Transport, views, cafes and bars. All these things contribute to make these 10 suburbs the most liveable in Sydney.
Domain quiz: Councillor Jess Miller on what makes Sydney so electric
Councillor Jess Miller, one of the youngest people to hold office at the City of Sydney and program director at branding company Republic of Everyone, shares her tips on living in Sydney.
First memory of Sydney?
In 2003, visiting a uni friend I met in Melbourne and the scent of jasmine wafting from over the fence at her parents’ house in Annandale. And not needing a jumper in September.
Councillor Jess Miller shares her tips on living in Sydney. Photo: Katherine Griffiths
Best thing about living in Sydney?
The communities of people that I’ve come to know and love, and the sense that there is a special kind of electricity that inspires you to get amongst it.
Worst thing?
The obscenely expensive and destructive Westconnex proposal, that thankfully, many communities are working hard to bring to a halt.
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Mermaids relax: McIver’s Baths in Coogee is one of Jess Miller’s favourite spots. Photo: Edwina Pickles
Sydney’s best kept secret?
You can get pretty much anywhere in 20 minutes and are guaranteed a parking spot if you go by bike.
Best takeaway?
Cook & Archies on Rutland Street, Surry Hills. It’s got all the good lunchtime salads, a really good chicken pie and schnitzel sandwich AND you can take it over to the beautiful Prince Alfred Park and eat under a tree, while watching all of the good-looking people working out.
Prince Alfred Park is the perfect spot to watch the world go by. Photo: Janie Barrett
Guilty pleasure?
The Ka Huna Massages on Oxford Street. Seriously, afterwards you are floating around so blissed-out that people really do wonder what you’ve been up to.
Best beach?
While not technically a beach, the McIvers Ladies Baths in Coogee is a beachside waterhole worthy of making cakes about. It’s ladies only, you throw your coin in the bucket and it’s this perfect sanctuary of mermaid women just hanging out.
How would you make Sydney better?
At the City the obsession is to make Sydney green, global and connected. One of the really key areas of focus at the moment is the implementation of the Open Sydney and Live Music and Performance Action Plan, which is all about supporting a diversity of night-time and cultural offerings, especially live music.
Jess Miller’s top tip: You’re guaranteed a parking spot if you go by bike. Photo: Brendon Thorne
Best exercise in town?
It’s not for everyone, but I’m quite partial to kickboxing, boxing and just started learning Brazilian jiu jitsu.
Most recent discovery?
I just read an amazing book called Radical Sydney by Rowan Cahill and Terry Irving. It recounts Sydney’s creative, political and Indigenous moments in time with great descriptions of buildings and streets we’re all familiar with.
Describe Sydney in three words.
Strong beating heart.
