Hurstville, NSW 2220
Ranked 309th best suburb by locals in Sydney (Greater) Region, NSW
Great for
- Neighbourly spirit
- Internet access
- Parks and recreation
- Clean & green
- Shopping options
Not great for
- No ratings yet
Who lives here?
- Families With Kids
- Professionals
- Singles
- Retirees
- Students
Reviews of Hurstville, NSW
"Hurstville"
I've been a resident of Hurstville for almost ten years. Overall I think that it provides you with a comfortable lifestyle as amenities such as transport, medical facilities, shopping and schools are readily available. For example, I only live five minutes walk away from the train station, which is a major stop making it very convenient if I want to travel to the city, as well as other suburbs. The Asian community here is thriving so there is a wide range of food, people, and culture. However I believe that Hurstville has presented its residents with several problems which have gradually escalated over the past years due to the rising population. Traffic congestion, especially on Forest Road and The Avenue, is a concerning issue. On weekends and during peak hours I have experienced much inconvenience and delays because of the shocking amount of traffic jams. It was not as serious a few years ago, but nowadays it takes me an additional fifteen minutes to arrive home from either picking my children from school or driving home from the shopping centre. I also feel that road etiquette has slowly deteriorated over the years, with many drivers cutting lanes and in their hurry, not letting pedestrians cross the roads. Another thing I am concerned about is the availability of parking areas in Hurstville. As more and more people come to the suburb for its convenient facilities, the spaces in the carparks get filled rapidly every day. Speaking as regular visitor to the library, I think that finding a parking spot is very difficult, even more so when the council demolished the carpark opposite the library for the construction of the Medical Centre. These days I have to park 200 metres away from the library, which inconveniences my elderly mother who has trouble walking.
Great for
- Very convenient (transport, shopping, childcare)
- Close to restaurants, cinema, shops, cake shops, parks
- Good for Investment
Not great for
- Traffic
- Parking
"A-okay to the no- kay"
its a convenient suburb, people here are kind and mind their Business , its filled with shops. recently they had their rainbow walkway removed,only a few people will cause physical harm. they'll ask genuinely (not out of spite) had a few youth and adults do so their genuinely uneducated so don't take it personally, its out of their norms an not in their teachings as, St Georgians ?
the place is great for dining and just getting lots of asian food, the transport is great.
Who lives here?
- Singles
- Families with kids
"Has everything you need but lacking in some infrastructure to meet the large population"
PROS:
1. Public Transport central. Numerous bus routes pass by here. Hurstville is a major train stop and it only takes about 25 minutes to get to Central St Station. However, many people do get on board the train at Hurstville, meaning morning commutes (at least pre-COVID) quite packed.
2. Shopping Convenience. A large Westfield with major retailers like Coles, Woolworths, Big W, Kmart. However, parking in Westfield is super competitive once it passes 10:30am. There is also a Coles right in the train station. Numerous small business, medium business grocers/butchers are also present throughout Hurstville.
3. At least in my experience, local business owners/workers are quite good at remembering regular customers. It makes the community feel friendly this way.
4. Hurstville Public School apparently has a highly coveted Opportunity Class Program for primary school children.
5. Variety of food options (particularly Asian ones) available all around the Hurstville CBD.
6. Government entities have offices here so you can easily access their services e.g. Service NSW.
7. A place where you can get $7/$8 hair cuts.
8. Numerous (I mean numerous) Bubble Tea outlets and bakeries for scrumptious snacks.
9. Education hub. If tutoring for children is your thing, Hurstville has many tutoring centres available for primary and high school.
10. Medical infrastructure. There are a number of GP medical centres, allied health services, medical imaging etc in Hurstville. However, the large population in the area and surrounds does make it occasionally difficult to book appointments. There is also a Private hospital in Hurstville.
11. Library and Civic centre for cultural/community activities.
CONS
1. Rapid development of high rise apartments has resulted in a very noticeable increase in the number of people in the area. This has resulted in issues with the availability of parking and the sardining of people on trains (as mentioned previously). Access to popular businesses/restaurants may also be impeded because of more people.
