Sydney is a city of neighbourhoods, with options to suit every stage of life. When you’re starting or growing a family, choosing the right suburb is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
A few Sydney suburbs stand out for their family-friendly features, including strong schools, safe streets, abundant parks and playgrounds, and a welcoming community feel. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best suburbs in Sydney for raising kids to help you find a place that truly feels like home.
Take a look at our ultimate guide to moving with kids for tips and tricks on how to make it a relaxing relocation for everyone.
Castle Hill
Located in the highly sought-after Hills District, Castle Hill is a prestigious neighbourhood that is well supplied with excellent amenities and schools, making it the perfect place for families.
This welcoming Sydney suburb offers the chance for a quiet and family-oriented lifestyle with excellent connections to this city. The area is great for those looking to embrace the outdoors with their little ones, as there are many green spaces on offer such as the Castle Hill Regional Park and the Fred Caterson Reserve.
Great education opportunities are also a top priority in Castle Hill with a range of high-performing private and public schools in the area such as Castle Hill High School which was ranked 13th highest comprehensive school in the state.
If you’re looking for a relaxed suburban lifestyle with close proximity to playgroups, daycares and sports facilities Castle Hill is one of the best places to live in Sydney for you and your family.
Median House Price: $2.4M
Prestons
Prestons is set to be a high flyer in 2026, attracting plenty of families with its continual growth and community spirit. Planted in Sydney’s South West, Prestons boasts plenty of green and recreational spaces that bring the community of all ages together.
Undergoing a great deal of development, Prestons is also soon to be graced with new retail and commercial spaces that will help draw wealth and new engagement into the area, making 2026 the perfect year to invest in the suburb.
Prestons’ relative affordability combined with its impressive schooling options and multicultural community make it an appealing option for those who wish to be part of an inclusive and caring community with growing opportunities on the horizon.
Median House Price: $1.1M
Matraville
Nestled away in the Eastern Suburbs, Matraville offers its residents the perfect blend of coastal serenity and suburban convenience. Just a stone's throw away from Malabar and Little Bay beaches, Matraville is great for families who want to raise their children close to Sydney’s glistening waters.
Over recent years the area has also undergone rejuvenation, with the development of independent cafes, shopping centres and other amenities that make living in the area much more convenient. Like many family-oriented regions, Matraville is also well-supplied with great schools such as Matraville Public School and Matraville Sports High.
Commuting can also be made easy from this Sydney suburb with bus routes and direct links to Bondi Junction Station taking you directly to the CBD.
Median House Price: $2.6Mg
Lane Cove
A leafy suburb on the Northern side of the lower North Shore, Lane Cove is a peaceful family-oriented suburb that offers convenient suburban living. With an intimate village-like feel, Lane Cove provides respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, perfect for those wishing for a quiet life in one of the safest suburbs in Sydney.
The suburb's ample natural beauty means children have plenty of choice for outdoor activities, from water sports at the bay to an outdoor adventure at the National Park. Lane Cove also boasts excellent schools, fantastic facilities and a thriving shopping and dining scene that have all undergone development over previous years due to the increasing population.
A safe and serene living option, Lane Cove is ideal for families looking for a balanced leafy lifestyle.
Median House Price: $3.1M
Hornsby
Another North Shore wonder, Hornsby offers superior bushland living that will make you feel a million miles from Sydney’s CBD. Ideal for families looking to be truly connected with nature, Hornsby offers an abundance of natural beauty with the Hornsby Valley Heritage Walk and Lisgar Gardens, where children can explore and parents can relax.
This peaceful Sydney Suburb also remains well supplied with dining and entertainment options with the newly renovated Westfield and Hornsby high street bringing the community together for coffees and catch-ups. Educational options are strong, with Hornsby Girls High School's academic excellence complemented by several well-regarded primary schools.
The mix of housing, from federation homes on leafy blocks to modern apartments near the town centre, caters to diverse family needs and budgets. With a community-focused feel and peaceful residential streets, Hornsby is great for families looking for respite from the city but with excellent links when needed.
Median House Price: $1.8M
Final thoughts
To find the best suburb in Sydney to raise a family, you need to find a balance of lifestyle, schools, safety and long-term liveability. There are great family-friendly options from the leafy North Shore neighbourhoods to the coastal Eastern Suburbs and growing hubs in the South West.
Once you’ve chosen where to live, a smooth move makes all the difference. Hiring local Sydney removalists will make moving with kids much easier, with professional packing and unpacking services so that you can focus on preparing your little ones for an exciting new chapter in their lives.
Note: Property prices are indicative and subject to market changes with all median prices taken from REA. Always conduct thorough research and consult with local real estate professionals for current market data.
