Inner Sydney is changing and I’m not just talking about the buildings. The essence of who we are and how we live is undergoing a shift as a new generation carves out its own style of city living.

Gone is the desire for a large backyard – and the hard work that goes with it. Instead, young people are embracing apartment living and the freedom to enjoy weekends without the house maintenance. Perhaps the change is being driven by the longer hours we are working. I’m sure the price of Sydney property also has a role to play.

Young people are embracing apartment living. Credit:Artist's impression

But in my experience young people aren’t just enduring apartment living, they’re welcoming it. Apartments give them the option to live close to where they work, putting time back into their day. In the North Sydney Council area, 76 per cent of working residents are employed within the council area or an adjacent one. That puts their travel within the 30 minute range, giving them back time for recreation, family or to invest in their career.

Less house maintenance means more free time on the weekends to do the things they enjoy. I don’t need to mention going out to breakfast – that’s been more than covered in the endless discussions about smashed avocado on toast. Young people like events – they like the energy of large crowds, which is why community events have sprung up all over Sydney.