St Ives is well known as a family suburb, with 50% of households containing children- both Primary and High school aged. The suburb covers approximately 14 square kilometres, with an impressive 32 parks covering 25% of the total area and it is just 18 km north from the CBD. St Ives was first explored by Governor Arthur Phillip in 1788 when him and his companions set up a campsite and produced a small scale timber felling industry. There are still examples of the 30 metre high trees in the area. Development in the area took off in the 1960s when post war migrants, mainly of Italian origin, were moved into the area. Today, St Ives has a population of roughly 15, 565 and is largely dominated by takes on period, Hamptons and Federation style houses. Close to the St Ives shopping centre are smaller apartment style developments.
- Transport
Mona Vale road connects St Ives to the northern beaches and the city. From St Ives shops there are buses to Chatswood via the 197, 545 routes and to the CBD via the 196 and 271 routes.
- Facilities (Shops, Parks, Restaurants)
St Ives shopping centre contains a number of supermarkets, fast food outlets, cafes, restaurants, fashion outlets and specialty stores and is a busy community hub. On the first Sunday of every month, fresh organic fruits, vegetables and handicrafts are available at the St Ives handmade markets. To the north in St Ives is a wildflower garden, and the suburb is bordered by Ku-ring-gai national park to the north and Garigal national park to the east and south east. Hassell Park is a popular location for community sports including the St Ives Rugby and Cricket club. The Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve is also easily accessible for bushwalking.
- Schools
St Ives has no shortage of schools and preschools due to its reputation as a family suburb. For younger children, both the St Ives Preschool Kindergarten and Christ Church St Ives Preschool are available, as well as St Ives occasional care. In regards to Primary education, state run institutions such as St Ives Public School, St Ives Park Public School and St Ives North Public School are available, as well as the Catholic school Corpus Christi and the independent Sydney Grammar Preparatory School. For High Schools, there is the state run St Ives High School which covers a vast expanse of bushland and includes a large playing field, Brigidine College, a private all-girls school and Masada college, a Jewish school which caters from ELC - High school.
