Violet Street, Balgowlah, NSW 2093

Violet street is classic humble Sydney suburbia, but without the isolation you could experience out west. Ensconced in the northern beaches suburb of Balgowlah, it is in itself a quiet, sunny and clean street with lovely mixed-age residents who are quite social, but not invasive. The only significant disruption to street life is the local high school (Balgowlah Boys) which can see a rise in rowdy school kids parading down the sidewalk on sports day afternoons (Wednesdays) or just after school (3.20pm). It is bang in the middle between the high school (2 mins walk) and a primary school (2mins walk St Cecilia's) but is a little far to the main shops of Balgowlah (15-20 mins walk). Balgowlah shops has just lost the brilliant Totem Shopping Centre, but will replace it with an even better facility in the third quarter of next year. Public transport to the city or Manly is excellent, with busses running regularly from nearby Sydney Road. A few shops are located 400 metres away on Sydney Road - but nothing usable for your weekly shop. Also 400 metres from local golf course, if you're so inclined.