Sydney had a great start to the year in terms of property, with record auction rates and plenty of buyer demand. One of the hottest spots for house hunters – thanks to its general affordability and proximity to the Sydney CBD – is the inner west.
Many who seek to buy in this area are doing so because the urban lifestyle appeals to them. They love the idea of a quick stroll to get a morning coffee or croissant from a local vendor who knows their name and their favourit beverage.
Here are some of the best picks for home-buyers keen to be close to a thriving cafe scene:
Leichhardt – the old school favourite
Sydney’s original ‘Little Italy’, Leichhardt’s main strip, Norton Street is packed with buzzing coffee hot spots and restaurants. From the local stalwart Bar Italia to new arrivals including the cheekily named Local Tart, there are plenty of eateries to choose from.
Leichhardt locals love the morning ritual of stopping by their favourite coffee shop along Norton Street, which is in close proximity for most residents.
Balmain – trendier than ever
The ever-popular Balmain shows no signs of slowing down in terms of real estate. It’s not surprising, given the dozens of cafes and restaurants and the area’s many intriguing boutiques. It’s easy to while away an entire day enjoying the attractions of the main street alone.
Popular nightspots like the Balmain Hotel mean you can enjoy Balmain’s flourishing local scene well after dark.
Balmain truly has it all – why would you ever leave?
Marrickville – hipster heaven
Marrickville is the only suburb to have more than one cafe featured in Concrete Playground’s list of the best ten coffee shops in the inner west. Cornersmith and Double Roasters are just two places that stand out amongst the suburb’s cafe scene, which has definitely been on the up in recent years. The new additions to Marrickville’s collection of cafes pitch a highly local vibe, with many focusing on seasonal produce sourced from nearby markets.
Newtown – perfect for people watching
Newtown is anything but sleepy! Anyone searching for a suburb that’s buzzing with activity need look no further than this inner west hotspot. A stroll down King Street will take you past scores of venues that make up the vibrant cafe scene.
The suburb’s unique culture brings together an eclectic mix of locals. From students to city slickers, from painters to professionals, this diverse community is well and truly unified by its love of coffee and eating out and there are plenty of venues to choose from.
