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Best suburbs in Sydney for families 2022

February 29, 2024
by
Craig Gibson

Where are the best suburbs in Sydney for families in 2022? For some, the answer comes down to local schools. Others prioritise space to play, while some families simply want the biggest house they can afford.

When buying a family home, narrowing your search to suburbs that match your checklist gives a clearer picture of the options available within your budget.

To help with your search, we’ve identified Sydney’s most family friendly suburbs by region in 2022.       

Best areas for families to live in Sydney’s Inner West suburbs

Glebe

Outside of Glebe Public School on a Saturday for the Glebe Markets

Glebe ranks amongst the best suburbs in Sydney for families seeking an Inner West culture along with ample green space. Families choose Glebe for its village-like atmosphere and well-regarded public schools.

Anyone looking to buy should be busily saving for their house deposit. A 4-bedroom house easily fetches $2 million+, and 2-bedroom apartments can top $1 million.

Families choose Glebe for its village-like atmosphere and well-regarded public schools.
  • Median house price: $2.2 million
  • Average house rent: $800 per week
  • Median unit price: $1,079,000
  • Average unit rent: $500 p/w
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Rozelle 

Rozelle is a lively hub of dining, shopping, and waterfront parks. Popular for its public schools, the vibrant lifestyle adds to Rozelle’s appeal to urban families.

Buyers may find hidden gems, with 4-bedders occasionally listing under $2 million. Properties frequently go to auction, so consider using a Sydney buyer’s agent to help score the best deal.

  • Median house price: $2.1 million
  • Average house rent: $850 per week
  • Median unit price: $1.4 million
  • Average unit rent: $580 p/w

Homebush West

Park in Homebush on a sunny day

Homebush West offers easy access to the Sydney and Parramatta CBDs. Its proximity to Olympic Park, Centennial Parklands, Flemington markets, and major shopping centres makes it one of the best places to live in Sydney for families.

Houses are tightly held with no median price available. Townhouse-style apartments are the next best thing for under $700,000.

  • Median house price: N/A
  • Average house rent: $580 per week
  • Median unit price: $610,000
  • Average unit rent: $420 per week

Best areas for families to live in Western Sydney suburbs

Granville 

Parramatta River at night

Granville is rising as one of the best suburbs in Western Sydney for families. Close to Parramatta and a 35-minute train ride from Sydney city, Granville’s location is enhanced by affordability. Houses with backyards list under $800,000, or 3-bedroom units are around $600,000.      

Well-serviced by public transport, retail, and restaurants, Granville has a mix of public and private schools. Plus, Granville Park is right on the doorstep.

Houses with backyards in Granville list under $800,000, or 3-bedroom units are around $600,000.      
  • Median house price: $907,500
  • Average house rent: $460 per week
  • Median unit price: $464,000 
  • Average unit rent: $373 per week

Westmead 

Westmead is one of the safest and most affordable suburbs in Sydney. Long established as family friendly, Westmead households are mostly couples with children and there are several well-regarded schools.

Families seeking lower-density housing should consider south of the train station. Houses are pricier in this desirable location, but 3-bedroom units can be found for under $700,000.

  • Median house price: $1,500,000
  • Average house rent: $480 per week
  • Median unit price: $546,250
  • Average unit rent: $400 per week

Rooty Hill

Parents tickling their daughters and having fun in their family house

Rooty Hill isn’t traditionally considered a family suburb of Sydney, but times have changed. Buyers can find affordable housing options close to schools, shops, parks, sporting facilities, and public transport. Households with children dominate the demographic, and this is reflected in an increasingly family-friendly vibe.

With houses under $1 million, families seeking to upsize on a budget would do well to consider what Rooty Hill has to offer. Sizable townhouses also list for less than $800,000.     

  • Median house price: $817,500 
  • Average house rent: $460 per week
  • Median unit price: $645,000
  • Average unit rent: $450 per week 

Best areas for families to live in the Lower and Upper North Shore 

Wahroonga 

Aerial view of family houses in Sydney's North Shore

Wahroonga is home to a high percentage of families for a reason. This premium leafy suburb boasts top-ranking schools, spacious parklands, and a village lifestyle.

This premium leafy suburb boasts top-ranking schools, spacious parklands, and a village lifestyle.

If you have the budget, properties in Wahroonga can be substantial. If you’re happy to forgo a tennis court, 4-bedroom houses sometimes fetch under $2 million.  

  • Median house price: $2.6million
  • Average house rent: $980 per week
  • Median unit price: $980,100
  • Average unit rent: $550 p/w

Lane Cove

Leafy Lane Cove has become one of the best suburbs in Sydney for families, with 9 parklands for outdoor recreation. It’s considered safe and quiet with quality schools and a few pubs to disturb the peace. 

