Moving to Sydney but where????
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 10
Moving to Sydney but where????
Hi everyone
I'm after a bit of advise. My girlfriend and I are due to move to Sydney towards the end of the year and are starting to look for places to rent. Our work is over in Bella Vista so accessibility by car to there is a factor. We don't mind travelling up to 45 mins max as this is how long it currently takes us in London. We also want an area that is close to the centre of Sydney but not right in it. We like our open spaces but also love the cafe lifestyle with restaurants and bars close by. Friends of ours are saying North Sydney area and also Gordon, Pymble etc. They live in St Ives but have 2 kids where as we are in our mid 30s and no kids.
Thoughts, views?
Look forward to hearing your thoughts
I'm after a bit of advise. My girlfriend and I are due to move to Sydney towards the end of the year and are starting to look for places to rent. Our work is over in Bella Vista so accessibility by car to there is a factor. We don't mind travelling up to 45 mins max as this is how long it currently takes us in London. We also want an area that is close to the centre of Sydney but not right in it. We like our open spaces but also love the cafe lifestyle with restaurants and bars close by. Friends of ours are saying North Sydney area and also Gordon, Pymble etc. They live in St Ives but have 2 kids where as we are in our mid 30s and no kids.
Thoughts, views?
Look forward to hearing your thoughts
#2
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 225
Re: Moving to Sydney but where????
Hi everyone
I'm after a bit of advise. My girlfriend and I are due to move to Sydney towards the end of the year and are starting to look for places to rent. Our work is over in Bella Vista so accessibility by car to there is a factor. We don't mind travelling up to 45 mins max as this is how long it currently takes us in London. We also want an area that is close to the centre of Sydney but not right in it. We like our open spaces but also love the cafe lifestyle with restaurants and bars close by. Friends of ours are saying North Sydney area and also Gordon, Pymble etc. They live in St Ives but have 2 kids where as we are in our mid 30s and no kids.
Thoughts, views?
Look forward to hearing your thoughts
I'm after a bit of advise. My girlfriend and I are due to move to Sydney towards the end of the year and are starting to look for places to rent. Our work is over in Bella Vista so accessibility by car to there is a factor. We don't mind travelling up to 45 mins max as this is how long it currently takes us in London. We also want an area that is close to the centre of Sydney but not right in it. We like our open spaces but also love the cafe lifestyle with restaurants and bars close by. Friends of ours are saying North Sydney area and also Gordon, Pymble etc. They live in St Ives but have 2 kids where as we are in our mid 30s and no kids.
Thoughts, views?
Look forward to hearing your thoughts
I was going to say could be pricey but if you're used to London prices I don't think this will be too much of a shock to you.
#3
Auntie Fa
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Seattle
Posts: 7,344
Re: Moving to Sydney but where????
What's your budget? Sorry to be so blunt but where I'd recommend would depend on it.
We are late 30s and 40s, no children. When we first arrived and were renting we lived in McMahons Point - it's close to North Sydney station and facilities and has cafes and a few small shops. Similar to that, other side of the railway, is Kirribilli. Both are lovely but expensive areas. (North Sydney itself is essentially the city's 2nd CBD, devoid of a soul, and dead on a weekend.)
Mosman is nice but very yummy mummy, not my thing. Also quite isolated, not great for transport. As a childless couple I wouldn't want to live in any of the other areas you or Jen mentioned - sorry
You'd have to suss out the travelling times on Google Maps but I would say look at the Northern Beaches - Manly (not really my thing), Freshwater (love it), Dee Why (gets mixed reviews but I know young people very happy there), etc. Bermudashorts lives up there and commutes, albeit to the city but I'm sure she'll have some good advice.
Alternatively for a bit of soul, cafe life with a bit of indy/grunge, look at the Inner West - Newtown, Erskineville, etc. We live in Alexandria, within walking distance of these, and my husband commutes to North Ryde, no problem. We wouldn't live here if money were no object but we wanted more space for our money (we bought), we wanted good transport links (ten minutes to the city centre, less on the train), husband flies a lot so great for the airport, and we love the alternative vibe of Newtown and Erskineville. We're surprisingly happy here
Slightly more of a commute would be Bondi, Coogee, etc., if you want the Eastern Suburbs beach lifestyle. Remember you'll be sharing it with the backpackers though.