2. Sometimes get some intimidating people who present themselves as troublemakers (usually large, noisy groups of high school kids who gravitate towards Hurstville after school since it has a Westfield/is a central area)
3. There does seem to be a little bit of a cultural divide with one side of Hurstville being predominantly Chinese shops and not noticeably frequented by non-Chinese people (Forest Rd side of Westfield).
4. The roads in Hurstville can be a bit confusing for newcomers. Some are one-way or really difficult to change lanes in if you aren't familiar with where the next turn is.
"A convenient regional hub"
There are more non-Chinese background people moving to this suburb in recent years, mainly from southeast and east Asian. Being a regional hub, it is inevitable to have traffic problems and some accidents. Most people like our family who have lived here for a long time love the convenience, diversity and beauty of this suburb.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
"At the crossroads of suburban and cosmopolitan life"
Hurstville is really a very pleasant suburb to reside within, along with its surroundings. The city centre is, without a doubt, very densely populated and packed with shops that occasionally seem somewhat out of place, but I don’t think we should judge the suburb solely on the city centre. The opinions on homely.com are, after all, meant to express the liveability of a place, and that is not confined to matters only relating to Hurstville’s city centre.
I have been accustomed to the statement that “traffic is an atrocity.” Is it now? If you do reside physically in the suburb of Hurstville, it would thus be more sagacious to travel to shopping precincts, coaching colleges, restaurants, etc. by foot, no? And if the residents fail to do so, why must it tarnish Hurstville’s liveability index so austerely? If one does not reside physically in Hurstville, but somewhere afar, then they must employ some intuition to circumvent the traffic overflow. Yes, there do tend to be traffic jams on the Avenue and Forest Road, but use a bit of cognitive power, go around some of the lesser known streets and weave your way around there to access the main shopping precincts. Or alternatively, because I know you all complain about the one-way street designs, park your car on a residential street nearby your desired location in the city centre (parking isn’t merely confined within the city centre!). Solved, and in an era where climate change is becoming persistent, one may as well walk.
The public transit system in Hurstville is virtually second to none in all of Greater Sydney. For a suburb that gets deprecated so frequently, one would expect its train station to be a horrific mess - at least as some individuals’ wishful thinking goes. No, four functional platforms under a bustling Hurstville Central, where you can access all necessary resources, should be more than adequate. What? As far as wishful thinking is concerned, you would want something more opulent and photogenic?! Outrageous.
The walkability index in Hurstville city centre is undoubtedly high. There are a plethora of amenities, from educational coaching centres to specialty stores to restaurants that can make your mouth water. Pretty superb how this is all jam packed into tiny portion of Hurstville (yes, it gets overcrowded, but give some credit to the town developers; think about the overarching intentions.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
Traffic is an atrocity. If you are trying to transport a moderate amount of shopping/groceries, it is impracticable to do it by foot, no?
A single large item purchase, for example half the items in Kmart are automatically unfeasible to purchase. Unless you are just buying small items in passing, going shopping by foot is completely out of the question.
@katc3 Hurstville's traffic is not as atrocious as some people make it out to be! Although there's a certain degree to which it is, it's nowhere near peak hour for somewhere like King Georges Road A3 or Parramatta Road.
katc3, if you think Hurstville's traffic is atrocious, try driving and parking in Campsie or Burwood and come back and tell me lol
Rentals in Hurstville
Find real estate agents in Hurstville
"Abundance of amenities"
Excellent suburb to live in, rent, work and play, Hurstville is rated as one of the most amenity rich suburbs in all of Sydney. It has an abundance of these amenities: transport, education, shopping, etc. Large retail stores can be found in its Westfield, restaurants - along its main thoroughfare Forest Road, public services - mostly north of the railway station, but there is a police station to the south. Speaking of railway stations, Hurstville has very well serviced public transport, influenced by its convenient geographical location - nestled in the heart of the Georges River LGA.
