St Ives is a vibrant suburb on Sydney's Upper North Shore that combines natural beauty with all the amenities modern families seek. Known for its leafy streets and family-friendly atmosphere, St Ives offers a wonderful blend of reputable schools, convenient transport options, diverse dining spots, and plenty of entertainment choices.
Residents enjoy a strong community feel, scenic parks, and easy access to nearby national parks, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
In this extensive St Ives suburb profile, we’ll dive into the best schools, local transport, dining, and entertainment options that make St Ives an attractive and welcoming place to call home.
St Ives Schools & Daycare Options
St Ives offers an impressive selection of educational options, catering to diverse needs from early childhood through to secondary schooling. Families in the area benefit from quality public, private, and faith-based institutions, each known for fostering academic achievement, personal growth, and community spirit.
With schools that support a range of learning styles and values, St Ives provides a strong foundation for children’s education across every stage.
Daycare Centres
Guardian Childcare & Education
Guardian St Ives provides a nurturing, nature-inspired learning environment for children, with an emphasis on play-based learning and curiosity-driven exploration. Their dedicated educators create a welcoming space that supports holistic child development.
Heritage House Turramurra Childcare & Early Learning Centre
Heritage House offers a warm, family-oriented childcare experience with a focus on early learning foundations. The centre provides an enriching program tailored to each child’s unique needs, fostering growth through structured play and discovery.
OAC St Ives delivers a comprehensive early education program combining engaging indoor and outdoor activities, nurturing each child’s interests. Their holistic approach promotes social, physical, and cognitive development in a safe, welcoming setting.
Handprints St Ives offers a caring, interactive learning environment with a focus on child-led exploration and skill-building. The centre prides itself on fostering a sense of community and collaboration among children, families, and staff.
Orchard ELC St Ives combines a homely atmosphere with a curriculum that encourages creativity and critical thinking. With experienced educators, children benefit from a balanced approach to learning that nurtures both personal and academic growth.
Shelly Tots provides a supportive, nurturing environment where young children thrive through play-based learning. Their small class sizes and attentive educators create a safe, encouraging space for early childhood development.
Schools
St Ives North Public School is renowned for its vibrant, inclusive environment, offering a strong academic curriculum supported by extracurricular activities in sports, music, and the arts. The school emphasises a balanced education that fosters individual growth.
St Ives Public School provides a supportive learning community that encourages excellence and curiosity. With dedicated staff and a variety of programs, students benefit from a well-rounded education that prepares them for future challenges.
St Ives High School is a comprehensive secondary school with a focus on academic achievement, creativity, and critical thinking. It offers a range of advanced programs and extracurriculars, promoting both personal and intellectual growth.
Brigidine College is an independent Catholic girls' school known for academic excellence and a values-based education. The college fosters leadership, community service, and lifelong learning within a caring, faith-filled environment.
Sydney Grammar St Ives Prep provides boys with a strong academic foundation, encouraging critical thinking and curiosity from a young age. The school’s well-rounded program includes extensive opportunities in music, sports, and languages.
Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School
Corpus Christi Catholic Primary offers a nurturing Catholic education that balances academic rigour with moral and spiritual growth. The school’s tight-knit community supports individual development through a values-driven approach.
Masada College is a Jewish co-educational school that fosters academic excellence within a values-focused framework. With a strong commitment to cultural heritage, the college offers students a supportive, enriching learning environment.
Sir Eric Woodward Memorial School provides specialised education for students with disabilities, focusing on personalised learning and skill-building. The school’s caring environment supports each child’s unique needs, promoting confidence and independence.
Transport Around St Ives
St Ives offers convenient transport options, making it easy to access Sydney’s CBD and surrounding suburbs. Regular bus services operate throughout the area, connecting residents to nearby train stations like Gordon and Pymble, as well as directly to the CBD.
For drivers, St Ives is well-served by major roads, including Mona Vale Road, which provides a direct route to the Northern Beaches, and the Pacific Highway, which connects to the city and the Upper North Shore. The area’s proximity to the M1 motorway also offers easy access to the Central Coast and beyond, making St Ives ideal for both daily commuters and weekend adventurers.
Employment Opportunities
According to the latest census, there were 21,665 people living in St Ives in 2021, with 50.8% of workers having a bachelor’s degree or higher. This is much higher than the state average of university-educated workers at 27.8%.
