There’s a multitude of perks to living in the Nation’s Capital. We gave you Part 1 and 10 reasons why CBR is better than SYD last month… And now here’s Part 2, and 10 more reasons…
11. Location
Although Sydney is a coastal city with beautiful beaches, it doesn’t have location down like Canberra does. Canberra within its radius is close to the snow, surf and country living all at once.
12. Hipster vibes
Now, this may be a contentious one, but I believe Canberra has a strong alternative hipster scene with cool art showings, cafes, shops and places to hang out. You see hipsters at the ANU or walking down the street. Sydney may have its share of this too but my feeling is Canberra pulls it off. And why? ‘Cause it feels like we aren’t trying too hard.
13. University Life
With five tertiary study centres, Canberra boasts a strong student population. As such, Canberra offers a new almost ‘student town’ feel, with colleges at the ANU providing the perfect backdrop to a university exchange. And hey, with the ANU ranked as one of the best universities in the world, it’s not hard to see what you’re missing out on!
14. Airport
Canberra airport is a 15-20 minute drive from most suburbs. In Sydney, leaving an hour plus to get to the International Airport is always recommended, especially given the hectic traffic that surrounds Mascot!
15. Affordability
Now, this can be argued either way but, from my own experience and having talked to my Sydney counterparts, Canberra is more affordable to live in some areas. The price of renting or buying property is significantly lower, and cheaper in suburbs close to the city, whereas prices soar excruciatingly towards the inner-Sydney region.
16. Canberra is a planned city
This has clearly led to the organisation and logical structuring of Canberra’s roads, bridges, lakes and buildings. It’s a godsend in comparison to the confusion of endless streets in Sydney, one-way roads and dead ends.
17. Important icons
Every important national institution is in Canberra – the High Court, the National Portrait Gallery, the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, and Australian Parliament House. There’s no way Sydney has better dibbing rights than us Canberrans’ on such iconic venues.
18. Celebrity Spotting
It’s a different game in Canberra to Sydney. It’s way more fun spotting national politicians at bars and restaurants or local tennis star Nick Krygios at the shops than joining thousands of other Sydney teenagers stalking a Kardashian.
19. Small town vs big city
Canberra has all the benefits of a small town like minimal traffic, idyllic shops, quiet roads and parks with all the advantages of city living. With up-to-date clothing, communications and trends. Canberra has the best of both worlds.
20. Sydney’s proximity
Anyway, if you really want to go to Sydney, it’s just a short couple of hours away. It’s not so close as to deter from Canberra’s charm, but close enough that it’s convenient.
And a bonus, IKEA opens in Majura on November 16th, hooray!
Got something you think we should add? Or just want to say ‘hello’. Get in touch at [email protected]
