Sydney’s Inner West is a string of village-style neighbourhoods—roughly 30 suburbs depending on where you draw the line—with a combined population of around 200,000+ people. It’s a place where heritage terraces and old warehouses sit beside pocket parks, light rail stops and buzzing high streets.

The area’s identity has long been shaped by migration and creativity: Greek and Italian families who settled after the war; Vietnamese flavours centred on Marrickville; Portuguese bakeries in Petersham; Chinese and Lebanese influences across the corridor; and a strong LGBTQ+ and student presence thanks to nearby universities and the local arts scene.

Over the last 20 years, the Inner West has evolved from a largely industrial, working-class belt into a network of highly walkable neighbourhoods. Think warehouse conversions, small breweries, independent galleries, bike paths, and a café culture that feels both local and world-class. At the same time, residents are fiercely protective of the area’s heritage streetscapes, live-music venues and community spirit.

What makes the Inner West great? Proximity to the CBD, excellent train and light rail links, village main streets you can do on foot, diverse food from every corner of the globe, strong grass-roots activism, and a real sense that you can know your neighbours. It’s Sydney—just a little more local, creative and proudly independent.