Long overshadowed by its trendier neighbors, the Sydney suburb of Burwood is now basking in the spotlight. Recently, Time Out named Burwood the 16th coolest neighborhood in the world and the coolest in Australia. But does this newfound fame reflect reality?
Time Out’s list celebrates neighborhoods where diversity thrives, culture flourishes, and lively streets offer affordable food. By these standards, Burwood shines with its multicultural dining scene, vibrant nightlife supported by a Special Entertainment Precinct, and the community-centric atmosphere of Burwood Park.
Local Perspectives and Historical Roots
For Jocelyn Brewer, a local business owner, Burwood’s cool factor is subjective. “If bubble tea shops and takeaway food culture are your thing, then I guess you could say it’s a cool place,” she shared with realcommercial.com.au. Brewer’s connection to Burwood dates back to the early 1990s, and she recalls a different landscape.
Now running a psychology practice from a historic Art Deco building on Burwood Road, Brewer believes a neighborhood’s appeal lies in its connection to the past. “My office is in one of the last old buildings on the street, which is now mostly high-rise,” she noted. “St Vincent de Paul is still here after 30 years, which helps keep a bit of that thrift culture alive.”
Sydney’s Cultural Playground
Burwood Mayor John Faker expressed pride in the suburb’s global recognition. “Burwood is Sydney’s cultural playground, a place to eat, play, live, and celebrate the rich cultural offerings of our diverse and vibrant community,” he told The Guardian.
According to the local council, Burwood ranks as the fifth-most multicultural suburb in Australia. ABS data reveals that 58% of residents were born overseas, with nearly a third identifying as having Chinese ancestry. This diversity is evident in Burwood’s food scene, especially at the Chinatown Night Markets, a vibrant hawker-style precinct that has become a fixture since 2023.
“They’re very popular among young people who are looking for convenience these days,” said Carlos Ouyang, a sales agent at McGrath Burwood. “Many live in high-rise apartments and love the ease of enjoying all the foods on offer.”
Revitalizing the Streets
Brooke Endycott, director of community life at Burwood Council, highlighted efforts to expand the suburb’s appeal beyond the Chinatown Night Markets. “We’re always working to make sure there’s something happening in Burwood,” she stated.
Initiatives include activating streets and laneways with music, art, and cultural programming. A prime example is Ford Lane, transformed from a decayed service lane into a lively venue with murals and live music events. “It really was the ideal spot to reimagine as a live-music venue,” Endycott explained.
“Our music programming reflects Burwood’s diversity,” she added. “We are trying to rectify the shortage of live music venues by working with local businesses to create more.”
Living in Australia’s Coolest Neighborhood
Burwood’s liveability is on the rise, with property prices reflecting its growing appeal. According to PropTrack, the median house price has surged from $1.83 million to $3.1 million over five years, while apartment prices also climbed.
“The number of transactions is dropping every year,” noted Ouyang. “We’re now seeing around 60 to 65 house sales annually, compared to 85 to 100 in previous years.”
Burwood attracts a mix of young professionals and multigenerational families, drawn by its central location and lifestyle amenities. Among the most coveted areas is Appian Way, known for its grand Federation homes and a famous tennis court.
“It’s always been incredibly popular because of its history, large blocks, beautiful homes, and the exclusive use of the community tennis court,” Ouyang said.
Future Developments
Burwood’s evolution is far from over. Major rezonings around Westfield and the future Metro precinct promise to reshape the suburb, introducing new retail, housing, and public spaces.
“Once the Metro arrives, the whole precinct will transform,” Ouyang predicted. “We’re expecting new shops, new developments, and thousands of new homes.”
For a suburb already crowned Australia’s coolest, its next chapter may be its most dynamic yet.
