Concrete Playground
May 26, 2021

For homebuyers, a property in the illustrious north shore is a dream investment. And the underappreciated suburb of Crows Nest may just be the perfect spot for your new home.

Situated at the junction of five main roads, Crows Nest maintains its suburban charm without sacrificing functionality and accessible transport to the city, north shore and northern beaches.

While getting away from the suburb is easy, there’s little reason to do so. It plays host to restaurants, shops, cafes, bars and parks on or steps away from the legendary Willoughby Road, making it an ideal spot to call home.

For homebuyers, a property in the illustrious north shore is a dream investment. And the underappreciated suburb of Crows Nest may just be the perfect spot for your new home.

DID YOU KNOW

Crows Nest is home to the first-ever Christian cemetery on Sydney’s north shore. Housed in St Thomas’ Rest Park, the graveyard — and now popular dog walking spot — is the resting place of many famous locals. It is easy to find the namesakes of various street names and iconic north shore sites chiselled into the cracked tombstones and moss-covered crypts.

GETTING AROUND

While Crows Nest itself has no train station, St Leonards Station is nearby and is a major hub for trains and buses. Wollstonecraft Station is also just a short stroll from the centre of Crows Nest and the Pacific Highway is also easily accessible. The suburb’s close proximity to Sydney Harbour Bridge makes city access a breeze via car or rideshare services.

PROPERTY PRICES

According to Realestate.com.au, the average price for a house in the coveted suburb of Crows Nest is listed at $2,200,000, with compound growth over the past five years sitting at 5.7 percent. Units, meanwhile, have a median price of $930,000 with 3.3 percent growth in the past five years. Check out NAB’s Property Report to learn more, then use its handy Home Loan Calculator to find out how much you can borrow. Or, book an appointment here.

LOCALS LOVE

Willoughby Road’s bustling selection of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants easily competes with those of neighbourhoods like Surry Hills or Marrickville. One cuisine in high supply is Japanese — there’s the much-hyped omakase at Sashimi Shinsengumi, piping hot ramen at Ryo’s Noodles and affordable skewers at Yakitori Yurripi.

Living in Crows Nest

Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.

Cafes

Whether you need a quick fix or a long leisurely feast, these spots will help kick start your day in the best way.

1. Double Cross Espresso Bar

A friendly Crows Nest cafe with a loyal coffee following and a Japanese-leaning menu.

2. Cavalier 1.0

A hole-in-the-wall espresso bar with a stellar lineup of toasties and sambos.

3. Mschief

Low-sugar baked goods and unexpected brunch dishes await at this Crows Nest cafe.

4. Kurtosh Crows Nest

Treat yourself to a traditional Hungarian chimney cake.

5. Turka

Head to this Turkish restaurant for an affordable feast at any time of day.

Cheap Eats

Hit up these affordable eateries when your wallet is feelin' as empty as your stomach.

1. Ryo's Noodles

One of Sydney's best bowls of ramen is hidden away in Crows Nest.

2. Johnny Bird

Free-range fried chicken, pickles, local beer and craft cocktails.

3. Tachinomi YP

A quaint, Japanese-style standing bar in Crows Nest.

4. I Love Pho

There are no prizes for guessing what this BYO Crows Nest joint's specialty is.

5. Salmon and Bear Crows Nest

Seafood is cooked over coal at this upmarket fish 'n' chip joint.

Restaurants

Date night? Birthday bash? Family dinner? You don't need to venture far to celebrate.

1. Annata

A hatted Crows Nest gem stepping up the North Shore's fine dining game with a seriously impressive wine list.

2. Luho Restaurant

Southeast Asian street food and creative cocktails by PS40 combine at this lower north shore spot.

3. Yakitori Yurippi

Crows Nest's tiny six-table yakitori joint.

4. Garfish

This BYO-friendly seafood restaurant is a longtime favourite of Crows Nest locals.

5. Le Bouchon - CLOSED

This cosy all-day French bistro has a six-course degustation for a pineapple.

Watering Holes

Don't be fooled by Crows Nest's calming natural surrounds — there are plenty of options for a tipple or two.

1. Small Bar

Contrary to its name, this lower north shore bar offers plenty of seating and a sizeable menu.

2. Hendriks

A cognac and wine bar with giant jaffles on the lower north shore.

3. The Foxtrot

Deliciously smooth and wickedly gratifying, much like the whisky the Foxtrot showcases.

4. The Stoned Crow

Find themed trivia, live music and late-night cocktail specials at this local gem.

5. The Crow Bar

Head to this bar on Sundays for free live music.

Shops

Lose a few hours exploring the quirky boutiques and specialty stores along Willoughby Road (and beyond).

1. Top3 By Design Crows Nest

This design store stocks more than 1000 products — but only three of each type.

2. Fancy That! Costumes

A one-stop costume shop for all your fancy dress party needs.

3. Ume-Ya

Head to this Crows Nest store for speciality goods from Japan.

4. The Source Bulk Foods

Pick up organic treats and healthy ingredients at this waste-free corner store.

5. Constant Reader Bookshop

A lower north shore literary stalwart.

Leisure and Outdoors

There are plenty of ways to fill your free time in this leafy area. Here are just a handful.

1. Big Music Australia

Purchase a new musical instrument — then learn to play it at the adjoining studio.

2. St Thomas Rest Park

Explore the remains of the north shore's first cemetery.

3. Crows Nest Markets

Browse handmade knick-knacks and secondhand goods at this monthly market.

4. KX Pilates

Take your workout to a new level at this high performance pilates studio.

5. Endota Spa Crows Nest

Pamper yourself at this certified organic spa.

Living in Crows Nest

Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.

CP's Picks

These are our favourite things to do in the area.

  • Cavalier 1.0

    Cavalier 1.0

    Grilled toasties don't get much better than this. Just. look. at. that. cheese.
  • Yakitori Yurippi

    Yakitori Yurippi

    Most of this hole-in-the-wall joint's menu is stellar, but ordering the scallop with kombu butter is a must.
  • Top3 by Design

    Top3 by Design

    Love your homewares to be one-of-a-kind? This highly curated store only stocks three items per category, which is pretty damn close.
  • Ryo's Noodles

    Ryo's Noodles

    The price tag on this piping hot ramen may not be the main reason we think it's one of Sydney's best — but it sure does help.

Top image: Small Bar, Trent van der Jagt

Tap and select Add to Home Screen to access Concrete Playground easily next time. x