Leichhardt, NSW 2040

4.3(23 reviews)

Ranked 231st best suburb by locals in Sydney (Greater) Region, NSW

Great for

  • Public transport
  • Internet access
  • Eating out
  • Parks and recreation
  • Schools

Not great for

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Reviews of Leichhardt, NSW

7th May 2023

"Surely better than 200th-something best suburb in Sydney . That is very misleading."

If only Sydney had more buildings like the Italian Forum, suburban living would be far more aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, if more of the 'outer' suburbs had the gorgeous, European-influenced houses of the quieter streets of Leichhardt, they would definitely be better places to live.

The inner west in Sydney, especially the area north of Parramatta Road is a truly magical place.

Leichhardt is one of the easiest suburbs for public transport, it is so easy to get in and out of the CBD from here, or other places for that matter. It doesn't rely on trains so no need to worry about dreaded weekend trackwork.

I don't really want to rate this suburb 5 stars because it is simply too expensive - I would give it 4.5 stars. The other downsides are that because it's close to the city, local hospitals are jam packed with long waiting times and the local GPs are also hard to get an appointment. Then there's the rude behaviour on the public transport, like putting bags on seats and not letting someone sit next to you.

However, these are Sydney wide problems. Perhaps Australia wide problems.

Taking into account the considerable variety of housing, Leichhardt still offers comparatively (ahem) affordable living compared to some areas nearby. Considering the sensational restaurants in the area I feel compelled to give the highest rating.

The whole REGION from Balmain to Abbotsford, including Rozelle, Annandale, Five Dock and Haberfield, and maybe even Glebe, is simply a terrific place. There are countless many water views here along the harbour (not beaches), there is an abundance of parks, even the streets are interesting to look at. The whole area is overflowing with top quality cafes and delicious restaurants.
If I was very very wealthy I would chose to live in this area rather than the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, or for that matter, the Northern Beaches.

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  • Professionals
  • Singles
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13th January 2022

"Proximity to city, great walks, amenities, lifestyle"

Moved to Leichhardt in 2021 and love the proximity of a range of shops and services (both on Norton St and Marion St), quality of restaurants/pubs/bars/nightlife. It's nice and quiet in the side streets away from Parramatta Road and Norton St and it's gentrifying into a nicer area than what I remember. Great for families, good schools, brunch cafes. It feels really safe at all times of the day and night. The parks and close proiximity of the Bay Run/Greenway walks are an added bonus.

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  • Families with kids
1
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"Village feel close to CBD and easy access to public transport"

I have lived in Leichhardt for 2 years and in the inner west for over 15 years (Balmain for 10, Lilyfield for 2).
ENTERTAINMENT:
Leichhardt has changed a lot since it was Little Italy, but some of these changes are for the better. We have the Palace Cinema for entertainment showing foreign films and festivals and regular premieres and events. There are some great pubs (The Empire Hotel and the Royal Botanical) and great new wine and cocktail bars (The Golden Gully and Creek n Cella), as well as the awesome italian restaurants you would expect (Mario's Pizzeria, Morretti's and family favourite Bar Italia).

Add to this late night venue The Crow Bar for live music and it really has it all, with express bus transport to Sydney CBD, and the Broadway Shopping Centre and Centro even closer.

EDUCATION:
For parents of high school aged children, Leichhardt is in the catchment for Sydney Secondary School (Leichhardt campus) which is in hot demand as a co-educational public school, with sister campuses at Balmain and Glebe.
Additionally, for private schools it is an easy school bus ride to Rosebank (co-ed catholic at Five Dock), Dom Remy (girls, Five Dock), train ride from Petersham to PLC & MLC (girls, Strathfield) and Santa Sabina (girls, Strathfield).

Local primary schools include St Fiacre's (Catholic) and Leichhardt Public, both of which are highly ranked for academic achievement.

A quick bus ride down Parramatta Road takes you to Sydney University, UTS and Notre Dame universities. Buses run frequently.

TRAINS:
Depending on your location, it is an easy walk to Stanmore or Petersham railway stations, about 15-20 mins walk from Norton Street. The train line is the Inner West line which takes you directly to the city in 15 mins. Newtown is on this line, one stop from Stanmore if you're heading over there.
Trains run to Wynyard station (walking access to Barangaroo), which provides easy access (walk across the platform) to head to the North Shore, or you can jump out at Circular Quay to make a ferry connection. It's a simple easy line to use.

FITNESS:
There are many gym options including the council run Leichhardt Aquatic Centre with a large pool and gym, a brand new Fernwood Ladies Gym opening in Annandale, and many gyms on Parramatta Road ranging from personal training (Body By Hewida) to all hours access.

For outdoor exercise, it is conveniently close to the Bay Run and the Green Way (home to a Park Run on Saturdays). There are many boot camps and similar trainers in the area.

PETS:
Leichhardt is very dog friendly with Cafe Bones located in the Green Way, and other off leash areas. Groomers Spoilt Rotten Dogs and Paws on Norton Street will pamper your pets, and the Hound Lounge is close by for dog training. Annandale Animal Hospital and the pet store Pet Stop at the end of Catherine Street are conveniently located near yet another dog friendly park (Memorial Park).

