Pros and cons of living in Sydney

Living in Sydney, Australia

Sydney is the biggest city in Australia. It offers a mixture of tours, events, and attractions that have made it a leading destination for living and studying for people worldwide. Sydney is surrounded by many natural endowments, including mountains, natural parks, forests, and river bodies.

Moving to Australia is a dream for millions of people worldwide, and Sydney is one of these people's leading cities of choice. There are numerous reasons why Sydney is regarded as the finest city to live in Australia and globally.

Sydney is still a popular study and travel destination. Despite the high cost of living, why are people still in awe of Sydney? This article looks at the pros and cons of settling in Sydney.

The pros of living in Sydney

Quality of life

Despite its status as Australia's largest metropolis, Sydney scored strongly in the Mercer Quality of Living Survey for 2017. Sydney's quality of life and economic stability put it at number ten on the list, above such prestigious and well-known places as Luxembourg, Bern, Ottawa, and Montreal.

The Mercer Quality of Life Survey is widely regarded as the gold standard for such rankings due to the extensive research and analysis that went into its compilation. Those considering a move to Sydney will find this alluring, as the evidence is there that the city is an excellent destination to settle down.

Competitive wages and record-breaking low unemployment rates

Unemployment rates in Sydney and the rest of New South Wales consistently remain lower than in any other Australian city or state. For instance, in 2019, New South Wales had a 4.3% unemployment rate, with Greater Sydney at just 2.8%, when the national average was 5%.

This is an extremely small number compared to similar cities in the world. This city has seen enormous growth, and experts believe it will continue even when the economic depression ends. Whatever your expertise, you will find better compensation and more work prospects in Sydney and the rest of New South Wales.

Sydney is home to various people from around the world. If you've never been to Sydney, you might wonder, "What's it like to live here?" You'll most likely meet and share stories with visitors from all over the world and Australians.

Exciting and dynamic cultural events

It is exciting to study or live in Sydney's beautiful neighbourhoods since there is always something exciting to do. Spend time exploring the city's vibrant parks, pubs, cafes, and entertainment districts.

Markets, dancing festivals, art exhibits, and even fireworks displays are some of the fascinating cultural activities you may find in almost any given month. To top it all off, admission to most events is always free!

Sydney has many festivals that happen every year. Some are the Sydney Festival, the Vivid Sydney Festival, Mardi Gras in Sydney, the Royal Easter Show, and Sculpture by the Sea.

Sydney is home to Australia's finest educational institutions

It's safe to presume that if you're a family thinking about moving to Sydney, Australia, one of your top concerns will be the quality of the schools your children can attend. There are many excellent educational options throughout Australia, but in New South Wales (NSW), particularly in the city of Sydney, parents have many excellent choices.

Top-performing schools, including Sydney Grammar School in Darlinghurst, Kambala in Rose Bay, and Pymble Ladies College, are all part of the fee-paying school system in Sydney. You may put your trust in these institutions because they are consistently ranked among the best private schools in the country.

Sydney Girls High, Sydney Boys High, Fort Street High School, and Baulkham Hills High School are just a few excellent public high schools that do not require student tuition payments.

Sydney's jaw-dropping neighbourhoods

If you are a local, you could enjoy everything Sydney offers! Top attractions include; The Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are located in Sydney harbour, which is widely regarded as one of the most magnificent natural harbours in the world.

Manly, Mosman, and Balmain are just a few beautiful beaches within easy ferry riding distance. One of the several pros of living in Sydney is having access to its fantastic cafés and restaurants, which are a buzzing hive of creativity and elegance.

Sydney's historic landmarks

Even though the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are two of the city's most famous landmarks, they are not the only things to do in Sydney. Suppose you're interested in learning more about Australia's past.

In this regard, you can simply take part in the Sydney City Museum Crawl, go on a historical tour (and a ghost tour!) of The Rocks, or even get "shipwrecked" at the former Convict-era shipping yard of Cockatoo Island.

The journey visits the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Australian Museum, and the National Maritime Museum. Crawling is a favorite year-round activity for locals in Australia, not just visitors. So, if you're into history, you will enjoy life in Sydney!

Theatrical events in Sydney are among the best worldwide

Regarding live performances, Sydney is known for its enthusiasm and dedication. A wide variety of theatrical productions is available, from intimate theatre clubs and fringe acts to spectacular drag and cabaret performances.

There is always something extraordinary to see in Sydney since both the State Theatre and the Sydney Opera House often feature performances by top-tier artists.

People with the warmest hearts

A common misconception about people in cities is that they are hostile or too busy to stop and chat. In Sydney, you'll find that locals aren't simply pleasant to talk to; they're also willing to go above and beyond to be of help to others.

Even though this isn't true of every single person in Sydney, it is a good representation of the city's people. You'll find similarly warm and welcoming people in the towns of New South Wales. You can't be lonely.

When it comes to transportation, Sydney excels

Sydney has excellent transportation links due to its prominence. It would be easy to navigate around Sydney if you chose to make it your home and study destination. Transportation options such as buses, trains, and ferries help you get around the city and beyond, regardless of whether you're headed to the mountains or the countryside.

Trains also operate between Sydney Airport and Sydney Central Station. Sydney's public transportation, including its trains, buses, and ferries, operates reliably and often until late at night. Installing the Trip Planner app on your phone will help you plan your trip and stay up-to-date on any changes to transportation schedules.

The cons of living in Sydney

High living expenses

Australia has a high standard of living but a similarly high cost of living. Australia is consistently rated as one of the world's most costly countries. The high rental rates, food, and transportation are all contributing issues. The fact that most products in Australia must be imported means that they are subject to customs and shipping expenses, which also adds to the cost of living.

