Sydney, Australia, is a city renowned for its stunning beaches, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture. It’s no surprise that many individuals and families dream of calling Sydney home. Whether you’re seeking the bustling energy of the city or the tranquillity of suburban life, Sydney offers a diverse range of neighbourhoods to suit every lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best suburbs in Sydney for 2024 and 2025, helping you find the perfect place to settle down.
Why Sydney is a great place to live
Before diving into the best suburbs, it’s worth noting why Sydney is a good place to live. With its world-class amenities, excellent healthcare and education systems, and an abundance of green spaces, Sydney provides a high quality of life. The city boasts a mild climate, making outdoor activities enjoyable year-round. Additionally, Sydney’s diverse cultural scene, with its numerous festivals, theatres, and dining options, ensures there’s always something exciting happening.
Best suburbs to live in Sydney
Sydney’s North and Northern Beaches
Berowra Heights
Median house price: $1,400,500
Crime rate: Specific crime statistics indicate that the suburb has lower than average crime rates compared to other parts of Sydney, further enhancing its appeal​.
Berowra Heights is an appealing suburb in the northern region of Sydney, known for its family-friendly environment, natural beauty, and strong community spirit. While Berowra Heights provides a peaceful suburban lifestyle, it is also well-connected to the Sydney CBD and other major areas via train and road, making it convenient for commuters.
Berowra Heights is known for its strong community spirit.
Lane Cove
Median house price: $2,100,000
Crime rate: Low crime rates, contributing to its reputation as a safe and family-friendly suburb.
Lane Cove, located on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, is a popular choice for families and professionals. The suburb is known for its leafy streets, good schools, and strong community spirit. Lane Cove offers a variety of parks and recreational facilities, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The area’s convenient location, with easy access to the city and surrounding suburbs, makes it one of the best places to live in Sydney.
Mosman
Median house price: $5,450,000
Crime rate: 224.1 incidents per 100,000 people. Despite its high property prices, Mosman remains one of the safer suburbs in Sydney.
Mosman, located on the Lower North Shore, is often considered one of the best suburbs in Sydney. Known for its stunning harbour views, beautiful beaches, and upscale homes, Mosman is a favourite among affluent families and professionals. The area offers excellent schools, a variety of cafes and restaurants, and plenty of green spaces, including the famous Taronga Zoo. Mosman’s proximity to the city centre, just a short ferry ride away, adds to its appeal.
Wahroonga
Median house price: $2,100,000
Crime rate: Generally low crime rates, reflecting its family-friendly environment.
For families seeking a peaceful suburban lifestyle, Wahroonga on the Upper North Shore is an excellent option. This leafy suburb is known for its large homes, excellent schools, and abundant green spaces. Wahroonga’s village atmosphere, with its quaint shops and cafes, makes it one of the best family suburbs in Sydney. The area also boasts easy access to national parks and recreational facilities, providing plenty of outdoor activities for children and adults alike.
The cafe lifestyle of Wahroonga is appealing to buyers looking to buy in Sydney.
North Sydney
Median house price: $3,000,000
Crime rate: Lower than average crime rates, making it a desirable area close to the CBD.
For those who work in the city but prefer a quieter residential area, North Sydney is a perfect choice. This suburb offers a mix of high-rise apartments and historic homes, catering to a diverse population. North Sydney is known for its excellent schools, parks, and shopping options. The suburb’s close proximity to the city centre, combined with its family-friendly amenities, makes it one of the best suburbs to live in Sydney for families.
Manly
Median house price: $3,200,000
Crime rate: Lower than average crime rates, contributing to its popularity among families and professionals.
For those who love the beach, Manly is one of the best suburbs to live in Sydney. Located on the Northern Beaches, Manly combines a relaxed coastal lifestyle with easy access to the city. The suburb is famous for its surf culture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Families will appreciate the good schools and numerous parks, while young professionals can enjoy the thriving cafe and restaurant scene.
Manly residents love the connection to the beach and city via the Manly Ferry or Jet Cat.
Northern Sydney suburbs, particularly Mosman, Manly, and North Sydney, are significantly more expensive, reflecting their prime locations and amenities.
Sydney’s Inner West
Balmain
Median house price: $3,200,000
Crime rate: Moderately low crime rates, making it a safe choice with a vibrant community feel.
Balmain, situated in Sydney’s Inner West, offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Known for its heritage-listed buildings, boutique shops, and lively pubs, Balmain has a strong community feel. The suburb is ideal for families and young professionals alike, with good schools, parks, and a convenient ferry service to the city. Balmain’s village-like atmosphere makes it one of the best neighbourhoods in Sydney, Australia.
Surry Hills
Median house price: $2,000,000
Crime rate: Higher crime rate of 92.64 incidents per 100,000 people, mainly due to its central location and bustling nightlife
If you’re looking for a vibrant, inner-city lifestyle, Surry Hills is a top choice. This suburb is famous for its artistic vibe, with numerous galleries, theatres, and creative spaces. Surry Hills offers a mix of historic terraces and modern apartments, catering to a diverse population. The area is also known for its exceptional dining and nightlife options. Young professionals and singles will find Surry Hills to be one of the best neighbourhoods in Sydney to live.
Surry Hills oozes style, vibe and creativity.
Western Sydney Suburbs
Parramatta
Median house price: $1,300,000
Crime rate: 180.64 incidents per 100,000 people. While it has higher crime rates compared to some other suburbs, it offers significant amenities and transport links
As Sydney’s second CBD, Parramatta is a bustling hub of activity. This suburb offers a mix of modern apartments and historic homes, catering to a diverse population. Parramatta is known for its excellent transport links, vibrant dining scene, and cultural attractions. Families will appreciate the good schools and parks, while professionals can enjoy the convenience of city living. Parramatta’s dynamic atmosphere makes it one of the best neighbourhoods in Sydney to live.
