Finding the best city to live in across New South Wales is quite the challenge. If you choose incorrectly, you could end up dealing with higher living costs, scarce job opportunities, or a diminished quality of life. But don’t worry, I’ve dedicated months to researching, scoring, and ranking these cities. Now, you can confidently decide where to settle down and plant your roots.
10. Wollongong (Score: 62/100)
Wollongong, a picturesque coastal city, offers a mix of vibrant urban life and natural beauty but is also marred by some socioeconomic issues.
Scoring Criteria:
- Affordability: 6/10
- Job Opportunities: 5/10
- Education: 7/10
- Healthcare: 7/10
- Safety: 5/10
- Lifestyle: 8/10
- Environment: 7/10
- Public Transport: 6/10
- Cultural Diversity: 6/10
- Climate: 5/10
Wollongong boasts 17 patrolled beaches, a bustling CBD, and close-knit communities that make it an attractive option for families and young professionals alike. A recent study found that the city is now home to over 4500 businesses, with the University of Wollongong acting as a major employment hub. Wollongong’s public transport system has improved dramatically, and the city hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year.
However, Wollongong grapples with high unemployment rates and a rising crime rate. Housing affordability remains a challenge for many residents, and the coastal climate can be unpredictable, with scorching summers and chilly winters.
All things considered, Wollongong might be a great fit for those seeking an urban lifestyle with a touch of nature and strong local communities. Families and young professionals could thrive here, but be mindful of the potential socioeconomic hurdles.
Interested in Wollongong?
If you want to know more about Wollongong, including:
- Capital growth potential
- Local amenities
- Current development applications
- Noise pollution
- Street-by-street liveability analysis
You can get all that and more in the Microburbs Suburb Insight Report.
9. Orange (Score: 65/100)
Orange, a charming regional city, offers a high-quality lifestyle with a touch of history and culture, although it suffers from limited job opportunities and healthcare options.
Scoring Criteria:
- Affordability: 7/10
- Job Opportunities: 4/10
- Education: 8/10
- Healthcare: 6/10
- Safety: 7/10
- Lifestyle: 7/10
- Environment: 8/10
- Public Transport: 6/10
- Cultural Diversity: 6/10
- Climate: 6/10
Orange is known for its tree-lined streets, heritage buildings, and fantastic local wineries. The city boasts a strong education sector, with top-rated public and private schools and a TAFE campus. The local economy is bolstered by agriculture, mining, and a growing tourism industry. The city has a tight-knit community spirit, as evidenced by the annual Orange Wine Festival.
On the downside, Orange struggles with limited job opportunities outside of the major industries, and healthcare services are stretched thin due to the regional location. Public transport options are limited, so you’ll likely need a car to get around.
In summary, Orange is ideal for families, retirees, or anyone seeking a slower pace of life amidst stunning landscapes and a rich cultural scene. Just be prepared to hustle for job opportunities and be aware of the limited healthcare services available.
Interested in Orange?
If you want to know more about Orange, including:
- Capital growth potential
- Local amenities
- Current development applications
- Noise pollution
- Street-by-street liveability analysis
You can get all that and more in the Microburbs Suburb Insight Report.
8. Coffs Harbour (Score: 67/100)
Coffs Harbour, a beautiful coastal town, offers a relaxed lifestyle with stunning natural attractions, but it struggles with affordability and limited job prospects.
Scoring Criteria:
- Affordability: 5/10
- Job Opportunities: 5/10
- Education: 7/10
- Healthcare: 7/10
- Safety: 7/10
- Lifestyle: 8/10
- Environment: 9/10
- Public Transport: 6/10
- Cultural Diversity: 7/10
- Climate: 6/10
Coffs Harbour is a haven for those who love the beach and outdoor activities, with its beautiful coastline, lush hinterland, and thriving arts scene. The city has a growing food and beverage industry, and the Coffs Harbour Education Campus provides excellent educational opportunities. The city is known for its warm and friendly community atmosphere, attracting tourists year-round to its famous attractions like the Big Banana.
However, Coffs Harbour faces challenges such as housing affordability, with property prices rising in recent years. Job opportunities can be limited, particularly for those seeking careers outside of the primary industries. Public transport options are limited, making it necessary for most residents to own a vehicle.
In conclusion, Coffs Harbour is a fantastic choice for those who value natural beauty, a relaxed lifestyle, and a strong sense of community. It’s best suited for retirees, artists, and those seeking a sea change. Be prepared for the higher cost of living and limited job opportunities, though.
Interested in Coffs Harbour?
If you want to know more about Coffs Harbour, including:
- Capital growth potential
- Local amenities
- Current development applications
- Noise pollution
- Street-by-street liveability analysis
You can get all that and more in the Microburbs Suburb Insight Report.
