St Ives, NSW

St Ives is a vibrant suburb on Sydney's Upper North Shore that combines natural beauty with all the amenities modern families seek. Known for its leafy streets and family-friendly atmosphere, St Ives offers a wonderful blend of reputable schools, convenient transport options, diverse dining spots, and plenty of entertainment choices.

In this extensive St Ives suburb profile, we’ll dive into the best schools, local transport, dining, and entertainment options that make St Ives an attractive and welcoming place to call home.

Montgomery Homes offers a variety of building options for those looking to create their dream home in St Ives and across Sydney’s Upper North Shore. With an extensive selection of architectural home designs, Montgomery Homes provides layouts and styles to suit a range of personal preferences, from spacious family homes to elegant, contemporary designs for entertaining.

St Ives offers convenient transport options, making it easy to access Sydney’s CBD and surrounding suburbs. Regular bus services operate throughout the area, connecting residents to nearby train stations like Gordon and Pymble, as well as directly to the CBD.

For drivers, St Ives is well-served by major roads, including Mona Vale Road, which provides a direct route to the Northern Beaches, and the Pacific Highway, which connects to the city and the Upper North Shore. The area’s proximity to the M1 motorway also offers easy access to the Central Coast and beyond, making St Ives ideal for both daily commuters and weekend adventurers.

According to the latest census, there were 21,665 people living in St Ives in 2021, with 50.8% of workers having a bachelor’s degree or higher. This is much higher than the state average of university-educated workers at 27.8%.

Of all the workers in the area, 57.8% worked full time and 29.6% worked part time. The most popular occupation was “professionals” and “managers” in industries like computer system design, banking, and hospitals.

At the time of writing, SEEK has 36,040 jobs within 50km of St Ives, ranging across a huge range of industries, occupations, and skill levels!

St Ives is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering countless parks, reserves, and nature trails that showcase the area’s stunning natural beauty. From peaceful bushwalks and family-friendly picnic spots to sports fields and scenic lookouts, St Ives provides ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation in the great outdoors.

Lapwing Reserve:
Lapwing Reserve offers a tranquil bushland setting with short walking trails and open spaces. It’s a peaceful spot for families to enjoy a picnic or a casual walk in a natural environment.

St Ives Village Green:
St Ives Village Green is a popular community spot with open grassy areas, children’s play spaces, and seating. It’s a go-to location for family gatherings, sports, and community events in the heart of St Ives.

Acron Oval:
Acron Oval is a well-maintained sports field that supports local football, cricket, and rugby matches. With nearby trails and picnic areas, it’s a versatile outdoor spot for both sport enthusiasts and families.

St Ives Showground:
St Ives Showground hosts a variety of events, from local markets to agricultural shows. Surrounded by bushland, it’s a great spot for recreation, camping, and enjoying events in a spacious outdoor setting.

Garigal National Park:
Garigal National Park is a bushland oasis, offering extensive hiking trails, scenic lookouts, and native wildlife. With tracks for all skill levels, it’s perfect for adventurous walkers, picnickers, and nature lovers.

Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden:
The Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden is a unique destination with trails, native flora, and wildlife spotting opportunities. Ideal for families and garden enthusiasts, it’s a peaceful place to explore native plants and natural beauty.

St Ives Shopping Village is the vibrant heart of retail in St Ives, offering a wide selection of stores and a welcoming community atmosphere.

With over 100 specialty retailers, shoppers can find everything from fashion, beauty, and homewares to fresh produce at Harris Farm Markets. Popular retailers like Sportsgirl, Priceline, and Lorna Jane are complemented by an array of boutique shops, ensuring a tailored shopping experience.

Beyond retail, St Ives Shopping Village hosts various community events, including weekly children's activities, seasonal markets, and family-friendly events, making it a lively hub where locals come to shop, dine, and connect.

St Ives offers a vibrant dining scene with diverse options to suit every taste. From cosy cafés and artisanal bakeries to family-friendly eateries and gourmet restaurants, residents and visitors alike enjoy an array of culinary experiences. With fresh seafood, Mediterranean flavours, and indulgent patisseries, St Ives’ dining spots cater to casual catch-ups, special occasions, and everything in between.

Karoo & Co The Old School:
Karoo & Co offers a relaxed, rustic dining experience with wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads, and hearty mains. Known for its warm ambiance and fresh ingredients, it’s a favourite spot for families and friends to gather over delicious, homemade-style food.

The Living Room Cafe:
Located within St Ives Shopping Village, The Living Room Café serves up delicious coffee, hearty breakfasts, and fresh lunches in a comfortable setting. It’s perfect for a casual meal or coffee break while shopping.

