Living in the North Shore of Sydney in a Granny Flat: A Complete Guide

Posted on February 28th, 2025

Image of Middle Harbour, North Shore, Syndey NSW by Oliver Townshend

There are many attractions to living in Greater Sydney, work opportunities, social hubs and amenities abounding, but in a region with 658 suburbs, how do you know which patch to make your own? One beauty of renting a granny flat is that it allows you to trial making yourself at home on a small scale. If you’re looking to rent a granny flat north of Sydney’s centre but closer than the Central Coast, there are some things that might appeal to you in the North Shore. Would you feel more at home in the Upper North Shore or Lower North Shore?

What Lifestyle does the North Shore Offer?

Luxury and Peace:

Enjoy the big blocks of land and classic and luxurious architecture within the budget and simplicity of a granny flat. One of Australia’s most affluent regions, the North Shore of Sydney, showcases heritage homes which have plenty of land for a secondary dwelling, making the perfect home for someone seeking only a small yet private space in this tranquil and luxurious community. The region offers versatile lifestyles between semi-rural environments and urban life. The family-friendly North Shore boasts a low-crime rate, quiet lifestyle and high air quality. Surrounding lush greenery homes vast wildlife, that well-built homes keep happily outside.

Nearby:

There are plenty of boutique shopping opportunities and high-end restaurants within reach, whilst urban benefits of malls and nightlife are highly accessible but at a comfortable distance from your households. The easy access to the train-line allows seamless travel to Sydney’s city, the south coast or the central coast. A quick bus gets you to the neighbouring Northern Beaches of Sydney, for the beach to bar fun of manly, or the quieter coastal lifestyle in Avalon.

Recreation:

Where you home may be, you can explore the Upper and Lower North Shore with ease. The countless stunning coves and beaches, like Balmoral and Chinamans, provide picturesque and peaceful picnic locations, and home numerous successful yacht clubs. There’s also a generous list of waterfalls accessible from the North Shore worth exploring. Between the Upper and Lower North Shore, Middle Harbour’s Bates Creek Falls is one to visit, amidst the beautiful Garigal National Park bush by Bantry Bay.

Upper North Shore vs Lower North Shore

Whilst both areas are nearby and are easily accessible to one-another, abundant with beauty and opportunity, the locations differ slightly in what they have to offer. It’s worth considering weather you prefer proximity to the city or the bush when choosing between the two, depending on your living needs.

Upper North Shore

What stands out about the North Shore is the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park and its stunning views and picnic locations, like Upper Gledhill Falls and Refuge Bay Falls. The surrounding forest and greater distance from the city make the upper suburbs fit for those seeking space and a more suburban community. As well as many beautiful bodies of water, the land provides plenty of walking and mountain bike trails for the adventurers. Musicians are bound to be impressed by Australia’s leading music store and lessons in Turramurra Music, with knowledgable and passionate staff to assist with instrumental, performance and production needs.

Some popular suburbs of the Upper North Shore:

Thornleigh
West Pymble
Westleigh
Normanhurst
Hornsby
Epping
Pennnant Hills
Gordon
Bobbin Head

Lower North Shore

Bordered by the Lane Cover River, Sydney Harbour and Middle Harbour, one doesn’t have to look far for water views in the Lower North Shore. Due to the surrounding seas, bays, beaches and falls, the lower suburbs are a great find for water lovers and sailors. You can also enjoy the tranquil ferry route from Mosman to Cremorne Point, Old Cremorne Wharf and the Circular Quay in by The Rocks in Sydney. Taronga zoo and Chatswood Chase shopping centre are more attractions at your doorstep living in the lower suburbs of Sydney’s North Shore.

Some popular suburbs of the Lower North Shore:

Neutral Bay
Chatswood
Gladesville
Mosman
Kirribilli
Wollstonecraft
Cremorne
Middle Cove

So while both the Upper and Lower ends of the North Shore make beautiful homes fit for a granny flat, the Upper North Shore has a slightly more rural and country feeling, and the Lower North Shore is slightly more beach and urban. Either way, renting here provides you with a safe home, nestled in nature with easy access to the city, and a wealth of opportunities for activity, work and relaxation.

Explore our North Shore Sydney listings here.