Welcome to Sydney! This harbourside city is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, diverse cultural scene and lively nightlife. If you’re considering a move to this dynamic city, the first thing you need to do is get acquainted with its various neighbourhoods.
From the sunny Eastern Suburbs to the lively Inner West and the upscale North Shore, each area offers its own unique vibe, lifestyle and amenities.
When trying to choose where to live, it will help to consider whether you’ll have a car or need to live near train and light rail stations; how close you want to be to the beach, the national parks and the city; and whether you prefer to live in an apartment or a house.
Check out the city’s different areas to decide which would be right for you to live in (and get some hot tips on the first things to do when you arrive).
Eastern Suburbs
The Eastern Suburbs of Sydney boast some of the city’s most iconic beaches, including Bondi, Coogee, and Bronte. These pristine stretches of sand attract sun worshippers, surfers, and beachgoers year-round.
Beyond the shoreline, you’ll find a fusion of laid-back coastal vibes and upscale sophistication. The suburbs are home to trendy bars, fashionable boutiques and a vibrant café culture. The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk offers breathtaking views and an opportunity to connect with nature.
Inner West
Embracing a bohemian spirit and a vibrant multicultural community, Sydney’s Inner West is a melting pot of cultures, art, and culinary delights.
Marrickville, Newtown, and Glebe are some of the most popular suburbs in this area. The Inner West is a haven for food lovers, with a vast array of diverse restaurants, hipster cafes and bustling food markets.
The streets are adorned with colourful street art, and live music venues showcase local talent. Explore the many parks, such as St Peters’ Sydney Park, for a tranquil retreat from city life.
North Shore
The North Shore of Sydney exudes an air of elegance and tranquility. This upscale area is characterised by leafy streets, grand homes and a strong sense of community.
Suburbs such as Mosman, Neutral Bay and North Sydney offer stunning waterfront views, picturesque parks and upscale dining options.
Take a ferry from Circular Quay to enjoy the scenic journey along Sydney Harbour. Taronga Zoo, located in Mosman, is a must-visit, allowing you to get up close and personal with native Australian wildlife.
Inner city
Sydney’s inner city is a vibrant hub of urban energy, art, and culture.
Suburbs like Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Paddington are at the heart of this cosmopolitan district.
- Surry Hills is known for its trendy cafes, boutique stores and lively bar scene.
- Darlinghurst is a melting pot of LGBTQ+ culture, hosting lively festivals and events.
- Paddington, with its Victorian terraces and designer boutiques, is a haven for fashion enthusiasts.
The area is also dotted with art galleries, museums, and theatres, showcasing the city’s creative spirit.
Western Suburbs
The Western Suburbs of Sydney embrace a rich cultural diversity, with a fusion of different cuisines, markets, and festivals. Areas such as Parramatta, Auburn and Bankstown offer a vibrant mix of flavours, from Middle Eastern delights to authentic Asian cuisine.
Explore Parramatta’s Riverside Theatre for a dose of performing arts or stroll through expansive Parramatta Park.
The Western Suburbs are well-connected by public transport, making it easy to access the city centre.
Northern Beaches
Nestled along Sydney’s stunning northern coastline, the Northern Beaches are synonymous with laid-back beachside living. Suburbs like Manly, Dee Why and Palm Beach offer an idyllic coastal lifestyle, perfect for those seeking sun, surf and relaxation.
Manly Beach is a mecca for water sports, while Palm Beach is famous for its golden sands and luxurious resorts. The area boasts charming beachside cafes, waterfront dining options and a thriving beach culture.
South Sydney
South Sydney is an emerging cultural hotspot, with pockets of artistic expression and a burgeoning food scene. Suburbs like Redfern, Waterloo and Alexandria are experiencing a renaissance, attracting creative entrepreneurs and hip eateries.
Explore the Carriageworks arts precinct in Redfern for contemporary exhibitions and performances, or visit the bustling Grounds of Alexandria for a unique dining experience set in a converted industrial space.
What to do when you arrive
Update your address
Once you’ve settled into your new home, one of the first things to do is update your address on important documents. Visit the Service NSW website to update your address on your driver’s licence or apply for a new one if you’re new to Australia.
Connect your utilities
You can compare and sign up for gas and electricity plans at the government’s Energy Made Easy site. If you’re renting, your landlord will deal with the water (you may need to pay for usage). Sydney is almost completely on the NBN now, so you should be able to get a high-speed NBN plan connected quickly through one of the many ISPs available.
Sign up to hear what’s happening
There’s so much going on in Sydney that it can be a little overwhelming. Signing up for event newsletters and websites will keep you informed about upcoming festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and more. There are plenty of options, but start by following The Plus Ones on Instagram for a selection of the best events happening in the city.
Find your people
Sydney can be a little cliquey, but don’t take it personally. With a little effort on your part you’ll find your tribe. Start by living in the right neighbourhood for you (see above), then join sports teams, attend Meetups, join clubs, chat to colleagues and even jump on the dating bandwagon.
Register with a GP
Find a GP near you and register with them. It’s a good idea to start doing this before you need to see a doctor as clinics sometimes close their books to new patients when they’re oversubscribed.
Then just enjoy it. Check out all the great neighbourhoods, cafes, bars, restaurants, coastal walks, parks, markets, concerts and events on offer in this fabulous city. Welcome to Sydney!
– Marshall
Marshall Thurlow is Director and Founder of Orion Marketing Pty Ltd. He is a digital marketer with expertise in SEO, website design, content marketing and project management.