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  • Families with kids
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"Love this suburb!"

I work in the Lower North Shore and bought a place here due to being priced out and the Western Habour Tunnel being built, this means I can easily commute to work in North Sydney without having to buy/live in a crammed appartment. Once the tunnel is finished, it will be a less than 20 mins trip to the other side of the harbour!

The suburb has everything you need with so many groceries stores and restaurants. I have noticed that there are so many young families around and the local parks and reserves are full of young mums and bubs playing, seeing this of course brings a sense of safety for me.

The downside of living in this suburb is that I now have to get a dog. I feel like you are doing it wrong if you do not have a pet in Leichhardt especially when they have a special park (with gates) to train your puppy.

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  • Professionals
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2
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"Surprisingly nice place to live"

I'm in my mid-20's and it's definitely full of older folk who have lived in the same home for many decades, but this is changing and evolving due to the proximity to the CBD and easy access to other Inner West hubs like Newtown.

More and more people are realising that Leichhardt has a really convenient location and more young people and wealthy families are moving in (and raising the median sale and rent price at the same time).

Norton St has everything you need so if you're looking for a house, something with an easy walk to it would be recommended.

One of Sydney's biggest Italian hubs and I think that adds a lot of charm and a sense of community.

If you want to head out, Royal Leichhardt is a well-known pub on Norton and Golden Gully is a nice, casual place to have a few. Crowbar is down the road for live music too.

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  • Families with kids
1
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Rentals in Leichhardt

"If you can deal with ageist seniors you’ll be fine."

Such a great area with really nice cafes and italian food as well as access to supermarkets. Properties are reasonably priced too but its a bit dirty and some of the people are very strange.

its also definitely not an area for young people. Im 28 but look quiet young (some people say 21) and the amount of ageist and stereotyping seniors I deal with who just hate you for no reason and are so nasty and entitled is ridiculous. It really ruins the area.

0
tonyn19

I experienced this from time to time but I think change brings a sense of uneasiness for the elderly. I also agree some people act very strange (and seem like they are on the Moon, not Earth) but this might be the same for the rest of InnerWest haha!

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"Neighbouring Haberfield is simply better"

Traffic congestion is diminishing the quality of this suburb. Nightlife is good, but of course, this deteriorates a family friendly environment. The education sector is average. Preferably reside in the north western part of Leichhardt because traffic becomes less of a problem as you travel by car to the Sydney CBD and the Parramatta River views become scenic.

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  • Families with kids
1
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"I can say that I do not need to travel"

I can say that I do not need to travel out of here to support my daily needs. I have everything I need within walking distance. Other nearby suburbs are just a short drive away if you wish to explore more shopping choices. A nice place for families with or without kids.

1
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"A little haven in the Inner West"

I have been living in Leichhardt for 10 months since August 2018. I love it! I have a small 1 bedroom property in an old building I pay $440 a week for those who want to know - when I was looking to rent I could not find a 1 bedroom under this price. I love the tree lined streets and easy to walk around neighbourhood. I can walk to the Marketplace to do my grocery shopping which I love. I even walk to work in Ashfield - it takes me about 35 mins!!! If I ever have a day off work and go walking around or to the shops it's full of little old Italians and gym wearing millennials pushing prams - an interesting mix. Lots of pram pushing on Saturday mornings too. I have found the best coffee is at the muffin shop on Norton Street but it's always busy and they are slow. I can walk to Pap's in about 30 mins - at least I get to walk off whatever i eat there (n my dreams!). It's got restaurants and a cinema, it's easy to get into the city in a short period of time. It's a good place to live but its not cheap.

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  • Families with kids
3
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"Community vibe <5km from CBD"

A great community, perfect for those raising a family - great local schools and amenity, within 5km of the CBD.

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  • Families with kids
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"Don't waste your time."

As a long time resident - 17 years - my advice is if you want to experience Leichhardt at its finest, urinate in your toilet, then get in there with it. That's as good as visit this slum.

1
matthew-r
matthew-r

100 percent agree

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"Best of the Inner west"

Best thing would be it's restaurants and cafes, particularly those on norton street. Great schools. Transport has become a strength in recent years with multiple light rail stops and buses on parramatta road. Close to the water. All within 5km of the cbd. Downsides, would be finding parking on norton street on friday night and the weekend can be very difficult.

Great for

  • Transport
  • Cafe culture

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  • Professionals
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1
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"Quiet, peaceful and close to the CBD"

A great suburb for families and professionals with easy access to the CBD.

Great for

  • People
  • Transport
  • Cafe culture
  • Parks for the kids

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  • Professionals
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1
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"Great for professional couples and young families"

Having moved from the East I wasn't originally sure about Leichhardt however after living here for several years we absolutely love it. Sure the plane noise takes some getting used to but we don't even notice anymore. Its all part of living in the inner city and a small sacrifice to pay for a wonderful suburb 15 mins from Sydney CBD over the Anzac Bridge.

Great for

  • Cafe culture
  • Parks for the kids
  • People
  • Transport

Not great for

  • Air traffic

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
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"Leichhardt - not all that great"

Not great for

  • Air traffic

Who lives here?

