Surry Hills, NSW 2010

3.8(15 reviews)

Ranked 418th best suburb by locals in Sydney (Greater) Region, NSW

Great for

  • Public transport
  • Parks and recreation
  • Resale or rental value
  • Internet access
  • Eating out

Not great for

  • Parking

Who lives here?

  • Singles
  • Professionals
  • Families With Kids
  • Fashion Conscious
  • Retirees

Reviews of Surry Hills, NSW

Editors Choice

"A village on the citys edge"

Surry Hills has been gentrified but for the most part hasn't lost its uniqueness. It's home to people from all walks of life. I moved back to Surry Hills 3 years ago and have been pleasantly surprised by the level of neighbourliness. There's a real community spirit here. There have been comments posted about seediness and I think they're a bit overstated. I'd rather be a part of a thriving inner city area and the pros (huge range of great cafes, restaurants, fine dining, small bars & pubs, art galleries, dog parks, bike paths, a great primary school, excellent gyms & yoga schools, lively markets, no need for a car etc etc) far outweigh the cons (weekend traffic & parking, weekend queues at the cafes that are attracting the most buzz etc - this can be easily avoided by checking out all the brilliant shops, cafes and galleries that AREN'T on Crown St!)

Great for

  • Community minded & social atmosphere
  • Dog friendly
  • Great bike paths & public transport links
  • Close to everything
  • Good cafe culture
  • Nightlife

Not great for

  • Limited street parking

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
2
ra76

Hi good-life,can you tell me which primary school /s you are referring to and which parts of Surry Hills are family friendly-thanks.

good_life

sure - we have quite a few friends with kids at Crown Street Primary and they have lots of positive things to say about the teachers there. In terms of friendly-family areas, the areas between south dowling and crown, north of cleveland are great (eg. Prospect, Bennett, Phelps), there are always kids playing in the playground on the corner of crown and foveaux (and when they're a bit bigger it's not far to moore park for sport). I've also noticed more families moving in closer to central as well (around ann, commonwealth, reservoir etc)

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Looking for a home in Surry Hills?

25th June 2022

"A nice area but surprisingly not as convenient as you would think"

Unless you want to hike it from Central, getting buses to streets out the back of Surry Hills is quite a journey, and off peak, the buses simply aren't adequate.

The area is very expensive because it's very close to the city. The available housing is mainly share accommodation. It's also sad to watch the young professionals walking over the top of the homeless/junkies as if they weren't there.

It's not one of the best suburbs I've lived but not one of the worst - in the middle! 7/10

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
0
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"Amazing restaurant/cafe/bar scene"

I lived in Surry Hills for 5 years and loved it. It’s super close to the city, has an incredible selection of restaurants, cafes and bars, and a nice village feel about it.

Who lives here?

  • Singles
0
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"A little village in the heart of Sydney"

I lived for 3 years in Surry Hills and it was great. You can walk to Central station and get to literally everywhere in Sydney. Just a short stroll to the CBD so you can walk or cycle to work everyday. Vibrant, very active streets full of cafes, restaurants, pubs and shops so it’s definitely a place for young people. Super diverse, inclusive, great demographic mix and multicultural. Located in the heart of Sydney it’s rather dense yet there’s no horrible tall buildings as in the CBD. Hipstery and full of life, day and night so there could be noise up until late in some areas, specially close to Oxford St. It has lots of character and interesting people, it will never be boring as the suburbs. On the downsides, there’s some pretense in the air, it’s very difficult to find parking, dwellings tend to be old, small and expensive (I guess the price of living in the centre of the action), noisy.
My advice: If you’re under 40 and have no kids give it a try. If you have kids you may want to be nice to them and give them more space, a garden, etc. which would be imposible here, unless you’re rich of course. If you’re above 40 the noise and buzz may be too much.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
2
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"Great place to live but not for the reason you'd think."

Surry Hills is best known for its artsy culture, gay and lesbian community and heavily liberal views. The reality however is that Surry Hills should be known for its proximity to the city and relative proximity to FOX studios, Centennial park and the beaches. Unfortunately it's become one of those hype areas where word of mouth has made it out to be something more than it actually is. In reality it's just a bunch of rundown shops and mason brick buildings that need to be pushed over in favor of medium residentials. The food isn't anything special here, as most of the venues have more bang than actual quality for the buck. There are coffee places which boast organic product but in essence its just esoteric hipster nonsense. The people are artsy and slightly neat, but after a while you'll see their robotic nature and sheep mentality. I feel like Surry Hills tries in so many ways but fails in all of them. We are trying to have something and do something that we're not. We don't really have the artistic culture to support such a vivid idea, we are not France, nor are we Germany or Italy, we are Australia, yet in these places you will find hipsters who adore those lifestyles and ideals to the extreme. its that nonsense and proximity to the city which has caused a massive inflation of housing rent cost in this area. Expect to pay somewhere between $600-800 a week (easy) for a 2 bedroom place and don't even think about buying, it will be well in the 2 million+ mark.

