City Living: The 8 Most Liveable Suburbs Near Sydney CBD
When it comes to choosing a lifestyle-rich locale that’s close to the CBD, these eight Sydney suburbs simply can’t be beat.
Striking the perfect balance between lifestyle amenity and excellent transport links, these Sydney suburbs are sought-out by professionals seeking a quicker commute. Each of these eight postcodes is rich in community and culture with unrivalled access to the CBD.
Paddington
The historic inner-city pocket for Paddington is home to a thriving fashion, dining and art scene. It has Oxford Street running through its heart, where you can hop on an express bus into the CBD. Meander its backstreets lined with pretty terraces to discover high-end designer boutiques at ‘The Intersection’, along with fine diners and much-loved wine bars. Paddington is centrally located with easy access to Sydney’s eastern beaches, Centennial Park and the transport hub of Bondi Junction.
Randwick
With the Light Rail providing direct access to the city centre, Randwick combines a convenient and connected address with a stunning coastline and expansive Centennial Park. The hub of Belmore Road offers supermarkets, eateries and independent stores, while down at The Spot, the heritage-listed Ritz cinema and its surrounding restaurants create a hive of activity come evening. The suburb has world-class medical and educational facilities, luring everyone from students to young professionals and families.
Erskineville
Charming Erskineville is considered one of the most affordable suburbs closest to the Sydney CBD. Hop on the train and be in Martin Place in less than 20 minutes. Erskineville’s trendy village boasts a flourishing café scene and celebrated pub culture. There’s ample green space at Erskineville Oval and Sydney Park, while Erskineville Road is lined with delis, groceries and boutiques.
Bondi Junction
Centrally positioned between Bondi Beach and the CBD, the compact suburb of Bondi Junction boasts the best of both worlds. It offers a seamless commute via bus or train, making it a hotspot among young professionals. Everyday conveniences are taken care of by way of Westfield and Eastgate shopping centres, while nearby Queens Park and Centennial Park provide ample space to soak up the sunshine. There are endless dining institutions from food halls to health food cafes, coffee shops and weekday hawker markets.
Summer Hill
Just 7km west of the CBD, residents of Summer Hill can arrive at Central Station in just 15 minutes. Its picturesque tree-lined streets are dotted with Victorian terraces and heritage houses, surrounding a delightful town square. Summer Hill Village is home to locally run shops and multicultural eateries with an enduring community feel. Cyclists can make the most of a network of bike trails that meander through the Inner Eest.
Waverton
Nestled on Sydney’s stunning lower north shore, Waverton sits just 4km from the CBD, and is a quick 10-minute train ride to Town Hall. The relatively small suburb has a village-like feel, with quiet leafy streets framing impressive harbour views. It offers a string of cafes and shops along Bay Road and is close to the commercial centres of North Sydney, Crows Nest and Chatswood.
Elizabeth Bay
Hidden between Potts Point and Rushcutters Bay, Elizabeth Bay combines a vibrant city-fringe culture with the peace and serenity of the harbourfront. Along the foreshore, Beare Park is a popular local hangout, while up the road, Macleay Street houses some of Sydney’s most notable restaurants and weekend produce markets. The property is a mix of high-rise and art deco apartments and historic homes, attracting both professionals and creatives. From Elizabeth Bay you can enjoy a leisurely 30-minute stroll into the CBD or jump on a train from Kings Cross station and be there within minutes.
Waterloo
Waterloo has well and truly evolved into one of Sydney’s trendiest suburbs, attracting students and young professionals for its affordability, connectivity and dining hotspots. It offers a seamless commute via Redfern and Green Square train stations and is jam-packed with cafes, galleries and homeware stores. There are excellent community amenities nearby including the newly opened Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre and award-winning Green Square Library.
*All statistics sourced from Core Logic, Realestate.com.au and Domain.
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