There's no disputing Sydney is one of the world's most beautiful cities. It has all the drama of the harbour, coupled with beaches, parks and reserves and of course the iconic Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
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Home to over 4.5 million people, Sydney is a great place to raise a family with its clean and safe environment, great schools and outdoor lifestyle. Plus it has all the advantages of a cosmopolitan city.
What gives Sydney its sizzle? With glitz and glamour and a vibrant nightlife, Sydney is the place to be after dark. It's also Australia's most diverse and cosmopolitan city with an exciting food, arts and entertainment scene.
What's not to love? The traffic. Not in the same league as the congestion in London or New York, but if you're used to the gentler pace of regional Australia, the busier roads will be frustrating. Paying for parking in and around the CBD and near beaches as well as paying tolls will also be a shock.
Do you need a car? You can travel around Sydney on trains, trams or buses but the most enjoyable way commute is by ferry. Public transport is accessible in Sydney.
Find homes for sale here or for rent here.
Let's meet a Sydneysider
David Hancock moved to Australia 28 years ago from the UK and, along with his wife Sonja have lived in Avalon on the Northern Beaches for 13 years while raising three children.
The family took a year-long walkabout Australia, but after having a good look around they still think Avalon is the best place in the country to call home.
David says the best thing about living in Avalon is its close proximity to the beach and the great quality of life that can be enjoyed here.
"We're close to the city, but we still have that village feel. The kids can benefit from all the cultural benefits of the city whilst growing up in a safe and healthy environment.
"My eldest daughter Emma is going to university next year, and she will commute from home by bus which is a major saving in accommodation," said David.
"And my middle son Ben surfs every day, so if we ever moved away from the ocean, we'd need to leave him behind."
Where to live if you. . .
Have kids: Families looking for a great place to raise their family are spoilt choice when it comes to Sydney. Many suburbs have wide open spaces where the kids can play and are also close to beaches. Plus there are great schools and plenty of sports and extracurricular activities.
Families on a budget should look towards Sydney's South West for affordable housing and space to breathe.
Within an hour's commute of Sydney are Wollongong, the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast.
Have money: Living in Sydney doesn't come cheep, with median house prices tipped just over $1million, it is one of the least affordable places to live in Australia.
At the top end of the market are Darling Point, Bellevue Hill, Tamarama and Double Bay. The Northern Beaches are also very appealing to the well-healed.
One great example of a Darling Point trophy home is 3 Lindsay Avenue, Darling Point, NSW. With unrestricted harbour views, this masterfully designed home offers an abundance of remarkable living and entertaining areas.
Are here for a good time: Suburbs popular with the young and trendy include Surry Hills, Haymarket, Chippendale, Darlinghurst, Tempe and Palm Beach, to name just a few.
Then there is scenic Manly with its free and easy lifestyle. There is no better commute to the city than by catching a ferry from the wharf.
There's much more to Bondi than its world-famous beach, there are wonderful markets on weekends, magnificent coastal walks as well as world-class bars, restaurants and cafes.
Sydney's Marrickville has recently ranked among the top 10 coolest neighbourhoods in the world according to Time Out. Places were picked for offering good food and fun, art and culture, atmosphere and personality.
Looking to make the move to Sydney? Make sure you check out realestateview.com.au for all the best listings.
Find homes for sale here or for rent here.