Your Soft Landing in Sydney: Accommodation for New Arrivals

Moving to Sydney is a big shift and where you land in those first few weeks can make all the difference.

Air Design offers a range of short, mid and long-term stays across the city, from sleek inner-city apartments to large family homes with plenty of space to spread out.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what to expect when you first arrive, the best areas to consider and how to choose a spot that feels right.

1. Arriving in Sydney: what those first few weeks actually feel like

The first few weeks in Sydney are usually a mix of admin, exploring and trying to work out how everything connects.

Most people start in a central area where you can walk to cafés, transport and the CBD while you figure things out.

Some great suburbs for families, professionals or just to get to know the city, look towards Newtown, Surry Hills, Leichhardt and Millers Point.

This is not the time to lock in a long-term lease, it’s time to understand how Sydney feels day to day.

2. Choosing the right area before you commit long-term

Here’s a breakdown of the areas some of our top relocation stays are located in and what they actually feel like to live in:

Millers Point / The Rocks (CBD edge)

Best for: professionals, corporate stays, people who want everything walkable

• Right next to Circular Quay, the ferry and the CBD
• Historic, quiet at night compared to the city centre
• Easy access to Barangaroo dining and waterfront walks

Surry Hills

Best for: young families, professionals, lifestyle-led relocations

• One of Sydney’s best café and restaurant suburbs
• Walkable to Central Station and the CBD
• Close to parks, playgrounds and museums

Newtown

Best for: families, longer stays

• Lively King Street, Sydney Uni and RPA Hospital
• Strong community feel, very walkable
• Great schools nearby

Balmain East

Best for: young families, couples wanting harbour lifestyle

• Ferry access straight into Circular Quay
• Quiet, residential, strong community feel
• Family-friendly with parks, shops and water access

Drummoyne 

Best for: families, longer relocations, space + convenience

• Larger homes compared to inner city
• Ferry access + easy drive into CBD
• Popular with relocating families who want more space without losing city access

3. The importance of breathing room

Relocating to Sydney is where people often rush into decisions because demand for accommodation is high. Booking somewhere to stay while you get to know the city removes that pressure.

It lets you:

• test commute times properly (train, ferry, driving)
• understand what mornings and evenings feel like in each suburb
• explore nearby areas before committing
• avoid committing to the wrong part of the city just because it was available

4. What to look for in a temporary stay

When you are relocating, your short-term stay becomes your actual home base.

Prioritise:

• Enough space for everyone – cramming into a small space is stress you don’t need to add!
• Proper kitchen space – to try out the local supermarkets as well as restaurants
• WiFi and work setup – most movers are working remotely or hybrid initially
• Walkability – finding cafés, supermarkets and parks nearby matter to feel at home

A good temporary stay should feel like you can actually live in it, not just sleep there.