Annandale

A leafy harbour peninsula of sandstone heritage and waterfront reserves. Quiet, scenic and made for a slow foreshore stroll.

A quiet inner-west pocket of terraces and leafy lanes, between Summer Hill and Petersham. Low-key, walkable and easy with a dog.

Green Square-close and freshly built, with parks and city access nearby. Practical, walkable and good for a quick lap.

Spice Alley, hidden bars and Central Park's green roof, all a stumble from Central. Small, arty and dense, with pockets of lawn for a quick stretch.

Art deco blocks, tree-lined streets and a cafe on every corner. Embarkation Park hands you off-leash time with a harbour backdrop. Dense, glamorous and surprisingly dog-easy.

Inner-west edge with Sydney Park's off-leash acres on one side and a craft-brewery strip on the other. Industrial bones, Newtown energy and plenty of green to burn off.

Converted wharves, water on three sides and Pirrama Park's waterfront lawns right on the harbour. City-close living with room to stretch the legs.

Inner-west diversity at full tilt — dumplings, grocers and Ashfield Park's green at the centre. Busy, well-fed and easy for an after-dinner lap.

Grand terraces, leafy streets and a quiet that belies how close Newtown sits. The inner west's calm side, made for an easy, unhurried walk.

King Street is tattooed, big-hearted and endlessly dog-friendly. Beer gardens, bookshops and pubs where the water bowl lands before the menu.