Best Suburbs in the Northern Beaches

Compare the best family orientated suburbs

The best suburbs of the Northern Beaches

Australian Surf Life Saving Red & Yellow

Living in the Northern Beaches? Oh man, where do I start? Picture this: pristine beaches stretching for miles, waves perfect for surfing, and a laid-back vibe that just screams "chill". It's like living in a perpetual vacation mode, you know?

But it's not just about the beach life. You've got these cosy coastal towns with cafes serving up the freshest seafood, cool bars for sundowners, and some seriously good vibes all around. Plus, the scenery is just insane. Think lush greenery, stunning ocean views, and those iconic Aussie sunsets that make you stop and appreciate life.

And let's not forget the community vibe. Everyone here is super friendly and down-to-earth. It's like one big happy family, always up for a barbecue on the beach or a weekend hike in the bush.

Sure, it's a bit of a trek if you need to head into the city, but honestly, who needs the hustle and bustle when you've got paradise right on your doorstep? So yeah, living in the Northern Beaches? It's a no-brainer.

The Northern Beaches region in Sydney is highly desirable for young families due to its beautiful beaches, excellent schools, and family-friendly amenities. Here are ten of the best suburbs in the Northern Beaches for young families, ranked based on factors such as safety, school quality, parks, and community spirit.

So what are the best family friendly suburbs of the Northern Beaches?

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We've rated the suburbs of the Northern Beaches covering pros, cons and their overall family friendliness. These ratings and median house prices provide a comprehensive view of the family-friendly options available in the Northern Beaches, each suburb offering its own unique advantages tailored to different family needs and preferences.