Stanley Street Cafe:
Stanley’s Café is a cosy spot serving great coffee, tasty breakfast dishes, and light lunch options. Known for its friendly atmosphere, it’s a go-to for locals wanting a comfortable place to unwind and enjoy quality café fare.

Pattison’s Patisserie:
Pattison's Patisserie is famous for its decadent pastries, cakes, and desserts, alongside a selection of savoury items. A St Ives staple, it’s the ideal place to indulge in a sweet treat or enjoy a coffee with friends.

Twenty74:
Twenty74 combines a modern dining experience with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, offering a menu of fresh, flavourful dishes. With stylish decor and a welcoming vibe, it’s a favourite for everything from casual lunches to special dinners.

Chargrill Charlie’s:
Chargrill Charlie’s is a go-to for delicious rotisserie chicken, fresh salads, and classic comfort food. Known for its quality ingredients and variety, it’s the perfect spot for a quick, satisfying meal for the whole family.

Comme Chez Nous:
Comme Chez Nous brings authentic French flavours to St Ives with its delicious pastries, baguettes, and gourmet treats. With an inviting, Parisian-inspired atmosphere, it’s a wonderful place to savour French cuisine close to home.

Olympia Quality Seafood:
Olympia Quality Seafood serves up fresh, high-quality seafood dishes, from fish and chips to seafood platters. Known for its casual, friendly service, it’s a popular choice for seafood lovers in the St Ives community.

St Ives is planning exciting infrastructure developments, enhancing its appeal for families and residents. The Ku-ring-gai Council is focused on projects to improve local amenities, community facilities, and transport.

Hassall Park is set to receive substantial upgrades, including a revamped field with improved drainage and lighting to enhance its use throughout the year. The upgrade aims to support local sports groups and provide a better experience for recreational users in all weather conditions.

The Lorraine Taylor Reserve Playground will also undergo updates to improve accessibility and introduce new, inclusive play equipment. This project focuses on creating a safe, engaging space for children of all abilities, ensuring that families have a modern and inclusive play area within St Ives.

Plans for Bede’s Forest include expanding the walking trails and enhancing the surrounding bushland, making it a more inviting area for nature enthusiasts. These improvements aim to protect local wildlife habitats and provide residents with a serene and accessible green space for recreation.

And finally, the new St Ives Indoor Sports Centre will bring state-of-the-art facilities to the community, including multi-use courts, fitness areas, and spaces for events. This centre will cater to various sports and activities, supporting a healthy, active lifestyle for residents of all ages.

In 2021, the Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded 21,665 people living in St Ives, Sydney, with a median age of 43 and one to two children per household. Around 64% of the population was married, compared to 22.8% who were never married/single.

According to realestate.com.au, the average house price was $3,030,000 at the time of writing in 2024, an increase of 2.7% over the previous 12 months. Comparatively, the average unit or apartment price was $935,000, which had decreased 13.4%.

In terms of rental prices, houses cost around $1,300 per week or $775 per week for an apartment.

St Ives is primarily zoned for environmental and residential use, reflecting the suburb’s focus on preserving natural beauty and providing quality living spaces.

With 37.04% Environmental Living (R2) and 24.35% dedicated to National Parks & Nature Reserves (C1), St Ives offers expansive green spaces and conservation areas.

Low Density Residential (RE1) makes up 8.26% of the suburb, supporting family-friendly housing with a spacious layout, while Medium (R3) and High Density (R4) Residential zones make up smaller portions, catering to a variety of housing needs.

A 0.5% Local Centre (E1) zone fosters community-focused retail and services.

St Ives is home to a range of quality retirement villages and aged care facilities, providing a variety of options for older Australians seeking community, comfort, and support. From independent living apartments surrounded by natural beauty to personalised aged care homes with dedicated staff, each facility in St Ives offers a welcoming environment designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Fernbank Retirement Living:
Aveo Fernbank offers resort-style retirement living with stunning bushland views, independent living apartments, and community-focused amenities. Residents enjoy social events, a pool, and scenic walking paths, creating a relaxed, fulfilling lifestyle in natural surroundings.

Group Homes Australia:
Group Homes provides a unique, home-style approach to aged care in St Ives, offering small, community-centered residences that emphasise personal care, companionship, and independence for residents in a warm, familiar setting.

Estia Health:
Estia Health St Ives offers high-quality residential aged care with a focus on wellbeing and comfort. With private rooms, dedicated staff, and tailored care options, it provides a nurturing environment for residents needing greater assistance.

Uniting Kari Court:
Uniting Kari Court provides compassionate aged care with a focus on individuality and dignity. Located in a peaceful area, this community offers quality accommodation, personalised care, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.

Bupa Aged Care:
Bupa St Ives delivers professional, person-centered aged care, including specialised dementia support. Residents benefit from modern facilities, a beautiful garden setting, and a caring team dedicated to enhancing quality of life.