East Lindfield Suburb Guide 2025
East Lindfield is a quiet, leafy residential suburb on Sydney's Upper North Shore, located approx. 15.5 km north of the CBD in the Ku-ring-gai local government area. According to ABS Census 2021, the suburb has a total population of 3,710, with 30.4% of residents identifying as being of Chinese ancestry — placing it in the top 2% of suburbs in NSW for Chinese population concentration. The median house price sits at approx. $4.1M, while units are approx. $1.4M. East Lindfield recorded a crime rate of just 1,105 per 100,000 residents (BOCSAR 2025), making it one of the safest suburbs in the state. While there are no secondary schools within East Lindfield itself, families have access to several well-regarded schools in neighbouring suburbs, including Roseville College (AU Guide Score: 93.81/100) and Killara High School, one of the North Shore's most popular government secondary schools.
East Lindfield — Key Facts
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Median House Price | Approx. $4.1M |
| Median Unit Price | Approx. $1.4M |
| Chinese Population | 30.4% (ABS Census 2021) |
| Total Population | 3,710 (ABS Census 2021) |
| Crime Rate | 1,105 per 100,000 (BOCSAR 2025) — Very Safe |
| Distance to CBD | Approx. 15.5 km (approx. 27 min drive / approx. 50 min public transport) |
Nearby schools: Killara High School (Government, Killara) | Lindfield Learning Village (Government, Lindfield) | Roseville College (Independent, Roseville) | Ravenswood School for Girls (Independent, Gordon)
Community and Demographics
East Lindfield is a small, predominantly residential suburb with a population of 3,710 residents (ABS Census 2021). The suburb covers an area of approx. 2.33 square kilometres, giving it a population density of approx. 1,592 people per square kilometre — relatively low by Sydney standards, reflecting its spacious blocks and generous green spaces.
The Chinese community is a significant presence in East Lindfield, with 30.4% of residents reporting Chinese ancestry according to ABS Census 2021. This places East Lindfield in the top 2% of all NSW suburbs by Chinese population concentration, with an estimated 1,129 Chinese residents. The strong Chinese community means families can expect to find Chinese grocery options, language schools, and cultural activities in the broader Ku-ring-gai area, particularly in nearby Lindfield and Chatswood.
The suburb has a distinctly family-oriented character. Streets are lined with mature trees and well-maintained homes, and the area borders Garigal National Park, providing residents with direct access to bushwalking trails and natural bushland. East Lindfield is the kind of suburb where families tend to settle long-term — attracted by the combination of good schools nearby, a safe environment, and a strong sense of community. The demographic skews towards established families and professionals, many of whom commute to the CBD or to business centres along the North Shore.
For everyday shopping and dining, residents typically visit neighbouring Lindfield (which has a village-style shopping area near the train station) or travel to Chatswood for a wider range of retail and dining options. The suburb itself is primarily residential, which contributes to its quiet, low-crime character.
Schools and Education
East Lindfield does not have its own secondary school, but families in the suburb are well served by schools in surrounding suburbs. The Upper North Shore is one of Sydney's strongest education corridors, with a mix of high-performing government and independent schools within a short drive. Below are the nearby secondary schools based on 2025 HSC data (NESA).
Killara High School (Killara)
- Type: Government co-ed, Year 7–12
- Approx. 1,700 students
- 2025 HSC: 192 Distinguished Achievers, 5 All-Rounders
Killara High School is the zoned government secondary school for much of the East Lindfield area and is one of the most sought-after public high schools on the North Shore. With 192 Distinguished Achievers in the 2025 HSC, it consistently produces solid results across a large student body. The school draws students from across Killara, East Killara, East Lindfield, and parts of Lindfield, and its catchment is a significant factor in local property demand.
