However, now more and more Sydneysiders are deciding they'd rather stick around to enjoy the vibrancy and convenience of a commercial location.

At Mosman, the former MoJo building is being redeveloped into 64 apartments under the name Monarch. The site has frontage to Military and Belmont roads but

rather than detract buyers, Monarch's central location is a selling point, says Peter Walsh, managing director at Ray White Projects.

"It's really a fact of convenience," says Walsh. "Not only do you have all the benefits that Mosman offers, such as the beaches, parks and leafy north-shore neighbourhoods, but Monarch's location has supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and a cinema all close by."

Add to that, the transport factor: it is an easy commute from the city, beaches and other north shore spots.

Architects Bates Smart have designed a mix of unit layouts including some townhouses and standalone terraces called The Stables. They've also devised a concept perfect for the site: the SoHo apartments.

"They're not dissimilar to the old shop-top house," says Walsh, "but they're better."

The one-bedroom apartments offer a shop-front commercial or retail space with an apartment and courtyard at the rear, away from the street and with private access.

"We're thrilled with the Bates Smart design," says Walsh. "They've managed to create really functional layouts as well as capture some outstanding views."

Not far away, in the middle of the Neutral Bay commercial area, Platino Properties is developing a boutique block of 22 apartments with a ground-floor commercial suite.

Bay Central Apartments has entry points from both Military Road and Grosvenor Lane. Restaurants, bars, cafes, supermarkets and specialty stores make up the immediate neighbourhood.

Andrew Drury, director of project marketing for Knight Frank, says Bay Central will give investors and owner-occupiers the inner-city convenience sought by busy, young professionals.

Despite its central position, residents will be nicely separated from the busy-ness of the area by security intercom entries and lift access. Apartments in the low-rise building will have light-filled open-plan interiors. Full-length glass doors and timber floors will provide a seamless connection to the terraces, many of which will face north with leafy outlooks over residential Neutral Bay.

A gymnasium and rooftop terrace are part of the complex.

Costa Argyrou, managing director of development and investment firm Trident Real Estate Capital, believes the commercial-industrial vibe of Rosebery, just south of the city, is drawing buyers to the area. "All the creatives are moving in from Darlinghurst and Surry Hills," says Argyrou.

Trident Real Estate Capital chose a central site for their boutique complex, the six-level 33 Dunning, on Dunning Avenue, a former glass-tint workshop. "We're seconds from Koskela, Kitchen by Mike, Black Star Cafe and All Press," says Argyrou. "We're surrounded by fashion and furniture hubs and we're close to the universities. It's really hip and cool."

Argyrou says people are attracted to the semi-industrial neighbourhood. "Our architect Jackson Teece, and landscaper Aspect Studios, really understand the area."

33 Dunning will include a commercial tenancy in keeping with the area. "We'll also have a green wall, pebbled garden and a rooftop terrace with a pergola, barbecue and city views. It's part of the Green Square story and the gentrification of the area."

Monarch : 116 Belmont Road, Mosman

Developed by Centuria and designed by Bates Smart architects, Monarch has 64 units, all with car spaces, some with two, as well as bike and  motorbike spaces. Soho units (with commercial space) from $925,000, one-beds (50-55 square metres) from $640,000, two-beds (63-94 square metres) from $800,000, and three-beds (102-121 square metres) from $1.65 million. Strata levies from $716 a quarter.  Display suite at level 4, 339 Military Road, Mosman. Due for completion late 2016. Phone Ray White Projects, 1800 88 21 44, monarchmosman.com.au.

Case study: Hustle and bustle

Chris and Debbie Peterson took a week to get used to living in the hubbub of Stanmore after living in the Tasmanian countryside. "Like our daughter in New York, you just get used to city noise. It's part of the fun of living in a metropolis."

The semi-retired couple in their 60s love the central location of their warehouse-conversion home. "We have a car and car space but we don't need them," says Debbie. "We walk everywhere."

The couple are heading home to Canada and have engaged Michael Field of Belle Property Annandale to auction their three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment at 1/2-6 Bridge Road, Stanmore, on February 28.

Or try these:

Bay Central Apartments
11 Grosvenor Lane, Neutral Bay

Platino Properties has added to its long list of north shore residential developments. The four-storey boutique complex of 22 apartments is 50 metres from The Oaks Hotel in the heart of the Neutral Bay shopping and dining precinct. Studios (40 square metres) from $560,000, one-beds (46 square metres) from $640,000, two-beds (70 square metres) from $849,000 and three-beds (112 square metres) from $1.35 million. Strata levies from $560 a quarter. Due for completion June 2016. Phone Knight Frank, 1800 811 652, baycentralapartments.com.au.

33 Dunning 
33-35 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery

Positioned  among the commercial and retail hub of Rosebery, this six-level building of 34 apartments will also have a commercial tenancy. There will be  basement-level parking for 25 cars and a rooftop terrace and garden. One-bedroom apartments (57 square metres average) from $620,000, two-beds (75 square metres) from $800,000 and three-beds (101 square metres) from $1 million. Strata levies from $665 a quarter. Due for completion early 2017. Phone Coastline Agency 9349 8000,33dunning.com.