- Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and is home to over five million residents
- The suburbs on this list cover ones with a median below $1 million, and multi-million dollar medians
- Factors taken into account include schooling shopping, nearby amenities and transport connectivity to the CBD
Sydney is known as one of the most expensive cities in the world.
Despite the recent housing downturn, the median house price is well above $1 million.
Sydney is also one of the world’s most diverse cities, with only New York and London home to more foreign-born residents.
With over five million people, it is a relatively largest city by western world standards. It is a physically large city, being about the same size as London and twice the size of New York.
In light of this, it is hard to top determine what suburbs are the best to live in.
We have explored the best suburbs for first-home buyers, the 20 best investment suburbs and we know where the most expensive houses area.
So, what about for families?
Using a range of sources and commentary from real estate experts ‘on-the-ground’, we have collated a list of the top 20 suburbs for families in Sydney.
This list is diverse and includes subrubs near Bondi and some in Western Sydney. Median hosue prices range from below $1 million to several million dollars.
Factors taken into account include local schooling options, public amenities and greenery, safety and transport connectivity to the CBD.
Top 20 Best & Most Liveable Suburbs in Sydney for Families
- Concord
- Willoughby
- Five Dock
- Wahroonga
- Normanhurst
- St Ives
- Queens Park
- Frenchs Forest
- Baulkham Hills
- Kareela
- Dulwich Hill
- Lane Cove
- Westmead
- Beecroft
- Ashfield
- Waverley
- Granville
- Rooty Hill
- Lindfield
- Menai
Concord, 2137
Grant Foley, a buyers agent, qualified property investment advisor and fellow contributor here at The Property Tribune, noted the Inner West Sydney suburb of Concord as one suitable for families.
“On the edge of Sydney’s Inner West, Concord has the appeal of larger homes on larger plots of land. The suburb has a distinctly relaxed feel with wide tree-lined streets, and a large number of new and recently refurbed spirting facilities,” he said.
“The Majors Bay road shopping village is bustling with cafes and restaurants and caters well to local families.
Grant Foley
“Ferry access to the city is via Bayview Park Ferry wharf and the adjacent swimming baths are set to open in the near future, following their closure some 50 years ago. In terms of schooling, Concord High is a consistent top 100 HSC performer whilst the coeducational Rosebank College enjoys an excellent reputation.
Willoughby, 2068
In regards to Sydney’s lower north shore, Mr Foley wishes he “had a dollar” for every young family that told him they would like to buy in Willoughby.
“This blue-chip suburb is forever popular due to its easy commute back into North Sydney and the CBD, its renovated period homes on large flat blocks and surrounding parks and walking tracks,” he said.
“Easy access down to the Northern Beaches, adjacency to major retail and Chatswood and the appeal of Willougby Girls High are also other major drawcards.”
Five Dock, 2046
Mr Plohl added that he is starting to see families circulate at open homes around the Canada Bay LGA, especially in the suburb of Five Dock.
“Families are drawn to the area for the proximity to the CBD, bayside lifestyle (including the popular bay run), abundance of parks and green space as well as a good selection of public and private schools. Suburbs such as Five Dock also offer relative affordability versus the Eastern Suburbs, Lower North Shore and Balmain Peninsula,” he said.
Wahroonga, 2076
Anna Cavill, Principal at Stone Real Estate Turramurra, listed Wahroonga as one of the top suburbs in Sydney for families.
“This suburb is stunning with the best of both worlds. Wahroonga is close to nature and gives the feeling of being on holiday every day of the week, yet still very central, and is just 35 mins to the city and 40mins to the Central Coast or Northern Beaches,” she noted.
“There are excellent schooling options for all people, with top rate public, Catholic, Adventist, private schools and special needs schools at your front door.
“Wahroonga Village and Wahroonga Park are the hub of the suburb, featuring good restaurants, cafes and boutique homeware and clothing shops. Wahroonga is also a very community and family orientated suburb, with a wide choice of bushwalks, dog parks on and off lead options, and sports ovals, tennis courts, mountain bike tracks and parks.
“There are lots of large, family block sizes, but also a broad range of pricing for houses.”
Normanhurst, 2076
Next, Ms Cavill listed Normanhurst, which she said, in many respects is the little sister/brother of Wahroonga. They share the same postcode after all.
“It’s a very small suburb of just 1500 homes but still has very easy access to the good education options that Wahroonga has to offer. It has fantastic public transport, with nearby access to Northern train line via Hornsby and the Epping train line.
“It is more of an entry level area on the North Shore for families, with homes that are more affordable compared with many of the surrounding suburbs, on smaller block sizes.”
St Ives, 2075
Ms Cavill said that St Ives is known for its tranquillity, and features plenty of bushland and district views.
