Sydney can feel like the place to be. All the concerts, the restaurant openings, the cultural events seem to be happening in the city centre. Just like anything else though, it’s not all rosy and grand living in the big city. There are benefits, of course, but there are also some drawbacks that you may not have considered. If you’ve been on the fence about whether to move to Sydney, or if you’ve been living in the city centre for a while and are considering picking up and moving out, this is going to be a helpful pros and cons guide for you.

First, the benefits

Sydney is a stunning city. The food is great, the beaches are amazing and there’s so much to do that it’s impossible to ever be bored. The city itself is made up of so many smaller suburbs that you can travel just a few kilometers and feel the little differences that each little part of the city has to offer. It’s that kind of character and excitement that enraptures newcomers and keeps them coming back. Even those who make the decision to move out don’t usually say goodbye forever. People living in outer suburbs still find that the city centre is a great place to work and spend their free time. Sydney is a great place to be, however, just like every city in the world, there are things that may hinder you.

Some limitations you might run into

• Cost of living – This is the number one complaint of Sydney-dwellers. It may be a little challenging to find an affordable place to live, and you can find yourself giving up many comforts in order to stay and be in the middle of all the action.

• Cost of everything else – Food, events and clothing are slightly more expensive in Sydney. Of course, it’s somewhat justified by the higher median income, but paying more for everyday items like laundry detergent and milk still hurts a little.

In fact, one of the most surprising expenses is the cost of parking in the city of Sydney. Companies like Spacer have made it much easier for Sydney-dwellers to offer up their available parking spaces, so it’s much cheaper than it used to be in the city. The main consensus remains that the further you travel away from the city, the less expensive parking will be. There is also a higher chance of you finding a parking spot in a less densely populated suburb than it would be in the city.

• Noise pollution – After a while, you’ll find yourself getting used to the constant sounds of traffic, airplanes and people on the street at all hours. But do you want to? If you’re a light sleeper, or really just a person who enjoys a bit of peace and quiet, you might take a little while to adjust to Sydney life.

• Other big city problems – All cities experience similar problems, and Sydney is no exception. Traffic is bad a majority of the time, but especially so during large events. You might feel a bit cramped, which can be a somewhat exhausting experience if you’re not used to it.

So, what is there to do?

What more and more people are doing is finding houses and apartments outside of Sydney and commute in for work, or travel in the evening or on their off days. For the former option, it’s entirely affordable to rent a monthly parking space through Spacer and then take public transportation into the city centre. Or, you can request a short term parking space for your evening or day trip.

Where else should you consider living?

There are tons of suburbs outside of the city limits of Sydney that are affordable, quiet and safe. The northern suburbs on the other side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge are absolutely gorgeous, however might be a little pricey. The west and south of the city also has some lovely suburbs, and places such as Parramatta have CBDs of their own. The options here are some of the best rated suburbs outside of Sydney.

Take a look:

• Little Bay – this tiny, sea-locked suburb rated 9.3 out of 10 on Homely because of its quaint resort-like feel. It’s located to the south of Sydney.

• Parramatta – this is an ever-growing neighborhood with lots of fun activities and a real sense of community, located west of Sydney. What’s great about this suburb is that it’s conveniently located on several popular train lines.

• San Souci – meaning “without worries” in French, this little gem of a suburb doesn’t disappoint. It’s also to the south of the city, and is known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches.

It’s a great time to live in New South Wales, regardless of if you decide to live in the bustling city centre of Sydney, or you opt for the quieter outer suburbs. So, whether you’re looking to move to the area as a total newcomer or you’ve been weighing your options for a while, take the time to choose what neighbourhood is best for you. Remember, while it’s important to take into consideration things like cost of living, parking availability and the like, don’t forget to explore, talk to people and get a feel for your new community!