Finding the best suburb in Sydney to live in can be tricky, especially when you’re planning to move to a new suburb. With rising costs, new ways of working, and major infrastructure projects changing the city, “liveable” doesn’t just mean affordable.
This list looks beyond property prices. We’ve ranked Sydney’s best, most liveable suburbs for 2026 based on safety, parks, transport, local amenities, and overall lifestyle, so you can find what fits you best.
Looking for past data? See our guide on Sydney’s most liveable suburbs 2024.
How we ranked the best suburbs in Sydney for 2026
Our 2026 rankings draw on data from:
- Community feedback and the 2025 Australian Liveability Census
- Sydney Metro updates
- Council investment in parks and public spaces
- Real estate and growth forecasts
No single suburb is “best” for everyone, but the suburbs below consistently score high across multiple liveability measures.
What's the best suburb in Sydney to live in? (Quick summary)
The table below compares some of the best Sydney suburbs based on key lifestyle factors like commute, affordability and family-friendliness.
| If you want... | Look at... | Why? | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Lane Cove | Safe, green, great schools, village-like shops. | $$$ |
| A fast commute | Redfern | One train stop from Central, convenient | $–$$ |
| Family-friendly | Camden | Huge parks, friendly community, away from the city | $ |
| Great for professionals | North Sydney | Major business district, Metro and train access | $–$$ |
| Affordability | Lurnea | Better value, close to schools, improving infrastructure | $ |
| Beachside | Cronulla | Vibrant community, direct train line | $$$ |
Note: Median prices in this article reflect the most common property type in each suburb: houses in most areas, and units in inner-city suburbs.
Sydney’s best suburbs all round in 2026
These suburbs are the winners because they have a bit of everything: safety, parks and public spaces, and great local amenities.
Lane Cove 2066
For three years in a row, Lane Cove has been rated the best place to live in Sydney. Residents say it feels incredibly safe and has beautiful green spaces, including the Lane Cove National Park. It also has a walkable "village" feel where you can easily walk to get your morning coffee. With excellent schools like Lane Cove public school and St Ignatius’ College nearby, Lane Cove is perfect for families looking for a balanced lifestyle.
Median unit price: $950,000
Willoughby 2068
Willoughby is perfect if you want to be close to the city while still enjoying quiet, tree-lined streets and relaxed suburbia. There are plenty of parks, local cafes, and shopping villages. Plus, there are excellent schools nearby, like Willoughby Public School and Chatswood High School, which are known for their strong programs and local reputation.
Unfortunately, the house prices are on the higher side, which shows just how popular it is.
Median unit price: $1.5 million
The best affordable (but liveable) suburbs in Sydney
It’s hard to find suburbs in Sydney that cost less, but still offer safety, nature and convenience. The suburbs below stand out in 2026 for balancing value with liveability.
Lurnea 2170
Lurnea offers one of the better affordability-to-liveability ratios in Sydney’s south-west. While not a major lifestyle hub, it’s perfect if you want quieter streets with local parks, schools, and improving infrastructure, all at a more affordable price.
Median house price: $1 million
Hornsby 2077
If you like the quiet suburbia of the North Shore, Hornsby is slightly more affordable than many neighbouring suburbs while still offering excellent access to bushland, national parks, and walking trails. Crime rates are relatively low for a major transport hub, and the train station has direct access to the CBD and Central Coast.
Median house price: $1.8 million
Best Sydney suburbs for an easy commute to Sydney CBD
The Southwest Metro will be open by the end of 2026, making suburbs like Bankstown and Marrickville much easier to live in. Until then, here are the most convenient suburbs in Sydney.
Redfern 2016
Redfern is a cool inner-city suburb just one train stop (about 2 minutes) from Central. It’s characterised by popular cafes like Henry Lee’s and Three Williams Cafe. The area has really transformed over the years, blending vintage charm with modern urban living.
Median unit price: $1.2 million
Parramatta 2150
Also known as Sydney’s "Second CBD", Parramatta is a powerhouse for jobs, hospitals and multicultural dining. You can also take an easy 30-minute express train to the city or enjoy a scenic ferry ride. It’s an attractive choice if you value modern apartments, a bustling mini-city scape, and convenient transport.
Median house price: $1.7 million
Best suburbs in Sydney for families in 2026
If you need space, good schools, and safe streets for the kids, these are the top picks. Moving your family to these new suburbs with experienced Sydney removalists can make the transition far less stressful.
Camden 2570
Camden is consistently one of the fastest growing areas. It scores highly for community connection, affordability, and access to large parks. Even with rapid growth, Camden Council has managed to maintain friendly, small-town atmospheres, making it a strong choice for families wanting to get away from the city.
Median house price: $1.1 million
Winston Hills 2153
Winston Hills is a great option if you want to balance affordable housing, plenty of green space, and great schools, without getting too far out of Sydney. The suburb is known for its quiet streets, well-kept parks, and community feel, making it popular with families who want a calmer lifestyle while staying relatively connected to greater Sydney.
Median house price: $1.6 million
Best Sydney suburbs for professionals
If you’re a young professional, remote worker, or someone looking for a strong work-life balance, these suburbs combine convenience, lifestyle, and growth potential.
North Sydney 2060
North Sydney is a major business district, just minutes from the Sydney CBD. With metro and train connections to other suburbs, it’s easy to get around without a car. Apartments dominate the area, so unit prices are more realistic compared to inner-city rents.
Median unit price: $1.1 million
Chatswood 2067
Chatswood is known for its thriving retail and business district with major employers. The train and metro make it easily connected. With strong local employment and dining options, Chatswood remains a well-rounded choice in 2026 for professionals looking for stability and lifestyle.
Median unit price: $1 million
Best beachside suburbs to live in Sydney
If living near the ocean is a priority, these suburbs deliver the beach lifestyle you’re looking for.
Cronulla 2230
Cronulla is the only beachside suburb in Sydney with its own train station. That means you get the relaxed, holiday-style lifestyle without being stuck in traffic. With beaches, cafes, and coastal walks all close by, it’s a favourite for both families and professionals.
Median house price: $3.3 million
FAQs on Sydney suburbs
How many suburbs are in Sydney?
The Greater Sydney Region has over 650 suburbs, while the city is made up of 33 suburbs.
What is the most expensive suburb in Sydney?
Point Piper is consistently ranked the most expensive suburb, with median house prices currently at $26.5 million. This is closely followed by other harbourside suburbs like Bellevue Hill ($11.7 million median house price) and Vaucluse ($9.4 million median house price).
What are Sydney’s most in-demand suburbs?
Birchgrove and Stanmore are Sydney’s most popular suburbs (Domain). But, suburbs like Blacktown and Marsden Park are growing in popularity for houses, while Dee Why and Liverpool are growing in demand for units (REA).
What’s the best western Sydney suburb?
Parramatta is often seen as the “best” western Sydney suburb, with its mix of employment opportunities, public transport, schools, and family-friendly amenities.
What are the most affordable suburbs in Sydney for 2026?
Western suburbs like Merrylands, Harris Park, Liverpool and Mount Druitt are some of the most affordable in 2026, with a median unit prices of around $450,000–$500,000.
