I'm moving to Sydney next month - what are the safest, nicest suburbs to live in that are close to the CBD (approx 15 mins travel time) and shops? I have been considering Paddington, Surry Hills, Kirribili & Neutral Bay. Willing to pay around $550 p/week for a one bedroom apartment with security carpark (furnished would be a bonus!). Would greatly appreciate any comments/advice. Many thanks!

Paddington and Surry Hills are good. Paddington is safer because some parts of Surry HIlls, especially closer to the city centre, can be dodgey at night. for the amount of money you are willing to pay, you will be able to get a very nice one bedroom flat. A furnished one would most likely cost you more. But if you are not that fussy about furniture, you can get a whole package from Fantastic Furniture. They've got a deal on at the moment where for around $2000 you can get a couch, coffee table, dining setting, bed and chest of drawers. Woolahra is another great area you should look at. It's right next door to Paddington but is a bit more upmarket. Kirribilli and Neutral Bay are both nice but tend to be quieter than Paddington etc. I'd say you have already narrowed it down to some of Sydney's best suburbs, so you are doing well already. Another place you may want to look at is Balmain. If you want to live in a suburb with plenty of your countrymen/women, go to Bondi Beach or Bondi Junction.

You could also look at Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay but the only drawback to living there is having to walk through Kings Cross which is the red light district. It's safe to do so but I just find it can get a bit draining seeing some of the junkies and prostitutes and old drunks. Yet Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay are very convenient.

I lived briefly in Kirribilli and I did like it. It's quieter than the eastern suburbs however, I reckon if you are new to Sydney and don't know too many people that it might be better to live in the eastern suburbs because at least that way, you will be surrounded by people and activities and just walking down Oxford St and checking out the shops or people can be good if you start feeling bored or lonely.

Thanks heaps guys! That was very helpful

No worries. Hope it all goes smoothly.