Hurstville is the largest Chinese ethnoburb in all of Sydney, with a huge presence of Chinese restaurants and small scale shops. Annually, on Forest Road, the Georges River Lunar New Year festival takes place, celebrating Chinese culture.
Traffic is no doubt an issue, with Hurstville's main arteries of Forest Road and the Avenue being swarmed by honking drivers. With high density apartments being constructed and nothing done about the width of the roads, we should only expect this traffic to be on the rise.
Even so, Hurstville is a fully functional suburb, with an abundance of amenities, such as shops, parks, schools and public services.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
"So much variety in Hurstville"
People come to Hurstville from all around because of the Asian restaurants and because shopping for groceries is good, and Westfield is a bonus. Locals like to live in Hurstville because it is a central suburb in the south of Sydney, making it very convenient to go either south or west, and just half an hour by train to the city. Property prices have experienced steady growth since 2008, and the median house price is about $1.4M, while the median unit price is about $720k. Like Hurstville itself, the surrounding suburbs are quite varied ... a mixture of houses and units, both new and old. There's something for everybody here.
Great for
- Clean & green (clean, friendly neighbourhood)
Linda, you're a real estate agent with McGrath, so naturally, you're using this platform for your own purposes. "So much variety in Hurstville"...I think not. In fact, there is extremely little variety in Hurstville, unless you are from Asia.
"Hurstville, NSW 2220 - Sydney, Australia's Biggest Suburb"
I live in Hurstville, NSW for most of my life, it stands out as a suburb of Sydney, Australia. Hurstville is good place to live in, it shows other suburbs what a Sydney suburb is actually like. Overall, I like Hurstville, NSW I would live here for my whole life.
Great for
- Buildings
- Very convenient (transport, shopping, childcare)
- Close to restaurants, cinema, shops, cake shops, parks
- Excellent lifestyle (parks, eating out, water/beach, clubs)
- Clean & green (clean, friendly neighbourhood)
Not great for
- Multicultured
- None!
Who lives here?
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Tourists
- Students
Absolutely. So much negativity going on in this reviews. Hurstvilles residential areas are decent for what theyre worth, undervalued but supreme. Its a thriving community which takes a little time to appreciate, but nonetheless, the access to amenities is just top notch.
It is a good suburb because it gets better every year and the crime rate is stable. The only downside is probably the multiculturalism but Asian kids are good at school so the schools are competitive.
"Live here and hates it."
I've lived in Hurstville for around six years. At the risk of being labeled a racist/ bigot, I will be writing honestly and telling you my exact thoughts. I have to also say that I am of a Chinese background myself. So let's get started
Statement: Hurstville is multicultural.
Thoughts: Technically, yes it is. The word "multicultural" has been thrown around in all possible directions by newspapers to describe Hurstville. In reality, it seems pretty much dominated by the Chinese, especially around the railway stations and shopping centres.
Statement: Hurstville is a mini Hong Kong and all the Chinese 'gang up' - if you're not of Eastern Asian descent you'll feel excluded.
Thoughts: Yes, Hurstville is like a mini Hong Kong. No, the Chinese do not gang up or do special deals with each other. Conversely, Chinese shop owners often prefer customers who are not of their own race. Neither are Chinese people specially nice to each other (in my experience). That's right. Unfortunately if you live around the main activity hub in Hurstville, and are not Chinese/Taiwanese, then you WILL feel excluded in some cases. Chinese characters dominate most shop signs, advertisements, pamphlets, free newspapers and free magazines.
Statement: Hurstville is really very convenient.
Thoughts: Let's look at it this way. It's convenient in that there are health centres, schools and a Westfield in the area. However it is in no way close to beaches and major parks.
Statement: Hurstville is clean and green.
Thoughts: Not really. Cigarette butts can be found everywhere. Woodville Park seems to be a popular spot for people to dump their plastic bags and tissues even though there are actually bins there.
Statement: Social etiquette is deteriorating.
