Parramatta: A Sydney Suburb Guide
Parramatta is located in Sydney’s west and is often referred to as the second CBD.
Positioned in the centre of metropolitan Sydney next to the Parramatta River it has great connections to the West and the CBD.
Population Growth
Parramatta’s population has steadily increased over the past few years, as a result, there has been a greater demand for housing.
This is the population data on the suburb of Parramatta from the past 4 census dates:
- 2001 – 17,982
- 2006 – 18,448
- 2011 – 19,745
- 2016 – 25,798
The City of Parramatta
The City of Parramatta is a local government area encompassing suburbs from Baulkham Hills to Epping and Newington.
More than 32,000 additional people decided to call this area home from 2011 to 2016. As a result, over 11,000 new homes were built during this period.
Transport
Parramatta is well connected with regular ferries to the city, as well as buses and trains.
Major transport infrastructure projects are underway in the west including the Sydney Metro West and the Western Sydney National Airport.
Sydney Metro
Sydney Metro West is set to be a fast underground railway which will connect Sydney CBD to Greater Parramatta and Westmead.
This will include an underground connection with the Northern line. As a result, this will open more job opportunities and improve traffic congestion.
Parramatta Light Rail
Stage 1 of The Parramatta Light Rail is due to be delivered in 2023. On completion of stage 1, passengers will be able to travel from Westmead to Carlingford via Parramatta CBD.
In addition, Western Sydney University Campus’, the new Powerhouse Museum and the new Bankwest Stadium will all be accessible on this line.
Furthermore, Stage 2 of the project will see a new route from Rydalmere, north of the Parramatta River, to Sydney Olympic Park. By and large, this will open up more options for travelling in and around Western Sydney. Thus, making it a more attractive place to live and work.
Nancy Bird Walton Airport
Construction for the Airport, which has recently been named the ‘Nancy Bird Walton Airport’, is now underway at Badgerys Creek.
The airport will open up new opportunities for business, coupled with twice the capacity of Sydney Airport and no curfew.
Businesses from manufacturing to education will be attracted to the area with its great transport links and skilled workforce.
The new airport is being described as an ‘International Gateway for Western Sydney’.
Amenities
Local Hospitals
Westmead, just one suburb away, is home to a medical precinct. This includes the Children’s Hospital, Westmead Hospital and Westmead Private Hospital.
Food and Shopping
Parramatta is a culturally diverse suburb. Consequently, there are many cuisines to choose, from Vietnamese to Persian or Greek you are spoilt for choice.
Westfield Shopping Centre in Parramatta is Australia’s busiest Westfield Shopping Centre and fourth largest shopping centre in Australia. In addition, it receives more than 28 million visitors per year, it’s clear to see it has a big appeal for shoppers.
Entertainment and Leisure
There is plenty to do and see in Parramatta, with access to parks, museums, a new sports stadium and events, it is a bustling suburb.
Parramatta Park, covers 85 hectares and is located next to the Parramatta River. In addition, it has a 3.2km cycle and walking loop, playgrounds, picnic areas and a museum.
Furthermore, it is an ideal spot for large gatherings, festivals and events and sees more than 2 million visitors per year.
Lake Parramatta Reserve is less than ten minute’s drive away. It’s perfect for a swim, hiring a boat or to enjoy a bushwalk.
There are plenty of activities for kids and adults alike with 3 water play parks, tenpin bowling and arcade, cinema and climbing centre in neighbouring Rydalmere.
The Bankwest Stadium was completed this month, this is the place to go to watch A-League Football and National Rugby League games.
Parramatta Property Prices
These are the Parramatta median property values for the past 12 months from Property Value by Core Logic:
- House median sale price: 888k
- Unit median sale price: 631k
- House median rent: $500 per week
- Unit median rent $490 per week