Have a look on www.cityhobo.com, IME it's pretty accurate.
edit: I always forget about Balmain, Leichardt, Glebe, that way out. Very nice, bit yummy mummy in Balmain but good cafe society.
We are late 30s and 40s, no children. When we first arrived and were renting we lived in McMahons Point - it's close to North Sydney station and facilities and has cafes and a few small shops. Similar to that, other side of the railway, is Kirribilli. Both are lovely but expensive areas. (North Sydney itself is essentially the city's 2nd CBD, devoid of a soul, and dead on a weekend.)
Mosman is nice but very yummy mummy, not my thing. Also quite isolated, not great for transport. As a childless couple I wouldn't want to live in any of the other areas you or Jen mentioned - sorry
You'd have to suss out the travelling times on Google Maps but I would say look at the Northern Beaches - Manly (not really my thing), Freshwater (love it), Dee Why (gets mixed reviews but I know young people very happy there), etc. Bermudashorts lives up there and commutes, albeit to the city but I'm sure she'll have some good advice.
Alternatively for a bit of soul, cafe life with a bit of indy/grunge, look at the Inner West - Newtown, Erskineville, etc. We live in Alexandria, within walking distance of these, and my husband commutes to North Ryde, no problem. We wouldn't live here if money were no object but we wanted more space for our money (we bought), we wanted good transport links (ten minutes to the city centre, less on the train), husband flies a lot so great for the airport, and we love the alternative vibe of Newtown and Erskineville. We're surprisingly happy here
Slightly more of a commute would be Bondi, Coogee, etc., if you want the Eastern Suburbs beach lifestyle. Remember you'll be sharing it with the backpackers though.
Have a look on www.cityhobo.com, IME it's pretty accurate.
edit: I always forget about Balmain, Leichardt, Glebe, that way out. Very nice, bit yummy mummy in Balmain but good cafe society.
Last edited by Kooky.; Jul 31st 2011 at 11:36 pm.
#4
Re: Moving to Sydney but where????
Someone called. To throw my tuppence in..
We are a childless couple aged late 30's and early 40's. Initially we were thinking of Pymble, St Ives, Gordon etc and we even looked in the Hills too. But we are very glad we did not end up there, I think those places are more suited to the family market.
So I would agree with Seasider and recommend heading to the beaches for that cafe lifestyle you mention. We are in Collaroy, just north of Dee Why and it is about 50 minutes drive to Bella Vista, so you probably don't want to go much further up the coast. You would need to drive, there won't be any public transport options from here (unless you go via city which would take forever).
I get the bus to work every day and pass through Mosman and Neutral Bay and they look like interesting places, plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes. The drive to Bella Visa would be a bit easier and shorter from here too.
We are a childless couple aged late 30's and early 40's. Initially we were thinking of Pymble, St Ives, Gordon etc and we even looked in the Hills too. But we are very glad we did not end up there, I think those places are more suited to the family market.
So I would agree with Seasider and recommend heading to the beaches for that cafe lifestyle you mention. We are in Collaroy, just north of Dee Why and it is about 50 minutes drive to Bella Vista, so you probably don't want to go much further up the coast. You would need to drive, there won't be any public transport options from here (unless you go via city which would take forever).
I get the bus to work every day and pass through Mosman and Neutral Bay and they look like interesting places, plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes. The drive to Bella Visa would be a bit easier and shorter from here too.
#5
Re: Moving to Sydney but where????
Hi everyone
I'm after a bit of advise. My girlfriend and I are due to move to Sydney towards the end of the year and are starting to look for places to rent. Our work is over in Bella Vista so accessibility by car to there is a factor. We don't mind travelling up to 45 mins max as this is how long it currently takes us in London. We also want an area that is close to the centre of Sydney but not right in it. We like our open spaces but also love the cafe lifestyle with restaurants and bars close by. Friends of ours are saying North Sydney area and also Gordon, Pymble etc. They live in St Ives but have 2 kids where as we are in our mid 30s and no kids.
Thoughts, views?
Look forward to hearing your thoughts
I'm after a bit of advise. My girlfriend and I are due to move to Sydney towards the end of the year and are starting to look for places to rent. Our work is over in Bella Vista so accessibility by car to there is a factor. We don't mind travelling up to 45 mins max as this is how long it currently takes us in London. We also want an area that is close to the centre of Sydney but not right in it. We like our open spaces but also love the cafe lifestyle with restaurants and bars close by. Friends of ours are saying North Sydney area and also Gordon, Pymble etc. They live in St Ives but have 2 kids where as we are in our mid 30s and no kids.
