The couple, in their 60s, said their four-bedroom Eltham home was too big and too far from where they worked. ''For us, living and working in the city means just going down the elevator and walking to your office,'' Mr Dall'Amico , pictured above, said.

Although they still own cars, they use them only when driving to the country or the beach. For everyday events, such as work or shopping, Mr Dall'Amico said they walk or catch a tram. ''We're just living right in the middle of everything,'' he said. The Dall'Amicos, who live on Russell Street, also experience the romanticism of travel without having to leave the country. ''When I'm walking in the city, I feel like I'm overseas,'' he said.

In the suburbs, people tended to come from similar backgrounds, he said, which was a stark contrast to the city. ''It's such a pleasant experience to see so many nationalities, particularly students, coming through, and the restaurants that have been put up because of that.''

For Mr Dall'Amico and his wife, city living is ''comfortable and easy'', with ''everything you need just around the corner''.

''If you need food or anything else, you just pop outside and it's all there at your fingertips''.

Mr Dall'Amico, whose business looks after high-rise residential towers, said he had noticed the city ''swelling'' over the past few years, and he hoped city planners were considering issues that come with such a surge in population.

''For example … in the future, there will be a major issue with pedestrian traffic - the footpaths aren't getting any wider,'' he said.