Trying to find the best suburbs in Canberra? Sounds like you’ve heard about how awesome it is to live in Australia’s capital. It boasts all the best of Australia—the bountiful nature, wonderful weather and laid back lifestyle with the thriving property market in Canberra to top it off.
But it takes it a step further and offers you all of that at a fraction of the price you’ll get in Sydney or Melbourne.
And the housing values are a great indicator of this city’s growth. According to Property Update, the prices in Canberra have risen by 30.9% and the unit prices by 9.4%—the highest growth rate across the capital cities. But in case you’re wondering—yes, you can still find cheap houses for sale in Canberra, at least below $650,000.
With low unemployment and crime rates and a steady growth in new developments and the local economy, it’s no wonder Australia’s best kept secret is slowly being revealed. And on top of that, Canberra is also one of the best cities for international students.
So, to help you narrow down your selection, we’re rounding up the best suburbs in Canberra so you can find what works for you. Whether you’re a young professional, bringing your family, or hoping to retire, Canberra has something for you.
But if these neighbourhoods are above your budget, check out our round up of cheap rent in Canberra to find a suburb that works for you.
Next Steps: Delving into property acquisition in Canberra? Our focused piece on buy a house in Canberra is a must-read for additional insights.
The 9 best suburbs in Canberra
Red Hill
Median House Price: $1,550,000
About Property
This spacious house in Red Hill, ACT offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience for families and professionals alike. With 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (including an ensuite), and ample parking space, it provides a welcoming retreat in a sought-after neighborhood. The property boasts:
- Multiple living areas
- Open-plan meals and family room with French doors opening to surrounding terraces and entertainment spaces
- Sensational kitchen with stone benchtops & breakfast bar
- Rumpus room with built-in cabinetry
- Master suite with doors opening onto the deck, walk-through robe, and ensuite with floor-to-ceiling tiles
- Large established garden
Additionally, the property features solid timber floors, quality windows treatments, ducted cooling, ducted heating, a semi-circular driveway, and is within walking distance to various amenities such as shops, schools, walking trails, and a short drive to Canberra Hospital and the city center.
About the Suburb
Red Hill is one of the best suburbs in Canberra, thanks to its easy reach. It has an expansive green space and walking trails. It also maintains close proximity to the main city. The expansive nature reserve gives residents in the neighbourhood access to playing fields too, making it one of the best places to live in Australia.
This suburb has a good gross rental yield and is within easy reach from Canberra’s city centre. Residents of the Red Hill suburb also have easy access to schools, parks, shops, and even the market. This Canberra suburb has a strong sense of community and the average cost for a house is $1,600,000.
Wondering if Red Hill is one of the suburbs to avoid in Canberra? Check out our guide to find out!
Check out more real estate for sale in Red Hill ACT.
Lyons
Median House Price: $1,400,000
About Property
This stunning three-level home in Lyons, ACT offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Woden Valley and surrounding landmarks. Renovated and extended in 2019, it exudes modern charm and functionality, perfect for a growing family.
Amenities:
- Five bedrooms and three bathrooms
- Self-contained studio with bedroom, living area, modern kitchenette, and bathroom
- Main bedroom with ensuite and walk-in-robe
- Gas cooktop and gas BBQ plumbed in
- Ducted reverse-cycle electric heating and cooling
- Double-sided slow combustion wood heater
About Suburb
Lyons is a suburb that is located in the Woden Valley district. It is one of Canberra’s finest districts, with various walking trails and a nature reserve. In the past year, most young families and residents from across the city desired property in Lyons.
Also, this suburb is close to Westfield Woden, shops, schools, and other amenities, which makes it a great place to live or invest in.
Lyons has an estimated median house price of $1,220,000 and a median unit price of about $885,000. If you’re looking for cheap rentals in Canberra, it’s more likely you’ll find them here.
Discover more properties for sale in Lyons ACT.
Forrest
Median House Price: $3,800,000
About Property
This executive apartment in the sought-after suburb of Forrest offers a high-end yet low-maintenance lifestyle. Situated in the popular ‘Empire on the Park’ development, it boasts spacious interiors, abundant natural light, and a serene leafy outlook. The property features:
- Light-filled, north-east facing living room with brand-new podium views
- Open-plan design with living, dining, island kitchen, and study nook
- Two spacious bedrooms with built-in robes, one with ensuite
- Kitchen with granite benchtops and ample storage
- Main bathroom with European laundry
- Secure basement car space, visitor parking, and storage room
About Suburb
Forrest is famously known as the most expensive suburb in one of the most expensive cities -Canberra.
The green spaces and rich lifestyle has placed a high demand on rents and sale of properties in the area. Also, basic amenities, like shops, are a walking distance from the residential areas. A house in Forrest goes for about $3.5 million and an apartment unit at $767,500.
Discover more properties for sale in Forrest ACT.
Barton
Median House Price: $2,172,500
About Property
This elegant heritage home in Barton, ACT, seamlessly blends period charm with modern luxury. Thoughtfully renovated and extended, it offers spacious living areas, including a sunny north-facing family room and a separate library with a gas fireplace.
The large chef’s kitchen flows out to a paved entertaining area, perfect for gatherings. With four bedrooms plus a study, there’s ample space for the family. Amenities include:
- Study area
- Ensuite bathroom
- Built-in robes
- Hydronic heating
- Ceiling fans
- Private easy-care garden
About Suburb
Barton is a suburb located near Lake Burley Griffin, making for an aesthetic view for residents.
This suburb is one of Canberra’s most influential residential areas, with a high demand that results in a high gross rental yield. In Barton, houses are less than units, and the area has a median house price of over $1,000,000.