To conclude, I used to work and study near there and I do like the general area, but it's over hyped hard. The only thing of relevance is Central station, Fox Studios, Centennial park (horse riding), Bondi and the multitude of beaches, and lastly the nearby university. The geographical location is what makes this place, not all the other nonsensical hipster art hype that the locals would have you believe makes Surry Hills.

Oh and to all you Melbourne readers, the coffee isn't that great :)

Great for

  • Artsy, but only slightly
  • Close to FOX Studios
  • Close to University
  • Close to everything
  • Good cafe culture
  • Dog friendly

Not great for

  • Expensive is an understatement
  • Limited street parking
  • Drug addicts and homelessness

Who lives here?

  • Singles
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
3
brianb16
brianb16

Good cafe culture but "the coffee isn't that great???"

James Reynolds
James Reynolds

Only one thing wrong with Surry Hills and its called Clover Moore

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Rentals in Surry Hills

"Quiet professional suburb."

It's beautiful, busy but at the same time quiet.

Great for

  • Close to everything
  • Good cafe culture
  • Community minded & social atmosphere
  • Dog friendly

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Trendy & Stylish
0
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"Surry Hills is one of Sydney's Best Suburbs ..... work, live or play!"

Food, wine, & coffee connoisseurs...... you will love Surry Hills.
Located on the foot of Sydney's CBD, yet close to the Eastern Suburbs. An abundance of choice when it comes to casual or fine dining, wine bars, & trendy pubs.

Great for

  • Close to everything
  • Good cafe culture
  • Nightlife
  • Community minded & social atmosphere
  • Dog friendly

Not great for

  • Will always be expensive
  • Limited street parking

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish
0
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"Walk to Everything!"

If you want to be close to the things that Sydney offers then Surry Hills ticks all the boxes.
WALK west past Central station to Paddys markets.
WALK north past trendy boutiques to the CBD or the Art Gallery of NSW.
WALK east to Paddington and Centennial Park. You don't need a car if you live in this suburb.
There is a bus on most streets to take you further.

Great for

  • Close to everything
  • Good cafe culture
  • Nightlife

Not great for

  • Will always be expensive

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish
0
bigp

I agree with Silver Tulip 100%. And I can add to her list of cons. Apart from the drug addicts, drunks, homelessnes, filthy streets, narrow streets, lack of parking and violence you can add broken glass, graffitti, trans/gender/vestite/sexual capital of Australia, expensive real estate eg a couple of years ago a run down workers cottage sold for $960,000 - the land size is 47 square metres (slightly larger than my loungeroom) and the front door opens directly into the road ( yes the road not even the protection of non-existant footpath) With rentals you can pay up to $850 p/w for a tiny smelly damp run down workers cottage. Surry Hills is also infested with large black rats and cocrkroches due to restaurant gargbage lying around for days waiting to be picked up. If dining - select your usually overpriced venue carefully (paying $39 for an ordinary plate of pasta is criminal). I believe Surry Hills also has the largest number of brothells per capita in the world. Friends live in Surry Hills and on my visits over the last 12 months I have witnessed a young girl sprawled on the footpath overdosing in broad daylight, fights, drunkeness, monster rats, truck reversung and damaging one of my friends cctv cameras and drivung off, my brother in laws car having both doors kicked in for no reasin at all by a drug affected lout, vomiting and urinating in the street and more cockroches than Ive had hot dinners. On the up side proximity to city, and other venues is good as stated in other posts and it has some magnificent 2,3 and sometimes four storey terraces however you will need several million dollars to buy one and at least another half a million to restiore or renovate. It is not a nice place to raise children. I would prefer to live in a cheaper safer suburb that offers much miore within a 30minute druve or train ride to Sydney CBD and still enjoy the few goid things that Surry Hills has on offer.

