Rockdale, NSW 2216

I moved to Rockdale 2 years ago after living most of my life in St Leonards, and I have to say, I'm blown away by how underrated this suburb is. There's so much to love here! For starters, public transport is fantastic - it's only a 15-minute ride to the CBD. But that's just the beginning. The people here are incredibly friendly, and there's a real sense of community. To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect when I moved here. But Rockdale has exceeded all my expectations.

Do not expect a brand new shiny suburb with big mall and hundreds of eating places here. This is a charming old town with unique heritage building, beautiful parks, one busy street, plenty of quiet areas and easy access to CBD, beach, airport, etc. New modern apartments are growing but there are plenty of affordable houses too. Beaches are within short cycling distance or 5 mins bus ride from station. Council probably can do more with upgrading the main street.

The best parts about the area is the transport into the city. It’s also close to Brighton Le Sands. Avoid Rockdale Plaza around lunch time as very difficult to get out of the car park. The shops in the Main Street and train station are run down. It’s a dive to be honest with you. Very hard to find an Aussie takeaway and only so many kebabs I can eat. It’s under a flight path, so loads of planes. Houses are cheap for a reason. Tons of flats. I really regret moving here and plan to move as fast as I can. Cannot recommend unless you love the southwest/ western Sydney vibe.

I think rockdale is an overall great place however there could be improvements. One thing i would love to improve is a larger amount of houses rather than units/apartments.

Rockdale has got something for everyone. For professionals it has a quick commute to the city and relatively affordable housing (and plenty of actual houses too, amongst the many apartments). For families there are parks and Brighton beach. You’ve got a large shopping centre but you don’t need to go there for every shop because there is a plethora of local businesses - green grocers, butchers, restaurants, chemists. Goods are affordable. I moved here from Newtown and enjoy the peace and quiet in my street but find it just as convenient in terms of city fringe living. Really like living in this suburb and think it’s one to watch! Values will certainly go up.

Beautiful parks and new ones under construction. Lovely heritage homes and tree lined streets. New units with restaurant strip under construction - multicultural hub. Backstreets filled with beautiful trees and hidden gem cafes. Close to the beach, airport, public transport, M5 and Sydney CBD.

To me Rockdale appears as a place whose Council needs performance management. The streets are littered with garbage, old and rundown shops which requires serious facelift. It should be a great suburb given its proximity to the city.

The main road runs through the what I would venture to call ‘CBD’, which differs from that of Hurstville. Car traffic on this main road is particularly undesirable, although pedestrian traffic is considerably low. Schools nearby are not excellent, aside from perhaps Kogarah, which you are better off residing in as it has generally a more community feel on certain parts of Montgomery and Railway Pde. In Rockdale" there is a shopping plaza, but it’s in the south-eastern pocket, and generally not very accessible (the only safe means to get there is perhaps car or bus; walking on Princes Highway is a tad bit far fetched). The driveway McDonald’s certainly needs to be more accessible by walk and all retail shops like Bunnings too. Everything feels... isolated in Rockdale. The side of Rockdale closer to Kogarah is completely instinct to that of the Strand even though you are essentially traversing not a great distance. As for restaurants, I believe you are sorted to some degree, but very little variety of cuisine.

It is an ok suburb because of its proximity to the city and beach.
However, you used to see some kids roaming around looking for money and carry some prohibited drugs. They are almost gone now.

It is generally safe for a man to walk on the main street at night but it is not recommended for ladies to do so.

Also, beware of the bin thefts, they have stolen my bins twice which never would happen in most of the northern suburbs.

As for families, most of the schools closed by are not great.

Live off bay st between Rockdale and Brighton Le sands, best of both worlds beautiful beaches, restaurants and cafe options & exercise facilities: Rockdale plaza to one side and Rockdale centre has a train station and major bus interchange, fantastic continental bakery’s & delis. Close to Sydney cbd, m5 and eastern suburbs. St George public & private hospital nearby. Convenient and many options.