Surry Hills NSW is the Best Place to Live in Sydney

Surry Hills NSW isn’t just another Sydney suburb—it’s an iconic, high-demand location that perfectly blends heritage charm, urban convenience, and a vibrant cultural scene. It has top-tier schools, unbeatable café culture, career opportunities, or a solid property investment. Surry Hills delivers on all fronts.

Surry Hills Buyers and investors alike are snapping up property here before prices will rise even further.

Prime Location & Accessibility

One of the biggest reasons people love living in Surry Hills is its unbeatable location and convenience.

🚆 Fast & Easy Transport Links

Sydney CBD is just minutes away – Ideal for professionals who want to be close to work without being in the thick of it.
Central Station – The city’s main transport hub is right on the edge of Surry Hills, providing fast connections to anywhere in Sydney.
Light Rail & Bus Services – The L2 light rail line runs through Surry Hills, connecting to the city and beyond, while a network of buses makes it easy to travel anywhere.
Cycle-Friendly Streets – Dedicated bike lanes allow locals to ride into the CBD in under 10 minutes.

🏡 Close to Everything You Need

5 mins to Darlinghurst & Paddington – Perfect for nightlife, boutique shopping, and entertainment.
10 mins to Redfern & Newtown – Known for their arts scene, diverse food options, and creative culture.
15 mins to Bondi Beach – Weekend swims and beach days are just a short drive or bus ride away.
20 mins to Sydney Airport – Ideal for frequent travellers or business professionals.

🚶 Walkability at Its Best

Surry Hills has a walk score of 98/100, making it one of Sydney’s most walkable suburbs. From cafés to gyms, parks, and shopping, everything is right at your doorstep.

💡 Why This Matters for Buyers:
Surry Hills’ prime location and easy connectivity make it one of the most in-demand suburbs in Sydney, ensuring strong property value growth and high rental demand.

Education Hub: Top Schools Near Surry Hills

Families looking to buy in Surry Hills aren’t just investing in a great suburb—they’re securing access to some of Sydney’s best schools.

🏫 Top-Ranked Public & Private Schools

Surry Hills is home to high-achieving public and private schools, making it a great place for families.

🔹 Private Schools Nearby

SCEGGS Darlinghurst (K-12, Girls) – One of Sydney’s most prestigious private girls’ schools, known for academic excellence and a strong community.
Sydney Grammar School (K-12, Boys) – Elite private school offering one of the country’s highest-achieving academic programs.
The Emanuel School & Moriah College – Two of Sydney’s best Jewish day schools within a short drive.

🔹 High-Performing Public Schools

Crown Street Public School (K-6, Co-ed) – Highly sought-after primary school with excellent academic results and community involvement.
Bourke Street Public School (K-6, Co-ed) – Another top-performing public school in Surry Hills.
Inner Sydney High School (7-12, Co-ed) – A brand-new, high-tech public high school offering cutting-edge learning facilities.

🏛️ Close to Sydney’s Leading Universities

Surry Hills is also perfectly positioned for university students and academics, being:

5 minutes from UTS (University of Technology Sydney)
10 minutes from the University of Sydney
15 minutes from UNSW (University of New South Wales)

💡 Why This Matters for Buyers:
Access to top schools and universities is a major factor driving buyer demand in Surry Hills. Whether you’re a homeowner or investor, property in a top-tier school zone holds long-term value and strong resale potential.

The Best Cafés & Restaurants in Sydney

If there’s one thing Surry Hills is famous for, it’s food and coffee. This suburb is the beating heart of Sydney’s café culture, where baristas take their craft seriously, and the dining scene is as diverse as it is exciting.

☕ The Coffee Culture: Where Sydney’s Café Scene Was Born

Surry Hills is home to some of the best coffee in Australia, and locals take their morning brew very seriously. Whether you’re into single-origin espresso, oat milk lattes, or cold brew, there’s a café that will serve it to perfection.

🏆 Top Coffee Spots in Surry Hills:

Single O – One of Sydney’s OG specialty coffee roasters, known for its ethical sourcing and incredible espresso.
Paramount Coffee Project – A trendy coffee and brunch spot inside the heritage-listed Paramount House Hotel.
Reuben Hills – A café and coffee roastery known for its South American-inspired menu and rich, full-bodied coffee.

