Finding the right Sydney suburb for your new rental home
When you’re relocating to Sydney from interstate or overseas, finding the perfect location for your new home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
It’s also one of the hardest, especially when you don’t know the city.
Even if you’ve never been to Sydney, you’ve seen images of the harbour and the opera house. It looks fantastic.
You searched online and found where you’ll work or study. You also looked at surrounding suburbs and have some idea of your commute.
It’s easy to get that kind of information.
It’s much harder to find out what it’s like to live in Sydney.
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Are the residents in the suburbs you’re considering like you - professionals, families, students or couples?
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Will the rental properties meet your needs?
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Where do you look to find an apartment for rent that is in walking distance to everything?
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Which suburbs offer terrace houses with backyards that are close to public transport and schools?
Where do you get that kind of information?
Introducing Sydney
We’ve put together some information about three of Sydney’s best areas to help you get started. Tell us what you need, and we’ll work with you to identify a few preferred suburbs that suit your requirements.
Let’s have a look at some of our favourite areas in Sydney:
This information will help you get a feel for life in Sydney:
Sydney Central Business District (CBD)
Live
The only way to create living spaces in the heart of a major city is going up. That’s no different in Sydney where high rise buildings offer a mix of apartments and office spaces. CBD residents accept that they may have to compromise on the size of their home if it means they are in walking distance to work and the many eateries open till late.
If you want to live close but in a more suburban environment, consider Potts Point and Darlinghurst. You may be in luck and find a period home among the pretty terrace houses and newly built apartments.
Work
Sydney’s CBD is home to some of the biggest Australian and overseas brands as well as many top insurance, finance and law firms.
Fashion and creative arts companies and consumer-oriented small businesses dominate the commercial areas in Darlinghurst and Surry Hills.
Living close to where you work has the advantage of a short commute. Many CBD residents don’t have a car and walk to work or use the many public transport options available via bus, train or ferry from the suburbs adjacent to the CBD.
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You live in a top tourist destination so there’s a lot to choose from.
Take in the views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from Circular Quay. Explore The Rocks or do the Bridge Climb. Take the ferry to Manly for a walk along the beach, to Taronga Zoo for gorgeous animals plus a stunning vista, or simply do a harbour cruise.
Discover fine food from every corner of the world as you explore cafes, pubs and restaurants in the CBD suburbs and around Darling Harbour. And let’s not forget the shopping!
Suburbs in Sydney's CBD
Recommended for
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Professionals
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Couples
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Singles
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Inner West
Live
Locals claim that “Inner West is Best”. There is some truth to that; living in the Inner West gives people the best of both worlds: a family lifestyle in a leafy suburb close to the city.
You're spoiled for choice in the Inner West. Traditional blue-collar suburbs offer modernised Victorian and Edwardian homes and remodelled workers’ cottages. Stylish apartments are available in every suburb, and families will love the large homes with backyards for their children.
Work
Suburbs in the Inner West are between 4 and 10 km from the CBD, which allows for easy access to both the CBD and Parramatta by public transport on busses, trains and ferries or by driving on some of Sydney’s major roads.
While there are plenty of businesses in the Inner West, you’ll find they are often family run. Most residents work in the larger Australian and international businesses located in the city and Parramatta.
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The Inner West is a family oriented area. In suburban shopping strips, boutiques and galleries in heritage-listed buildings mix with cafes, historic hotels and restaurants, which often have a Mediterranean theme.
If you prefer the convenience of a large shopping centre, Westfield Burwood is nearby. The many sporting clubs see plenty of activity on weekends, and Sydney’s harbour is never far for a scenic walk or some time on the water.
Suburbs in Sydney's Inner West
Recommended for
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Families
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Couples
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Singles
Useful Links
Lower North Shore
Live
People living on the Lower North Shore generally speak of “working over the bridge” and tend to keep to their side of the harbour. Who could blame them?
The leafy suburbs across from Sydney’s CBD appeal to many families, not only because of the choice of excellent schools. In Mosman and North Sydney, you’ll find beautiful period homes, restored California bungalows and modern townhouses. Lane Cove and Neutral Bay tend to have more apartment buildings while Artarmon offers a mix of houses and high-rise flats.
Work
Located between 2 and 9 km from the CBD, the Lower North Shore offers an easy commute to the city by car or public transport. You could even walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge!
Yet many residents of Lower North Shore choose to work on their side of the harbour. North Sydney has the second-highest concentration of office buildings in NSW. Insurance, IT, telecommunications and advertising businesses dominate this Sydney suburb and St Leonards. If you work in the media, most of Australia’s TV networks have their head offices in nearby Artarmon.
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When you live on the Lower North Shore, you’re either near or on the water. The harbour dominates this part of Sydney and plays a major role in leisure activities. If you’re fortunate enough to live on the harbour, you can enjoy the scenic views from your garden or terrace. Parks, recreational facilities and sporting clubs along the harbour make sure no one misses out on one of Sydney's best attractions.
Heritage-listed buildings give a historic feel to the attractive streetscapes. And, like all Sydney suburbs, there are great places to eat throughout the Lower North Shore.
Suburbs on Sydney's Lower North Shore
Recommended for
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Families
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Couples
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Singles