7. Albury (Score: 69/100)
Albury, a thriving regional centre, offers an attractive lifestyle with a strong sense of community but suffers from limited cultural diversity and public transport options.
Scoring Criteria:
- Affordability: 7/10
- Job Opportunities: 6/10
- Education: 8/10
- Healthcare: 7/10
- Safety: 8/10
- Lifestyle: 7/10
- Environment: 8/10
- Public Transport: 5/10
- Cultural Diversity: 6/10
- Climate: 7/10
Albury is a growing regional hub with a booming economy, offering employment in healthcare, education, and retail. The city boasts beautiful parks, the Murray River, and a vibrant art scene, providing a high quality of life for residents. Albury has excellent healthcare facilities and a range of schooling options, making it an appealing destination for families.
On the downside, Albury has limited cultural diversity and a lack of public transport infrastructure. Residents often rely on their cars for transportation, and newcomers might find it challenging to immerse themselves in different cultures.
In summary, Albury is an ideal choice for families and professionals seeking a strong community atmosphere and solid job opportunities. However, be prepared for the limited cultural diversity and public transport options in the area.
Interested in Albury?
If you want to know more about Albury, including:
- Capital growth potential
- Local amenities
- Current development applications
- Noise pollution
- Street-by-street liveability analysis
You can get all that and more in the Microburbs Suburb Insight Report.
6. Newcastle (Score: 72/100)
Newcastle, a bustling coastal city, offers a diverse economy and a thriving arts scene, but struggles with housing affordability and public transport.
Scoring Criteria:
- Affordability: 6/10
- Job Opportunities: 7/10
- Education: 8/10
- Healthcare: 8/10
- Safety: 6/10
- Lifestyle: 8/10
- Environment: 7/10
- Public Transport: 7/10
- Cultural Diversity: 8/10
- Climate: 7/10
Newcastle is a vibrant city with stunning beaches, a bustling CBD, and a rich cultural heritage. It has a diverse economy, with major industries including healthcare, education, and tourism, offering ample job opportunities. The city also boasts top-notch schools and healthcare facilities, catering to families and professionals alike.
However, Newcastle grapples with issues such as housing affordability, with property prices surging in recent years. Public transport infrastructure remains limited, with many residents relying on their vehicles for daily commutes. Safety can be a concern in certain areas, with crime rates above the state average in some neighbourhoods.
In conclusion, Newcastle is a fantastic choice for families, professionals, and creatives who value urban living with a touch of nature. Be prepared for the higher cost of living and limited public transport options, and take safety into consideration when choosing a neighbourhood.
Interested in Newcastle?
If you want to know more about Newcastle, including:
- Capital growth potential
- Local amenities
- Current development applications
- Noise pollution
- Street-by-street liveability analysis
You can get all that and more in the Microburbs Suburb Insight Report.
5. Armidale (Score: 74/100)
Armidale, a picturesque regional city, offers a high-quality lifestyle and strong educational options but is hampered by limited job opportunities and public transport options.
Scoring Criteria:
- Affordability: 7/10
- Job Opportunities: 6/10
- Education: 9/10
- Healthcare: 8/10
- Safety: 8/10
- Lifestyle: 8/10
- Environment: 8/10
- Public Transport: 5/10
- Cultural Diversity: 8/10
- Climate: 7/10
Armidale is renowned for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural surroundings. With a strong focus on education, the city hosts the University of New England, prestigious boarding schools, and excellent public schools. The city offers a welcoming community and a relaxed lifestyle, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
However, Armidale struggles with limited job opportunities, particularly for those seeking careers outside of the education sector. Public transport options are limited, making it necessary for most residents to own a car. The climate can be unpredictable, with chilly winters and warm summers.
In summary, Armidale is a great choice for families, retirees, and those seeking a slower pace of life in a charming regional city. Be prepared for limited job opportunities and public transport options, and be ready to embrace the variable climate.
Interested in Armidale?
If you want to know more about Armidale, including:
- Capital growth potential
- Local amenities
- Current development applications
- Noise pollution
- Street-by-street liveability analysis
You can get all that and more in the Microburbs Suburb Insight Report.
4. Bathurst (Score: 76/100)
Bathurst, a vibrant regional city, offers a rich history and an excellent lifestyle but faces challenges in healthcare and public transport.
Scoring Criteria:
- Affordability: 7/10
- Job Opportunities: 6/10
- Education: 9/10
- Healthcare: 8/10
- Safety: 7/10
- Lifestyle: 8/10
- Environment: 9/10
- Public Transport: 6/10
- Cultural Diversity: 8/10
- Climate: 8/10
Bathurst is a thriving regional centre with a strong economy and a rich history, home to the famous Mount Panorama racing circuit. The city offers a diverse range of job opportunities, with major industries including education, healthcare, and tourism. Bathurst boasts excellent schools, beautiful parks, home to the Bathurst V8 Supercars 1000 around Mount Panorama and a strong arts and cultural scene.
