Iris Street, Paddington, NSW 2021

I love living in this street! Coming from an apartment in Darlinghurst to Iris Street was like entering suburbia - all the neighbours are unbelievably friendly, the local coffee shop is the hub of the neighbourhood, where they remember your order and have it waiting when you arrive, and there is a highly sociable colony of cats who like to sun themselves on the back roofs.
The best bits:
A block to Centennial Park and a stroll to Fox Studios for the market
Did I mention it is metres away from Oxford St? Step out to buy milk and come back with a guilty expression and a melting credit card
Wander to Woolies at St Margarets and you have your own AC Butchery and the world's best cheese shop just there
We ALWAYS get a park (don't tell anyone the street is here)
Nice arty student feel because of COFA nearby - keeps the area young and interesting
One way street is always quiet
Ok, so some people are here for the nightlife, but for me two independent bookshops open until very very late is nightlife enough (and nip out to buy a present on the way somewhere because they wrap beautifully for no extra charge)
Walk to work if you work in the city - otherwise it is very well served by buses and bike lanes
In summer, leave your window open and you can hear when Australia has scored in the cricket - run back to your tv in time to watch the six!
The neighbourly spirit that has everyone cultivating their nature strips with plants
A movie just started at the Palace? Don't worry, you still have time to wander down and saunter in. Just remember that everyone else will be dressed up to go out so change out of your ugh boots first.