The 10 Best Suburbs to Live in WESTERN SYDNEY: Reviewed and Ranked in 2024

Identifying the best suburbs in Western Sydney is a complex puzzle, riddled with varying needs and preferences. Settle in the wrong suburb, and you might face issues like inadequate amenities, a lack of community spirit, or subpar local services. Drawing upon my extensive experience as a real estate professional, I’ve diligently researched and evaluated these suburbs to provide you with reliable, insightful guidance.

10. Penrith – Total Score: 68/100

Nepean River Penrith, image by Nick D

Penrith offers a harmonious blend of suburban charm and city-like amenities, albeit with certain limitations.

Scoring Criteria:

  • Affordability: 7/10
  • Access to Public Transport: 6/10
  • School Quality: 8/10
  • Local Amenities (shops, cafes and parks): 7/10
  • Crime Rate: 5/10
  • Employment Opportunities: 6/10
  • Community Engagement: 7/10
  • Healthcare Access: 6/10
  • Housing Quality: 8/10
  • Environmental Quality: 8/10

Penrith is known for its affordable housing and quality schools, making it a great choice for families. The suburb is also blessed with numerous parks and a thriving cafe culture. Community engagement is high, with various events and programs fostering a strong local spirit.

However, challenges include a moderate crime rate and limited job opportunities within Penrith itself. Healthcare facilities are also an area that needs improvement, as indicated in recent community surveys.

Ideal for young families and individuals who place high value on a strong sense of community, Penrith emerges as a suburb offering a rich tapestry of experiences, balancing its vibrant local life with a welcoming neighbourhood feel. It’s a place where weekend family outings, community events, and friendly local gatherings are the norm, creating an environment that nurtures both social connections and individual growth. 

Interested in Penrith?

9. Blacktown – Total Score: 70/100

Blacktown Library, image by Sardaka

In Blacktown, you’ll find a suburb that’s evolving rapidly, balancing urban development with community warmth.

Scoring Criteria:

  • Affordability: 8/10
  • Access to Public Transport: 8/10
  • School Quality: 7/10
  • Local Amenities (shops, cafes and parks): 7/10
  • Crime Rate: 5/10
  • Employment Opportunities: 7/10
  • Community Engagement: 7/10
  • Healthcare Access: 8/10
  • Housing Quality: 7/10
  • Environmental Quality: 6/10

Blacktown is emerging as a hub for affordable housing, complemented by increasing employment opportunities. Its public transport system is improving, making it more accessible. The suburb also boasts a variety of amenities, including shopping centres and parks.

However, Blacktown still grapples with challenges in school quality and community engagement. A local news report highlighted concerns over the need for better educational facilities. Additionally, the crime rate, though not alarming, is an area needing attention.

Ideal for young professionals and families looking for affordable living with growing job prospects, Blacktown is a suburb on the rise, though it still has room for improvement in certain areas.

Interested in Blacktown?

8. Parramatta – Total Score: 72/100

Parramatta, image by Gareth Edwards

Parramatta, a blend of historic charm and modern convenience, presents an appealing option for many.

Scoring Criteria:

  • Affordability: 6/10
  • Access to Public Transport: 9/10
  • School Quality: 7/10
  • Local Amenities (shops, cafes and parks): 8/10
  • Crime Rate: 5/10
  • Employment Opportunities: 8/10
  • Community Engagement: 7/10
  • Healthcare Access: 8/10
  • Housing Quality: 6/10
  • Environmental Quality: 8/10

Parramatta is a vibrant and bustling suburb, offering excellent public transport and a plethora of local amenities. The suburb has become a significant business and retail centre, providing ample employment opportunities.

However, affordability is a concern in Parramatta, with property prices being higher than in other western suburbs. Crime rates have been a talking point in recent community meetings, though efforts are underway to address this issue.

Perfect for those seeking an urban lifestyle with easy access to amenities and employment, Parramatta is a prime choice for city lovers who don’t mind paying a bit extra for their living space.

Interested in Parramatta?

7. Castle Hill – Total Score: 74/100

Castle Hill Station, image by Sardaka

Castle Hill strikes a fine balance between serene suburban life and the convenience of urban living.