Lindfield Learning Village (Lindfield)
- Type: Government co-ed, K–12
- Approx. 800 students
- 2025 HSC: 45 Distinguished Achievers, 2 All-Rounders, 1 Top Achiever
- AU Guide Score: 70.28/100 (scoring method)
Lindfield Learning Village is a relatively new government school offering an innovative K–12 model. With an AU Guide Score of 70.28/100, it demonstrates good academic performance. The school's smaller size and project-based learning approach appeal to families looking for an alternative to traditional school structures.
Roseville College (Roseville)
- Type: Independent girls' school, K–12
- Approx. 1,000 students
- 2025 HSC: 280 Distinguished Achievers, 15 All-Rounders, 11 Top Achievers, 3 First in Course
- AU Guide Score: 93.81/100 (scoring method)
Roseville College is one of the top-performing independent schools in NSW, with an AU Guide Score of 93.81/100 indicating strong academic performance. Its 280 Distinguished Achievers and 3 First in Course results in the 2025 HSC place it among the elite schools on the North Shore. The school is located in neighbouring Roseville, a short drive from East Lindfield.
Ravenswood School for Girls (Gordon)
- Type: Independent girls' school, K–12
- Approx. 1,500 students
- 2025 HSC: 344 Distinguished Achievers, 17 All-Rounders, 5 Top Achievers
- AU Guide Score: 90.70/100 (scoring method)
Ravenswood School for Girls in nearby Gordon is another top-tier independent option, with an AU Guide Score of 90.70/100. With 344 Distinguished Achievers in the 2025 HSC — the highest raw count among the nearby schools listed here — it is a popular choice for families on the Upper North Shore seeking a strong academic environment for girls.
School Comparison
| School | Type | DA Count (2025 HSC) | All-Rounders | AU Guide Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roseville College | Independent Girls | 280 | 15 | 93.81/100 |
| Ravenswood School for Girls | Independent Girls | 344 | 17 | 90.70/100 |
| Killara High School | Government Co-ed | 192 | 5 | — |
| Lindfield Learning Village | Government Co-ed | 45 | 2 | 70.28/100 |
For a comprehensive view of NSW school rankings, see the AU Guide NSW School Rankings.
Property and Rental Market
East Lindfield is a premium property market, with prices reflecting its desirable North Shore location, proximity to quality schools, and quiet residential character.
Purchase Prices
The median house price in East Lindfield is approx. $4.1M, which places it in the top 2% of NSW suburbs by house price. This is significantly above the Sydney-wide house median of approx. $1.5M. The median unit price sits at approx. $1.4M, ranking in the top 6% of NSW suburbs for unit prices.
| Property Type | Median Price | NSW Percentile Rank |
|---|---|---|
| House | Approx. $4.1M | Top 2% |
| Unit | Approx. $1.4M | Top 6% |
The premium pricing reflects several factors: the suburb's position in the Ku-ring-gai council area (one of Sydney's most affluent LGAs), the school catchment for Killara High School, the large block sizes, and the low-density residential character. East Lindfield is predominantly a market of established family homes rather than apartment developments.
Rental Market
For families considering renting in East Lindfield, the current weekly rental rates are:
| Property Type | Weekly Rent (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2-Bedroom Unit | $950/week |
| 3-Bedroom Unit | $1,350/week |
Rental supply in East Lindfield is limited, as the suburb is dominated by owner-occupied houses. Units and townhouses make up a smaller portion of the housing stock. House rental data is not currently available for East Lindfield, which is common in suburbs where the majority of houses are owner-occupied. Families looking to rent a house in the area should monitor listings closely, as competition for rental properties can be strong, particularly at the start of the school year.
Compared to nearby suburbs, East Lindfield sits in a similar price bracket to Lindfield and Killara, both of which also command premium prices due to their North Shore location and school catchments. Ten-year property price growth data is not currently available for East Lindfield.
Safety and Transport
Safety
East Lindfield is one of the safest suburbs in NSW. According to BOCSAR 2025 data, the suburb recorded a crime rate of 1,105 per 100,000 residents, with just 41 incidents recorded. This is well below half of the NSW state average of 6,635 per 100,000, earning it a "very safe" classification. The suburb ranks in the bottom 3% for crime statewide (safety_rank 0.03), meaning 97% of NSW suburbs have higher crime rates. The low crime rate is consistent with the broader Ku-ring-gai area, which is one of the lowest-crime local government areas in Greater Sydney.