Manly
- Pros: Excellent schools, beautiful beaches, vibrant community, great cafes, and restaurants. Manly offers a balanced lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities.
- Cons: Higher property prices and tourist traffic can be a downside.
- Median House Price: $4,500,000
- Local Schools: Manly Village Public School, St. Paul’s Catholic College, Northern Beaches Secondary College (Manly Campus)
- Rating: Work: 8/10, Live: 9/10, Play: 10/10
Curl Curl
- Pros: Family-friendly with great beaches, parks, and good schools. It’s a quieter alternative to Manly with a strong sense of community.
- Cons: Limited public transport options and higher real estate prices.
- Median House Price: $3,800,000
- Local Schools: Curl Curl North Public School, Harbord Public School, Northern Beaches Secondary College (Freshwater Senior Campus)
- Rating: Work: 7/10, Live: 9/10, Play: 9/10
Dee Why
- Pros: Good schools, beautiful beachfront, plenty of parks, and a wide range of dining options. It has a more urban feel with new developments.
- Cons: Can be crowded during peak times, and there’s ongoing construction.
- Median House Price: $2,300,000
- Local Schools: Dee Why Public School, St Kevin's Catholic Primary School, Pittwater House Schools
- Rating: Work: 7/10, Live: 8/10, Play: 8/10
Freshwater
- Pros: Known for its community feel, excellent schools, stunning beach, and good local amenities. It’s very family-oriented with lots of activities for children.
- Cons: Higher property prices and limited public transport options.
- Median House Price: $3,500,000
- Local Schools: Harbord Public School, Freshwater Senior Campus (part of Northern Beaches Secondary College)
- Rating: Work: 7/10, Live: 9/10, Play: 9/10
Mona Vale
- Pros: Offers a mix of suburban and beach lifestyles, good schools, shopping facilities, and parks. It has a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of green space.
- Cons: Further from Sydney CBD, making commutes longer.
- Median House Price: $2,800,000
- Local Schools: Mona Vale Public School, Pittwater High School, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
- Rating: Work: 6/10, Live: 8/10, Play: 8/10
Newport
- Pros: Great for families with its beautiful beaches, good schools, and a strong community vibe. The area offers a variety of outdoor activities.
- Cons: Higher property prices and longer commute times to the city.
- Median House Price: $3,200,000
- Local Schools: Newport Public School, Pittwater High School, Newport Community Pre-School
- Rating: Work: 6/10, Live: 8/10, Play: 9/10
Narrabeen
- Pros: Family-friendly with excellent schools, a beautiful lake, and beaches. There are plenty of parks and a strong community spirit.
- Cons: Can be busy during peak tourist seasons and has a higher cost of living.
- Median House Price: $2,500,000
- Local Schools: Narrabeen Lakes Public School, Narrabeen Sports High School, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
- Rating: Work: 6/10, Live: 8/10, Play: 8/10
Beacon Hill
- Pros: Offers a quieter, suburban lifestyle with good schools, parks, and easy access to larger commercial centers. It’s known for its family-friendly environment.
- Cons: Lack of direct beach access compared to coastal suburbs.
- Median House Price: $2,100,000
- Local Schools: Beacon Hill Public School, Cromer Campus (part of Northern Beaches Secondary College)
- Rating: Work: 6/10, Live: 8/10, Play: 7/10
Collaroy
- Pros: Beautiful beaches, good schools, and plenty of parks. It has a more laid-back feel compared to some of the busier suburbs.
- Cons: Property prices can be high, and public transport options are limited.
- Median House Price: $3,300,000
- Local Schools: Collaroy Plateau Public School, St Rose Catholic Primary School, Narrabeen Sports High School
- Rating: Work: 6/10, Live: 8/10, Play: 8/10
Forestville
- Pros: Excellent schools, plenty of green spaces, and a strong sense of community. It’s more affordable compared to the coastal suburbs and has good local amenities.
- Cons: Not as close to the beach, which may be a downside for some families.
- Median House Price: $2,200,000
- Local Schools: Forestville Public School, Killarney Heights High School, Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Primary School
- Rating: Work: 7/10, Live: 8/10, Play: 7/10
Balgowlah
- Pros: Close to Manly, great schools, parks, and shopping facilities. It has a strong community feel and is very family-oriented.
- Cons: Property prices can be high, and traffic can be busy.
- Median House Price: $3,700,000
- Local Schools: Balgowlah Heights Public School, Manly West Public School, St. Cecilia's Catholic Primary School
- Rating: Work: 7/10, Live: 8/10, Play: 8/10
Warriewood
- Pros: Offers a mix of coastal and suburban lifestyles with good schools, parks, and proximity to beaches. It has newer housing developments.
- Cons: Further from Sydney CBD, longer commute times.
- Median House Price: $2,500,000
- Local Schools: Narrabeen North Public School, Mater Maria Catholic College
- Rating: Work: 6/10, Live: 8/10, Play: 8/10
Bayview
- Pros: Known for its beautiful surroundings, good schools, and tranquil environment. Great for families looking for a quieter lifestyle with access to Pittwater.
- Cons: Higher property prices and limited public transport options.
- Median House Price: $3,200,000
- Local Schools: Bayview Public School, Pittwater High School
- Rating: Work: 6/10, Live: 8/10, Play: 7/10
Elanora Heights
- Pros: Family-friendly with excellent schools, parks, and a strong sense of community. Offers a peaceful suburban lifestyle.
- Cons: Not directly on the beach and limited public transport options.
- Median House Price: $2,500,000
- Local Schools: Elanora Heights Public School, Narrabeen Sports High School
- Rating: Work: 6/10, Live: 8/10, Play: 7/10
Davidson
- Pros: Great schools, lots of parks, and a strong community spirit. It’s safe and family-oriented with good local amenities.
- Cons: Further from the beach and Sydney CBD.
- Median House Price: $2,000,000
- Local Schools: Davidson High School, Mimosa Public School, Kambora Public School
- Rating: Work: 6/10, Live: 8/10, Play: 7/10
North Narrabeen
- Pros: Beautiful lake and beaches, good schools, and parks. Offers a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle with plenty of activities for families.
- Cons: Can be busy during peak seasons, higher cost of living.
- Median House Price: $2,300,000
- Local Schools: Narrabeen North Public School, Narrabeen Sports High School
- Rating: Work: 6/10, Live: 8/10, Play: 8/10
Frenchs Forest
- Pros: Known for excellent schools, plenty of parks, and a strong community feel. It’s a bit more affordable and offers a suburban lifestyle with good amenities.
- Cons: Not as close to the beach and can have traffic congestion.
- Median House Price: $2,100,000
- Local Schools: Frenchs Forest Public School, The Forest High School, Mimosa Public School
- Rating: Work: 7/10, Live: 8/10, Play: 7/10
Killarney Heights
- Pros: Top-notch schools, family-friendly parks, and a safe environment. Offers a strong community feel and is close to Garigal National Park.
- Cons: Higher property prices and not as close to the beach.
- Median House Price: $2,500,000
- Local Schools: Killarney Heights Public School, Killarney Heights High School
- Rating: Work: 6/10, Live: 8/10, Play: 7/10
Bilgola Plateau
- Pros: Beautiful views, good schools, and a peaceful environment. Great for families looking for a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle.
- Cons: Limited public transport and further from Sydney CBD.
- Median House Price: $2,900,000
- Local Schools: Bilgola Plateau Public School, Pittwater High School
- Rating: Work: 5/10, Live: 8/10, Play: 7/10
Seaforth
- Pros: Excellent schools, beautiful parks, and a strong sense of community. It’s close to Manly and has a variety of local amenities.
- Cons: Higher property prices and busy traffic during peak hours.
- Median House Price: $3,900,000
- Local Schools: Seaforth Public School, Balgowlah Boys Campus (part of Northern Beaches Secondary College), St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School
- Rating: Work: 7/10, Live: 8/10, Play: 8/10
Wheeler Heights
- Pros: Family-friendly with good schools, parks, and a close-knit community. Offers a suburban lifestyle with easy access to nearby beaches and Narrabeen Lake.
- Cons: Not as close to the beach as some other suburbs and limited public transport options.
- Median House Price: $2,300,000
- Local Schools: Wheeler Heights Public School, Cromer Campus (part of Northern Beaches Secondary College)
- Rating: Work: 6/10, Live: 8/10, Play: 7/10
Collaroy Plateau
- Pros: Elevated position with beautiful views, good schools, and a peaceful environment. Offers a suburban lifestyle with proximity to Collaroy Beach.
- Cons: Property prices can be high, and it’s further from the city.
- Median House Price: $2,800,000
- Local Schools: Collaroy Plateau Public School, Pittwater House Schools
- Rating: Work: 6/10, Live: 8/10, Play: 8/10

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I'm a Mortgage Broker and Northern Beaches local with a passion to help everyday Australians navigate through the complexity of a mortgage to buy property.

I'm a proud father, loving husband and possessed fisherman. If I'm not with hanging with the family or fishing, I'm tucked away in the office working hard for you.

I specialise in tailoring home loan solutions fitting your needs and goals, drawing on my 14 years lending experience, as well as my own personal journey as a first-time buyer, upgrader, investor, and business owner.

I'm accredited with over 40 lenders, being a premium broker with many. I'm also partnered with other local businesses to help support your financial journey.

I assists clients across Australia, with a focus on the Northern Beaches suburbs of Dee Why, Frenchs Forest, Cromer, Collaroy, Narrabeen, Wheeler Heights, Allambie Heights, Beacon Hill, and Manly.

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