My answer to What's it like to live in Sydney?
Answer by Desmond Last:
It is interesting and allows you the potential to enjoy yourself at your own pace. Even living in the outer suburbs you are not more than one hour from inner West where the City begins to come to life.
You can begin your day with some light exercise under the shadow of the Anzac Bridge and then walk into Glebe for a coffee and breakfast. Most of the coffee shops have specialist groups who hangout in them and there will be posters for the local niche social. For instance in Glebe which is book-lovers central you will find poetry and book reading clubs.
Moving on from Glebe you can walk across Paramatta Road up to King Street which is very close to Sydney University. There you can buy a corset for your Fetish night out, Goth wear for the rave night or Cabaret clothing for one of the clubs in Oxford Street.
Should you be female gay there are a couple of pubs in Newtown that are social meccas for women and also for guys as well. If you want to see a show then wander down to Enmore and visit the Imperial which has nightly Gay and Diva shows and a nightclub.
King Street is book-lovers, food, alternative and pubs. Each too with their own social set. The University has its own bar and dance spot and you will meet all from A-Z there.
Sydney is very social friendly. Poeple are not generally up themselves and the street violence is not in your face but like most Cities mind the shadows.
There is a strong gay scene in Sydney but it is not in your face. Clubs such as ARQ, the Midnight Shift and Stonewall on Oxford Street are welcoming to all.
Street violence is low in Oxford Street but commonsense prevails. If it is loud and drunk avoid it by crossing the street.
Kings Cross is manic on a Friday night but as long as you do not walk as if you own the street you will be fine. Kings Cross is all nightclubs, bars, dance-bars, food and sex workers.
My advice is to be wary of street sex workers and drugs. Drugs are a big thing in Sydney. Be careful of drink spiking. Do not leave your drink unattended. Do not let a stranger buy you a drink.
Like any City there is plenty of work. But employers are over-weary of backpackers and those seeking a passing through job. Once you have a place to live and sound semi-permanent you should have no trouble finding work. Speaking good English is a must.
Accommodation is not cheap. You can flat or house share. Most people will want a months bond up front and references.
Transport is good and taxis are plenty But around 8–10 a.m they all head off to the airport. Book in advance – they all have Apps. The Silver Taxis are the ones to get if you are a woman and single going home. Their service is more ‘reliable’.
If you are a woman on your own then make friends with another woman before you go out at night. Even a lone telegraph pole will get hit on such is the exuberance that a Sydney Friday night can create.
The Police are OK but will go hard on anti-social behavior. The hospitals are good and the A&eE Departments are first-class.
If you are not into nights out then there are theaters, theaters clubs, and an art Center at the Carriageworks in Darlington.
Bondi and Coogee offer surf sand and beach walking and food as well as Hotels with Music.
Sport and Parks are everywhere. Each suburb has small community parks, swimming pools many outdoor and large sporting facilities.
You will never be bored in Sydney.
My advice is to get social local before you wander around. It is best if somebody knows where you are. It is after a City and it attracts its fair share of nutters.
The photo is of the wall painting in King Street, Newtown.
What's it like to live in Sydney?
