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Carlton is a nice little suburb with a train station and a few shops. Nearby Kogarah and Hurstville are within easy reach for more shopping. Overall, a safe suburb and about a 20-25 minute drive/train to the city.

Westmead is a suburb based mostly around the three hospitals that are located there - Westmead Hospital, Children's Hospital at Westmead and Cumberland Hospital. There are a lot of units, and a lot of renters (and owners) are staff at the hospitals. There are good transport links with the train station close by as well as the T-Way. Parramatta Westfield is a short drive away. The suburb seems relatively safe. Rent is ever-increasing with the constant demand for properties from hospital employees. Prices for buyers also seem a little inflated. Parking is also very limited due to the hospitals, mostly limited to 2 hrs or less.

I worked in Liverpool in the past (within the last few years). Unfortunately I have a somewhat negative opinion of the suburb. It does not seem safe at night. Good points include good access to public transport, with a major train station and the T-Way. Shopping is convenient with the Westfield in Liverpool, the shops in the Plaza and main strip. Liverpool Hospital is also located there. Another point to note is that parking is horrendous, mostly due to mainly 2 hr or less parking restrictions. Visitors and staff are always circling to find parking near the hospital. There is free parking in Westfield for 3hrs.

I lived in Kogarah for 21 years. Kogarah has a small shopping centre but Rockdale Plaza and Hurstville Westfield are a short drive away. Kogarah is a major station on the train line, and it only takes about 20 minutes to get into the city. Other points to note are the proximity of St George Hospital, a nice, modern library and a few good restaurants. There are also quite a few schools in the area.