Lakemba, NSW 2195

Lakemba is around 25 minutes by train to CBD Sydney. Also, metro will cut that time to even further.
Comparing same distance to CBD, Lakemba most probably the best value for money in Sydney.
It has great primary school (public) and diverse range of shopping options, with a bustling main street and various markets.

Individuals collectively unite as one, bringing and providing traditional gifts to neighbours on personal religious holidays. Families are always enjoying time at parks and reserves; and there is a convenient and local train station for the elderly.

Unclean 2 star
Family friendly 1 star

Excellent

I've been here for 2.5 months and bought after having never even visited. The streets are alive even even after midnight every day of the week; it's a family oriented suburb and I feel safe as a single lady here who roams the streets at all hours. Great small shops (and supermarkets), restaurants, library, there is a women's centre and lots of doctors around. There are mosques and churches. A unique blend of warmth and people not getting into your business. Highly recommended and I am so fortunate to be living here.

Lakemba is a cultural gem in Sydney. It’s so close to the CBD that it just takes 25 minutes to get there. There are many restaurants with cuisines all over the world such as Lebanese, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Afghan, Pakistani, Malaysian, Bengali, Syrian and an Aussie pub! There are cute street style Arabic cafes and they serve amazing Arabian sweets. The people are so kind, and shop owners will give you a big smile whenever you walk in. Once I forget my wallet, and the lady that worked at a Lebanese pizza shop said don’t worry about it. Just take the pizza as a good gesture from us. Where can you find such lovely people in Sydney?
I know the media exaggerates about Lakemba because there are many Muslims living here, but don’t they do that all the time? Muslims have received a misrepresentation in the media and it gives the channels big ratings. If you check the stats, the crimes in Lakemba are so low. I have Muslim neighbours and they send me amazing Lebanese food all the time. I mean a plate full of hummus, falafel, kafta and tabouli? I can’t be happier!
I am so blessed to live in such a lovely suburb and I’d recommend everyone to come down and dine in Lakemba. Ramadan festival is so huge every year. The council blocks Haldon Street and there is amazing food from all over the world. You’ll fall in love with the community and the vibe!

Great Place, full of people with great smile and different back grounds, I moved from inner Sydney area two years ago and I am loving it here, I think it is one of the best arbitration I ever made. my life is much better now.

There is plenty of life in Lakemba, with cheap rents, lots of backpackers are moving in. Being a stones throw to the CBD, good train and bus links and plenty of cheap eats. The area is undergoing a hipster revolution.
No longer the tired refugee area. There are new little bars, live music, thai food, burger joints and the all mighty Aussie Snack Pack.

Lakemba is throwing off its working class shackles and becoming a cool place to live.

Much like Newtown /Mount Druitt/Redfern were once rough and tumble places, but now have that hip/street art inner city vibe. Lakemba is changing.

There is a big LGBTI community from middle eastern backgrounds. With much acceptance and love.

I have been living for my whole life so far and yet the only thing that was slightly extreme which i've seen on the streets was maybe a fight going on within two guys, which later ends up being resolved by having the police to arrive. I've only experienced such a thing about 3 times in my life. There's no stuff like gunpoint and knives and all this. It is such a good place in terms of cultural diversity and ISLAM. Its filled during ramadan and other than that, in all times of the day. When you walk past, there's such welcoming people who greet you as you pass by. You have to think logically. If there are so many people during all times of the day, who would'nt experience a fuss, which only happens rarely! THERE ARE TOP SCHOOLS NEARBY SUCH AS BEVERLY HILLS GIRLS HIGHCHOOL, RISSALAH COLLEGE, MALEK FAHD, LAKEMBA PUBLIC SCHOOL AND WILEY PARK HIGHSCHOOL AND THE LIST GOES ON. Smart kids everywhere. Good restaraunts. The only thing that concerns most is cleanliness in some parts of the suurbs. The streets are clean however places outside and near shops are trashed.

Went to Lakemba to inspect a great looking apartment that seemed great value for money. It was a 15 minute walk from the station. Simply put there was rubbish on the streets everywhere. It didn't help that it was a bin collection day. The stench was unbelievable. Would it be too hard to clean the bins. The place seems a bit neglected. Apartment blocks look old and tired like they should all be given a good clean and a paint job. It's quite multi cultural with a lot of people who seem to stay at home but not hanging out at the streets. Not sure I would walk the distance at night.