Thoughts, views?
Look forward to hearing your thoughts
#6
Re: Moving to Sydney but where????
Someone called. To throw my tuppence in..
We are a childless couple aged late 30's and early 40's. Initially we were thinking of Pymble, St Ives, Gordon etc and we even looked in the Hills too. But we are very glad we did not end up there, I think those places are more suited to the family market.
So I would agree with Seasider and recommend heading to the beaches for that cafe lifestyle you mention. We are in Collaroy, just north of Dee Why and it is about 50 minutes drive to Bella Vista, so you probably don't want to go much further up the coast. You would need to drive, there won't be any public transport options from here (unless you go via city which would take forever).
I get the bus to work every day and pass through Mosman and Neutral Bay and they look like interesting places, plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes. The drive to Bella Visa would be a bit easier and shorter from here too.
We are a childless couple aged late 30's and early 40's. Initially we were thinking of Pymble, St Ives, Gordon etc and we even looked in the Hills too. But we are very glad we did not end up there, I think those places are more suited to the family market.
So I would agree with Seasider and recommend heading to the beaches for that cafe lifestyle you mention. We are in Collaroy, just north of Dee Why and it is about 50 minutes drive to Bella Vista, so you probably don't want to go much further up the coast. You would need to drive, there won't be any public transport options from here (unless you go via city which would take forever).
I get the bus to work every day and pass through Mosman and Neutral Bay and they look like interesting places, plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes. The drive to Bella Visa would be a bit easier and shorter from here too.
#7
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 10
Re: Moving to Sydney but where????
What's your budget? Sorry to be so blunt but where I'd recommend would depend on it.
We are late 30s and 40s, no children. When we first arrived and were renting we lived in McMahons Point - it's close to North Sydney station and facilities and has cafes and a few small shops. Similar to that, other side of the railway, is Kirribilli. Both are lovely but expensive areas. (North Sydney itself is essentially the city's 2nd CBD, devoid of a soul, and dead on a weekend.)
Mosman is nice but very yummy mummy, not my thing. Also quite isolated, not great for transport. As a childless couple I wouldn't want to live in any of the other areas you or Jen mentioned - sorry
You'd have to suss out the travelling times on Google Maps but I would say look at the Northern Beaches - Manly (not really my thing), Freshwater (love it), Dee Why (gets mixed reviews but I know young people very happy there), etc. Bermudashorts lives up there and commutes, albeit to the city but I'm sure she'll have some good advice.
Alternatively for a bit of soul, cafe life with a bit of indy/grunge, look at the Inner West - Newtown, Erskineville, etc. We live in Alexandria, within walking distance of these, and my husband commutes to North Ryde, no problem. We wouldn't live here if money were no object but we wanted more space for our money (we bought), we wanted good transport links (ten minutes to the city centre, less on the train), husband flies a lot so great for the airport, and we love the alternative vibe of Newtown and Erskineville. We're surprisingly happy here
Slightly more of a commute would be Bondi, Coogee, etc., if you want the Eastern Suburbs beach lifestyle. Remember you'll be sharing it with the backpackers though.
Have a look on www.cityhobo.com, IME it's pretty accurate.
edit: I always forget about Balmain, Leichardt, Glebe, that way out. Very nice, bit yummy mummy in Balmain but good cafe society.
We are late 30s and 40s, no children. When we first arrived and were renting we lived in McMahons Point - it's close to North Sydney station and facilities and has cafes and a few small shops. Similar to that, other side of the railway, is Kirribilli. Both are lovely but expensive areas. (North Sydney itself is essentially the city's 2nd CBD, devoid of a soul, and dead on a weekend.)
Mosman is nice but very yummy mummy, not my thing. Also quite isolated, not great for transport. As a childless couple I wouldn't want to live in any of the other areas you or Jen mentioned - sorry
You'd have to suss out the travelling times on Google Maps but I would say look at the Northern Beaches - Manly (not really my thing), Freshwater (love it), Dee Why (gets mixed reviews but I know young people very happy there), etc. Bermudashorts lives up there and commutes, albeit to the city but I'm sure she'll have some good advice.
