Crows Nest, NSW 2065

I moved here from Neutral Bay. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of services available, such as bulk billing doctors and late night chemists.

There’s a chemist there which says ‘only chemist on lower north shore open ‘til 10pm’ which says it all.

Also, ‘Crowie’ has some of the best public transport and best restaurants in Sydney.

I don’t mind it being built up on the main roads, but there’s pockets of quiet, leafy areas not far to walk.

Everything is within walking distance!

My partner and I loved our time living in Crows Nest - it’s extremely convenient to the City, has excellent public transport options, is walking distance to the Harbour and the bridge, has good shopping options and fabulous places to grab a bite or a drink. Additionally, the whole North Sydney is area is extremely dog-friendly, meaning you can let your dog off the leash at just about any park in the area.

Like most places in Sydney, however, it’s desirable nature is reflected in its housing costs - which are extremely high. If you managed to get in the market about 8-10 years ago, you’d probably by well-placed and have a relatively affordable mortgage. However, if you’re looking to buy now your cheapest option would be around $600k for a 1 bedroom apartment, which is exorbitant in my opinion compared to the housing costs of many of Australia’s other major cities (which are just as fabulous as Sydney).

Eventually we had to leave as we were expecting a child and had to consider our costs a little more carefully. Had money not been an object, there is no doubt we would have stayed. For this reason, the area is probably better suited to professionals and singles than families. Additionally, many of the houses in the area are on very small blocks, so if you have a dog or a kid, be prepared to take them to the local park for their exercise.

We've been living here for more than a year and really love the place! It's a good mix of city and village life.
Public transport is really good, lots of shops and restaurants around. The downsides are property prices, not as leafy as it could be, and a lot of development around the area. St Leonards is surrounded by skyscrapers...

The best aspect of Crows Nest is it's still the cheapest option on the Lower North Shore, permitting all the benefits of surrounding suburbs and amenities (and a fair few of its own) without the price tag of more expensive suburbs such as Cammeray, North Sydney and Wollstonecraft.

It's a short hop to the city, and the harbour and water surrounds you. You're also on major road arterials to access the greater Sydney area. On a good day, it's a 20-minute ride to the airport, and the CBDs of North Sydney, St Leonards and Chatswood are minutes away by car or bus (or train, if you don't mind a brisk walk). Hop across the freeway (it's a 5 to 10-minute walk, 2 minutes by car or 143/144 bus) and you're in Neutral Bay, Cremorne and Mosman territory. Arguably Sydney's best family beach, Balmoral, is just an 8-minute car ride or the aforementioned buses take you straight to its white sands.

There are also great schools North Sydney boys' and girls' selective schools as well as the new Cammeraygal HS and Anzac Park PS are walking distance. If you have a bit more coin, Wenona, Shore and a half dozen other private schools are close. And the Royal North Shore Hospital and RNHS private are close as well. Many medical centre,s chemists, dentists and other healthcare professionals are drawn to the area.

Crows Nest has become something of an eats destination with great bars, cafes and restaurants along Willoughby Road. The new Woolworths ensures excellent, free 2hr council parking (but why would you when you can walk?) and a Coles is set to open in 2018. There's an Aldi in North Sydney and Chatswood, a bit farther afield.

There are few places outside Surrey Hills that boast as many great coffee shops and if you're looking for a place with a similar vibe since you became parents, this is the place to check out.

Traffic noise may be a downside since so many arterials run through here. but that's what you get if you want to live in the inner-city. Balancing that are parks such as St Thomas Rest and St Leonards in North Sydney. And there are some great walks if you just nip across the suburb border to Wollstonecraft, Cammeray and Northbridge.

And with the Metro about to open, enabling more public transport options to the city and western suburbs, Crows Nest could soon be the most effortlessly connected suburb in NSW.

Crows Nest is truly the best part of the Lower North Shore. It suits everyone of all ages! I personally love it for all the diverse restaurants it has on offer and the convenience of public transport at your door step. Location to the city is a 7 minute bus or car ride. Parking was a little tough a few months ago but since the new Woolworths opened parking is a breeze. Crows Nest is only going to get better!

Crows Nest is a vibrant, well located suburb with a village feel and an urban charm that makes it very highly sort after. It is well known for its local retail offering and vast array of popular restaurants, pubs, wine bars and boutique shops.

Lower North Shore suburb with a huge selection of eateries. Quick easy 10-15 minute jump into the city by public transport. Locals are mix and young professional people. High community spirit with a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Crows Nest’s greatest asset is undoubtedly its diverse range of cafes, restaurants, and bars. There are numerous culinary options available, catering to various tastes and budgets. Crows Nest also has excellent public transport links, including bus routes and nearby train stations, commuting to the city and other parts of Sydney.

I have lived here for a few months now and really like it. There's lots going on, great cafes and restaurants and it's easy to get to the city without such hustle and bustle!