Transport
East Lindfield does not have its own train station, but a neighbouring suburb provides rail access. The closest station is Lindfield Station on the T1 North Shore Line, located in the adjacent suburb of Lindfield, a short drive or bus ride away. Roseville Station is another nearby option.
By car, the drive to the Sydney CBD takes approx. 27 minutes via the Pacific Highway or the Gore Hill Freeway, depending on traffic conditions. Public transport (bus to station plus train) takes approx. 50 minutes in total. The suburb is approx. 15.5 km from the Sydney CBD.
For families with children, the car-dependent nature of East Lindfield is typical of Upper North Shore suburbs. Most families will rely on driving for school drop-offs, shopping, and commuting, though older students can access bus routes to reach schools independently.
Summary: Who Is This Suburb For?
East Lindfield is well suited for:
- Families seeking a safe, quiet environment — with a crime rate of just 1,105 per 100,000, it is among the safest suburbs in NSW, ideal for families with young children.
- Education-focused families — the catchment for Killara High School and proximity to top independent schools like Roseville College (93.81/100) and Ravenswood School for Girls (90.70/100) make it a strong choice for families prioritising academic outcomes.
- Chinese-Australian families — with 30.4% Chinese population, there is a well-established community and cultural familiarity in the area.
- Families who value nature and outdoor activities — the proximity to Garigal National Park provides bushwalking and outdoor recreation on the doorstep.
East Lindfield may be less suitable for:
- Those on a limited budget — with a median house price of approx. $4.1M and units at approx. $1.4M, it is one of the more expensive suburbs in Sydney.
- Those who rely heavily on public transport — the lack of a local train station means an extra connection is needed, with total CBD transit time of approx. 50 minutes.
- Those seeking vibrant nightlife or urban convenience — East Lindfield is primarily residential with limited retail and dining within the suburb itself.
In short, East Lindfield is a premium, family-oriented suburb that offers exceptional safety, strong school access, and a large Chinese-Australian community, but it comes at a high price point and requires a car for most daily activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median house price in East Lindfield?
The median house price in East Lindfield is approx. $4.1M, placing it in the top 2% of NSW suburbs by house price. The median unit price is approx. $1.4M. Both are significantly above the Sydney-wide house median of approx. $1.5M.
Is East Lindfield a safe suburb?
Yes, East Lindfield is one of the safest suburbs in NSW. According to BOCSAR 2025 data, it recorded a crime rate of 1,105 per 100,000 residents — less than one-sixth of the NSW average of 6,635 per 100,000. Only 41 incidents were recorded in the reporting period.
What schools are near East Lindfield?
East Lindfield is in the catchment for Killara High School (Government, 192 Distinguished Achievers in 2025 HSC). Nearby independent options include Roseville College (AU Guide Score: 93.81/100) and Ravenswood School for Girls (AU Guide Score: 90.70/100). Lindfield Learning Village (Government, AU Guide Score: 70.28/100) is also nearby.
What is the Chinese population in East Lindfield?
According to ABS Census 2021, 30.4% of East Lindfield residents are of Chinese ancestry — approx. 1,129 people out of a total population of 3,710. This places East Lindfield in the top 2% of NSW suburbs for Chinese population concentration.
How much is rent in East Lindfield?
Weekly rental rates in East Lindfield are approx. $950 for a 2-bedroom unit and approx. $1,350 for a 3-bedroom unit. Rental supply is limited as the suburb is dominated by owner-occupied family homes. House rental data is not currently available.
Does East Lindfield have a train station?
East Lindfield does not have its own train station. The closest station is Lindfield Station on the T1 North Shore Line, located in the neighbouring suburb of Lindfield. The drive to the Sydney CBD takes approx. 27 minutes, while the total public transport commute is approx. 50 minutes.