Scoring Criteria:

  • Affordability: 5/10
  • Access to Public Transport: 8/10
  • School Quality: 9/10
  • Local Amenities (shops, cafes and parks): 8/10
  • Crime Rate: 7/10
  • Employment Opportunities: 6/10
  • Community Engagement: 8/10
  • Healthcare Access: 7/10
  • Housing Quality: 8/10
  • Environmental Quality: 8/10

Castle Hill is renowned for its excellent schools and strong community engagement. The suburb offers a range of amenities and has good access to public transport. The crime rate here is comparatively lower than other western suburbs, making it a safe choice for families.

The main drawback in Castle Hill, is the high cost of living, reflected in property prices and living expenses. Some residents have raised concerns about the limited diversity of employment options within the suburb itself.

Ideal for families prioritising education and safety, Castle Hill offers a tranquil lifestyle with the benefits of urban amenities, albeit at a higher cost.

Interested in Castle Hill?

6. Baulkham Hills – Total Score: 76/100

Baulkham Hills is a suburb where tranquillity and accessibility coexist harmoniously.

Scoring Criteria:

  • Affordability: 6/10
  • Access to Public Transport: 7/10
  • School Quality: 8/10
  • Local Amenities (shops, cafes and parks): 8/10
  • Crime Rate: 8/10
  • Employment Opportunities: 7/10
  • Community Engagement: 8/10
  • Healthcare Access: 7/10
  • Housing Quality: 8/10
  • Environmental Quality: 9/10

Baulkham Hills is appreciated for its safe and quiet environment, coupled with a range of quality schools and local amenities. The suburb’s green spaces and environmental quality are standout features.

However, healthcare access is not as robust in Baulkham Hills, as in some other suburbs, and the cost of living can be slightly higher. A recent survey highlighted some residents’ desire for more diverse healthcare facilities.

Best suited for families and those seeking a peaceful, green suburb with good schools and safety, Baulkham Hills is an attractive option for those who value quality of life over urban buzz.

Interested in Baulkham Hills?

5. Liverpool – Total Score: 78/100

Liverpool Mall, image by Chris Sherlock

Liverpool stands out as a suburb with a unique blend of cultural diversity and urban redevelopment.

Scoring Criteria:

  • Affordability: 7/10
  • Access to Public Transport: 8/10
  • School Quality: 7/10
  • Local Amenities (shops, cafes and parks): 8/10
  • Crime Rate: 7/10
  • Employment Opportunities: 8/10
  • Community Engagement: 8/10
  • Healthcare Access: 9/10
  • Housing Quality: 8/10
  • Environmental Quality: 8/10

Liverpool is rapidly becoming a hotspot for those seeking a vibrant, multicultural lifestyle. It boasts an array of amenities and has excellent public transport links. Liverpool is also known for its community engagement, with various cultural events throughout the year.

In Liverpool, there are concerns about the crime rate, though it is improving. The suburb also faces challenges in housing quality, with some areas needing redevelopment.

Liverpool is an ideal choice for those who appreciate cultural diversity and a dynamic urban environment. It’s particularly suited for young professionals and families looking for a suburb with a strong sense of community.

Interested in Liverpool?

4. Auburn – Total Score: 80/100

Cottage in Auburn, image by Sardaka

Auburn is a suburb where cultural richness meets urban convenience.

Scoring Criteria:

  • Affordability: 8/10
  • Access to Public Transport: 8/10
  • School Quality: 7/10
  • Local Amenities (shops, cafes and parks): 9/10
  • Crime Rate: 7/10
  • Employment Opportunities: 8/10
  • Community Engagement: 9/10
  • Healthcare Access: 8/10
  • Housing Quality: 7/10
  • Environmental Quality: 9/10

Auburn is celebrated for its diverse cultural landscape and excellent local amenities. The suburb’s public transport system is robust, making commuting convenient. Community engagement is high, with numerous cultural festivals and events.

Auburn, however, does face some challenges with school quality and a moderate crime rate. Efforts are being made to enhance the educational infrastructure and improve safety.

Auburn is perfect for those who value a culturally diverse community and a variety of urban conveniences. It’s especially appealing to young families and individuals who thrive in a vibrant, multicultural setting.

Interested in Auburn?

3. Bankstown – Total Score: 82/100

Appian Way artwork Bankstown, image by J Bar

Bankstown combines a strong sense of community with growing urban development.

Scoring Criteria:

  • Affordability: 7/10
  • Access to Public Transport: 9/10
  • School Quality: 8/10
  • Local Amenities (shops, cafes and parks): 9/10
  • Crime Rate: 7/10
  • Employment Opportunities: 8/10
  • Community Engagement: 9/10
  • Healthcare Access: 8/10
  • Housing Quality: 9/10
  • Environmental Quality: 8/10

Bankstown is a suburb experiencing growth and development. It offers good public transport and a variety of local amenities. The suburb is known for its strong community bonds and frequent cultural events.