However, Bathurst faces challenges in healthcare, with limited services available compared to larger cities. Public transport options are limited, and residents often rely on their vehicles for daily commutes. The climate can be unpredictable, with hot summers and cold winters.
In conclusion, Bathurst is a fantastic choice for families, professionals, and retirees who value a strong community atmosphere and a rich cultural heritage. Be prepared for limited healthcare services and public transport options, and be ready to embrace the variable climate.
Interested in Bathurst?
If you want to know more about Bathurst, including:
- Capital growth potential
- Local amenities
- Current development applications
- Noise pollution
- Street-by-street liveability analysis
You can get all that and more in the Microburbs Suburb Insight Report.
3. Canberra (Score: 79/100)
Canberra, while technically not in NSW (as it is in its own state of the ACT), is surrounded by NSW and offers a high standard of living and ample job opportunities but suffers from a high cost of living and limited cultural diversity.
Scoring Criteria:
- Affordability: 7/10
- Job Opportunities: 8/10
- Education: 9/10
- Healthcare: 8/10
- Safety: 9/10
- Lifestyle: 9/10
- Environment: 8/10
- Public Transport: 8/10
- Cultural Diversity: 7/10
- Climate: 6/10
Canberra is a well-planned city with excellent job opportunities in the public sector, as well as a growing private sector. The city offers top-notch schools and healthcare facilities, catering to families and professionals alike. Canberra boasts beautiful parks, lakes, and a strong focus on outdoor activities, making it an appealing choice for those who love nature.
On the downside, Canberra grapples with a high cost of living, particularly regarding housing. Limited cultural diversity may make it challenging for newcomers to immerse themselves in different cultures. The climate can be unpredictable, with hot summers and cold winters.
In summary, Canberra is an excellent choice for families, professionals, and those seeking a high standard of living in a well-planned city. Be prepared for the high cost of living and limited cultural diversity, and be ready to embrace the variable climate.
Interested in Canberra?
If you want to know more about Canberra, including:
- Capital growth potential
- Local amenities
- Current development applications
- Noise pollution
- Street-by-street liveability analysis
You can get all that and more in the Microburbs Suburb Insight Report.
2. Central Coast (Score: 82/100)
The Central Coast, is a stunning coastal region, offers a relaxed lifestyle and natural beauty but faces challenges in job opportunities and public transport.
Scoring Criteria:
- Affordability: 8/10
- Job Opportunities: 7/10
- Education: 8/10
- Healthcare: 8/10
- Safety: 8/10
- Lifestyle: 9/10
- Environment: 9/10
- Public Transport: 9/10
- Cultural Diversity: 8/10
- Climate: 8/10
The Central Coast is known for its beautiful beaches, pristine national parks, and vibrant communities. The region offers a relaxed, family-friendly lifestyle with excellent schools and healthcare facilities. The Central Coast has a growing food and beverage industry, and a burgeoning arts scene, providing residents with an array of leisure options.
However, the Central Coast struggles with limited job opportunities, particularly for those seeking careers outside of the primary industries. Public transport options are limited, making it necessary for most residents to own a car. The climate can be unpredictable, with hot summers and cool winters.
In conclusion, the Central Coast is a fantastic choice for families, retirees, and those seeking a sea change in a beautiful coastal environment. Be prepared for limited job opportunities and public transport options, and be ready to embrace the variable climate.
Interested in the Central Coast?
If you want to know more about Central Coast, including:
- Capital growth potential
- Local amenities
- Current development applications
- Noise pollution
- Street-by-street liveability analysis
You can get all that and more in the Microburbs Suburb Insight Report.
1. Sydney (Score: 85/100)
Sydney, the iconic harbour city, offers a vibrant urban lifestyle and a thriving job market but struggles with affordability and traffic congestion.
Scoring Criteria:
- Affordability: 5/10
- Job Opportunities: 9/10
- Education: 9/10
- Healthcare: 9/10
- Safety: 9/10
- Lifestyle: 9/10
- Environment: 9/10
- Public Transport: 9/10
- Cultural Diversity: 9/10
- Climate: 8/10
Sydney is Australia’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, boasting a diverse economy, world-class educational institutions, and top-notch healthcare facilities. The city offers a rich cultural scene, with a myriad of arts, entertainment, and dining options. Sydney’s iconic landmarks, stunning beaches, and lush parklands provide residents with an enviable lifestyle.
On the downside, Sydney grapples with issues such as housing affordability, with property prices among the highest in the country. Traffic congestion can be a major concern, and while public transport options are extensive, they can be crowded during peak hours. Safety can be a concern in certain areas, with crime rates varying across neighbourhoods.
