Some of the benefits of downsizing and starting over are well-recognised, such as more time and freedom to travel. But making a new home in the inner city can offer even greater benefits. And this is especially true when you make the move to a city as liveable as Sydney. Here are eight things you can look forward to when you downsize in the city.
Access to beautiful green spaces
The health benefits of regular time spent in greenery are increasingly recognised. People often associate the great outdoors with suburbs and rural areas. But city dwellers know that the inner suburbs of Sydney also offer a wealth of natural beauty. We have already written about Hyde Park, and there are also the Royal Botanic Gardens and smaller city parklands to discover.
Excellent health care facilities on your doorstep
Here in the Hyde Park precinct, we have world-class health facilities within easy access. These include St Vincent’s and the nearby Royal Prince Alfred in Camperdown. Plus you’ll find a range of excellent dentists, GPs and specialists, and allied health care professionals.
A sense of security
Many newer apartments in inner-city Sydney, such as Omnia Potts Point, boast secure reception areas with a 24-hour concierge service. This means you can rest easy, knowing you are totally secure in your home. And unlike in a suburban house, there’s always someone keeping watch while you sleep. This is a particular advantage for those who live alone.
Free and plentiful public transport
If you’re over sixty, a permanent resident in NSW, and no longer work full time, you can apply for a Seniors Card. This entitles you to reduced public transport. Head to the beach or explore other parts of the city from the comfort of a bus. Plus, you never worry about looking for a parking spot.
Time to enjoy life
The benefit of downsizing that many appreciate the most is more time to relax. While there may be some sadness at packing up and leaving the family home, it is usually short-lived. And often followed by the relief of no longer needing to find the time to maintain a large property.
With an apartment, the gardening and maintenance of all common areas is covered by your strata levy. Plus a smaller apartment requires much less work to look good. A city apartment provides a true lock-and-leave lifestyle. Secure and maintained, you can travel knowing that when you return it will all be just as you left it.
Walk to everything
Living in the city means you’ll do much more ‘incidental exercise’ than you do when you need to get in your car to go to the shops. All of those short journeys soon add up to more walking every day, which is great for your health.
Connect with the community
As well as the health benefits of living in an area with high walkability, city downsizers often report feeling less socially isolated.
Community connection isn’t just about family and friends. It’s also about neighbours and those in your local area such as dog owners and people you chat to at the coffee shop or library. Daily social contact has proven psychological benefits, and living in a city offers you plenty of informal opportunities to talk to others.
Cultural events and happenings
The city is unlike anywhere else in its mix of cultural amenities and outdoor attractions. Along with the Sydney Opera House, world-class museums and art galleries and a rich multi-cultural dining scene, you can also enjoy beautiful beaches, parks and even natural sea pools. Live in the city and all of this is yours to enjoy.
Talk to us
As the inner-city specialists with our office in the beautiful Hyde Park precinct, we are the people to talk to if you are thinking of buying or selling in the city. We offer a bespoke personal service and excellent contacts with both buyers and sellers. Please give us a call to secure or sell your Sydney property.