Thoughts: Yes it is. Some seem to think that it's okay and perfectly hygienic to spit anywhere they like. And I'm sorry but the biggest offenders are cute Asian gradpas and grandmas. Many halt abruptly in the middle of the pedestrian paths when they see an old friend and just stop there for five, ten minutes, completely unaware (or inconsiderate) of the fact that there are others who share the same path. I agree with one of the previous reviews, too. Drivers often think it's okay to ignore the "give way to pedestrians" sign, treat the flashing red pedestrian light like one that's not flashing, cut corners, cut pedestrians off when they are crossing, or just ignore pedestrian crossings and continue driving at 60kmph even if there are little kids trying to cross the road. Being rule-abiding citizens on foot, every single member of my family have been nearly run over more than once this year.
Last but not least, Statement: It's a nice and quiet neighbourhood.
Thoughts: I think that depends on which street you live on. If you are easily woken, do not live near Westield. There are spots where these huge commercial trucks unload. You'll go berserk.
Happy suburb shopping!
Great for
- Sort of convenient
Not great for
- Loading decks
- Few good cafes
- Not near beaches
- King George Rd/M5 intersection is slow
Hi Caitlin, I cannot comment about the people who abruptly stop to chat on the footpath or who spit, as I haven't really noticed and the chatting would not offend me. The spitting, Yes! But that goes for anyone who spits. But it's interesting to read your point of you and your opinion of living in the area, as you are of Asian heritage. (ie: not racist against your own nationality) Quite often I have been treated very poorly by shopkeepers in Hurstville when I have entered their stores to buy goods. I definitely feel that I'm not being treated in the same way and this prevents me from returning. No eye contact, no smile, no acknowledgement at times. I have tried learning some Chinese words and phrases to make people feel more comfortable. Sometimes it works but other times it makes no difference to the experience.
In regards to road safety issues, being a permanent resident of Hurstville, Ive rarely actually first hand witnessed cars disobeying street rules. The pedestrians seem to be disobeying the rules and regulations to a greater extent, and thats a shame for much of the rule-abiding citizens who can live in such a thriving community. For instance, Railway Lde crossing from Ormonde Pde to West St; youll be shocked at how many cross at the erroneous place. On a lesser severity scale, the Forest Rd exit from the train station. Our drivers are doing well to acknowledge that these peoples ignorance can only be held accountable by themselves.
Not close to beaches? I cant just imagine how what youd state for the North Shore (ironic name) and Hills Shire (both very decent living). In that respect, Hurstville is very much close to beaches, namely Ramsgate, Sans Souci and Oatley. While they may not be photogenic, you can always hitch a ride on the train to Bondi Junction. I find it pretty disheartening to see that the only train line accessibility is to a beach even so; the South Easts interconnections with the rest of Greater Sydney are an appalling manifestation of how condemning our railway ministers have been.
A 2 star is definitely too harsh to judge this suburb. 3.75 or 4 should be more accurate.
I haven't seen too many reckless driving behaviours in Hurstville but I have seen so many pedestrians don't look around for vehicles.
"Practical choice"
I love the convenience of Hurstville. I have two children now. Nothing worse than living in a small surburb and missing the express train to pick up kids. Plus the public primary schools are quite good here, even though my children are not in the school age yet.
Great for
- Good primary school
- Very convenient (transport, shopping, childcare)
- Close to restaurants, cinema, shops, cake shops, parks
- Excellent lifestyle (parks, eating out, water/beach, clubs)
- Good for Investment
I am in accord. Hurstville is highly convenient.
Exactly. Reviewers are condemning it solely on the basis of demographics. Hurstville has a great transport system, top notch Chinese food, bustling shops, and an abundance of other amenities. Perhaps its only downfall is lack of green space, but thats even more terrible for neighboring suburbs like Bexley, Kingsgrove and Allawah. I dont see anyone deprecating these suburbs as austerely as Hurstville.
Few Chinese parents raise their kids to hate their own heritage. Those people come out here to spread biased reviews. Good thing is that those generally won't succeed in their lives.
