Granny Flat Rental Living in the Inner West of Sydney, NSW

Posted 2nd October, 2025

With the prevalence of high rise living in Sydney, granny flats are a rare jewel offered in the Inner West. Alternative housing options like this granny flat in Dulwich hill provide affordable and secure living spaces. Enjoy all the benefits of living in the hub of Sydney with some suburban perks like bike paths, low rise living options, and community gardens.

Why live in the Inner West?

Accessibility:

• Right by the CBD (without being too ‘city’)
• Walkable (Many suburbs are designed to be walkable, with local shops, cafes, and amenities within easy reach, reducing the need for a car)
• Frequent Bike paths
• Consistent and accessible public transport options including buses, trains, ferries from the Balmain East Wharf and the Lightrail from central to Dulwich hill

Art and Culture:

• You can always find live music, with bigger artists at the Enmore theatre, up-and-coming Australian musicians playing LazyBones, and local acts all around in pubs, bars, restaurants and communities events, like the upcoming free Marrickville Music Festival, Sunday 12 October 2025, 12pm-6pm, featuring seven stages, and stalls by local businesses
• Countless theatres showing plays, musicals and comedy acts
• Art galleries, museums, exhibitions events and installations
• Great markets like the Rozelle Collectors Market every Saturday
• Alternative fashion trends throughout Newtown, everyday needs in Summer Hill Shopping Centre, high end stores in Balmain and everything else at Broadway
• The love of thrifting and second hand clothing readily found in the Inner West is a great sustainability practice in line with GrannyFlat Rental values

Healthy Lifestyle:

• Plenty of sporting grounds, centres, courts and pools around encourage healthy activity
• 44 designated areas for dogs to be off-leash
• Plenty of picnic spaces and parks
• Mort Bay Park alone boasts a playground, water views to the harbour bridge, basketball courts, barbecues, picnic tables, and designated on-leash, off-leash and dogs prohibited zones.

Because of the diverse population and countless venues, the Inner West is the perfect place to stay up to date with current events and trends, or to get back in touch with history and tradition. Anyone can find themselves at home in the community due to the wide range of activities and attractions always available. By following your interests and engaging in markets, exhibitions, workshops, or exercises classes, you’re bound to find your clan.

Where is the best place to live in the Inner West?

The best Inner West suburbs depend on your lifestyle and priorities, but popular choices include Marrickville for its vibrant culture and growth, Dulwich Hill as a quieter family-friendly option with good schools, Annandale for its village feel and proximity to the city, and Balmain for its waterfront charm and historic character. Other excellent suburbs are Leichhardt for its dining, Newtown for its cultural buzz, and Summer Hill for its community atmosphere and strong property performance. 

A bit more about some of the popular suburbs of the Inner West...

Marrickville

A cultural and growth hub known for its arts scene, craft breweries, and upcoming Metro station, offering a good mix of lifestyle and investment potential. 

Dulwich Hill

Considered an underrated gem, it offers a polished village feel, good schools, and access to the light rail, making it a family-friendly alternative to Marrickville. 

Newtown

A creative hub famous for King Street's vintage stores, restaurants, and performance venues, offering a vibrant, blue-chip market experience.

Enmore

Known for its dining and entertainment along Enmore Road, providing a buzzing atmosphere.

Balmain

Offers a historic charm with sandstone terraces, waterfront pubs, and easy ferry access to the city.

Leichhardt

A strong growth area with a distinct Italian dining scene and a strong appeal to families.

Haberfield

Known as the "Garden Suburb," this quiet, safe area features tree-lined streets and is home to great schools.

Granny flats are currently most available in Dulwich Hill, offering a unique blend of urban convenience and leafy charm, making it a desirable Inner West Sydney suburb with vibrant cafes, strong community, excellent public transport, and diverse housing options. The area boasts a relaxed atmosphere, diverse dining, and proximity to other lively Inner West suburbs, parks, and cultural hubs.

Find your Granny Flat to Rent in the Inner West at GrannyFlat Rental.

Other Locations

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Living in the Northern Beaches in a Granny Flat: A Complete Guide

Written by Alysha de Ruyter.

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Disclaimer: Any information is of general help & not deemed as legal or financial advice. GrannyFlat Rental is not held responsible for any compensation from this general help.