City and State | Sydney, New South Wales |
Postcode | 2151 |
Location | 24km west of Sydney CBD |
County | City of Parramatta |
Area | 5.2km² |
Population | 13,248 (2016) |
Here’s North Parramatta suburb real estate statistics at a glance
Median Property Price | Average Weekly Rent | Vacancy Rate | Average Rental Yield | Renters vs. Owners |
AUD $579,065 | $428 | 0.44% | 3.82% | 50% |
Table of Contents
Suburb Nuances
North Parramatta’s landscape is shaped by the 10 hectare Lake Parramatta reserve, which was developed around the former water reservoir. The man-made reservoir’s large masonry arched wall is heritage listed and a well-known recreational area for swimming and water sports.
This compliments the rest of the suburb, which has a reputation of having an active lifestyle, with many sport clubs and outdoor activities.
The suburb is also home to many heritage houses and building, giving a friendly, family centred atmosphere… in some areas.
There are streets that are lined with trees and well-kept homes. These are safe, quiet and family friendly areas. However, in contrast there are also streets lined with large unit or apartment blocks. These have the reputation of being noisy and boisterous, with frequent Police visits and not recommended for the faint hearted.
People in North Parramatta
North Parramatta’s population is over 50% independent youth and maturing and established independents, being mainly a young professional population. The next 20% of the population is older independents and established couples and families.
A survey of people who live in the area shows that most recommend the area for professionals and singles, due to the lifestyle, convenience and being central to everything. It’s been reported that the area also has a considerable hipster population, due to the unique city-meets-country feel and developing café culture.
Families with kids are the next most recommended group due to the large number of parks,
sports clubs, and active lifestyle. There is a selection of high quality schools in the area, supporting the population of established families.
Housing in North Parramatta
Housing in North Parramatta is mainly apartments, units or flats with some town homes. There a good number of detached houses, which are traditional brick and tile homes on larger, over 500sqm blocks. Character homes are dotted around the suburb and boast peaked rooves, weatherboard construction, character features, stunning fireplaces and formal gardens.
While there are some modern homes that have been more recently built in the suburb, these are generally on smaller blocks that have been split.
Be careful when you are looking at streets online, some streets, for example, Isabella Street, are high density, lower quality at one end, and then open out to large home blocks, parks and well-cared for homes at the other end.
If you are looking at a property online, it’s best to do a Google walk along the street or a quick drive by to see who your neighbours are likely to be and what that end of the street looks like.
If you’re on a budget, check out our round up of cheap apartments for rent in Parramatta.
Transportation in North Parramatta
North Parramatta transport is adequate, without being excellent. The closest railway station is in neighbouring Parramatta; North Parramatta is serviced by a bus route that connects to the Parramatta Bus Interchange.
If you are catching a train to work in Sydney city, your trip from the Parramatta train station to North Sydney is 55 minutes and cost just over $5 one way. The bus will take you around 1 hour and 20 minutes, costing you around $4.80 one way. You can also take a ferry from Parramatta; however, this will take you the best part of an hour and a half and cost just under $8 one way,
According to the population in the 2011 census, the best mode of transport in North Parramatta is a car, 57% of the commuting population preferred a car.
North Parramatta’s Proximity to Sydney
Being central to all that’s happening, North Parramatta is 24km north-west of Sydney’s CBD in a straight line.
The suburb is located just off the M4 or A3, via A40 or off the M2 via A28. Travel times are very reasonable, varying from 25 minutes or 25km to 31 minutes or 33 km.
North Parramatta’s proximity to Sydney means it maintains some of the buzzy, city vibe, in combination with a more rural, country charm. It’s really a very unique, quirky place.
Health in North Parramatta
Health Services in North Parramatta are the Parramatta Medical Centre, Frontline Medical Centre, Cumberland Hospital and of course, also the neighbouring and well known Westmead hospitals. Once again, the area is adequately serviced, without being exceptional.
Shopping in North Parramatta
The Entrada Centre forms the shopping hub of North Parramatta, while Westfield Parramatta is only a couple of kms away. There are also some smaller malls and assorted shops along Church Street and dotted throughout the suburb.
In keeping with the hipster influence, there are a collection of sustainable shopping options with Vinnies and the Salvos having large stores in the area.
Secondary Education in North Parramatta
North Parramatta has a wide selection of both primary and secondary schools. Key private secondary schools are the Redeemer Baptist School, The King’s School and Tara Anglican School, with many more also available in surrounding suburbs.
For state secondary schools, you will need to consider surrounding suburbs such as Parramatta, Northmead or Pendle Hill.
Tertiary Education in North Parramatta
North Parramatta itself has a small selection of colleges including vocational, agricultural, business and theological education centres. The closest universities are the Western Sydney University Village or Charles Sturt University in Parramatta, both of which are an easy few-minutes’ drive away.
Parking in North Parramatta
With personal vehicles being the preferred mode of transport for North Parramatta, it’s important to know how your ride can be accommodated when you are out and about in the suburb.
The good news is that there are adequate parking centres offered in the suburb. Victoria Road and Church Street have convenient parking centres, to name a couple of options. There is also metered street parking available in the town centre, with some very limited free parking further out.
Crime and Safety in North Parramatta
There are some questionable stories that come out of North Parramatta, but the reality is that this is mainly flow over from neighbouring Parramatta, which is a crime hotspot.
According to the NSW Government Crime Tool, this all disappears after your cross the boundary into North Parramatta, meaning the suburb itself is considered quite safe.
As we mentioned above, be careful which streets you look in, and where you are in relation to the border.
Entertainment in North Parramatta
North Parramatta is well catered for in terms of entertainment. The area is quite sporty and outdoor recreation activity focused, with many sports clubs, parks and of course the reservoir.
But if outdoor activities are not your thing, there is also the Ultimate Family Entertainment Centre Amusement Centre Action Recreation Entertainment Centre, the Australian Music and Entertainment Scene, cinemas, performing arts centres and shopping centres. There is really something for everyone!
Lake Parramatta
Whether you like a quiet walk in the bush, a swim in the lake or water sports, Lake Parramatta Reserve has it all.
Parramatta Female Factory
Located in the grounds of Cumberland Hospital, the Parramatta Female Factory is a historical landmark. The former jail is open for tours or picnic on the grounds around it.
Paramatta Girls Home
The industrial school and training home for girls was a child welfare home during the penal era. If you are into history, this has to be on your list to tour.
Food in North Parramatta
Dotted throughout the streets and laneways of North Parramatta are a variety of small food gems. Thai or Indian on Church Street, pizza and pasta, seafood or Persian on Iron Street and Asian cuisine in Albert Street.
All are family friendly and there are options to suit everyone’s taste and budget; while local pubs and bars provide value for money, comforting Australian fare.
North Parramatta is building the buzzy, Sydney food vibe, in a more relaxed setting.
The top 5 hot spots across a great variety of cuisines, tastes and styles are:
Find Properties in North Parramatta
There is a large selection of real estate agents in North Parramatta. Head to Church Street, Victoria Road or George Street for your household-name-favourites. There is some value to be had in the suburb, it’s safe, well connected and family oriented, so take the plunge today.