Of all the workers in the area, 57.8% worked full time and 29.6% worked part time. The most popular occupation was “professionals” and “managers” in industries like computer system design, banking, and hospitals.
At the time of writing, SEEK has 36,040 jobs within 50km of St Ives, ranging across a huge range of industries, occupations, and skill levels!
Outdoor Activities & Parks in St Ives
St Ives is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering countless parks, reserves, and nature trails that showcase the area’s stunning natural beauty. From peaceful bushwalks and family-friendly picnic spots to sports fields and scenic lookouts, St Ives provides ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation in the great outdoors.
Lapwing Reserve offers a tranquil bushland setting with short walking trails and open spaces. It’s a peaceful spot for families to enjoy a picnic or a casual walk in a natural environment.
St Ives Village Green is a popular community spot with open grassy areas, children’s play spaces, and seating. It’s a go-to location for family gatherings, sports, and community events in the heart of St Ives.
Acron Oval is a well-maintained sports field that supports local football, cricket, and rugby matches. With nearby trails and picnic areas, it’s a versatile outdoor spot for both sport enthusiasts and families.
St Ives Showground hosts a variety of events, from local markets to agricultural shows. Surrounded by bushland, it’s a great spot for recreation, camping, and enjoying events in a spacious outdoor setting.
Garigal National Park is a bushland oasis, offering extensive hiking trails, scenic lookouts, and native wildlife. With tracks for all skill levels, it’s perfect for adventurous walkers, picnickers, and nature lovers.
The Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden is a unique destination with trails, native flora, and wildlife spotting opportunities. Ideal for families and garden enthusiasts, it’s a peaceful place to explore native plants and natural beauty.
Entertainment & Shopping in St Ives
St Ives Shopping Village is the vibrant heart of retail in St Ives, offering a wide selection of stores and a welcoming community atmosphere.
With over 100 specialty retailers, shoppers can find everything from fashion, beauty, and homewares to fresh produce at Harris Farm Markets. Popular retailers like Sportsgirl, Priceline, and Lorna Jane are complemented by an array of boutique shops, ensuring a tailored shopping experience.
Beyond retail, St Ives Shopping Village hosts various community events, including weekly children's activities, seasonal markets, and family-friendly events, making it a lively hub where locals come to shop, dine, and connect.
Restaurants & Cafes
St Ives offers a vibrant dining scene with diverse options to suit every taste. From cosy cafés and artisanal bakeries to family-friendly eateries and gourmet restaurants, residents and visitors alike enjoy an array of culinary experiences. With fresh seafood, Mediterranean flavours, and indulgent patisseries, St Ives’ dining spots cater to casual catch-ups, special occasions, and everything in between.
Karoo & Co offers a relaxed, rustic dining experience with wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads, and hearty mains. Known for its warm ambiance and fresh ingredients, it’s a favourite spot for families and friends to gather over delicious, homemade-style food.
Located within St Ives Shopping Village, The Living Room Café serves up delicious coffee, hearty breakfasts, and fresh lunches in a comfortable setting. It’s perfect for a casual meal or coffee break while shopping.
Stanley’s Café is a cosy spot serving great coffee, tasty breakfast dishes, and light lunch options. Known for its friendly atmosphere, it’s a go-to for locals wanting a comfortable place to unwind and enjoy quality café fare.
Pattison's Patisserie is famous for its decadent pastries, cakes, and desserts, alongside a selection of savoury items. A St Ives staple, it’s the ideal place to indulge in a sweet treat or enjoy a coffee with friends.
Twenty74 combines a modern dining experience with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, offering a menu of fresh, flavourful dishes. With stylish decor and a welcoming vibe, it’s a favourite for everything from casual lunches to special dinners.
Chargrill Charlie’s is a go-to for delicious rotisserie chicken, fresh salads, and classic comfort food. Known for its quality ingredients and variety, it’s the perfect spot for a quick, satisfying meal for the whole family.
Comme Chez Nous brings authentic French flavours to St Ives with its delicious pastries, baguettes, and gourmet treats. With an inviting, Parisian-inspired atmosphere, it’s a wonderful place to savour French cuisine close to home.
Olympia Quality Seafood serves up fresh, high-quality seafood dishes, from fish and chips to seafood platters. Known for its casual, friendly service, it’s a popular choice for seafood lovers in the St Ives community.
