There are many reasons Sydney–Australia’s largest, oldest, and busiest city–attracts many foreigners every year. Living in Sydney will introduce you to a melting pot of cultures, experiences, and people. In addition, you’ll have access to excellent educational institutions, a plethora of job opportunities, countless food and drink options, and some of the best beaches in the world.
But that still leaves many with a burning question: Which is the best place to live in Sydney? We obviously want to try and avoid the worst suburbs in Sydney.
So, we’ve listed the seven best suburbs to live in Sydney to help you and your family find your perfect new home. Looking for the most affordable properties for sale in NSW instead? Check out this recent article.
A Comprehensive Look: Make sure you’re in the know! Complement your reading with our all-encompassing guide on buying a house in Sydney.
The Sydney property market has shown strong resilience in 2025, with housing values increasing 1.7% in the first five months of the year.
Following two interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia in February and May, bringing the cash rate down to 3.85%, Sydney dwelling values are predicted to rise 3-7% by next year. This makes now an opportune time to consider your options in Australia’s largest city.
Best Areas to Live in Sydney, NSW
According to the latest Reuters poll (June 3, 2025), Australian home prices are expected to rise at a steady 4-5% each year over the next three years.
1. Arncliffe
Arncliffe is located near Sydney’s airport, approximately ten kilometres from the CBD. It offers the lowest property prices in Sydney. The average price for homes in Arncliffe is $1,700,000–a figure that increases by 18% annually. Therefore, an apartment in this residential area will cost you approximately $680,000. If you aren’t ready to buy anything, you can still rent something for around $620 per week.
While Arncliffe doesn’t have an endless list of electric nightclubs or food venues, you’ll be just thirty minutes from the CBD by train.
2. Croydon Park
Croydon Park is a residential suburb in Sydney’s Inner West, about 12.1 kilometres south‑west of the Sydney CBD.
On average (based on the latest 12‑month median), a house in this neighbourhood costs $2,200,000, whereas a unit costs $800,000.
Want some help in the process of choosing a home and wondering about the cost of a buyer’s agent in Sydney? Click here to read our latest article.
Just like Arncliffe, this neighbourhood also offers you the same buzz as the CBD, but it only takes you twenty minutes by train to get to the CBD.
3. Terrey Hills
This neighbourhood is perfect for those who want to live a quiet life away from the city. Terrey Hills is twenty-five kilometres north of the city centre and part of the Forest District. The Kuring-Gai Chase National Park borders it on two sides, making it a paradise for those who love nature.
So whether you’re looking to trek to waterfalls or a twenty-one-kilometre horse riding trail, this residential area has everything. What’s even better, if you work in the CBD, or just wish to visit for a day, it only takes forty minutes by train or twenty minutes by car.
Terrey Hills is a leafy, semi‑rural suburb about 25 kilometres north of the CBD, making it a premium choice for buyers chasing a nature‑filled lifestyle.
The median house price is $2,330,000 (rolling 12 months from March 2025 to February 2026).
4. Carlingford
Sydney has many elite schools, and Carlingford is the home to the best schools across the country. For instance, James Ruse Agricultural High School has had the best success ratings in Sydney.
This educational centre offers students the chance to study theoretical and practical agriculture as part of their school curriculum.
Also, you won’t be far away from Carlingford Public School, Murray Farm Public School, and Carlingford West Public School, making this one of the most family-friendly suburbs in Sydney. In addition, this neighbourhood offers lower home prices than many other areas.
Carlingford is about 22 kilometres north‑west of the CBD.
While still popular with families, the median house price has reached $2,208,888, with units available at a median price of $734,000 (rolling 12 months from March 2025 to February 2026).
Looking for a good neighbourhood for the kids? Check out Soho’s guide to the best Sydney suburbs for schools while you’re at it!
5. Kirribilli
This is one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in Sydney, and it’s home to Kirribilli House, one of the official residences available to Australia’s Prime Minister.
It’s located around 3 kilometres north of the CBD, with trains between Milsons Point Station and Wynyard Station taking about 4 minutes (excluding walking time).
The median house price is $4,200,000, and the median unit price is $1,225,000 (rolling 12 months from March 2025 to February 2026).
6. Woolloomooloo
Woolloomooloo is only 1.5 kilometres from the CBD; it’s a harbourside, inner‑city eastern suburb.
The median unit price is $1,172,500 (and the median house price is $1,800,000) based on the rolling 12 months from March 2025 to February 2026.
Its close proximity to the city makes for short transit times—around 2 minutes by train from Kings Cross Station to Martin Place Station, or around 13 minutes by bus to Wynyard (before walking).
Today, 90% of Woolloomooloo residents have schools within reach, and 77% have parks nearby.
7. Glebe
This inner‑western suburb is located about 3 kilometres south‑west of the CBD.
It’s a short trip into the city, with the light rail from Glebe station to Pyrmont Bay station taking about 7 minutes, and buses from the city often taking about 19 minutes (excluding walking and waiting time).
The median house price is $2,635,000, and the median unit price is $930,000 (rolling 12 months from March 2025 to February 2026).
Residents of this suburb have many choices when it comes to parklands, with 90% living near a park, and 92% having schools nearby.
Final Thoughts
Suggested Reading: A new suburb in Sydney is coming – Bradfield will be located next to Western Sydney Airport.
Sydney has a lot to offer for families, retirees, singles, young professionals, and anyone else. If you’re looking for the best place to live in Sydney, we’re sure you can find your dream home in one of the seven places discussed here!
Frequently Asked Questions on Best Places to Live Sydney
Where is the nicest place to live in Sydney?
The best suburbs in Sydney for lifestyle and convenience include Strathfield, Abbotsford, Burwood, Homebush, and Homebush West. These neighbourhoods are popular for families and professionals thanks to excellent transport links, schools, and vibrant communities.
What is the richest area to live in Sydney?
The richest suburbs in Sydney are led by Point Piper, where median house prices often exceed $20 million. Other prestigious areas include Darling Point, Bellevue Hill, Vaucluse, Mosman, Hunters Hill, Double Bay, and Cremorne Point, all known for luxury homes and harbour views.
Where do most expats live in Sydney?
Many expats choose Paddington, one of the most popular expat suburbs in Sydney. With charming Victorian terraces, leafy streets, and a buzzing cafe culture, Paddington offers a mix of urban convenience and relaxed living. Its proximity to the CBD and attractions like Paddington Markets make it ideal for international families.
What is the safest part of Sydney?
The safest suburbs in Sydney are found on the Lower North Shore, including Lane Cove, Mosman, and Hunters Hill. These areas are known for low crime rates, well‑lit streets, strong community networks, and family‑friendly amenities, making them highly desirable for secure living.