Best Neighborhoods for Single People in Sydney
Summary: If you're single and moving to Sydney, here are some of the best neighborhoods for single people.
Sydney, is a vibrant and multicultural city that offers a high quality of life, attracting expats and digital nomads from all over the world. With its stunning beaches, excellent dining options, and diverse neighborhoods, Sydney has plenty to offer for single people. Here are eight of the best neighborhoods for singles to live in Sydney.
Surry Hills
Surry Hills is a creative and eclectic neighborhood known for its vibrant arts and design scene. Single people living here enjoy visiting the many art galleries, design studios, and the famous Belvoir Street Theatre. The neighborhood is also home to a variety of fitness clubs, bars, and restaurants, making it easy to meet new people. Prince Alfred Park offers a great spot for outdoor activities, and the Surry Hills Library hosts various events and classes.
Location: Inner-city suburb, southeast of the Sydney CBD
Real Estate: Average rental price of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around AU$500-650 per week. Average purchase price is around AU$700,000-900,000.
Where to Eat: Chin Chin for Southeast Asian cuisine, Porteno for Argentinian, and Bourke Street Bakery for delicious pastries.
Interesting History: Surry Hills was once a slum area but has since transformed into a hub for creative industries.
Celeb sightings: Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett have been spotted in the area.
Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is famous for its stunning coastline and offers an active lifestyle for single people. Residents can enjoy surfing, swimming, or jogging along the iconic Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. The neighborhood has plenty of bars, cafes, and fitness clubs where people can socialize. The Bondi Pavilion hosts various community events and classes, including art and yoga.
Location: Eastern suburb, 7 km east of the Sydney CBD
Real Estate: Average rental price of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around AU$550-700 per week. Average purchase price is around AU$800,000-1,200,000.
Where to Eat: Icebergs Dining Room and Bar for Italian with a view, Da Orazio Pizza + Porchetta for casual Italian, and The Bucket List for beachside drinks.
Interesting History: Bondi Beach is home to the historic Bondi Baths, a popular swimming spot since 1929.
Celeb sightings: Hugh Jackman and Chris Hemsworth have been spotted enjoying Bondi Beach.
Newtown
Newtown is a bohemian and culturally diverse neighborhood known for its lively music and arts scene. Single people can explore the many live music venues, theaters, and art galleries. The neighborhood is also home to various bars, cafes, and unique shops. Camperdown Memorial Rest Park offers a peaceful green space, and the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre hosts community events and classes.
Location: Inner-west suburb, 4 km southwest of the Sydney CBD
Real Estate: Average rental price of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around AU$450-600 per week. Average purchase price is around AU$600,000-800,000.
Where to Eat: Lentil As Anything for vegan, Hartsyard for American-style comfort food, and Bloodwood for modern Australian.
Interesting History: Newtown was once a bustling market garden and dairy farming area.
Celeb sightings: Toni Collette and Rose Byrne have been spotted in Newtown.
Manly
Manly offers a relaxed beachside lifestyle with a vibrant social scene. Single people can enjoy water sports, coastal walks, and the many bars and restaurants along the Corso. The Manly Art Gallery and Museum is a cultural highlight, and the Manly Environment Centre offers various classes and workshops.
Location: Northern Beaches suburb, 17 km northeast of the Sydney CBD
Real Estate: Average rental price of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around AU$500-650 per week. Average purchase price is around AU$800,000-1,100,000.
Where to Eat: Manly Wine for Mediterranean sharing plates, Hugos Manly for Italian, and 4 Pines Brewing Company for craft beer and pub food.
Interesting History: Manly is where the first Governor of New South Wales, Arthur Phillip, met the indigenous people in 1788.
Celeb sightings: Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have been spotted in Manly.
Darlinghurst
Darlinghurst is a vibrant and cosmopolitan neighborhood known for its LGBTQ+ scene, trendy cafes, and bustling nightlife. Single people can explore the many art galleries, theaters, and the famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The neighborhood is also home to various fitness clubs and community centers offering classes and workshops.
Location: Inner-east suburb, immediately east of the Sydney CBD
Real Estate: Average rental price of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around AU$550-700 per week. Average purchase price is around AU$700,000-950,000.
Where to Eat: Bill's for modern Australian, Gelato Messina for delicious gelato, and Eau De Vie for cocktails.
Interesting History: Darlinghurst was once home to Sydney's red-light district and has a rich history of activism.
Celeb sightings: Elton John and Kylie Minogue have been spotted in Darlinghurst.
Paddington
Paddington is a charming and historic neighborhood known for its Victorian architecture, boutique shopping, and vibrant arts scene. Single people can explore the many art galleries, the Paddington Markets, and the Chauvel Cinema. The neighborhood is also home to various parks, fitness clubs, and community centers offering classes and workshops.
Location: Inner-east suburb, 3 km east of the Sydney CBD
Real Estate: Average rental price of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around AU$500-650 per week. Average purchase price is around AU$750,000-1,000,000.
Where to Eat: The Paddington for pub classics, Saint Peter for seafood, and 10 William St for Italian.
Interesting History: Paddington is home to the historic Paddington Town Hall, built in 1891.
Celeb sightings: Cate Blanchett and Hugh Jackman have been spotted in Paddington.
Potts Point
Potts Point is a lively and densely populated neighborhood known for its nightlife, cafes, and restaurants. Single people can enjoy the many bars, clubs, and the iconic Kings Cross district. The neighborhood is also home to various fitness clubs and community centers offering classes and workshops. The Artspace gallery is a cultural highlight.
Location: Inner-city suburb, 3 km east of the Sydney CBD
Real Estate: Average rental price of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around AU$500-650 per week. Average purchase price is around AU$700,000-900,000.
Where to Eat: Cho Cho San for Japanese, Fratelli Paradiso for Italian, and The Butler for modern Australian.
Interesting History: Potts Point was once a bustling red-light district and has a rich history of activism.
Celeb sightings: Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman have been spotted in Potts Point.
Coogee
Coogee offers a relaxed beachside lifestyle with a vibrant social scene. Single people can enjoy water sports, coastal walks, and the many bars and restaurants along Coogee Bay Road. The Coogee Pavilion is a popular spot for dining and entertainment, and the Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club offers various community events and classes.
Location: Eastern suburb, 8 km southeast of the Sydney CBD
Real Estate: Average rental price of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around AU$500-650 per week. Average purchase price is around AU$800,000-1,100,000.
Where to Eat: Coogee Pavilion for Mediterranean sharing plates, Sugarcane for Asian fusion, and Coogee Bay Hotel for pub classics.
Interesting History: Coogee is home to the historic Waverley Cemetery, where many notable Australians are buried.
Celeb sightings: Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky have been spotted in Coogee.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Sydney
- 7 Tips for Living in Sydney
- Pros & Cons of Living in Sydney
- Driving in Sydney
- Cost of Living in Sydney
- Health Care in Sydney
- The Essential Guide to Sydney
- 5 Tips for Living in Sydney, Australia
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Australia
- Best Places to Live in Australia
- Real Estate in Australia
- Pros & Cons of Living in Australia
- Educational System in Australia
- What It's Like Living in Sydney
- Pros and Cons of Living in Australia 2026
- 2026 Guide to Moving to Australia