🍽️ Restaurants & Dining: A Foodie’s Paradise

From casual eateries to fine dining, Surry Hills has something for everyone. It’s a hotspot for top-tier chefs, experimental menus, and globally inspired cuisine.

🥢 Iconic Restaurants in Surry Hills:

Chin Chin – A must-visit for anyone who loves bold, vibrant Thai flavours.
Firedoor – A fine-dining experience where every dish is cooked over fire, led by celebrity chef Lennox Hastie.
Nomad – A modern Australian restaurant with Middle Eastern influences, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Porteño – An Argentine steakhouse where meat lovers will find heaven.

🍹 Nightlife & Bars: Where Locals Go After Dark

Once the sun sets, Surry Hills transforms into one of Sydney’s best nightlife districts, offering a mix of trendy cocktail bars, live music venues, and classic pubs.

🍸 Best Bars in Surry Hills:

The Clock Hotel – A local favourite, with a rooftop terrace perfect for sundowners.
Shady Pines Saloon – A hidden, American-style bar with a fun, laid-back vibe.
Maybe Sammy – One of the world’s top cocktail bars, offering innovative drinks and a 1950s-inspired setting.

💡 Why This Matters for Buyers:
Surry Hills’ incredible food and coffee scene makes it one of the most livable suburbs in Sydney. Whether you’re a homeowner looking for a vibrant community or an investor wanting a high-rental-demand location, the dining culture adds undeniable appeal.

A Thriving Arts & Culture Scene

Surry Hills isn’t just about great food—it’s also one of Sydney’s cultural hotspots, home to artists, creatives, and performers who shape the suburb’s unique character.

🎨 Art Galleries & Creative Spaces

Surry Hills has long been a hub for Sydney’s art scene, with independent galleries and creative collectives showcasing local talent.

🎭 Top Art & Cultural Venues in Surry Hills:

Brett Whiteley Studio – The former home of one of Australia’s most celebrated artists, now a working museum.
China Heights Gallery – A contemporary art space showcasing emerging and established Australian artists.
M2 Gallery – A hidden gem for lovers of bold, experimental art pieces.

🎭 Live Music, Theatre & Entertainment

From intimate theatre performances to live music venues, Surry Hills has something for every culture lover.

🎤 Where to Experience Live Arts in Surry Hills:

Belvoir St Theatre – One of Australia’s most prestigious independent theatre companies, known for cutting-edge productions.
The Beresford – A classic pub that turns into a lively music venue on weekends.
Golden Age Cinema & Bar – A stylish, retro-inspired theatre showcasing indie films, cult classics, and live jazz nights.

🖌️ Street Art & Creative Energy

Surry Hills’ streets are lined with incredible murals, graffiti art, and public installations that give the suburb its edgy, artistic feel. Walking through laneways like Nickson Street and Foley Street, you’ll see vibrant pieces that showcase the creative pulse of the area.

💡 Why This Matters for Buyers:
Surry Hills isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to experience. Its arts, music, and cultural scene make it one of Sydney’s most exciting and unique suburbs, adding even more value for those looking to buy or invest here.

A Tight-Knit & Diverse Community

One of the biggest reasons people love living in Surry Hills is the strong sense of community. Despite being in the heart of Sydney, the suburb has managed to retain a village-like atmosphere, where locals know their baristas by name, neighbours stop for a chat, and community events bring everyone together.

🌏 A Mix of Locals & Newcomers

Surry Hills is home to a diverse and welcoming population, including:
✔️ Young professionals drawn to its proximity to the CBD and vibrant social scene.
✔️ Families who love the access to great schools and parks.
✔️ Artists & creatives who thrive in the suburb’s cultural and artistic environment.
✔️ Long-time locals who have lived in the area for decades, adding to its deep-rooted charm.
✔️ LGBTQ+ community – Surry Hills has long been a safe and inclusive space, with a rich history tied to Sydney’s Pride movement.

🎉 Community Events & Markets

Surry Hills locals love a good gathering, and the suburb plays host to regular events that bring everyone together.

🏡 Must-Attend Local Events:

Surry Hills Festival – A massive annual street festival featuring live music, art installations, food stalls, and community performances.
Crown Street Markets – A weekly event where you can pick up organic produce, handmade goods, and artisan coffee.
Mardi Gras Celebrations – As one of Sydney’s most LGBTQ+ friendly suburbs, Surry Hills plays a huge role in Sydney’s Mardi Gras festivities.