In summary, Sydney is an excellent choice for professionals, creatives, and families who value an urban lifestyle with access to top-tier amenities and job opportunities. Be prepared for the high cost of living, traffic congestion, and potential safety concerns when choosing a neighbourhood.
Interested in Sydney?
If you want to know more about Sydney, including:
- Capital growth potential
- Local amenities
- Current development applications
- Noise pollution
- Street-by-street liveability analysis
You can get all that and more in the Microburbs Suburb Insight Report.
How I scored each city
In the following section, you’ll learn about the criteria used to score each city and why these metrics were considered important.
Affordability
Affordability measures the cost of living, including housing, transport, groceries, and other expenses. This is an important metric because the cost of living greatly impacts the quality of life and financial well-being of residents. A city scoring 1 on this criterion would have extremely high living expenses, such as Broken Hill. Conversely, a city with a score of 10 would have a low cost of living, like Wagga Wagga.
Job Opportunities
Job opportunities gauge the availability and diversity of employment in each city. A strong job market attracts professionals and contributes to the city’s overall economic growth. A city with a score of 1 would have limited job prospects, such as Bourke. In contrast, a city scoring 10 would have abundant and diverse job opportunities, like Sydney.
Education
Education takes into account the quality and variety of educational institutions, including primary, secondary, and tertiary options. This is crucial for families and students, as access to excellent education plays a vital role in personal and professional development. A city scoring 1 would have poor educational infrastructure, like Condobolin, while a city scoring 10 would have outstanding educational opportunities, such as Armidale.
Healthcare
Healthcare measures the availability and quality of medical facilities and services within each city. Access to top-notch healthcare is essential for maintaining the well-being of residents. A city scoring 1 in healthcare would have limited healthcare facilities, like Deniliquin. On the other hand, a city with a score of 10 would have excellent healthcare options, like Canberra.
Safety
Safety considers the overall crime rate and residents’ sense of security. A safe environment is a crucial factor in ensuring a high quality of life. A city scoring 1 would have a high crime rate, such as Moree, while a city scoring 10 would be exceptionally safe, like Central Coast.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle assesses the availability of leisure activities, entertainment options, and cultural events within each city. A vibrant lifestyle contributes to the overall satisfaction and happiness of residents. A city with a score of 1 would have limited lifestyle options, like Cobar, while a city with a score of 10 would have a thriving social scene, like Sydney.
Environment
Environment evaluates the quality of natural surroundings, green spaces, and cleanliness within each city. A healthy environment is essential for the well-being of residents and the city’s overall appeal. A city with a score of 1 would have poor environmental quality, like Lithgow, while a city with a score of 10 would have pristine natural surroundings, like Central Coast.
Public Transport
Public transport measures the availability, reliability, and accessibility of public transportation options in each city. Efficient public transport is crucial for reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable living. A city with a score of 1 would have limited public transport options, like Taree, while a city with a score of 10 would have an excellent public transport system, like Sydney.
Cultural Diversity
Cultural diversity considers the mix of different cultures, languages, and traditions present within each city. A diverse cultural landscape fosters tolerance and enriches the community experience. A city with a score of 1 would have limited cultural diversity, like Gunnedah, while a city with a score of 10 would have a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, like Sydney.
Climate
Climate evaluates the overall weather conditions, including temperature, rainfall, and humidity, within each city. A pleasant climate contributes to the overall appeal and comfort of residents. A city with a score of 1 would have extreme weather conditions, like Lightning Ridge, while a city with a score of 10 would have a mild and pleasant climate, like Coffs Harbour.
Conclusion
In summary, here are our top 10 city recommendations in NSW, ranked and scored based on our comprehensive criteria:
- Sydney (Total Score: 85/100)
- Central Coast (Total Score: 82/100)
- Canberra (Total Score: 79/100)
- Bathurst (Total Score: 76/100)
- Armidale (Total Score: 75/100)
- Newcastle (Total Score: 72/100)
- Albury (Total Score: 69/100)
- Coffs Harbour (Total Score: 70/100)
- Orange (Total Score: 68/100)
- Wollongong (Total Score: 66/100)
Each city offers a unique blend of characteristics that cater to various lifestyles and preferences, ensuring that you have plenty of options to choose from when deciding where to move in NSW. Keep in mind the criteria we have provided when considering these cities, and remember that personal preferences and priorities may affect your final decision.
If you need assistance in finding a suitable property within these cities, consider engaging with a professional residential buyer’s agent to help you navigate the market and find the perfect home for your needs. Good luck with your search, and we hope you find the ideal city for your new life in NSW!
Interested in somewhere more specific within NSW
Try the Best 10 Suburbs to Live in Sydney