Housing in Lane Cove is mostly large properties or apartments. Families entering the market might consider a spacious townhouse, although these can carry a hefty price tag.    

  • Median house price: $2.9 million
  • Average house rent: $950 per week
  • Median unit price: $876,000
  • Average unit rent: $500 per week

Lindfield 

Parents playing with their kids in a park in Sydney

Paying premium in Lindfield buys access to one of Sydney’s quietest, cleanest, and greenest suburbs. Picturesque Lindfield attracts families with its excellent schools, laid-back atmosphere, and two bordering national parks.

Picturesque Lindfield attracts families with its excellent schools, laid-back atmosphere, and two bordering national parks.

For families who can afford it, houses in Lindfield are on decent-sized blocks. Modern 3-bedroom apartments are plentiful, offering an entrée into this supremely family-friendly community.

  • Median house price: $3.6 million
  • Average house rent: $1,250 per week
  • Median unit price: $1.1 million
  • Average unit rent: $610 per week
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Best areas for families to live South Sydney suburbs

Oatley

Oatley Bath in Sydney on a sunny day

Tree-lined streets and predominantly low-density housing make Oatley attractive to families. Only 30 minutes by train from the city, Oatley sits on the Georges River and combines natural beauty with doorstep shopping, dining, and great school options.

Oatley sits on the Georges River and combines natural beauty with doorstep shopping, dining, and great school options.

For its high liveability, Oatley is relatively affordable, particularly for renters. A 3-bedroom apartment could set you back just over $500 per week.

  • Median house price: $2 million
  • Average house rent: $730 per week
  • Median unit price: $880,000
  • Average unit rent: $450 per week

Kirrawee

A well-kept secret, leafy Kirrawee is close to beaches and desirable schools, with a recently revitalised retail centre. Families can expect quality dining, sporting facilities, parks, and a quiet neighbourhood.

Renting a house in Kirrawee far exceeds the national average of $395 per week, but buying a house is comparatively cheaper compared to similar Sydney suburbs.

  • Median house price: $1.5 million
  • Average house rent: $750 per week
  • Median unit price: $751,000
  • Average unit rent: $550 per week

Menai

Aerial view of Menia, one of Sydney's best suburbs for families

Menai’s relatively recent development means 4-bedroom homes dominate the landscape. Its reputation as one of the safest and most affordable suburbs in Sydney is thanks to its high percentage of owner-occupiers and couples with children, and the size of houses comparable to price.

Apartments are in lower supply, but families are generally attracted to Menai for the opportunity to snap up a multi-bedroom house with a generous yard on a quiet street.

  • Median house price: $1.3 million
  • Average house rent: $750 per week
  • Median unit price: $870,000
  • Average unit rent: $570 per week 
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Things to keep in mind when looking for a family home

Unsure of what qualities to look for when searching for a family friendly suburb in Sydney? Here are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

  • Convenient location close to schools, parks, public transport and the local shops
  • Noise free street that is not close to a major road or under a flight path
  • Room to grow, especially if you are planning on expanding your brood
  • Ample storage in key areas like children’s bedrooms and the kitchen
  • Outdoor space is not essential but definitely a big bonus for creative play and sunshine
  • A sensible layout makes it easy to keep tabs on children and makes socialising a breeze
  • Parking must be convenient, easily accessible to the house and preferably secure

With all this in mind you can now start your search for a family home, and find a suburb in the Sydney area that suits your family's lifestyle needs and aspirations.

Blogs are written expressly for education purposes and content is based on the opinions of the authors or as otherwise cited. All information is current as at publication release and we take no responsibility for any factors that may change thereafter. Doorsteps Finance Pty Ltd and Doorsteps Solutions Pty Ltd do not accept any liability or responsibility whatsoever to any error or omission or any loss or damage of any kind sustained by a person or entity arising from the use of this information. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances.

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Disclaimer: Property reports contain property estimate data and information provided by RP Data Pty Ltd trading as CoreLogic Asia Pacific ABN 57 087 759 171 (CoreLogic) and OpenAgent Pty Ltd, which is general in nature. It is not a professional property valuation or advice to be relied upon. The actual market value of the subject property may differ. We and CoreLogic do not warrant the accuracy, currency or completeness of the data and information to the full extent permitted by law, each excludes all loss or damage howsoever arising (including through negligence) in connection with the information. You rely on the property estimate at your own risk.

Disclaimer: Doorsteps Finance Pty Ltd ACN 648 541 879 (credit representative no.531036) is authorised under Doorsteps Solutions Pty Ltd ACN 654 334 246, Australian Credit Licence 537369. Any credit application made through Doorsteps Finance Pty Ltd is subject to approval, terms and conditions, fees and charges.

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