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Summary: A suburb on a main train hub that has popped up seemingly out of nowhere in recent years, Wolli Creek is a centralised concentration of modern high-density apartments that is clean and moderately visually appealing, if a little soulless. It’s heavily Asian-dominated and features plenty of authentic eats close by, and offers speedy access to the Sydney CBD.

The potentially dubious construction quality of its newer highrises makes this a suburb you may likely be better off renting in rather than buying – at least for the time being. Read Review

Summary: A prime example of the trend of inner-city gentrification at work, Surry Hills – a formerly slummy haven for dodgy activity – has over several decades transformed into one of the trendiest and most convenient suburbs in Sydney.

Sitting right on the edge of the CBD and populated with a mixture of hip cafes, cool pubs, startup and established businesses, and terrace-and-tree lined streets, it now ranks as one of the inner city’s most desirable places to live – for the lucky few who can afford it. It’s also not without ongoing crime issues, with one of the highest overall crime rates in the city despite ongoing gentrification. Read Review

Summary: Essentially an extended corner of the Sydney CBD, Ultimo differs slightly from absolute-central Sydney in its disproportionately high percentage of students which call it a temporary home. Ultra-convenient given its proximity to everything else within walking distance nearby, the suburb offers easy access to everything Sydney has to offer – although the associated high prices, crowds and noise make it a definite choice for those who don’t need too much space or greenery to be satisfied. Read Review

Summary: Sydney’s ‘second CBD’ located just across the Harbour Bridge has quite a different feel than the centre of ‘true Sydney’ despite largely being used for the same purpose. North Sydney’s newer layout and design brings with it a bit more breathing room than the actual CBD, with roads that make (slightly) more sense and a little extra space between its highrises. Very well serviced by public transport, clean, safe and close/connected to some great things nearby, it’s a little soulless in itself without very much character or things to do, with limited housing options that can be quite pricey. Read Review

Summary: This pleasant, quiet and green suburb on the Lower North Shore offers a village-type atmosphere with remarkably easy access to the Sydney CBD just across the bridge. Annually rated amongst the most liveable suburbs in Sydney, there’s not much to do in Waverton however – and that seems to be exactly the way its residents like it. It costs a pretty penny to live here, however it’s one of the few elite suburbs in Sydney that may truly be worth the pricetag. Read Review

Summary: One of the most versatile of all Sydney’s more central suburbs, Paddington strikes an excellent balance between location, greenery, food and shopping, and action vs. quiet. It’s a historic slice of Sydney with a good blend of housing types able to cater for a wide range of income levels and demographics, some great spots for a drink, and its myriad of heritage buildings give it an extra dose of character that other suburbs lack. Expensive prices are a major factor however, for all but the smallest of living spaces. Read Review

Summary: A highly-convenient North Shore suburb that’s diverse with an extremely strong Asian influence, Chatswood is teeming with quality multicultural dining and shopping opportunities, has several good schools nearby, and is well-connected via public transport. High housing prices and a busy/crowded central area, as well as some significant traffic issues let it down somewhat, however it’s a solid all-rounder for those who like a balance of city life and greenery with a hint of the exotic. Read Review

Summary: Gritty and artsy yet still retaining somewhat of a warm and communal feel, Glebe is a unique animal amongst most of Sydney’s suburbs. It’s sort of a fusion between the inner-west and Pyrmont, with mansions and housing commissions, greenery and waterfront views coexisting behind graffiti-and-mural specked back streets – and is somehow both convenient and not at the same time. It’s definitely got touches of Europe to it, and is an eclectic mix that some may just find highly appealing. Read Review

Summary: Sydney’s current darling of upbeat nighttime entertainment, Newtown is a buzzing hub with massive variety in places to both drink and dine – both on the cheap and for those willing to indulge. It’s one of the last remaining bastions of alternative culture within close proximity to Sydney city, and while its popularity means it’s lost some of its original grit and prices are rising, it’s still an easy go-to recommendation for students and younger professionals who don’t need much peace and quiet to be happy. Read Review