Meadowbank, NSW 2114

I moved to Meadowbank two years ago for a more affordable option after renting in the lower north shore.

Buildings
Some of the reviewers here have commented on the state of Meadow Crescent's older buildings. It's true that they are the older style however (I may be generalising here) you get the benefits, compared to new blocks, of having large windows, less common walls , and what I really liked - having a window and natural light/ventilation in the bathroom. However I did have to put up with older plumbing, shared laundries (where you padlock your electricity socket), and pest issues due to my neighbours piling their garbage in the one bin. I know it varies depending on which block but this is what I have noticed over my 2-3 years here.

Transport
Very convenient because it is on the train line via Strathfield. I work in the CBD, and while the trains are not as frequent as some other stations (say Burwood/Strathfield), it's not too crowded even during peak hour. Trains come approx every 15 minutes during peak hour, with additional express trains terminating at Central . On the 7:41, 7:56 and 8:10am trains, everyone can get a seat. I have never caught the bus from here, as train is usually faster for where I want to go. I have caught the ferry a few times (when I'm maxed out on the Opal Card) and it is a lovely scenic trip.

Shopping and Dining
The Meadowbank village has an Aldi and IGA, as well as a Korean grocery store where I do most of my weekly grocery shopping. Macquarie Centre, Rhodes and Top Ryde are all within driving distance for other "shopping centre" needs. The dining options within Meadowbank are limited. The best place is Italian restaurant at the station, Anema E Core (translates to Heart and Soul), though it can be pricey for regular dining ($30-40 per head). We usually have to drive out to West Ryde, Gladesville or Eastwood to eat out.

Lifestyle
What attracted me to Meadowbank was the walking/cycling tracks. It is well-connected to Bicentennial Park and there are also continuous tracks along the Parramatta River. I often do a cycle loop out to bicentennial park, Newington armoury, Rhodes and back. There are also great park facilities at Meadowbank Park, Memorial Park (recently upgraded with new play equipment and a war memorial) and Anderson Park. I have noticed groups of Asian ladies dancing on the river foreshore at Anderson Park in the evenings. There is also a weekly 5km organised run (called Parkrun) that happens at Rhodes. It happens every Saturday at 8am with around 200 people involved.

Neighbours and Safety
I have felt very safe here and not been broken into or heard of incidences of break-ins. Within my block (of 15) everyone is either a single professional, young couple or a young family. The suburb is ethnically diverse, lots of Indians on this side (Bank St / Meadow Crescent) and lots of Asians living in the newer apartments on the other side. It can be quiet at night but there are usually a couple of people walking from the station even at 8 or 9pm. Haven't encountered any "mentally unstable" people as per another post on this topic, and yes there is (still) a nice old lady that feeds pigeons on Bank Street

The public transport like trains, buses and ferry are all at a walkable distance. Its got a lovely park and the river view. The supermarkets, the village fresh grocers and the meadowbank Tafe is closeby. Therea re few good resturant options to eat out. Top ryde mall and the Rhodes shopping center are close too.

When I first moved to Meadowbank I was pleased with the parks, the riverfront walkway and train and ferry stops close by. However, after living here for a couple of years it has lost it's sheen and I am ready to move on.

I live in Meadow Crescent, in one of the 60's buildings that are all along this street and I have to say they are not great, even when renovated (which ours is). Not only are alot of them ugly on the outside but any amount of renovations will not hide the fact they are poorly insulated and just plain run down. Whenever someone shuts a car door in the carpark below us the building rattles and you can't help but notice the old plumbing whenever someone uses a tap. Also,I am constantly cleaning my windows and home as a lot of dirt always blows in.
I think it's time a lot of these buildings were demolished and replaced with new ones.

There has been a few restaurants on the waterfront and in Shepherds Bay Shopping Centre that have closed down and the ones that are left are not that great. Luckily there are are few good restaurants in nearby West Ryde. The grocers at Shepherds Bay is good, especially the deli, however on more than a few occassions I have come across expired products in the Franklins store. I prefer shopping at the Woolworths in West Ryde where the service and products are better and only go to Franklins for last minute items. The medical centre in Shepherds Bay is clean and modern but I haven't returned after waiting an hour and a half to see a doctor, even though I had an appointment.

Neighbours are fairly friendly but everyone pretty much keeps to themselves and although I feel safe here I have noticed that there quite a few people who are obviously not mentally stable. The neighbourhood is pretty quiet at night, even on weekends.

I have to say, the only thing I will miss about Meadowbank is the lovely ferry trip to and from the city. Meadowbank has alot of potential with it's lovely parks, riverfront walkway and great transport links but it is distictly lacking a "village feel" that I personally prefer.

Meadowbank is located on the bank of the Parramatta River. The suburb has both a train station and a ferry stop and it is only 25 minutes to the CBD. There is also lot's of shopping options with a Franklins and Aldi located in the Waterpoint shopping village. It is a mult-cultural area and the local resturants reflect that diversity - with Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Lebanese, Italian cafes located near the foreshore.

Meadowbank has a friendly multicultural community and strangers actually smile and say hello to each other on a stroll along the river or park walk. It is ultra convenient in terms of shopping and transport, with ferry, train, buses, a local Franklin and Top Ryde City and Rhodes Shopping Centre nearby. Compared to other places that I've lived in, it is a very safe area. I never had a break-in even when I accidentally forgot to lock the balcony door before going to work.

I have lived in Meadowbank for about 6 years now and really enjoy the huge park and seeing people excercising, having bbq's, etc.
We thought it was awesome that Rhodes Shopping opened up, and now its even better that Top Ryde Shopping center opened up.
I'd love to be able to stay and raise my kids here.

Meadowbank is a great suburb. close to everything, friendly and quiet. I bought a unit two years ago and it has increased in value by 20% in that time. I reccommend it to anyone looking for a leafy riverside local.

I didn't live there long, but it sure was the best suburb i've lived in. For what I paid in rent, it was a bargain. Close to trains, buses and ferry and right in the middle of sydney. Since moving away there has been lots of upgrades to shops and communal areas. No graffiti. No weirdos like in newtown, just mostly professionals. Plenty of free parking too. There is a lot of bike/walking paths along the water too which connects up to Olympic Park. 10/10 suburb. Considering buying there if I could afford to in a few years.

I have known this area and lived here for more than 5 years and this is the best area anyone can live in. It is located close to nearly everything. Schools, Parks and transport everything is really close.