Paramatta, Sydney’s second CBD, provides residents with the perfect work/life balance.
Blacktown
Median house price: $800,000
Crime rate: Higher crime rate, making it one of the more dangerous suburbs in Western Sydney
Blacktown is one of the major centres of Western Sydney, known for its diverse community and range of amenities. It offers affordable housing options, good schools, and plenty of parks and recreational facilities. The suburb also has a growing business district, providing local employment opportunities.
Penrith
Median house price: $950,000
Crime rate: 148.71 incidents per 100,000 people, placing it in the middle range for crime rates in Western Sydney
Penrith, located near the Blue Mountains, offers a unique blend of urban and outdoor lifestyles. It has excellent amenities, including the Nepean Hospital, Westfield shopping center, and numerous dining options. Penrith is also a gateway to outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports, making it a great choice for active families.
Shop till you drop in Penrith.
Castle Hill
Median house price: $2,000,000
Crime rate: Lower crime rates, making it a popular and safe choice for families.
Castle Hill, part of the Hills District, is known for its family-friendly environment, excellent schools, and shopping centers like Castle Towers. The suburb offers a variety of parks and recreational facilities, making it a popular choice for families. It also has good public transport links, including the Sydney Metro Northwest.
Western Sydney tends to offer more affordable options compared to the Northern Sydney suburbs. Blacktown, Fairfield, and Glenmore Park are some of the more affordable areas, with median house prices under $1,000,000. Parramatta and Liverpool offer a balance of affordability and urban conveniences in Western Sydney, making them attractive for both families and professionals. Castle Hill and Kellyville in Western Sydney, while more expensive, provide spacious family homes and strong community amenities, justifying their higher prices.
South Sydney
Sutherland
Median house price: $1,150,000
Crime rate: 53.70 incidents per 100,000 people. Sutherland is known for its safe and family-friendly environment, with good public transport connectivity​
Sutherland is often considered one of the best suburbs in South Sydney due to its family-friendly environment, excellent schools, and abundant green spaces. The suburb offers a range of amenities, including shopping centers, parks, and recreational facilities. Sutherland also has a strong community feel and is well-connected by public transport, making it an ideal choice for families and professionals.
Cronulla
Median house price: $1,900,000
Crime rate: Cronulla is a popular coastal suburb with a low crime rate, making it an attractive location for families and young professionals​
Cronulla is famous for its beautiful beaches, surf culture, and vibrant community. It's one of the best suburbs to live in Sydney if you love the coastal lifestyle. Cronulla offers a range of housing options, good schools, and plenty of parks and recreational areas. The suburb also has a lively dining and nightlife scene, making it popular with both families and young professionals.
The beach and surf culture of Cronulla provides the iconic Australian lifestyle.
Hurstville
Median house price: $1,300,000
Crime rate: Hurstville has a relatively low crime rate, making it a safe choice for families and individuals​
Hurstville is a bustling suburb known for its diverse community and excellent amenities. It has a major shopping centre, good schools, and a wide range of dining options. Hurstville is well-connected by public transport, including a major train station that makes commuting to the city easy. The suburb's vibrant atmosphere and family-friendly amenities make it one of the best places to live in South Sydney.
Kirrawee
Median house price: $1,050,000
Crime rate: Kirrawee has undergone significant development, improving its appeal while maintaining a relatively safe environment​
Kirrawee is a rapidly growing suburb that offers a mix of urban convenience and suburban tranquillity. The newly developed South Village shopping precinct provides plenty of retail and dining options. Kirrawee is also known for its good schools, parks, and recreational facilities. The suburb's proximity to the Royal National Park makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Kirawee is the adult and kid playground combining lifestyle and family friendly activities.
Why these Sydney suburbs make the best to live in list?
We selected the suburbs based on several factors that are typically important for individuals and families looking to find the best places to live in Sydney. These factors include:
Proximity to the city centre: Suburbs like Mosman, Balmain, North Sydney, and Surry Hills offer easy access to Sydney's central business district (CBD), which is crucial for professionals working in the city.
Quality of schools: Suburbs like Wahroonga, North Sydney, and Cronulla are known for their excellent schools, making them attractive to families with children.
Lifestyle and amenities: Areas like Manly and Coogee offer a relaxed coastal lifestyle with beautiful beaches and vibrant dining scenes, appealing to both young professionals and families.
Community and atmosphere: Suburbs like Berowra Heights, Balmain and Lane Cove have a strong community spirit and a village-like atmosphere, which is appealing to those looking for a close-knit community.
Green spaces and outdoor activities: Suburbs such as Wahroonga and Cronulla offer plenty of parks and recreational facilities, which are important for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Housing options: These suburbs provide a variety of housing options, from modern apartments to historic homes and spacious family houses, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Cultural and social scene: Suburbs like Surry Hills and Parramatta have a vibrant cultural scene with numerous cafes, restaurants, theatres, and galleries, which is attractive to those looking for a lively social life.
How to get a home loan in Sydney
Getting a home loan in Sydney, including the suburbs mentioned, depends on several factors such as your financial situation, the lender's policies, and the current economic environment. Working with an experienced mortgage broker like Mint Equity enables you to remove the stress of the home loan application so you can focus on finding your perfect home in Sydney.
For the most accurate and recent data, it's advisable to consult local resources, real estate agents, and updated crime statistics.