Go West: New Research Reveals Sydney’s Most Liveable, and Affordable, Suburbs

Western Sydney is home to Sydney’s Top 5 most liveable and affordable suburbs, according to a new Liveability Index from McCrindle Research.

The suburb of Parramatta North was ranked Sydney’s most liveable and affordable suburb, closely followed by North Parramatta. Third place was shared by newcomer Wentworth Point, alongside Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush, and Petersham.

Based on the most recent Census data, the comprehensive study investigated and assessed the liveability of 359 suburbs in Sydney, developing and applying a metrics to measure four key pillars – community, employability, amenity, and affordability.

Top 10 Sydney Suburbs: McCrindle Research’s Liveability Index 2023

Using the Liveability Index, property developer Billbergia commissioned a case study to evaluate various suburbs across Greater Sydney to rank liveability, considering a diverse range of factors. These include community engagement, arts and recreation, transport infrastructure, access to retail and dining, education, labour force participation and the affordability of both rents and mortgages.

“This study demonstrates that areas of high liveability are well connected to public transport and infrastructure, with good access to education and employment. They are arts, culture, and retail hubs. Affordability and a diverse and vibrant community are also key,” said Sophie Renton, Managing Director of McCrindle Research.

The study also highlights that with urban dwelling on the rise, Sydney-siders are prioritising connection, community, and amenity.

“By measuring intangibles and putting metrics to social infrastructure, this index places value on the cultural, social, and aesthetic aspects of our communities. The Liveability Index offers guidance for residents around ideal places to live and also gives direction for future development,” Ms Renton said.

Amid Australia’s extreme housing crisis – catalysed by spiralling rents and escalating interest rates combined with a shortage of housing supply – demand for Sydney property remains unsatiated.

According to McCrindle Research, Sydney has witnessed robust population growth over the last 10 years, with an addition of 650,900 people during this period. By 2041, Sydney’s population is projected to reach 6.1 million – an increase of an additional million residents over the next 20 years.

This sustained pressure on housing supply impacts on the city’s liveability, the cost of housing and demand for infrastructure. Residents who are unable to access amenities and services for day-to-day life without some degree of difficulty can become disconnected and isolated – impacting greater social health and wellbeing affecting the overall health and wellbeing of society.

“Residential areas situated near employment hubs such as St Leonards and Bondi Junction are strong by measures of amenities and employability, but unaffordability can be an obstacle – making them out of reach for many. Similarly, suburban expansion areas on the fringe of Sydney such as Marsden Park are affordable and provide families with ample space to grow, but amenities and connectivity remain key challenges,” said Ms Renton.

But areas in the geographic centre of Sydney such as Parramatta and Ryde, – and newer suburb Wentworth Point – are delivering both liveability and affordability.

“Parramatta as Sydney’s second CBD delivers neighbouring suburbs with access to local employment opportunities and its large commercial, retail, and dining core further lifts the area’s desirability,” Ms Renton said.

Wentworth Point, (which along with the area of Sydney Olympic Park) is a relatively new urban precinct on Homebush Bay connected to Rhodes by Bennelong Bridge. Rezoned for residential use in 2004, it has rapidly grown and now has an estimated population of 20,500 people.

McCrindle’s Liveability Index revealed based on 2021 Census figure a median monthly mortgage repayment of $2,300 per month in Wentworth Point, with median rents at $510 per week – positioning it among the most affordable waterfront housing in Sydney.

Wentworth Point is significantly more affordable than other locations that rank high on the liveability scale given their amenity and connectivity to public transport – such as Bondi Junction-Waverley, where median monthly mortgage repayments are $3,500 and the average rent is $652 per week.

“Considering its proximity to waterfront and outdoor recreation space, Wentworth Point’s relative affordability makes it a desirable area for its young and highly-engaged community,” according to Ms Renton.

According to developer Billbergia who has developed 3,000 apartments in the precinct, residents have a high level of connectivity to employment, education, and amenities through Wentworth Point’s active transport options and public transport infrastructure including bus, ferry and heavy rail at Rhodes connected by free shuttle buses.

Testimony to the success of transport-oriented residential development, despite Wentworth Point – Sydney Olympic Park residents having an average of 1.2 motor vehicles per dwelling, the vast majority commute to work each day on active and public transport.

“We aren’t surprised at how high Wentworth Point ranks when compared to other suburbs across Sydney, but we now have independent data to support this. Billbergia aimed to deliver a vibrant and connected precinct through community focused design, place-making, and transport-oriented development,” said John Kinsella AM and Managing Director of Billbergia.

The Liveability Index rated Wentworth Point’s community and employability among the highest of all suburbs.

“Wentworth Point is a showcase in urban regeneration and transport-oriented development. Our growing community is diverse and engaged, living in an affordable lifestyle precinct with easy access to retail, dining, education, health, sporting, and public transport,” said Mr Kinsella.

Wentworth Point Town Centre is based on a master plan by urban design and architectural firm Scott Carver and spans over 11 hectares. It is being delivered by Billbergia over seven stages – with one final stage remaining.

It comprises a total of more than 3,700 apartments, an award-winning ‘super neighbourhood’ shopping centre, purpose-built medical facility, and Community Centre and Library.

Billbergia has also delivered critical infrastructure to the precinct including the $63 million Bennelong Bridge connecting Wentworth Point to Rhodes and public transport.

Testimony to its success, Wentworth Point Town Centre has received the accolades of many highly coveted industry awards. It was most recently the winner of The Property Council of Australia’s ‘Australian Development of the Year 2022’ and ‘Master Planned Community 2022’ awards. Wentworth Point Town Centre has also been the winner of several awards recognising development excellence from The Urban Development Institute of Australia, Urban Taskforce and Master Builder Association.

Insights from the Liveability Report case study will be presented at the UDIA’s Citilab 23 ‘Cities within Cities’ Summit this Thursday 24 August 2023.