Living in Sydney - the good, the bad and the ugly

I am lucky to call Sydney home for the past 20 years. Sunny city, set on the world’s most stunning harbour, surrounded by beautiful beaches that can be enjoyed for most of the year due to the warm climate. There is always something to do – art festivals, markets, busy nightlife. Relatively clean and safe place to live. Diverse food and culture thanks to it’s multicultural society.

Oh, and did I mention the best coffee in the world!

BUT

It’s expensive, very expensive. You have to pay 30 – 50% premium on your purchases. You might be better off buying online from overseas, paying shipping costs and still get the product cheaper than buying in a Sydney shop.
Traffic – Sydney traffic is bad, really bad. It can take you over an hour to travel 15 – 20km and many $$ in tolls.
You will spend half your wage paying rent for a sub-standard mouldy property in outer suburbs. The rent will increase every year. If you dare to request repairs expect a notice to vacate the property. That way the landlord can skip the repair, increase the rent and find the next desperate fool to rent his investment.
If you want to buy a property and you happen to earn an average wage it will take you about 50 years to save for a deposit and stamp duty. And another 50 years to pay off the mortgage….

Sydney is one good looking city and a great place to live…… that is if you’re wealthy.