In between Parramatta to the east and Penrith to the west is the city of Blacktown; a diverse region of constant ethnic change. However in more recent years, due to its proximity to the western rail line and relatively quick access to Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, the area has attracted keen interest from property development.
The area has always been one of a working class culture. The suburbs included in the area include Blacktown, Mt Druitt, Doonside, Quakers Hill, Rouse Hill and Seven Hills.
There area is mixed in its ethnic diversity as well as its socio-economic make up. For instance the area of Rouse Hill has in recent years become popular, particularly due to a significant retail complex development in the area, while the area of Mt Druitt has attracted an unfortunate stigma, perhaps undeserving so. However, most of the residents are proud members of the community and hard working (hence the name the ‘mortgage belt’ of Sydney).
Living in the area there are plenty of amenities and plenty to do and see. Its location is convenient for anyone that is looking to travel into Parramatta or Sydney CBD. The city is also in convenient reach to the Nepean River at Penrith and beyond to the Blue Mountains, as well as north west to the semi-rural river bound towns of Richmond and Windsor.
The area has multiple University campuses within reach and one campus of the University of Western Sydney in the city itself, as well as several campuses of the western Sydney TAFE technical colleges.
The area has some natural hidden gems within the boundaries due to the creek systems that leek from the Nepean River to the west, with several parks and natural walks around the area.
Demographics
At the most recent census, the Blacktown area, around 40% of residents in the Blacktown area identify as being of Australian or English ancestry, with other key ethnic groups contributing to the demographics being those from a Filipino, Indian, Chinese and Maltese backgrounds. Over one third of all residents were born in a country other than Australia. Around 37% of residents speak a language other than English when at home.
Property and Households
Nearly 45% of the households in the area are made up of couples with children at last count, and around 20% is made up of couples without children. Close to 60% of all households have 3 persons or more, and in terms of dwelling type, around 17% of dwellings are classed as medium to high density. The area is a fair mix of both low, medium and high density dwellings.
Transport
The area is somewhat blessed with its options for transport, including the option of the western train line that directly connects to the Sydney CBD past Parramatta, as well as local bus networks that service the Blacktown area. The city also lies across the intersection between the M7 and the M4 freeways, which provides access for those that are travelling by car to a quick link to almost the entire Sydney metro area.