Sydney's sky-high property costs

Sydney's prohibitive real estate costs are a significant drawback for many people. Regarding purchasing power, Sydney has the world's priciest metropolises. You could get by in a little studio in Sydney for the same amount as a three-bedroom property in the UK.

The average house price in Sydney is already above $1,000,000, and since COVID, it has risen even higher in the coastal suburbs as people have moved there.

Navigating Sydney is a nightmare

The city's reliance on vehicles and buses is one of Sydney's greatest drawbacks; the city's traffic is horrible. During peak hours (outside of COVID) or when there are accidents, heavy rain, or a long weekend approaching, the city is completely gridlocked.

According to a national transportation audit, seven of the top eight worst or most congested routes in the nation are located in Sydney. The city does have trains, although the lines are less flexible than those in New York, London, Tokyo, etc.

There are ferries, albeit service is restricted, and rates are somewhat pricey. For instance, the ferry between Manly and Circular Quay costs approximately $7.50 one-way, but a bus trip is only $4.50.

Interesting facts about sydney

So much of Sydney is a waterfront

Sydney features rivers, bays, creeks, coves, and inlets that break up the ground. The city has more than 100 beaches, so there is a lot of water. Most of Sydney's residences are on hills overlooking the water or within reach of a river or creek. When individuals come to visit, they are generally astounded by this.

Sydney has abundant rainfall

Another surprising aspect about Sydney is the amount of precipitation! This is something that surprises many expatriates. Sydney is the second-wettest state capital, after Darwin, in terms of yearly precipitation and receives roughly twice as much rain as Melbourne!

Sydney also has more wet days per year than any other capital. However, Sydney has around twice as many sunny days as Melbourne and far fewer cloudy days. Long stretches of clear weather are followed by heavy downpours.

Beautiful old buildings

Regarding European settlement, people tend to think of Australia as a very new nation, but a large portion of Sydney was established over a century ago.

This implies an abundance of Victorian and Federation-era homes and buildings. Compared to the United Kingdom, where most buildings were built in the 1950s and 1960s, there aren't many old buildings.

Hill city

The ocean beaches are divided by prominent, raised sandstone headlands, and many inland regions are also hilly and rugged. Due to the high altitude, the Northern Beaches area features many steep, narrow, and winding roads.

Some of the larger houses have drives that are so long and steep that they require inclinators, which are like miniature cable cars on tracks, to reach the residence. Also, because the homes are usually built into the side of a hill, they often have tiered gardens.

A profusion of nature

When you arrive in Sydney, you can join a walking group to meet new people. Here you can trek through natural bushland on the north shore, directly across the water from the city. Exploring metropolitan Sydney and finding national parks, miles of coastal walks, beautiful bushland, rainforests, and other wetland areas is sure to be a treat.

You could easily spend every weekend trekking in Sydney without leaving the city. It is a nature lover's paradise.

What to know before moving to Sydney

Don't skimp on the sunscreen

Summer in Sydney is packed with surf, sand, sea, and so much sun that it's delightful! While you may be accustomed to some sunshine, the earth's ozone layer is thin across Australia, allowing more of the sun's UV radiation to reach the ground and increasing your risk of sunburn.

Protect your skin by applying sunscreen daily and carrying a high-factor sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays in your backpack for touch-ups.

Choose a beach

Are you a surfer from Manly or a beach bum from Bondi? Sydney is surrounded by SO MANY gorgeous beaches, some large and some little, some with great surf and others suitable for a leisurely dip, but two of the city's most renowned beaches have a long-standing rivalry. Visit Bondi and Manly beaches early to choose a favourite for the debate.

Prepare to fall in love with Vegemite and Tim Tams

Popularity is at an all-time high for Vegemite, and the black and bitter, savoury spread. If you want to dwell like a local resident in Australia, you'll have to get used to Vegemite or become adept at shifting the subject when it comes up.

Try, "Oh, I would kill for a Tim Tam right now," and divert their attention by addressing the nation's favourite chocolate biscuit.

Know your medical options

Medicare, Australia's free healthcare system, is accessible to permanent residents and temporary visitors from certain countries, including the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance is needed for all international students studying in Australia.

This insurance covers doctor visits, some hospital procedures, and some medicines. When arranging your study abroad program, consult with your university or school for assistance in applying for OSCH.

Moving about

Sydney's public transportation system comprises buses, a light rail, a metro, and ferries. Numerous apps, such as AnyTrip and Citymapper, can assist with route planning.

You can pay for your rides with a contactless debit card or an Opal card, which is available at most newsagents or convenience stores and can be reloaded using a mobile app. With an Opal card, fares are typically discounted.

Obtain a local SIM card

Rather than incurring fees for using your phone abroad, you can purchase an Australian SIM card upon arrival to simplify communication with loved ones. Consult OVO or Vodafone for SIM cards with 10GB of data or Telstra for plans that include some international calls.

Hire expert movers for a seamless Sydney move

Sydney is a great city with many prospects for tourists, investors, students, people in business, and natives. Everything you could possibly think of is available in the city. It is a city with low unemployment and crime rates, natural attractions, and is home to diverse and beautiful people.

Planning to relocate to Sydney, just like every other city in the world, requires planning, and your ability to plan will depend on how much you know about the place, the rules and regulations, and how to settle down fast. This is where it is essential to work with a reputable moving company.

Moving experts in Sydney are equipped with all the knowledge and skills to get your relocation done quickly. They can also guide you on your relocation plan and make your move easy, seamless, and less shocking.