"Best strip of restaurants, close to large shopping centres and trainline, M5"
Most houses in Bevo are in quiet streets. The train line is being upgraded, and the M5 makes it easy to get into town or the West. There are 2 large shopping centres within a 5 minute drive away(Roselands Centro and Westfield Hurstville). There are lots of schools and childcare centres to choose from. Cheap fruit, veg and Chinese groceries are available from Narwee, which is next to Bevo.
Great for
- Close to restaurants, cinema, shops, cake shops, parks
- M5 and trainline makes it easy to get anywhere
- Schools are plentiful
Not great for
- Not near beaches
- Few good cafes
- King George Rd/M5 intersection is slow
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
"Good for Investment"
I'm a young 1st home buyer. I choose Hurstville because I believe its great potential for investment. With rapid growth of populations (particularly new wealthy immigratns) with relatively affortable price compare with inner west and north shore suburbs.
In addition, it's less than 10mins drive to the botany bay/georges river and 20mins to the royal national park for the weekends..
It seems of becoming quite crowdy in Hurstville but luckly, i'm on the quiet side..
Great for
- Good for Investment
- Very convenient (transport, shopping, childcare)
I would be extremely careful in investing in apartments in Hurstville. A lot of the developers are not large reputable large corporations and may be sub-standard. For example look at Queens Garden (Queens Rd), the exterior grey walls have already started to crack and it has not even been over 2 years since it was finished.
I would stick with large developers such as Multiplex and Meriton when investing in apartments and for quality buildings and peace of mind.
That is why when I purchased a home to live in 4 years ago, I was more concerned about the land size, etc, than the house or views or amenities. I could have purchased a brand new house and land package advertised at around $300K with no stamp duty out in the west, but with additional costs of $50K plus because of all the extras you basically have to pay for to make the place liveable, and on a small 350 sqm block, or purchase a 12 year old existing home on 585 sqm, in an established area, for $580K plus Stamp Duty. In the end, Land is going to be what is scare in years to come, not homes or apartments or units. Can always grow more timber or make more bricks.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/business/home-owners-stay-put-as-prices-slump-20120621-20psw.html#ixzz1yQfN42QA
"Great suburb to live in"
I've never worried about cooking since i moved in Hurstville, you can choose from those reastaurants or take away shops and have different style of cookings. It is handy and clost to all the facilities.
Great for
- Very convenient (transport, shopping, childcare)
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Retirees
- Tourists
- Students
Great for
- Very convenient (transport, shopping, childcare)
- Excellent lifestyle (parks, eating out, water/beach, clubs)
- Clean & green (clean, friendly neighbourhood)
Not great for
- None!
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Students
- Country Lovers
- Trendy & Stylish
- Beach Lovers
would love to know which street you live on for it to be quiet! Noisiest place i've ever been to
There are an abundance of medical centres in Hurstville and neighboring suburbs. But yes, Hurstville is a highly convenient centralized place to reside.
"Hurstville - A versatile suburb"
This is one of the suburbs which is affordable - value for money area. Transport facilities - Excellent. One of the few places in sydney where you will have food outlets as late as midnight. Canwalk in any street at any time. U r safe here.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
"Very Convenient location"
Hurstville reminds me of Chinatown in the city with all the shop signs and many Asian stores around the area. It has numerous restaurants, cafes, coaching colleges, boutiques and even a Westfield in the middle of the city. It is conveniently accessible by trains and you can always park your car in Westfield when you go shopping.
Lately, more and more high-density residential units are being built. However, there are still many houses that are located about five minutes away from the station. The streets are not as narrow as those in the inner suburbs of Sydney but they do tend to get very congested on the weekends as people make their way into the town centre. There is a good mix of families from different cultures who live in Hurstville and there are plenty of schools around the area too. In general, I will recommend Hurstville for families looking to relocate as it is convenient, accessible and most houses here have an average size backyard that kids can run around in. Additionally, it is only a twenty minutes train ride to get into Sydney CBD.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
This review sums up Hurstville concisely.
Very helpful!