Alternatively for a bit of soul, cafe life with a bit of indy/grunge, look at the Inner West - Newtown, Erskineville, etc. We live in Alexandria, within walking distance of these, and my husband commutes to North Ryde, no problem. We wouldn't live here if money were no object but we wanted more space for our money (we bought), we wanted good transport links (ten minutes to the city centre, less on the train), husband flies a lot so great for the airport, and we love the alternative vibe of Newtown and Erskineville. We're surprisingly happy here
Slightly more of a commute would be Bondi, Coogee, etc., if you want the Eastern Suburbs beach lifestyle. Remember you'll be sharing it with the backpackers though.
Have a look on www.cityhobo.com, IME it's pretty accurate.
edit: I always forget about Balmain, Leichardt, Glebe, that way out. Very nice, bit yummy mummy in Balmain but good cafe society.
Will check out cityhobo and also have a look at Kirribilli and McMahon's Point.
Will let you know how we get on.
#8
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 10
Re: Moving to Sydney but where????
Good point about Neutral Bay, great place for bars and cafes and easy access by Ferry and Bus to the City, plus you can get direct onto the Cove Tunnel Toll Road onto the M2 to take you up to the Windsor Rd round to the back of Bella Vista or the Old Windsor Rd to get to it via the front. Regular commute will determine which road will be best.
#9
Auntie Fa
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Seattle
Posts: 7,344
Re: Moving to Sydney but where????
$900 pw is normally a good budget but you're talking des res areas It should get you a pretty good 2-bedder, maybe even with a view. A lot of the lovely older apartments in those areas (which those with views often are, unless you go highrise) will be compact and may only have one bathroom.
Let's see if this works, I just did a search on domain:
http://www.domain.com.au/Search/rent...bay&displmap=0
Let's see if this works, I just did a search on domain:
http://www.domain.com.au/Search/rent...bay&displmap=0
#10
Re: Moving to Sydney but where????
$900 is plenty for a decent place in most areas so you will have a good choice.
#11
Re: Moving to Sydney but where????
Hi Jay
At least you'll be going against the traffic working in Bella Vista, but there will still be traffic- make no mistake. Have you checked out Castle Hill at all? Lots of cafes, shops etc and a nice suburb, albeit a family one. However, lots of young people also in the area and nice and close to work
If you want closer to the city, also consider Lane Cove, Crows Nest (my favourite!) Greenwich and Chatswood. All good areas and not too far from the cbd. $900 will get you a decent place as well. Good luck!
At least you'll be going against the traffic working in Bella Vista, but there will still be traffic- make no mistake. Have you checked out Castle Hill at all? Lots of cafes, shops etc and a nice suburb, albeit a family one. However, lots of young people also in the area and nice and close to work
If you want closer to the city, also consider Lane Cove, Crows Nest (my favourite!) Greenwich and Chatswood. All good areas and not too far from the cbd. $900 will get you a decent place as well. Good luck!
#12
Re: Moving to Sydney but where????
Hi Jay
At least you'll be going against the traffic working in Bella Vista, but there will still be traffic- make no mistake. Have you checked out Castle Hill at all? Lots of cafes, shops etc and a nice suburb, albeit a family one. However, lots of young people also in the area and nice and close to work
If you want closer to the city, also consider Lane Cove, Crows Nest (my favourite!) Greenwich and Chatswood. All good areas and not too far from the cbd. $900 will get you a decent place as well. Good luck!
At least you'll be going against the traffic working in Bella Vista, but there will still be traffic- make no mistake. Have you checked out Castle Hill at all? Lots of cafes, shops etc and a nice suburb, albeit a family one. However, lots of young people also in the area and nice and close to work
If you want closer to the city, also consider Lane Cove, Crows Nest (my favourite!) Greenwich and Chatswood. All good areas and not too far from the cbd. $900 will get you a decent place as well. Good luck!
#13
Auntie Fa
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Seattle
Posts: 7,344
Re: Moving to Sydney but where????
Agreed - if you're going to move to Sydney, move to Sydney. Live the dream
#14
Re: Moving to Sydney but where????
Third that.
Don't go anywhere with "Hill" in the name. The Hills are not for childfree professional couples.
Don't go anywhere with "Hill" in the name. The Hills are not for childfree professional couples.