Sydney is full of property hotspots but the best part is that some are on the way up when it comes to their level of trendiness.
Cafe culture and gentrification can significantly drive up an areas property prices, so it’s worth knowing which areas are well on their way to hipsterdom.
To pinpoint the areas in Sydney that are likely to see an influx of artsy generation y’ers, financial comparison website finder.com.au analysed the trends of issued liquor licences, walkability score and the demographic profiles, that are residing within numerous New South Wales locations.
They also spoke to local real estate agents from each of the respective suburbs and checked out some of the trendiest vegan and organic bars, restaurants and cafes to supplement their findings.
We list three of the hipest places to live, including the stats that make them trendy.
Marrickville
You can already include Marrickville in Sydney’s ‘hip’ list, however it’s status will be solidified now that the lockout laws have altered Newtown’s atmosphere and pushed the nightlife out to neighbouring suburbs.
- Median property price of $1.23 million
- House price growth in the past 3 years 53.15 per cent
- Median weekly rent is $730
- 7 per cent of residents are renting
- 6 per cent of the population are independent youth with a predominant age group of 25-34 years
- $2,100 – average monthly mortgage repayments
- 59 per cent rise in the number of issued liquor licences, between 2012-2015
- Proportion of high density dwellings stands at 40 per cent
- 8 kilometres from the central business district (CBD)
Top eateries
Hello Auntie – Traditional Vietnamese, try the beef pho and the banh xeo (crispy pancakes).
Cornersmith – established café with a simple menu, featuring house-pickled goods.
Marrickville Organic Food Market – a mix of fashion and fresh food stalls, held on Sundays.
St Leonards and Crows Nest
Crows Nest has been named the most liveable suburb in Sydney by the Urban Living Index.
- Median sale price is $1.7 million
- House price growth in the last 3 years 34.42 per cent
- Median weekly rent for St Leonards and Crows Nest is $685 and $930 respectively
- 8 per cent of people are renting in St Leonards while 47.3 per cent are renting in Crows Nest
- 60 per cent of the population are independent youths
- $2,100 – average monthly mortgage repayments
- 27 per cent jump in the number of liquor licences from 2012-2015
- Proportion of high density Dwellings 71 per cent
- 4km from the CBD
Top eateries
The Hayberry – Ace burgers, sweet tunes and a decidedly not-North-Shore feel.
FoxTrot – Welcoming bar (comfy sofas and a fireplace) serving classic cocktails and simple pizzas.
The Stoned Crow – Large, buzzing bar with candlelit communal tables and resident DJ.
Narrabeen
Narrabeen is known as the gem of the Northern Beaches due to its proximity to one of Australia’s most iconic beaches.
- Median house price $1.8 million
- House price growth 13 per cent between 2013 – 2016
- Median weekly rent is $1,050
- 40 per cent of households are renting
- 10 per cent of the population are independent youths
- 91 per cent spike in the number of liquor licences being issued from 2012 to 2015
- 23km north east of the CBD
Top eateries
The Bored Monkey – Casual restaurant with friendly service, beer on tap and live music after 7pm.
Barbuto – modern Australian meals, including Kangaroo and in-house smoked salmon.
Limani – extensive seafood menu (with a Greek influence), great presentation and huge portions.
Suburb liquor licence trend | |
Area | Liquor licences (% change from 2012 – 2015) |
Marrickville | 16.59 |
St Leonards/Crows Nest | 18.27 |
Auburn | 17.29 |
Narrabeen | 13.91 |
Zetland | 8.38% |
Suburb walkability score | |
Area | Walk score |
Marrickville | 95 |
St Leonards/Crows Nest | 87 |
Auburn | 93 |
Narrabeen | 75 |
Zetland | 82 |
Demographic profile | |
Area | Independent youth |
Marrickville | 42.60% |
St Leonards/Crows Nest | 68.60% |
Auburn | 30.20% |
Narrabeen | 60.10% |
Zetland | 54.30% |