Justin Brewer
Justin Brewer

Absolute shot review and a load of codswallop. I have lived in Surry Hills after moving here from Chelsea in London. Before Surry Hills I lived in Elizabeth( beautiful by transient), and Double Bay (Double Boring!). Surry is the best place I have lived in my 15 years in Australia. Wonderful community spirit, great cafes, bakeries and restaurants. Absolutely love it. Reminds me of hampstead in north London where I also lived.

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"Trendy but very dodgy, unsafe suburb"

Surry Hills is a trendy suburb due to its proximity to nightlife and the city. However, with the advantages of its situation also come some very clear disadvantages! Lots of homeless and disadvantaged people, drug addicts and criminals inhabit and frequent the area due to the fact that the area caters to these people with drug and alcohol facilities, homeless shelters, and youth refuges. For example, The William Booth House, Odyssey House, Langton Centre, Albion Street, Oasis Youth Support Network, Campbell House, Foster House, Gorman House etc. - all in Surry Hills!
Compared to some nicer Sydney suburbs, the area is an absolute dump - rubbish on the streets, people peeing or vomiting on footpaths, noise and crime are just a few of the issues. I would rank it in the same class as Darlinghurst or Rushcutters Bay - great if you area a single who loves nightlife but don't mind lack of safety and seediness that is inherent in these places.

Great for

  • Nightlife
  • Close to everything
  • Good cafe culture

Not great for

  • Crime
  • Drug addicts and homelessness
  • Generally dirty, seedy area
  • Will always be expensive

Who lives here?

  • Singles
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish
1
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"Good place to live and work... expensive but is worth every cent."

Surry Hills is a nice tree leafed suburb located within walking distance of Sydney CDB. (a village in a city feel) This suburb is close to everything, parks, recreation, cinemas, pools, and a short journey to the beaches.. Crown street has a lot of restaurants, bars and cafes and good night life. The locals are friendly and this is a very social place.

House and units are expensive but you get what you pay for, there is a lot of refurbishment/development happening in the area... and one things for sure the house prices in this suburb are not going down. Get in while you can.! for investor this is an absolute winner and for buyers its a convenient lovely place to live.

Great for

  • Close to everything
  • Good cafe culture

Not great for

  • Will always be expensive

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
0
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"Swanky Surry Hills"

Surry Hills has everything at its doorstep! The CBD, Centennial Park, universities and short drive to so many famous beaches. With central station transport yourself around the city of Sydney is a breeze.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
0
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0
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1
jimmyjim

If only I could afford to live there...

brendanm9

you're not missing out on that much mate

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"A stylish suburb in Sydney's inner city"

Surrey Hills is a great spot to live. It is very close to the CBD, so it is just a short walk to your office or can otherwise be easily accessed by public transport.

The area has a very unique and stylish feel. With lots of good restaurants and independent fashion stores, it has a lot to offer. Just spend some time hunting around and you will find some great food, although sometimes with the pricetage to match.

Many of the houses are terraced Victorian homes, although there are some trendy converted warehouses and other executive residences as well.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
0
Forestier

Says a lot if you can't even spell the name of the suburb.

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"Hip and trendy suburb"

Surry Hills is located five minutes' away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a very convenient location with Central Station servicing this whole area. There are also plenty of public buses that run through the streets of Surry Hills.

There is always something to do in Surry Hills - from dining at one of the restaurants and cafes to shopping at the vintage shops and boutiques. There is also no shortage of pubs and bars when it comes to entertainment.

Surry Hills is a very typical inner city suburb with narrow streets and lanes. There are many terraces that line the streets of Surry Hills and the residents here are mainly young singles and couples who want to live close to the city. Due to the lack of backyards and small living spaces, I will only recommend this suburb for couples and singles.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
0
cityboy

Do you feel safe here Ruby?? As a former long-term resident of Surry Hills I was glad to leave for the peace and quiet of nearby KINGSFORD! I got tired of the drunken blow-in yobs from the suburbs and the drug-addled flotsom from no-where in particular, who thought nothing of pissing (or worse) on one's doorstep or footpath usuall during the night!
Brawls and fights in the pubs as the night progresses are commomplace and roving carloads of hoons on weekend nights looking for trouble are also a regular feature! The early morning hours are replete with alpha male mating calls answered by shreiking bimbos on heat!
Was this what you felt was lacking in KINGSFORD, Ms RubyShoes??

CommunityMan
CommunityMan

Hi cityboy, we encourage honest constructive discussion here at local voices, but please keep it civil, so everyone can feel comfortable contributing. thanks

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