I never wanted to live here. Now I never want to leave

When I tell someone I live in the city, there can be a reaction of mild surprise. Admittedly, like most Sydneysiders it seems, the thought of living in the CBD had never crossed my mind until a combination of COVID and supply chain delays led to my repatriating family settling in an apartment in Sydney’s centre.

The plan was that it would be a stopgap while we looked for a more permanent place to live, but two years on we never want to leave. Because here’s the thing about living in the CBD – it’s actually fantastic.

Sydney’s CBD.Credit: Zac Goodwin/PA

City living allows you to combine the prosaic – groceries, utilities – with the superlative. A short walk can take me to the supermarket or to a show at the Sydney Opera House, with the bonus of not having to worry about parking.

The European concept of city apartment living is often bandied about during discussions on how to solve Sydney’s housing crisis. As an unashamed evangelist for life in the CBD, the evolution can’t come soon enough – but with the caveat that it needs to be affordable.

And therein lies the rub, the city for my family is not a viable long-term proposition due to cost, and at some stage we will probably move further afield for financial reasons. But as the saying goes, “’tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all”.

Best cafe? The Hydeaway Cafe on the edge of Hyde Park for its al fresco area on the edge of Hyde Park, and Henry’s Bread and Wine in The Porter House Hotel for a post-school-run coffee and croissant.

Best restaurant? When it comes to places that get my regular business, Bambini Trust has been a special occasion restaurant for my family for years, and Chinta Ria, Malaya Chinese and Yasaka Ramen are family favourites.

Bambini Trust is a go-to.

Best bar? Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern or The Castlereagh happy hour.

Best beach, park or pool? I walk through Hyde Park pretty much every day and love seeing the different ways people use it – it always makes me think of The Tuileries or Central Park. There will be people sunbathing or having an impromptu kick-about, a bunch of kids who skateboard near the War Memorial, Mardi Gras dance rehearsals, and I’ve even come across a choral group singing in the open air.

First place you take visitors? It depends on the time of day, but I usually try to provide a harbour view, whether it’s from the MCA roof for brekky, the Sydney Modern for lunch or Circular Quay or The Rocks in the evening. I also think a ferry ride can’t be beaten as a way to showcase Sydney.

Sunbathers in Hyde Park.Credit: Dion Georgopolous

Perfect night out in your suburb? Depends on the occasion! But I like to start a night out with a cocktail with a view.

What would make your suburb better? Less homelessness. A better mix of affordable housing that includes some way to lower building strata fees. A regular farmer’s market.

Best secret spot in your suburb? Courthouse by day; at night, the Downing Centre transforms into a globally recognised street dance location.