Our top 10 best places to live in Sydney in 2023
Dreaming of living in one of the most beautiful cities in Australia? With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture and bustling nightlife, we don’t blame you for looking into the housing market in Sydney!
Whether you’re looking for a scenic spot with breathtaking views, a family-friendly suburb or an up-and-coming area to invest in, Sydney has hundreds of stunning suburbs to live in, all filled with natural beauties, work, school and social activities, and all the things your family needs to live life to the fullest.
Wondering where to live in Sydney?
Find the perfect place to call home — here, we share 10 of the best places to live in Sydney!
#1. The Shire
The Shire has been called “Sydney’s best-kept secret” thanks to its affordable waterfront properties, stunning coastline and relaxed vibe, all just 26km outside of the CBD. With bush, beaches, waterways and rivers, it’s hard to believe you’re so close to the city!
The Royal National Park (i.e. the second oldest national park in Australia) is close by — the ferry at Bundeena will take you to bushwalking opportunities and stunning beaches for surfing, sunbathing and swimming.
Around 80% of the population in the Shire is classed as family households and couples, and it is known for being an affordable place to raise a family. Plus, there’s an excellent public transport network throughout the area, and it’s a short 50-minute train trip to Central Station in the CBD.
Notable suburbs include:
- Cronulla
- Heathcote
- Bundeena
- Oyster Bay
- Miranda
- Sutherland
- Engadine
- Caringbah
#2. South West Sydney
Just 30km from the CBD, South West Sydney is one of the most popular areas for families in the city — with local parks, sporting fields, schools, shopping centres, healthcare facilities and more, it’s well-connected and has everything you need close by. New estates also pop-up in South West Sydney all the time and are always designed with families in mind!
If you’re looking for things to do, the Australian Botanic Garden is in the area with the Fruit Loop Garden for the kids, filled with bush tucker and native flora. There are bike tracks, themed gardens, self-guided tours, markets and events, including food and wine festivals — truly, something for everyone.
Notable suburbs include:
- Canterbury
- Liverpool
- Bankstown
- Fairfield
- Camden
- Campbelltown
- Horningsea
- Preston
#3. The Northern Beaches
If you’re looking for nice areas in Sydney, it’s hard to look past the Northern Beaches! A coastal paradise that boasts breathtaking natural beauty and a relaxed beach vibe, you’re always close to Manly Beach, the hidden coves of Palm Beach and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Plus, there are over 20 beaches to choose from in the area — perfect for swimmers, surfers, and fish out of water.
The area is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why. It’s an active, friendly community and has incredible liveability, thanks to its close proximity to the Sydney CBD.
Notable suburbs include:
- Avalon
- Curl Curl
- Dee Why
- Frenchs Forest
- Ingleside
- Manly
- Mona Vale
- Morning Bay
- Narrabeen
- Newport
- Palm Beach
#4. The Eastern Suburbs
Sydney's Eastern Suburbs is a magical blend of coastal beauty and urban sophistication. It's no wonder that this area has become an iconic symbol of Australia's vibrant culture and stunning natural landscape! Stretching from Bondi to Watsons Bay, this area is coveted for its beautiful beaches, picturesque parks, and sophisticated yet laid-back lifestyle.
From the trendy cafes and boutique shops of Paddington and Double Bay to the leafy streets of Woollahra and Vaucluse, the eastern suburbs exude an air of exclusivity and refinement. Take a stroll through Centennial Park, one of Sydney's largest and most beautiful green spaces, or explore the historic architecture of Darlinghurst and Surry Hills.
The area is home to some of the best neighbourhoods in Sydney, including:
- Bondi
- Double Bay
- Paddington
- Woollahra
- Vaucluse
- Coogee
- Maroubra
- Randwick
- Potts Point
- Rushcutters Bay
- Watsons Bay
- Darlinghurst
- Surry Hills
- Woolloomooloo
#5. The Inner West
As you venture into Sydney's Inner West, you'll discover a vibrant and eclectic neighbourhood bursting with character and charm. From the bustling streets of Newtown to the leafy suburbs of Annandale, this part of the city is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and experiences.
The tree-lined streets are dotted with terrace houses and heritage buildings — these hidden gems offer a glimpse into Sydney's past, while still boasting a modern and cosmopolitan feel. Plus, you'll discover an abundance of parks and green spaces, where families and friends gather for picnics and barbecues, and where children play and explore.