Accepting Surry Hills — Surry Hills Community

💚 A Lifestyle That Feels Like Home

Unlike many inner-city suburbs that feel transient and disconnected, Surry Hills has a real sense of belonging. The streets are alive with friendly dog-walkers, café-goers, and locals catching up for brunch, making it a suburb that truly feels like home.

💡 Why This Matters for Buyers:
When you invest in Surry Hills, you’re not just buying property—you’re becoming part of a vibrant, welcoming community. A strong sense of community also means higher property demand, as people are drawn to the suburb for its livability and inclusiveness.

The Emerging Tech Hub of NSW

Surry Hills isn’t just a cultural hotspot—it’s also becoming one of Sydney’s most exciting tech and innovation hubs. Thanks to its strategic location and government investment, the suburb is attracting tech start-ups, entrepreneurs, and major global companies looking to establish their presence in NSW.

🚀 Welcome to “Tech Central”

Surry Hills is a key part of Tech Central, a NSW Government-backed initiative aimed at making Sydney the leading technology hub in the Asia-Pacific.

🏢 Tech Giants & Startups Moving In:

Atlassian’s Global HQ – The Australian-born tech giant is building a $1.4 billion headquarters near Central Station, bringing thousands of jobs to the area.
Silicon Valley-style innovation district – The goal is to make Surry Hills and the surrounding areas the next big thing in tech.
Coworking spaces & creative offices – Companies like WeWork and Hub Australia have set up stunning office spaces, catering to Sydney’s growing start-up scene.

💼 More Jobs, More Opportunity

As more tech companies move into Surry Hills, the demand for skilled workers continues to rise. This is great news for:
✔️ Tech professionals & remote workers looking to live close to work.
✔️ Investors who want to buy in an area that’s attracting high-income earners.
✔️ Property owners who stand to benefit from rising demand and rental returns.

🌍 A Suburb Designed for Innovation & Collaboration

With a mix of heritage-listed buildings and cutting-edge offices, Surry Hills offers a unique work-life balance that appeals to today’s workforce. It’s creative, it’s energetic, and it’s the future of Sydney’s tech scene.

💡 Why This Matters for Buyers:
Surry Hills’ transformation into NSW’s leading tech hub means huge future growth in property demand, rental yields, and investment returns. Buying now means getting in ahead of the boom.

Strong Job Market & Career Opportunities

Living in Surry Hills means having some of Sydney’s best career opportunities right at your doorstep. Whether you’re in tech, finance, media, healthcare, or hospitality, this suburb puts you within minutes of major business districts and employment hubs.

💼 A Prime Location for Professionals

5 minutes to Sydney CBD – Major banks, law firms, corporate headquarters, and government offices.
10 minutes to Pyrmont – Home to tech giants like Google and major media companies.
15 minutes to North Sydney – A growing financial and commercial hub.
20 minutes to Macquarie Park – Often referred to as “Sydney’s Silicon Valley.”

🏢 Industries Booming in Surry Hills

Surry Hills isn’t just a great place to live—it’s also a fantastic place to work. Key industries thriving here include:

✅ Technology & Start-Ups – Thanks to Tech Central, the suburb is attracting entrepreneurs, developers, and tech innovators.
✅ Creative & Media – Advertising agencies, PR firms, design studios, and publishing houses thrive in the area.
✅ Healthcare & Research – Close to St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney’s leading medical precinct.
✅ Hospitality & Tourism – Surry Hills is one of Sydney’s most visited suburbs, creating endless opportunities in food, beverage, and accommodation.

🌍 A Hub for Remote Workers & Freelancers

More professionals than ever are working remotely or flexibly, and Surry Hills is the perfect place to do it. The suburb is packed with:
✔️ Co-working spaces like WeWork, The Commons, and Work Club Global.
✔️ Laptop-friendly cafés with great Wi-Fi and even better coffee.
✔️ Networking events & meet-ups for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and creatives.

💡 Why This Matters for Buyers:
A strong job market = higher property demand. The combination of employment opportunities, tech growth, and a thriving creative sector makes Surry Hills a top choice for professionals and investors alike.

