Relocating to Sydney? A Guide to the Worst Suburbs in Sydney

Are you planning to relocate to Sydney, the bustling capital of New South Wales and Australia’s largest city? Your excitement for this life change can quickly fade if you select a suburb that does not match your expectations. The metropolis of Sydney offers residents numerous living choices across its diverse and multicultural society; when it comes to safety and lifestyle, however, there are clear differences between areas.

As the founder of North Removals, Melbourne’s premier interstate removals company, I know first-hand the importance of knowing where you are moving. We know Sydney well—for the past several years, we’ve been regularly moving Aussies from Melbourne to Sydney almost every month.

Today I have prepared this guide to help you identify the suburbs which might not suit your needs. We will look at districts with high crime rates, areas vulnerable to natural disasters, and additional factors that might affect your quality of life. Thanks to our deep understanding of Australia, we will guide you through choosing your new home while flagging the worst suburbs in Sydney. Keep reading!

Worst Suburbs in Sydney by Crime Rate

When new clients call me about moving to Sydney, one of the first questions is often, Which suburbs should I avoid for safety. Overall, Sydney is relatively safe, especially compared to other global cities, but there are definitely pockets of higher crime that I have come to know through experience (and through helping folks move out of them). These tend to be suburbs with socioeconomic challenges or busy nightlife hubs.

Sydney’s city centre and entertainment districts unsurprisingly top the crime stats. The Sydney CBD has one of the highest crime rates per capita in the nation, largely because it is a dense hub with nightlife, tourists, and commuters. Party precincts like Kings Cross (Potts Point) and Surry Hills also see elevated crime, mostly alcohol-related assaults and theft, due to the bars and clubs in those areas.

Below is a summary of some of the worst suburbs in Sydney by crime metrics, along with their current median property prices. High crime does not necessarily drive prices down in Sydney as you might expect. Some inner-city areas are pricey despite crime, while some outer suburbs are more affordable but come with safety trade-offs.

Worst Sydney Suburbs – Crime Rate vs Property Prices

Source: Suburbs Crime

As you can see, the Sydney CBD tops the list for the sheer volume of incidents, even though property prices are high. Many of these crimes are non-violent (pickpocketing, vandalism), and people still pay top dollar to live in the centre of everything. By contrast, Mount Druitt (and nearby suburbs) has a reputation for break-ins and domestic incidents; it is more affordable, but safety is a concern. Suburbs like Penrith and Campbelltown also report higher-than-average crime rates, reflecting some persistent social issues.

Places such as Surry Hills and Kings Cross are relatively affluent, but appear on the list due to nightlife and density-related incidents. Families with young children often prefer quieter suburbs, though many young professionals see the trade-off as worth it for the vibrant city life. Liverpool, meanwhile, is undergoing redevelopment, yet car theft and burglaries remain a concern. If you are moving there, it pays to check which part of the suburb you are considering.

As shown, Sydney has a lower crime index than Melbourne or Perth, indicating residents perceive less crime and greater safety. Melbourne has had an uptick in certain street crimes (as highlighted in some of Melbourne’s worst suburbs), while Sydney has remained comparatively stable.

(For further perspective, you can also explore the situation in Canberra’s worst suburbs, even though Canberra is generally known for being safe.)

Sydney Crime in Context: Sydney vs Other Cities

It helps to zoom out and compare Sydney to other major Australian cities. Overall, Sydney is not uniquely dangerous. It is in fact one of the safer capitals in Australia by many measures, ranking highly in global safety surveys. New South Wales, the state Sydney is in, has trended downward in overall crime rates in recent years, thanks to effective policing and community initiatives.

Below is a quick comparison of crime indicators for Sydney versus other major Australian cities.

Crime and Safety Comparison – Major Australian Cities

Source: Red Suburbs

As shown, Sydney has a lower crime index than Melbourne or Perth, indicating residents perceive less crime and greater safety. Melbourne has had an uptick in certain street crimes, while Sydney has remained comparatively stable. Overall, violent crime is low in both places, and the differences are minor compared to many international cities.

In Sydney, crime issues are more localised. For someone moving to Australia, the main takeaway is that Sydney’s so-called rough areas are still relatively tame in global terms. You may want to avoid hot-spot suburbs if you have that option, but there is no need to think of Sydney as a dangerous crime capital. Most families I move here feel quite safe overall.

Flood-Prone and Bushfire-Prone Suburbs in Sydney

Sydney may dazzle with its harbour, but it also has its share of natural hazards. Some suburbs are regularly affected by floods, while others face bushfire threats, especially in hot, dry summers. If you are relocating, it is wise to consider these risks in advance. I have helped families who had to move after disasters, and it is always heartbreaking.

Flooding mostly occurs in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley in the far west. Areas like Windsor, Richmond, and Pitt Town have endured multiple major floods within a short span. Communities near the Nepean River in Penrith and Emu Plains also risk inundation. Further south, parts of Chipping Norton and Milperra (along the Georges River) have flooded historically as well. New suburban estates in low-lying lands, such as Marsden Park or Riverstone in the northwest, can face water logging when heavy rains hit.

Bushfires are the other extreme. Sydney is ringed by national parks and bushland, which makes for beautiful scenery but raises fire risk. Suburbs like Bilpin and Colo near Wollemi National Park, or parts of the Blue Mountains fringe, have faced devastating bushfires, especially during the Black Summer of 2019 to 2020. Even north shore suburbs like Wahroonga and Turramurra, which border Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, have been threatened by fires in past decades.