  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
0
Lyndsey Douglas real estate agent
Lyndsey Douglas

Totally disagree. I'm in my late twenties and lived in Leichhardt for two years. You can get great rentals compared to spending the same amount in the east and it's quite close to Sydney. In terms of nightlife- you're not far from anything and there are nice wine bars and eateries. Plus, you have the Bay Run nearby!

KarenC3

Before moving to Newtown two years ago I lived in Leichhardt for 15yrs and I loved it. You can get great rental prices if you look around and it's so convenient to everything,. There's no downside to living in Leichhardt. I'd move back in a heartbeat given the chance.

brendanm9

"" There's no downside to living in Leichhardt."" - There are, but there's downsides everywhere and this has less of them!

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"Safe, friendly, great location and close to the city"

We moved to Leichhardt a year ago and love it. A very easy suburb to settle in to. Good transport, friendly neighbours and seems to be plenty of options re schools and eating out. Air traffic was something that we were aware of prior to moving but we have found that this has not bothered us. Leichhardt doesn't have lot of larger ovals, however the Bay Run and Bicenntenial Park is only a short stroll away and we love it down there. Beautiful.

Great for

  • Transport
  • People

Not great for

  • Air traffic

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
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2
Lyndsey Douglas real estate agent
Lyndsey Douglas

Ah yes - the air traffic. Forgot about that. The only real downside - though you do become accustomed!

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"Great community close to the CBD"

Leichhardt has a wonderful genuine community spirit. Being close to the CBD with commensurate block sizes, the local parks are filled every afternoon with children playing. It is very neighbourly, services are excellent with regard to transport, grocery shopping etc, preschools and schools are aplenty.

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  • Professionals
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1
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"Easy to the city, easy to eat and easy to everything else!"

We moved to Leichhardt middle last year and we LOVE it! It has great food, with diversity in value, ethnicity and ambience. The best coffee, patissiere, market food and a fantastic sunday market nearby. The facilities are great, for singles, for families, parks by the dozen, the bay run, the leichhardt pool and gym. The tram is coming and the cbd is only a 15 minute bike ride or a 5 minute car journey away! Its removed from the city with its own culture and every cafe has room for another book reader! (great bookstores as well) I will never move away as long as I am living in Sydney. It is a credit to the previous generations who moved here and made it what it is. It has everything.

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  • Professionals
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1
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"No more noodle bars"

Mr Viner says he welcomes the new cultural diversity but my hope is that Leichhardt will maintain its European culture. Last thing we want is for Leichhardt to become another Ashfield.

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  • Professionals
1
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"Used to be known as Little Italy but that is changing"

I live here so it must be good! I love the Italian heritage and remnants of Italian eateries but I also love the growing cultural diversity of the suburb and lack of pretentiousness. The people are generally honest and down to earth and there is a strong sense of community. There are some good schools within the suburb which is very popular with young families. I have noticed a rising trend of people selling their units in the Eastern Suburbs and relocating here to bring up their children. Some streets can be considerably more noise affected by the flight path than others but it depends where you look.

As to the restaurants, my top 3 are Grappa (for special occasions), Portofino (for a good time with friends) and Morrettis (for the pizza). The best gelato is at Bar Italia, and as for the coffee, my favourite is Bar Sport.

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  • Professionals
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  • Families with kids
2
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"The Best Place Ive Ever Lived"

Only been living in Leichhardt for 6 months, but love it!! Only a minute from great restuarants, 7 minutes from the city, great neighbourhood. There are beautiful parks everywhere, with enormous off-the-leash dog parks. Every Saturday or Sunday morning Norton St is a buzz with people going out for breakfast, normally with their dogs in tow! A great place to start a family, or to be a young professional. I don't think I will ever leave the Inner West, it is the greatest part of the greater Sydney area.

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  • Professionals
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  • Families with kids
2
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"Great For Young Families"

I have been living in the area for less than 6 months having moved from Eastern Suburbs.

This is a great area for young families with alot to do and a friendly and relaxed envirnoment.

Highlights include Leichhardt aquatic centre with the kids pools and swimming lessons, numerous local parks where you run into the same families, kids and dogs, cafes and resturants.

Norton street is great for cafes and resturants and kid friendly. Market Place shopping centre has the essentials (Woolworths/ K-Mart, Haircut) and there are a few quite good resturants.

5k's from city means you have the city in close proximity- but really we don't feel the need to go far on the weekend!

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
1
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"Little Italy in Sydney"

Sydney siders know Leichhardt as “Little Italy” and it is famous for it's main street - Norton Street. There are many things to see and do along Norton Street. There are bookstores that are open til late on the weekends, a cinema, supermarkets, delis, Italian Forum, shops selling Italian leather and shoes, boutiques, restaurants, cafes and gelato shops.

As a very popular street, Norton Street does get very crowded on the weekends and it is often very difficult finding parking along the street. Often, I have to park on the streets parallel to Norton Street and walk a short distance. There are also plenty of houses and terrace houses around here. Some of these terrace houses are in need of tender loving care and the streets can get pretty narrow too.

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