Our guide to moving to Sydney (city living)

Sydney Harbour Bridge day

Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It boasts a vibrant food and culture scene, exciting nightlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. The city is also home to some of Australia’s best universities and has a booming tech industry—so it’s no wonder more people are moving here than ever! So if you’re thinking about moving to Sydney, then read on. We have all the information you need right here in this handy guide:

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Housing

Once you’ve figured out what kind of neighbourhood you want to live in, the next step is to decide whether you should buy a house or rent. The two options have pros and cons, so weighing them against your situation is essential.

Buying a house can be expensive and risky, but if you’re going to stay in Sydney for years to come, it might be worth it. The cost of buying varies based on where you live and which type of home (new or old) appeals most to your tastes. Houses are more expensive than apartments because they cost more money upfront (the down payment) and ongoing costs (mortgage payments). 

If you’re not sure where you’ll be in the long term, renting is a good option, but owning your own home has advantages: 

  • You’ll get more space than renting would give you
  • There are fewer restrictions on what modifications can be made
  • You will end up with an asset that you own

Transport

Sydney has a well-developed public transport system, so you’ll be able to get around quickly no matter where you live. The train network covers most of the city, while buses will take you to places not served by trains. Sydney also boasts an extensive ferry network that connects with bus stops and railway stations at many locations across Sydney.

Driving isn’t the most convenient option for getting around in Sydney, but if you have your own car, there are plenty of ways to park it safely and securely throughout the city. There are many parking garages close to major landmarks such as Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Martin Place (the financial district). If you are looking for parking in Sydney that offers lower rates and longer-term options, there are plenty of sites that you can type in the location you want to be near, and it will bring up various parking spots nearby. In addition, you can search for secure parking with CCTV, with varied indoor, outdoor and garage parking to suit all your needs.

If cycling is more your style, then grab yourself one of those rental bikes from Redbike or Yellowbike! These companies offer daily or weekly passes, allowing access to hundreds of bikes around town. Hence, no matter where your destination may be, plenty are always available nearby! You can even pick them up from their docking stations near apartment complexes or other high-traffic areas like Wynyard Station; just scan your membership card over the reader, then wait until it unlocks before riding away!

Food and Drink

When it comes to food and drink, Sydney has it all. You can grab a great coffee at any number of cafes or order one of their famous burgers from a variety of restaurants. If you want to treat yourself, Sydney has some fantastic restaurants, including Quay, Bennelong and Tetsuya’s. For coffee, there are thousands of cafes around Sydney, but if you’re looking for some recommendations, duck into one of these: Gracie’s Cafe in Glebe or Foxy’s Deli & Grocers in Surry Hill. Both have amazing lattes and delicious food that will improve your day!

There’s more than just great food in Sydney; there are also plenty of bars and pubs you can go to with friends or even on your own! Many places also serve up some delicious cocktails if that’s more your thing. For a drink, there are plenty of options. If you’re in the mood for something fancy, head to The Chesterfield Hotel or The Langham Sydney. Both have fancy cocktails and an elegant atmosphere.

Work

As a newcomer to Sydney, getting settled and acquainted with the city and finding employment is essential. So the main question you’ll likely have is, “Where can I find good jobs in Sydney?”

The answer to that depends on your education and experience level. According to Jobstoday (a site that aggregates job listings from all over Australia), the top three most common job titles for those moving cities are:

  • Customer Service Consultant
  • Sales Advisor
  • Project Coordinator

Weather

Sydney’s climate is temperate. The city has four distinct seasons, spring being the driest and winter the wettest. However, it can get hot in summer and cold in winter. Summer is warm but rarely humid; there’s usually a breeze to cool you down on those hot days when walking around the city centre. The weather is generally mild, with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius (around 68 Fahrenheit) most days throughout summer, but sometimes it gets hotter than 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit).

In winter, expect cooler temperatures and more rain—it rains a lot from May through to September! Sydney gets an average of 263mm of rainfall each year, so if you love rainforests or mountains, this might not be for you. However, if the thought of seeing some greenery makes you happy, then don’t worry too much because there are many beautiful beaches nearby where you can relax on those rainy days!

Takeaway:

Sydney is a great place to live. It has a lot to offer, and it’s worth visiting. The city has a vibrant culture, some of Australia’s best restaurants and festivals, beautiful beaches and parks, an iconic opera house and harbour bridge—and that’s just scratching the surface!

If you’re looking for something more than just a vacation destination but want to keep things simple while you get settled into life in Sydney? Try visiting for a few months before you make a move more permanent.

Conclusion

Sydney is a great place to live and work. It has a vibrant community, an international outlook and plenty of employment opportunities for ex-pats. So whether you’re thinking about moving to Sydney or already here – we hope these tips have helped you!