Postcode Envy: Sydney's Trendiest Neighbourhoods to Call Home
From foodie hotspots to fashion and culture, these are the coolest neighbourhoods in Sydney right now.
What makes a suburb trendy? In Sydney it’s everything from a thriving arts scene to hip new restaurants or its iconic surf culture – each pocket has its own unique rhythm. In a city that’s every-changing, we’ve uncovered nine of the hottest neighbourhood in town right now.
Marrickville
With all the hallmarks of a hipster hotspot – craft breweries, boutiques coffee roasters and renowned fresh produce markets – it’s no wonder Marrickville continues to top trend charts. The suburb celebrates its strong multicultural community, bringing with it an abundance of delicious eateries and cafes. There are excellent local amenities making it a popular pick among young families.
Freshwater
Favoured by those seeking a beachside lifestyle, Freshwater – or “Freshie” as it’s known affectionately to locals – lures everyone from renters to retirees. Famed as the birthplace of Australia’s surf culture, life here well and truly revolves around the sand and sea. Mornings are spent catching the perfect wave or swimming laps in the ocean pool, followed by coffee at one of the friendly cafes. It boasts a laidback vibe, less touristy than its Northern Beaches’ counterparts.
Chippendale
The city fringe suburb of Chippendale has long been favoured by Sydney’s university set, and today continues to be abuzz with galleries, cafes and restaurants. Its heritage buildings have been transformed into a canvas for creativity with institutions such as White Rabbit Gallery and Galerie pompom. It has Carriageworks on its doorstep offering up popular weekly farmers’ markets and a dynamic events calendar. Throw in upscale eateries such Automata, Ester and LP’s Quality Meats and it’s easy to see Chippendale’s appeal.
Potts Point
Pretty Potts Point remains one of Sydney’s most popular neighbourhoods, often dubbed “Little Manhattan” by locals. Its streets feature some of the city’s best examples of art deco and Victorian architecture, while next door, the neon lights of Kings Cross deliver endless possibility. Foodies flock here for its mouth-watering eateries, many with notable chefs at the helm. Mostly young professionals call the neighbourhood home attracted to its exciting lifestyle and close proximity to the CBD.
St Peters
With trappings of its industrial past, the inner-west enclave of St Peters has well and truly embraced its present. The suburb is effortlessly connected to the city and is flanked by sprawling Sydney Park with its sports fields, bike tracks and sunny picnic spots. In recent years, Precinct 75 has helped cement St Peters’ reputation as a creative and cultural playground, bringing together homeware and design stores, cafés, florists and hair studios all under the one roof.
Tamarama
Sandwiched between Bondi and Bronte beaches, postcard-perfect Tamarama is one of the most coveted addresses in Sydney. This breezy seaside suburb is linked via the scenic Coastal Walk with dramatic foreshore parks and vantage points. Compact in size and mainly residential, there are just a few local coffee shops, but with Campbell Parade and Bondi Road footsteps away everything you need is in easy reach. A quick bus ride will take you to the shopping and transport hub of Bondi Junction.
Surry Hills
Sydney’s cultural heartland, Surry Hills combines trendy eat streets with an enviable arts scene that includes lauded Brett Whiteley Studio, Belvoir St Theatre and Golden Age Cinema and Bar. Most of the action unfolds along Crown Street with its alfresco brunch spots, venerable pubs and independent boutiques. But explore the suburb’s leafy lanes to discover hidden galleries, cult coffee shops and undisputedly some of Sydney’s best restaurants.
Avalon
Life in Avalon is all about the outdoors. This Northern Beaches gem has the pristine waters of Pittwater bay on one side and the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean on the other, creating an aquatic paradise for the many families vying to move in. The suburb has a laid-back, holiday vibe with a local shopping village lined with healthy cafes and lifestyle stores. Up the road, affluent Palm Beach boasts beautiful beaches, stunning headland walks and photogenic fine diners.
Newtown
Known for its bohemian spirit and just the right amount of grit, Newtown has long been the stomping ground for Sydney’s students and young professionals. From intimate music venues and theatres to thrift shops and beer gardens, there’s plenty to keep residents busy at every hour. Newtown has endless public transport options and large green parks, while on King Street locals get their fill on a smorgasbord of global flavours.