“The suburb has a semi-rural feel, with home and land, but with easy access to the train station and Sydney CBD via express bus,” she said.
“St Ives features some of Sydney’s best public schools and a great range of good restaurants, while St Ives shopping village has everything you need but without being too big. Traditionally the suburb was largely occupied by older populations, but in recent times there has been a change and transition with young families moving in and updating or rebuilding.”
Anna Cavill, Stone Real Estate Turramurra
Queens Park, 2022
Located in Sydney’s east, wedged between Centennial Park and Bondi Junction, Queens Park offers the conveniences of city and coastal life, girted with parklands, greenery and a range of public and private schools.
To be located just six kilometres east of the CBD, however, comes at a high price tag – the median property price is $4 million, following 24.9% of annual capital growth during the past year according to CoreLogic.
Frenchs Forest, 2086
Located 13 kilometres north of the Sydney CBD, Frenchs Forest is popular with families thanks to its peaceful and leafy streets, while remaining relatively close to beaches and shopping hubs. There are spacious properties and large blocks of land which are near a range of parks and greenery.
The median house price is $2.25 million, about $1 million above Sydney’s median.
Baulkham Hills, 2153
30 kilometres northwest of the CBD, in The Hills Shire, is Baulkham Hills. More affordable than many suburbs on this list so far, with a median house price of $1.7 million, the suburb is popular with families thanks to its diverse community, sizeable homes and sought after schooling options. Windsor Road is also home to a range of cafes and restaurants.
Kareela, 2232
Located 24 kilometres south the Sydney CBD, Kareela was the first mixed-use estate developed by Stockland, back in 1953. It offers large and relatively affordable homes bound by bushland and the Georges River. Westfield Miranda is close by too. The median house price is $1.6 million, with rents around $870.
Dulwich Hill, 2203
Well known for its multicultural and family-friendly neighbourhood, Dulwich Hill is renowned for its diverse food scene, with a mix of Portuguese, Lebanese, Chinese, Greek and Italian eateries. Given it’s Inner West location, it has a higher price tag of $2 million, although its annual capital growth at time of publication is 8.7% – far less than many suburbs on this list.
Lane Cove, 2066
Located in a highly sought-after neighbourhood, Lane Cove is popular with young families thanks to its location and amenities, including a children’s playground, an aquatic centre and library. The CBD is typically a 20 minute drive. Given its location, it is in the upper-price range of $3.04 million for houses, with an average rent of $1,100.
Westmead, 2145
Located in Greater Western Sydney, Westmead is a popular affordable suburb for those wishing to enjoy the conveniences of Parramatta. The suburb is home to a range of housing options from lower-density housing south of the train station to more built-up living north of the station. The station itself is around 35 to 40 minutes to the Sydney CBD. The median house price is $1.73 million.
Beecroft, 2119
Located in northern Sydney, 25 kilometres from the Sydney CBD, Beecroft stands out as family suburb thanks to its range of schooling options. Despite recent developments, its still a largely leafy suburb with a range of spacious homes and greenery. The current Premier, Dominic Perrottet, and his family are among the residents of this suburb, which has a median house price of $2,368,000.
Ashfield, 2131
An inner western suburb, Ashfield is popular with families who are willing to compromise with a busier lifestyle. It is a relatively affordable suburb, while close to the CBD, including express trains. The median house price is $2,045,000.
Waverley, 2024
One of the most expensive suburbs on this list, Waverley is located in Sydney’s east, right near the world-famous Bondi and Bronte beaches. It is located in Waverley Park, one of the largest parks in inner Sydney. There is a strong selection of schools and amenities nearby too. The median house price is $3,100,000, representing annual growth of just 3.35%.
Granville, 2142
Located 30 kilometres from the Sydney CBD, near Parramatta, Granville is one of the best suburbs for families in Western Sydney. Given its median house price of $900,000, it is relatively affordable. The area boasts a mix of public and private schools, sufficient public transport, restaurants and retail.
Rooty Hill, 2766
Although Rooty Hill hasn’t always been considered a family suburb, this has changed. There are now affordable housing options near schools, parks, shops, sporting facilities and the famous Rooty Hill RSL club. The median house price is $850,000.
Lindfield, 2070
Lindfield, one of the most expensive suburbs on this list, is one of the cleanest, quietest and greenest Sydney suburbs. There is a high price tag given its 14 kilometres north of the CBD – $3,980,000., with he average house being rented out at $1,250 per week. Units have a median price of $1.1 million.
Menai, 2234
30 kilometres south west of Sydney CBD is Menai, a relatively recent suburb. It is known as one of the safest and most affordable suburbs in Sydney thanks to its high percentage of owner-occupiers. The median house price is $1.3 million.
