Parramatta, Australia

Capital City

With a population of just 30,211, Parramatta is no sleepy suburb - it's a bustling government and commercial hub that can feel a world away from the Sydney CBD. The city's relocation of state agencies like the police force has fueled rapid growth, though that's come with a heavy bureaucratic burden. And while Parramatta enjoys a mild subtropical climate, the area is no stranger to scorching heatwaves that can make summer a sweaty, unpleasant affair. Those willing to navigate the red tape and occasional extreme weather, however, will find Parramatta an efficient, well-connected base for work in western Sydney.