Here is a quick list of Sydney suburbs with notable flood or bushfire risks.

Sydney Suburbs with Notable Flood or Bushfire Risks

Source: Environment NSW and SES

Floods can leave entire communities under water, causing long-term disruption. Bushfires can destroy homes and force evacuations, with insurance premiums sky-high in these high-risk zones. Still, many people live here for the lifestyle and space, accepting the dangers and preparing accordingly. If you are relocating, it is wise to consider these risks in advance. To ensure you’re fully prepared for any eventuality, consider reviewing our comprehensive Moving Interstate Checklist.

Which Sydney Suburbs Have the Worst Schools

School quality is a huge concern for families choosing where to live. Sydney has some top-performing schools, but also some that struggle, often mirroring socio-economic challenges. The phrase worst schools does not mean the teachers are failing; rather, the schools may be under-resourced, serve lower-income communities, or face issues like poor attendance.

In general, the southwestern and western suburbs have the highest rates of disadvantage and the lowest average academic outcomes (NAPLAN, HSC results). Neighbourhoods around Fairfield, Liverpool, and Mount Druitt often top the lists for lower performance, reflecting issues such as language barriers, absenteeism, and limited funding. Below is a simplified snapshot of underperforming school zones.

Underperforming School Suburbs in Sydney

Source: Better Education

Many of these schools are trying improvement programs. However, families with means often prefer to move to better school catchments or enrol their kids in selective or private schools. In contrast, the eastern suburbs, north shore, and parts of the inner west boast some of the highest-ranked public schools, which is one reason housing in those areas can be extremely expensive.

If suburb quality and education standards are important, you might find additional perspective by comparing Sydney with another major city; check out our guide on the Worst Suburbs in Adelaide for more context. On the flip side, a dedicated student can succeed anywhere. Some families choose to stay in a lower-performing area and rely on extra tutoring or special programs.

Sydney’s High-Density Apartment Zones (and Parking Nightmares)

Another daily-living challenge in parts of Sydney is the rise of high-density apartments. Over the last decade, areas like Parramatta, Zetland, Wolli Creek, and Wentworth Point have seen a boom in new unit blocks. As specialists in apartment removals, we’ve helped many clients navigate these challenging moves.

Zetland (Green Square), for example, has limited street parking, with many buildings providing only one spot per unit (or none for some studios), encouraging a car-lite lifestyle. Wolli Creek has become notorious for gridlock near large residential complexes. When I help clients move in, I often struggle to find a loading area, especially on weekends. Similarly, Parramatta’s rapid growth has led to congested roads and high demand for parking spots in older streets not built for such density.

Below is a table highlighting some of Sydney’s densest suburbs and their parking challenges.

Highest-Density Sydney Suburbs and Parking Conditions

It is not just parking. High-density zones put strain on public transport, local roads, and amenities. Infrastructure often lags behind the construction. Some people love the urban vibe and walkable lifestyle, while others find it claustrophobic. If parking stress drives you crazy, suburbs with more space might be preferable.

Sydney Gentrification Suburbs (and Their Growing Pains)

Gentrification breathes new life into older suburbs, but can also price out longtime residents and disrupt community fabric. Sydney was slower to gentrify than Melbourne, but it is happening in several pockets. Suburbs like Redfern and Marrickville have transformed from working-class or disadvantaged areas to trendy locales with cafes, breweries, and skyrocketing property values.

This transition comes with culture clashes and, for some, a sense of loss. Redfern once had a strong Indigenous community centred around the Block. Redevelopment has displaced many Aboriginal families, while new residents enjoy fashionable coffee shops. Marrickville, traditionally multicultural and industrial, is now known as a hipster haven, with property prices reflecting the new popularity.

Here is an overview of some gentrification examples.

Sydney Gentrification Hotspots – Then vs Now

Source: Redfern Stories

As you see, prices rise sharply in Sydney’s gentrifying suburbs and it may be helpful to explore alternative locations. Our detailed guide on the cost of living in Adelaide can provide additional insights.

Many newer residents celebrate the revitalisation, while older communities may feel pushed out or overwhelmed by construction. Noise, parking, and local identity all become points of tension. These suburbs are full of opportunity but living through gentrification can be chaotic, and property values can spike rapidly. If you plan to move to a gentrifying area, research upcoming developments, talk to locals, and see if the evolving character suits your lifestyle.

Moving to Sydney? North Removals is Here to Help

Sydney is a city of contrasts, from modern high-rises to historic terraces, from elite enclaves to more challenging neighbourhoods. Worst suburbs can mean higher crime, flood risk, weak schools, or just frustrating congestion. By understanding the challenges of each area, you can make an informed decision about where to live.

Despite some negatives, Sydney remains an incredible city overall. Many so-called worst suburbs have unique positives, like affordability, a tight-knit community, or convenience. The key is balancing the drawbacks with what matters most to you, whether that is safety, schools, space, or nightlife.

If you need help moving to or within Sydney—whether you’re moving from Adelaide to Sydney or relocating within the city—my team and I have seen it all and would love to assist. We handle everything from packing and moving services to specialised relocation assistance, taking care of logistics so you can focus on settling in.

Safe travels, and happy moving.