Property Market & Investment Potential

Surry Hills isn’t just a great place to live—it’s also one of Sydney’s strongest real estate markets. With demand outpacing supply and major infrastructure projects on the way, investors are flocking to the suburb before prices rise even further.

📈 A “Boom Suburb” with Proven Growth

Surry Hills has been consistently listed as a Sydney real estate hotspot, with property values increasing steadily over the past decade.

🏡 Current Market Snapshot:

Median house price: Over $2.5 million, with consistent year-on-year growth.
Median apartment price: Around $1.2 million, with high demand from professionals.
Rental yields: Strong returns due to high occupancy rates and premium rent prices.

📊 What’s Driving Property Growth?

🔹 Limited Supply – Surry Hills is a heritage-rich suburb, meaning development is tightly controlled. This keeps housing supply low and demand high.
🔹 Tech Central Boom – The influx of high-income professionals is pushing up property prices.
🔹 Walkability & Lifestyle – People want to live where they work, eat, and socialise—and Surry Hills delivers on all three.

💰 Why Now Is the Time to Buy

Real estate experts predict that Surry Hills property values will continue to rise due to:
✔️ Sydney’s growing population and limited inner-city housing.
✔️ Infrastructure upgrades and improved public spaces.
✔️ The rise of remote work, making inner-city living even more desirable.

💡 Why This Matters for Buyers:
Whether you’re buying a forever home or an investment property, Surry Hills offers huge capital growth potential. Getting in now means securing your spot in one of Sydney’s most in-demand suburbs.

City of Sydney’s Progressive Vision for Surry Hills

One of the biggest advantages of living in Surry Hills is being part of a suburb that’s constantly evolving for the better. The City of Sydney Council is known for its forward-thinking urban planning, focusing on sustainability, livability, and community enhancement.

🌳 Greener, More Livable Streets

The Council has invested heavily in making Surry Hills a more walkable, bike-friendly, and environmentally conscious suburb. Recent and upcoming initiatives include:
✔️ Upgraded pedestrian-friendly zones – Wider footpaths, more trees, and car-free spaces in high-traffic areas like Crown Street.
✔️ Expanded green spaces – New parks, gardens, and urban oases to make the suburb even more inviting.
✔️ Improved cycling infrastructure – Dedicated bike lanes connecting Surry Hills to the CBD and surrounding suburbs.

🚀 Smart City Initiatives & Infrastructure Upgrades

Surry Hills is part of Sydney’s long-term vision for a more sustainable and connected city.
🔹 Public transport enhancements – Plans to improve train, light rail, and bus services to reduce congestion.
🔹 Renewable energy adoption – More buildings are moving towards solar power and sustainable construction.
🔹 Support for small businesses & creative industries – The Council actively fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, making Surry Hills one of the best places to launch a business or start-up.

💙 A Community-Focused Approach

The City of Sydney doesn’t just invest in infrastructure—it prioritises the people who live here. The suburb has:
✔️ Community grants & programs to support local initiatives.
✔️ Sustainability incentives for homeowners and businesses adopting green practices.
✔️ A commitment to cultural diversity & inclusion, making Surry Hills one of Sydney’s most welcoming and progressive suburbs.

💡 Why This Matters for Buyers:
When councils actively improve an area, property values naturally increase. Investing in Surry Hills means buying into a suburb with a long-term growth plan, ensuring strong future returns.

Surry Hills is The Best Suburb

Surry Hills isn’t just one of Sydney’s coolest suburbs—it’s one of the smartest places to buy property. Whether you’re after unbeatable lifestyle perks, career opportunities, or a solid real estate investment, this suburb ticks every box.

🔑 Why Buyers & Renters Love Surry Hills:

✅ Prime Location – Minutes from the CBD, beaches, and key transport hubs.
✅ Top-Tier Schools – Access to Sydney’s best public and private schools.
✅ Incredible Food & Culture – Sydney’s café capital with world-class restaurants.
✅ Booming Tech & Creative Scene – A future-proof suburb for career growth.
✅ Strong Community Vibes – A diverse, welcoming, and tight-knit neighborhood.
✅ High Property Demand – A limited supply of homes, making it a great long-term investment.

If you’re looking to buy in Surry Hills, now is the time. With prices rising, infrastructure improving, and demand skyrocketing, the best properties won’t stay on the market for long.

Thinking of Buying in Surry Hills?

Let House Hunters Help You Secure the Best Property

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