The area has some of the best places to live in Sydney for families:
- Newtown
- Annandale
- Glebe
- Rozelle
- Leichhardt
- Dulwich Hill
- Balmain
- Redfern
- Erskineville
- Camperdown
#6. The Lower North Shore
The Lower North Shore of Sydney is a picturesque and affluent region just north of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, famous for its tranquil waterways, stunning architecture, upscale dining scene, and vibrant shopping districts.
The area features an impressive collection of luxurious waterfront homes and historic buildings that reflect the region's rich cultural heritage. The lush greenery of the North Shore's parks and reserves make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with scenic walking paths, cycling routes, and picnic spots.
Notable suburbs include:
- Willoughby
- Chatswood
- Crows Nest
- Lavender Bay
- North Sydney
- Lane Cove
- Mosman
- Neutral Bay
- Riverview
- Kirribilli
- Greenwich
#7. North West Sydney
With its eclectic mixture of urban sophistication and natural beauty, North West Sydney is truly a remarkable place to live, work, and play. A vibrant and thriving region that offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural tranquility, North West Sydney has bustling commercial centres, lush parks and reserves — there’s something for everyone here!
The area is also home to some of the highest-ranked schools and universities in Australia, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a first-rate education
Notable suburbs include:
- Castle Hill
- Epping
- Pennant Hills
- Richmond
- Castlereagh
- Windsor
- Rouse Hill
- Dural
- Kurrajong
#8. Western Sydney
Western Sydney is a vibrant and thriving region that truly encapsulates the energy and cultural diversity of Australia.
With a population of more than two million people, the area is a mix of cultures, traditions and experiences, and it’s growing rapidly — exciting new developments and initiatives popping up all the time! From innovative new businesses to world-class research facilities, Western Sydney is a hub of creativity and innovation.
For nature lovers, the region boasts several stunning national parks, including the Blue Mountains National Park, which offers breathtaking views and scenic walks.
Notable suburbs include:
- Blacktown
- Parramatta
- Pendle Hill
- Baulkham Hills
- Merrylands
- Lidcombe
- Penrith
- Revesby
- Carlingford
- Campsie
- Ashcroft
#9. The Blue Mountains
Looking for the best places to live outside of Sydney? The Blue Mountains has a lot to offer! With its majestic cliffs, deep valleys, and lush greenery, this region is a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and adventurers. With outdoor activities like rock climbing, abseiling, and mountain biking, there’s never a dull moment in the Blue Mountains.
The area offers a peaceful, beautiful, and diverse community that attracts people looking for a quieter, more relaxed and nature-filled lifestyle. There’s a strong community spirit, friendly and welcoming residents, and a stream of community events, making it the perfect place to live away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Notable suburbs include:
- Glenbrook
- Springwood
- Winmalee
- Katoomba
- Blaxland
#10. The Hawkesbury
With its scenic waterways, lush bushland, and breathtaking vistas, the Hawkesbury is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The meandering rivers and creeks flowing through the region offer water sports like kayaking, fishing, boating, or taking a stroll through the pristine countryside.
The Hawkesbury is also renowned for its food and wine culture, with an abundance of gourmet fare on offer. Sample locally grown produce, indulge in artisanal cheeses or savour award-winning wines at one of the many vineyards dotted throughout the region. There’s always something new to experience in the area!
While the Hawkesbury is a fast-growing community of young families, retirees and professionals, it still has a relaxed, rural lifestyle, making it a quiet, peaceful place to live.
Notable suburbs include:
- Windsor
- Richmond
- Cattai
- Freemans Reach
- Kurrajong
We build beautiful homes in some of the best places to live in Sydney!
At Montgomery Homes, we build architectural home designs all across Sydney down to the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury, and Wollongong and the Illawarra region, including single and double-storey homes, reverse living home designs, acreage homes and more. With more than 250 designs to choose from, you’re almost guaranteed to find a new home that suits your lifestyle, and the atmosphere in the city.
Browse through our collection of Sydney home designs, or come and visit one of our display homes! We have stunning designs available to tour at Box Hill, Wilton Greens, Leppington and Redbank.
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