Upcoming Infrastructure
St Ives is planning exciting infrastructure developments, enhancing its appeal for families and residents. The Ku-ring-gai Council is focused on projects to improve local amenities, community facilities, and transport.
Hassall Park is set to receive substantial upgrades, including a revamped field with improved drainage and lighting to enhance its use throughout the year. The upgrade aims to support local sports groups and provide a better experience for recreational users in all weather conditions.
The Lorraine Taylor Reserve Playground will also undergo updates to improve accessibility and introduce new, inclusive play equipment. This project focuses on creating a safe, engaging space for children of all abilities, ensuring that families have a modern and inclusive play area within St Ives.
Plans for Bede’s Forest include expanding the walking trails and enhancing the surrounding bushland, making it a more inviting area for nature enthusiasts. These improvements aim to protect local wildlife habitats and provide residents with a serene and accessible green space for recreation.
And finally, the new St Ives Indoor Sports Centre will bring state-of-the-art facilities to the community, including multi-use courts, fitness areas, and spaces for events. This centre will cater to various sports and activities, supporting a healthy, active lifestyle for residents of all ages.
Demographics & Housing Prices
In 2021, the Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded 21,665 people living in St Ives, Sydney, with a median age of 43 and one to two children per household. Around 64% of the population was married, compared to 22.8% who were never married/single.
According to realestate.com.au, the average house price was $3,030,000 at the time of writing in 2024, an increase of 2.7% over the previous 12 months. Comparatively, the average unit or apartment price was $935,000, which had decreased 13.4%.
In terms of rental prices, houses cost around $1,300 per week or $775 per week for an apartment.
Zoning
St Ives is primarily zoned for environmental and residential use, reflecting the suburb’s focus on preserving natural beauty and providing quality living spaces.
With 37.04% Environmental Living (R2) and 24.35% dedicated to National Parks & Nature Reserves (C1), St Ives offers expansive green spaces and conservation areas.
Low Density Residential (RE1) makes up 8.26% of the suburb, supporting family-friendly housing with a spacious layout, while Medium (R3) and High Density (R4) Residential zones make up smaller portions, catering to a variety of housing needs.
A 0.5% Local Centre (E1) zone fosters community-focused retail and services.
Retirement Villages
St Ives is home to a range of quality retirement villages and aged care facilities, providing a variety of options for older Australians seeking community, comfort, and support. From independent living apartments surrounded by natural beauty to personalised aged care homes with dedicated staff, each facility in St Ives offers a welcoming environment designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents.
Aveo Fernbank offers resort-style retirement living with stunning bushland views, independent living apartments, and community-focused amenities. Residents enjoy social events, a pool, and scenic walking paths, creating a relaxed, fulfilling lifestyle in natural surroundings.
Group Homes provides a unique, home-style approach to aged care in St Ives, offering small, community-centered residences that emphasise personal care, companionship, and independence for residents in a warm, familiar setting.
Estia Health St Ives offers high-quality residential aged care with a focus on wellbeing and comfort. With private rooms, dedicated staff, and tailored care options, it provides a nurturing environment for residents needing greater assistance.
Uniting Kari Court provides compassionate aged care with a focus on individuality and dignity. Located in a peaceful area, this community offers quality accommodation, personalised care, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.
Bupa St Ives delivers professional, person-centered aged care, including specialised dementia support. Residents benefit from modern facilities, a beautiful garden setting, and a caring team dedicated to enhancing quality of life.
Building Options in St Ives
Montgomery Homes offers a variety of building options for those looking to create their dream home in St Ives and across Sydney’s Upper North Shore. With an extensive selection of architectural home designs, Montgomery Homes provides layouts and styles to suit a range of personal preferences, from spacious family homes to elegant, contemporary designs for entertaining.
For those in love with their current location but ready for a fresh start, knockdown rebuild services allow you to transform an existing property with a stunning home tailored to your lifestyle.
To experience these designs firsthand, aspiring homeowners can visit Montgomery Homes’ display homes located in Box Hill, HomeWorld Leppington, Redbank, and Miranda. For added convenience, virtual tours are also available online, offering a detailed look into the craftsmanship and design features that set Montgomery Homes apart!
Start the exciting building process with the team at Montgomery Homes! Contact us today.
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