Suburb Profile

Glebe Point Rd, Glebe

Glebe 2037

In 1790, 400 acres south and west of Blackwater Creek were given as a gift for 'church purposes'.

With insufficient convict labour to clear the land, Glebe remained virtually untouched by European settlers until 1828, when the Church subdivided and sold off the land.

Significant buildings such as Hereford House (1830), Toxteth (1831) and Lyndhurst (1834) were built for wealthy families on elevated parts of large holdings, away from the stench of Blackwattle Swamp.

An economic crisis in 1841 saw the break up of many of these large holdings into narrow frontage blocks which became dotted with humble worker's cottages.

By 1861 Glebe had become a self contained community with its own Municipal Council, 13 hotels, a post office, churches and local trade. Around, 1911, social ranking disappeared and old established families moved out to less crowded areas, and by 1930 Glebe was in the 'uttermost depth' of social mediocrity, further reduced when post war expressways imposed massive disruption.

The late 1960's finally saw a change when convenience of living close to the CBD encouraged newcomers to move in and preserve and restore the buildings. Proximity to Sydney University, a developing bohemian lifestyle, vibrant shopping strip, cafes and restaurants, local theatre, hotels, plenty of schools, churches and neighbour facilities increased demand until Glebe is now a fashionable elite suburb.

There remains a wide range of architectural styles through Glebe including Georgian, Regency, Victorian Gothic, Italianate and Federation. In 1976, Glebe was declared a conservation area by the National Trust.
Historic walking tours are conducted, which include beautiful Jubilee and Bicentennial parks. Transport is provided by RTA buses.

In the 2006 Census the population of Glebe numbered 17,468; 47.2.6% male and 52.8%female.

72.5% Australian citizens with 28.5% born overseas.

9.9% children, 21% over 55 and the median age was 34.

63.9% fully employed and of these, 69.9% are professional, managers or administrators. 14.1% are technicians or work in trades and sales.

The 2006 Census lists property types in Glebe as 12.9% separate houses, 42.0% semi-detached, row or terrace houses and 43.3% units and apartments.

The median house price for Glebe in 2008 is $860,000. The median unit price is $390,000.

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