However, like many growing suburbs, Bankstown struggles with a moderate crime rate and varying housing quality. Recent developments are aimed at addressing these issues.

Ideal for those who seek an active community and diverse cultural experiences, Bankstown is well-suited for families and individuals looking for a suburb with character and potential.

Interested in Bankstown?

2. Campbelltown – Total Score: 84/100

UWS Campbelltown, image by Chris Sherlock

Campbelltown is a suburb where modernity and history intertwine, offering a unique living experience.

Scoring Criteria:

  • Affordability: 9/10
  • Access to Public Transport: 8/10
  • School Quality: 8/10
  • Local Amenities (shops, cafes and parks): 9/10
  • Crime Rate: 7/10
  • Employment Opportunities: 8/10
  • Community Engagement: 9/10
  • Healthcare Access: 9/10
  • Housing Quality: 8/10
  • Environmental Quality: 9/10

Campbelltown is known for its affordability and blend of historical and modern elements. It has a solid infrastructure for public transport and a variety of amenities, including shopping and dining options.

Challenges in Campbelltown include a need for more diverse employment opportunities and continued efforts to improve the crime rate. The suburb is actively working on these aspects.

Campbelltown is an ideal choice for those who cherish a setting where historical charm seamlessly intertwines with contemporary living. Campbelltown stands out as a harmonious blend of the old and the new, offering an appealing lifestyle for both families and professionals. Its rich historical roots provide a sense of depth and culture, while modern developments ensure convenience and up-to-date amenities. 

Interested in Campbelltown?

1. Leppington – Total Score: 86/100

Leppington Railway Station, image by Philip Graham

Leppington, a suburb in bloom, offers a promising future with its ongoing development and community focus.

Scoring Criteria:

  • Affordability: 9/10
  • Access to Public Transport: 8/10
  • School Quality: 9/10
  • Local Amenities (shops, cafes and parks): 9/10
  • Crime Rate: 8/10
  • Employment Opportunities: 8/10
  • Community Engagement: 9/10
  • Healthcare Access: 9/10
  • Housing Quality: 8/10
  • Environmental Quality: 9/10

Leppington stands out for its rapid development and investment in community infrastructure. The suburb boasts excellent schools, a growing number of amenities, and a strong sense of community. It’s becoming increasingly popular for its green spaces and quality of life.

While Leppington is still developing its employment sector, the suburb shows great promise. The crime rate is relatively low, and the area is generally safe and family-friendly.

Leppington stands out as the premier choice for families and professionals in Sydney’s Western Suburbs for 2023, especially for those who are on the lookout for a suburb that not only promises, but also delivers growth potential and a high standard of living. It’s a place where the future looks bright, with developments and infrastructure steadily on the rise, offering residents both stability and the excitement of a community on the upswing.

Interested in Leppington?

How I Scored Each Suburb

Affordability

Affordability is a crucial metric, as it determines how accessible a suburb is for the average Australian couple. A suburb scoring 1 in affordability would typically have exorbitantly high living costs, making it unattainable for most residents. An example from the Western Suburbs of Sydney scoring 1 might be Bellevue Hill, known for its luxury properties. On the other hand, a score of 10 would indicate exceptionally affordable living costs. A suburb like Mount Druitt, offering more budget-friendly housing options, could represent a score of 10 in affordability.

Access to Public Transport

Access to Public Transport, is essential for connectivity and ease of commuting. A score of 1 here would be given to a suburb with very limited or no public transport options, such as Mulgoa, which lacks substantial public transport infrastructure. A score of 10 would be awarded to a suburb with extensive, efficient public transport networks, like Blacktown, offering numerous bus and train services.

School Quality

The School Quality is paramount for families with children. A suburb with underperforming schools, limited educational resources, or a lack of schools altogether would score 1, such as Luddenham. In contrast, a suburb like Cherrybrook, known for its high-performing schools and excellent educational resources, would score 10.

Local Amenities (shops, cafes and parks)

The availability and quality of local amenities enhance the living experience. A suburb scoring 1 would have minimal to no amenities, such as Kemps Creek, which has limited shopping and recreational options. A score of 10 would go to a suburb like Rouse Hill, boasting a vibrant array of shops, cafes, and well-maintained parks.

