Cheltenham, located approximately 18 kilometres north-west of Sydney's central business district, is a residential suburb within the Hornsby Shire local government area. Known for its leafy streets and heritage homes, Cheltenham offers a tranquil environment with a strong sense of community.
As of the 2021 Census, Cheltenham had a population of 2,166 residents. The suburb exhibits cultural diversity, with 64.2% of residents born in Australia and notable communities from China (9.5%), Hong Kong (3.6%), England (3.0%), India (2.3%), and Sri Lanka (1.7%). Languages spoken at home include English (66.1%), Mandarin (11.4%), and Cantonese (7.2%). The median age is 46 years, and the median weekly household income is $3,573, which is significantly higher than the national median.
The Cheltenham railway station primarily serves public transportation in Cheltenham on the Northern Line of the Sydney Trains network. The station is unique in that it lacks a surrounding business district, a result of historical covenants placed on the land. The M2 Hills Motorway runs along the suburb's southern border, providing road connectivity to other parts of Sydney.
Cheltenham is predominantly residential, with no commercial shopping areas within its boundaries. Residents typically access retail and dining options in neighbouring suburbs such as Beecroft, Pennant Hills, and Epping. Carlingford is home to the nearest major shopping centre.
Educational institutions in Cheltenham include Cheltenham Girls' High School, a government secondary school situated along Beecroft Road. Nearby primary schools, such as Beecroft Public School and Arden Anglican School, serve the younger student population.
Various parks and natural reserves support recreational activities. Cheltenham Park, located on Castle Howard Road, offers open spaces for outdoor activities. Additionally, the suburb is home to Ahimsa, a bush retreat on Cobran Road that was once the residence of environmentalist Marie Byles. The National Trust manages the surrounding bushland and is accessible to the public under certain conditions.
Cheltenham's residential character, combined with its green spaces and proximity to essential services in neighbouring suburbs, contributes to its appeal as a peaceful and well-connected community.