well known for its Victorian-style architecture of the houses, shops, and malls. If you like architecture, you should definitely live in Paddington. It is located in Western Sydney and is very close to the CBD. Good facilities for public transport and has everything you need to live a happy life.
Pros
- A large number of artists and creative individuals are found in the area.
- Retail and dining establishments are high-quality.
- The streetscapes have beautiful Victorian architecture.
Cons
- Real estate and the cost of living can be high.
- Crowds on market days can overwhelm the area.
Manly
Manly is one of the most expensive areas in Sydney to live. It is near the northern part of Sydney, near the beaches. It provides easy access to the city as well. It provides you with an ocean and beach house, and can provide you with the best luxury. It is a well-known place for celebrities and rich people.
Pros
- Living close to the ocean allows you to swim, surf, and walk on the beach every day.
- You can take the ferry to the city; this is an easy, reliable way to travel to and from the city.
- One of the strongest parts of the community and economy is the large number of visitors coming to the area for vacation and tourism.
- The residents of the area have a very healthy outdoor lifestyle, and fitness enthusiasts, cyclists, and walking the coasts live very active lives.
Cons
- The entry prices for homes are excessively high.
- Weekends are primarily full of tourists and visitors.
- There is very limited land available for developing large single-family homes.
Marrickville
Another quality suburb in Sydney is Marrickville. It is less expensive than other suburbs and provides a local feel. It is multicultural and has a variety of food. It has many beautiful markets and is best for people looking to stay long-term.
Pros
- It is a happening place and has a strong community and a vibrant neighborhood.
- It has food from different cultures.
- Transport options are easily variable.
Cons
- The price is still high; therefore, first-time home buyers are likely to pay more to live in these areas due to the higher prices in the inner ring.
- Some streets can be quite loud due to busy traffic flow or nearby nightlife.
- Finding a larger family home is very competitive.
- There may be limited parking available in these older, more densely populated areas.
Baulkham Hills
It is located in the southern part of the Hills District, is known for its friendly and excellent infrastructure and services. It is situated between both the City and the Countryside of Sydney, allowing residents easy access to both. It is 31 km from the central business district and the median price of the house is $1.2 million.
Pros:
- It is Great for Schools and Education.
- Public transport is very effective and easy to use. Also has a metro.
- It is filled with Lots of Parks and Green Space
Cons:
- The area is quiet and does not have much Nightlife and Entertainment
- It is also too far from the CBD for some.
These are some of the suburbs in Sydney that are among the best places to live. If you are relocating to a different suburb in Sydney, you can definitely choose one of them.
Comparison Table: Best Places to Live in Sydney
| Suburb | Median Weekly Rent (Approx.) | Distance to CBD | Best For | Lifestyle | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surry Hills | $850–$1,200 | 2 km | Young professionals, creatives | Trendy, vibrant, café culture | Excellent – trains, buses, walkable |
| Newtown | $750–$1,000 | 4 km | Students, young couples, artists | Bohemian, multicultural, lively | Excellent – trains & buses |
| Parramatta | $600–$850 | 23 km | Families, professionals | Urban, diverse, business hub | Strong – trains, buses, light rail |
| Paddington | $900–$1,300 | 3 km | Professionals, creatives | Boutiques, Victorian architecture | Good – buses, walkable |
| Manly | $900–$1,400 | 17 km (via ferry) | Beach lovers, affluent families | Coastal, outdoorsy | Ferry + buses |
| Marrickville | $700–$950 | 7 km | Families, long-term renters | Hip, multicultural markets | Good – trains & buses |
| Baulkham Hills | $700–$1,050 | 31 km | Families, suburban living | Quiet, green, spacious | Good – Metro + buses |
Hire the Best Movers and Packers in Sydney | Singh Movers and Packers
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Contact details
Company Name – Singh Movers and Packers
EMAIL ADDRESS – info@singhmoversandpackers.com
Phone – +61423444660
Address – 107 Richmond Rd, Blacktown NSW 2148, Australia
Frequently Asked Questions for Best Places to Live in Sydney
Which is the most trusted mover and packer in Sydney?
Singh Movers and Packers are the most experienced and trusted removalists in Sydney.
Which is the best place in Sydney to live for young adults?
Newtown and Surrey Hills are the best places for young adults in Sydney.
Which is the safest area to live in Sydney?
Mainly, northern beaches and hill districts are the safest places to live in Sydney.
Which is the best place in Sydney to live for students?
Newtown is the best place in Sydney to live for students due to its vibe and young population.
How much does it cost to hire the removalists in Sydney?
Several factors influence the pricing of the removalists. It depends on the size of the shift, distance, services you avail, and many more. Singh Movers and Packers are the most trusted and reasonably priced movers and packers in Sydney.
Which is the best suburb to live in Sydney for families?
Hornsby, the Baulkham Hills, and Chatswood are the most famous areas for living with the family in Sydney.