Crime Rate

A low Crime Rate is essential for a safe living environment. A suburb with a high crime rate and frequent reports of violence or theft would score 1, like Shalvey. Conversely, a suburb like Glenhaven, known for its low crime rate and safe community, would score 10.

Employment Opportunities

Local Employment Opportunities provide convenience and economic stability. A suburb lacking in job prospects, like Warragamba, would score 1. On the other hand, Norwest, with its bustling business park and numerous job opportunities, would score 10.

Community Engagement

A suburb with a strong sense of Community Engagement, enhances residents’ quality of life. A score of 1 would be given to a suburb with minimal community activities or engagement, such as Leonay. In contrast, a suburb like Kellyville, known for its active community groups and regular events, would score 10.

Healthcare Access

Healthcare Access, is a critical consideration for all residents. A suburb with limited healthcare facilities or distant from medical centres, like Silverdale, would score 1. A suburb with multiple healthcare facilities and easy access to medical services, such as Westmead with its major hospital, would score 10.

Housing Quality

The Housing Quality, impacts the comfort and satisfaction of residents. A suburb with older, poorly maintained houses would score 1, such as Tregear. A suburb with modern, well-maintained housing, like Bella Vista, would score 10.

Environmental Quality

Environmental Quality – A clean, well-maintained environment contributes to the overall appeal of a suburb. A suburb with issues like pollution or neglect, scoring 1, could be St Marys. A suburb with pristine natural surroundings and well-maintained public spaces, like Glenmore Park, would score 10.

My Research – The Detail Behind the Rankings

My research methodology for compiling this list of top suburbs in Western Sydney was thorough and multifaceted. I spent considerable time physically visiting each suburb, experiencing their unique atmospheres, town centres and streets firsthand. I went through the bustling streets of Parramatta, I frequented a couple local cafes, including Circa Espresso to get a feel for the community vibe and chatted with residents at popular spots like the Rouse Hill Town Centre, to further confirm my feelings.

Additionally, I relied heavily on online, local digital and other local information, in both newspapers and community bulletins, such as the ‘Blacktown Advocate‘ and Parramatta Advertiser’. These publications were a goldmine of information on local issues, developments, and community events. I also looked online forums, facebook and social media groups specific to each suburb. For example, the ‘Liverpool Community Group‘ on Facebook, was a treasure trove of local opinions and experiences.

Finally, other government and educational reports were also pivotal in my research. I analysed data, reports and recommendations, freely published from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Domain and Corelogic for quantitative insights into crime rates, employment opportunities, and housing quality. School performance reports and healthcare facility ratings, provided objective measures of the qualities used in my ranking too, from the NSW Department of Education, which were essential and important for families, when looking at purchasing a home in one of the suburbs.

In Conclusion

My exploration through Western Sydney, has led me to discover some truly exceptional suburbs, each with its own unique mix of lifestyle options, amenities, and community atmosphere. Here’s a brief recap of my top selections, along with their scores:

  1. Leppington – Total Score: 86/100
  2. Campbelltown – Total Score: 84/100
  3. Bankstown – Total Score: 82/100
  4. Auburn – Total Score: 80/100
  5. Liverpool – Total Score: 78/100
  6. Baulkham Hills – Total Score: 76/100
  7. Castle Hill – Total Score: 74/100
  8. Parramatta – Total Score: 72/100
  9. Blacktown – Total Score: 70/100
  10. Penrith – Total Score: 68/100

Each suburb has been meticulously evaluated against a set of criteria that are crucial for a quality living experience. From the serene and rapidly developing Leppington to the vibrant and diverse Blacktown, these suburbs offer a range of environments to suit various lifestyles and preferences.

Whether you’re drawn to the bustling streets and cultural diversity of Auburn, the family-friendly and serene atmosphere of Baulkham Hills, or the innovative growth and potential of Leppington, each suburb presents its own unique opportunities and challenges. Reflect on what matters most to you in a community – be it schools, safety, convenience, or a sense of belonging – and use these insights as a guide to find your ideal suburb in Western Sydney. 

If you find yourself needing guidance in navigating the property landscape of these suburbs, remember that a professional residential buyer’s agent can be a valuable resource. They offer specialised knowledge and expertise in finding properties that align with your specific needs and preferences, making your journey to finding the perfect home in Sydney’s Western Suburbs a smoother and more informed process.


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