The Sydney CBD is a hub of business, investment, and the personification of a modern and convenient lifestyle. As Australia’s highest-ranking city on Mercer’s quality of living survey and a global destination for investment, if you live in, or are thinking of moving to, NSW you’ve probably dreamed of moving to the CBD.

However, the prices for skyrise apartments – no matter how breathtaking – are a bit beyond the price range of most buyers, and when you conduct a cost-benefit analysis, it can be difficult to justify spending $2 million on a two-bedroom apartment.

But, if you can’t live within the CBD, why not find suitable areas around it? That way, you’re still able to access the world-class opportunities afforded by the CBD and can live the CBD life at a far more affordable and achievable price.

Marsden Park

Marsden Park is situated to the north-west of Sydney. It’s 50km from the CBD, with a driving time of less than an hour.

But Marsden Park makes it onto this list because it is a prime location for anyone wanting to have proximity to the CBD while having a growing community around them.

As the latest site of local and global development, Marsden Park is the ideal location for a growing family. The suburb has a fantastic school district with schools like the Australian Christian College and Marsden Park Public School.

The area has also been earmarked as a site for development and global investment, making it ideal for business professionals looking for exciting business opportunities to expand and grow.

Some noteworthy developments include Clydesdale Estate, a masterplan estate with 150ha of protected land, and the recently completed Sydney Business Park. The business park is set to create over 17,000 jobs, working for some of the world’s leading companies.

Epping

A mere 18km from Sydney’s CBD, Epping is an idyllic suburb. The area has a mix of modern and heritage buildings and is currently being touted as a more residential alternative to Sydney’s CBD.

The Epping Town Centre which is currently receiving significant investment to urbanize and accommodate its expansion. It also has a prestigious school district and, regardless of where you are in the suburb, is a few minutes from public transport connecting you to the CBD.

This is a suburb that in the coming years has the potential to outstrip the CBDs reputation for exponential housing prices and property value growth. Therefore, it’s the ideal location for long term investment. Possibly being the best choice if you want to invest in an area before a boom makes that close to impossible.

Noteworthy property developments include the completed Villa De M.A, a lovely modern and quiet estate perfect for small families and working professionals.

Colebee

Less than 50 km from Sydney’s CBD, Colebee is also situated north-west of Sydney and enjoys proximity to Marsden Park. This is another gem on the outskirts of the city, with the possibility to become so much more.

The school district includes Prepare Early Education Centre, St Clare’s Catholic High School, and Western Sydney University, a university that has received consistent international recognition as a top-tier uni.

Noteworthy developments include Colebee Residences, a breathtaking estate that borders the Ridge Golf Club, a golf club designed by Australian golfer Greg Norman.

Macquarie Park

If you’re considering the CBD but want a slightly more cost-effective option than the skyrise buildings in Sydney’s CBD, look no further than Macquarie Park. Macquarie Park isn’t as budget-friendly as the other options on this list, however, the area offers the greatest convenience and proximity to Sydney’s CBD. It is less than a 15-minute drive to the CBD and, because it is part of Sydney’s Global Economic corridor, is known as an investors paradise. You’ll find all of the world-class amenities that come with living in the city centre in addition to a leading school district, state-of-the-art retail destinations, and minute walks to public transportation.

Macquarie Park is chock-full of noteworthy developments. Therefore, if you want to live in one of Sydney’s more premium suburbs, it’s best to contact your real estate agent about available properties.

This list of suburbs is proof that you don’t need to live in the CBD to experience the CBD. Or to experience opportunity and prospects like the CBD. Instead, by using a little ingenuity and considering your needs you can find ways to improve your lifestyle in suburbs that don’t have the hefty price tag.