Propertyexpert

Carlingford is approximately 40 minutes from the CBD and comprises prodominently of young couples or families in the lower to middle income bracket.

Although transport is poor being serviced by trains on the Carlingford line every 30 minutes on which all passengers must change at Clyde and expensive private bus companies, the suburb offers a wide range of good restaurants and shops at Carlingford Court and Carlingford Centre.

If you are not living near Penant Hills Road, Carlingford Road, Cumberland Highway and the train line, the streets are quiet and safe. With a good and credible high school (Carlingford High School) for both boys and girls, it is a good place for families to raise their children.

The properties in Carlingford are relatively affordable, particularly with poor public transport, but this on the flip side may mean there is a lot of potential for growth. Being next to transport convenient suburbs such as Epping, the capital growth for the area has no where to go but up.

Capital growth for the area has been relatively good, see around 20 to 30% of growth just in the last 5 to 10 years. If the government's proposal to connect the Carlingford line with Epping ever eventuate, the potential will sky rocket.

Granville is approximate 5 minutes south east of Parramatta and 40 minutes from the CBD.

The suburb is comprised predominently lower income working class families and young couples. With a few parks spotted around the suburb.

Transport is serviced mainly by trains on the Western line and the trains to the city are frequent and will reach the CBD in 30 minutes or so if you manage to get an express.

Other aspects of the suburb include relatively good child care services as well as having a Woolworths and other small convenience stores.

Safety in the area, particularly around the train station is average and light industry and retail stores surround the station. However, there are some excellent arabic restaurants including one of Sydney's best charcoal chicken take outs if you are looking for a night out.

It is an overall relatively safe area, but if you are looking for a trim leafy suburb, this wouldn't be your cup of tea.

In terms of capital growth, the suburb has remained very steady and is one of Sydney few that have remained relatively stagnant throughout the last 5 to 10 years. However this being so, there is a lot of potential for growth.

Epping is a middle income earning suburb about 30 to 35 minutes north west of the CBD.

If you prefer a place with fantastic access to public transport, Epping is the place for you. Being the intersection for the Northern and Chatswood lines, Epping is a main stop for trains on both lines. With frequent and numerous buses it is the pinacle of convenience.

With many high quality pizzerias, fabulous thai, chinese and other small family restaurants, Epping is a great place just to hang out for dinner or relaxing over a coffee. It also offers a Hotel with a busy bar and a RSL club for those who prefer to cool down with a beer. All in all, the nightlife in Epping is a great alternative if you don't want to fight it out in the city.

Epping also offers great primary schools and is in the catchment area for the high achieving Epping Boys' High School. It is also close to Macquarie Univeristy.

In terms of capital growth, Epping has definitely done well in the last 10 years with growth of between 30 to 40%. Houses in Epping is going to be out of the reach of many first home buyers, but the suburb has the potential to keep growing with the new train line in place and constant demand for rental housing from university students.

Marsfield is approximately 30 minutes north west of the CBD. The suburb offers very leafy quiet streets with friendly neighbours. It is a very safe area with mainly middle income earning couples, families and singles.

Because Marsfield is so close to Macquarie university, much of the area is used as student accommodation. Transport is conveniently serviced by numerous buses that go to Epping, the City, Eastwood, Parramatta and Chatswood. Access to the city is via Epping Road and can get quite congested in the mornings around peak hour. But a smooth run to the city can take as little as 20 minutes if the Lane Cove Tunnel and Harbour Bridge is utilised.

Marsfield is also the catchment area for Epping Boys' High School, a high achieving public school. With easy access to Macquarie Centre, it offers those with a taste for retail therapy or just a place to grab a bite to eat or relaxing day at the cinemas a place to escape.

In terms of capital growth Marsfield has been quite steady. With many townhouses and units, it is a good place to invest and the demand for rental from the university students are quite high and the rental return is excellent.

Dundas is a family orientated neighbourhood perfect for young couples, families and the elderly. It is located around 15 minutes north east of Parramatta and about 5 minutes from Eastwood and 15 minutes from Macquarie Centre.

It has plenty of parks and leafy quiet streets. The area is safe and neighbours are friendly. In the evenings, the streets and parks are frequented by people going for a stroll and walking their dogs.

Transport is mainly serviced by Bus 545 which connects passengers from Parramatta to Chatswood. Dundas is also serviced by trains on the Carlingford line, but it comes every 30 minutes and all passengers must change at Clyde.

There is a small supermarket and some small take away restaurants, as well as good primary schools. The fact it is so close to Eastwood is that it is great for Asian families who prefer ethnic groceries.

There are small pockets of housing commission in the area and it is quite evident which buildings are government housing, by the state of the buildings. They are however surrounded by middle income families and nice stand alone houses.

Although there is a fair income disparity between residents, it is peaceful, clean and safe place to live. The night life is non existent, but amenities such as schools and parks are numerous.

In terms of capital growth, it has remained relatively steady, rising perhaps 25 to 30% over the course of the last 10 years. Experts say the market prices in the area are volatile, but if you are in for the long haul you will come out with money in your pocket.

Eastwood is a bustling suburb brimming with fantastic Asian restaurants and groceries. It has everything you need in a small place, 6 or 7 medical centres, fire station, police station, dentists, optometrists, large supermarkets including Franklin and Woolworths, pet shops, fashion stores, cafes and a good nightlife.

With easy access of Macquarie Centre and Macquarie University, Eastwood is located 30 minutes North West of the CBD. It is the epitemy of convenience being serviced by numerous buses and is a main stop for trains on the Northern Line. Access to the city is via Epping Road which would take you quickly to the Harbour Bridge or Tunnel to the CBD.

In terms of schools, Eastwood primary is one of the best primary schools in New South Wales with a class for gifted children and parts of Eastwood is the catchment area for Epping Boys High, a high achieving boys' high school.

Eastwood offers numerous parks, quiet streets, friendly neighbours, fares and festivals. A middle income earning suburb and perfect for families, couples, retirees and even singles.

In terms of investment, Eastwood has seen a stead rise in property prices, with capital growth of 30 to 40% over the last 10 years. The market value of properties in the area is quite stable and holds their value. I believe it has even greater potential in future as demand has already outstripped supply. However, the area is already out of the reach of many first home purchasers if you are looking for a free standing house.