In Barton, parks, schools, and houses with parklands are common. This makes it ideal for families to rent and own property here.
Discover more properties for sale in Barton ACT.
Wanniassa
Median House Price: $845,00
About the property
Impeccably presented 5 bedroom house appealing to the most fastidious & offering a lifestyle to which most will aspire.
Ultra chic lounge ideally located upon entrance with separate dining room. The kitchen is a treat with modern appliances and has just been fully renovated with Cozy family living that opens to outdoor entertainment area.
The home is very well presented and in a quiet, desirable location, with just a short drive to Wanniassa and Erindale Shopping Centres.
– Generous 962sqm block
– North facing rear garden
– Spacious lounge, dining and a family living area
– Freshly Painted throughout
– Fully Renovated family kitchen featuring quality appliances
About the Suburb
Wanniassa is located south of Canberra and is one of the few suburbs in a convenient location. Owning property in this suburb guarantees easy access to schools, shops, and a leisure centre. It also has a very good rental yield, with an estimated median house price of $911,000.
Discover more properties for sale in Wanniassa ACT.
Ngunnawal
Median House Price: $772,500
About the Property
This charming single-level house situated in a peaceful court location offers convenient access to amenities such as public transportation, shops, parks, and schools.
With a welcoming living room featuring attractive wooden floors, spacious windows, and an open layout connecting seamlessly with the kitchen and dining spaces, this property provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere for residents.
Amenities:
- Welcoming living room with wooden floors
- Air conditioning system for heating and cooling
- Kitchen equipped with detached gas stove and stainless steel dishwasher
- Ample cupboard space for storage
- Primary bedroom with walk-in closet
- Rear courtyard with artificial grass for outdoor enjoyment
About Suburb
Ngunnawal is close to the Gungahlin town centre in the North of Canberra. It is Canberra’s most affordable suburb. Here, you can find more than one shopping centre and several schools.
The close proximity to schools is one of the reasons families get property here. Ngunnawal has a good gross rental yield with a median house price of about $835,000.
Discover more properties for sale in Ngunnawal ACT.
Yarralumla
Median House Price: $2,007,500
About Property
This stunning tri-level contemporary home in Yarralumla offers luxurious living in an unbeatable location. With a focus on space, style, and innovation, this architecturally designed residence boasts:
- Open plan living, dining, and kitchen areas with timber batten ceilings
- Five spacious bedrooms, including an impressive primary suite with lounge area and ensuite bathroom
- Designer kitchen with top-quality European appliances and expansive butler’s pantry
- Multiple living areas including a rumpus room, gym, and guest suite
- Impressive features like under tile heating, double glazed windows, and app-enabled security system
- Outdoor entertainment area overlooking a heated plunge pool and professionally landscaped gardens.
About Suburbs
Yarralumla is located on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin and is adjacent to Capitol Hill. It is a 15-minute drive from the city centre by public transport. It has a lot of large blocks, a green space, parks, and a swimming beach.
Also, the schools in this neighbourhood are five-star, and there’s even a yacht and golf club. The average price for a house in this area is $2.2 million.
Discover more properties for sale in Yarralumla ACT.
Hughes
Median House Price: $1,305,000
About the Property
This contemporary tri-level home in Yarralumla offers a perfect blend of luxury and functionality. Set in a prime location near Lake Burley Griffin, it boasts architectural excellence and spacious living areas, ideal for modern family life.
Amenities:
- Designer kitchen with top-quality European appliances
- Expansive butler’s pantry
- Luxurious master suite with lounge area and ensuite bathroom
- Additional bedrooms with designer ensuite bathrooms
- Basement with a four-car garage and home gym
- North-facing entertaining area overlooking a heated plunge pool
About the Suburb
This suburb is a short drive from the city centre. As one of Canberra’s most popular suburbs, Hughes has a wide nature reserve, accessible market and availability of schools Here the median house price is about $1.6 million, while the median unit price is about $333,000.
Discover more properties for sale in Huges ACT.
Kingston
Median House Price: $517,500
About the Property
This exceptional two-bedroom corner apartment in Kingston offers generous proportions and exquisite features. With abundant natural light, spacious floor plan, and superior quality finishes, every room is sure to impress. Conveniently located near vibrant Kingston Shops and dining options, it provides an opportunity for the best of Inner South living.
Amenities:
- North-East facing with ample natural light
- Hardwood timber flooring and high ceilings
- Luxuriously appointed kitchen with large stone benchtop
- Ducted heating and cooling for comfort
- Luxe-filled bathroom with floor-to-ceiling tiles
- Large wrap-around balcony with dual access
About the Suburb
Kingston is one of the oldest suburbs in Canberra. The leafy streets, old-school eateries and trendy foods make the town desirable. It is close to the banks of Lake Burley Griffin and adds a cultural glow to the town. It has a median house price of about $555,000.
Discover more real estate for sale in Kingston ACT.
Conclusion
Finding a place that checks all your boxes can be difficult. So, this article has highlighted the best suburbs in Canberra for you to consider. Whether you are looking for great views, schools, affordability or communal life, there’s a perfect suburb for everyone.
FAQ Section on Best Suburbs in Canberra
Q: What are the nicest suburbs of Canberra?
- Canberra’s nicest suburbs include Forrest, known for its green spaces and high demand for rents and property sales due to its rich lifestyle and close proximity to amenities.
Q: What is the richest suburb in Canberra?
- The area containing Forrest, Griffith, Manuka, and Red Hill has the highest average taxable income in the ACT, making it the richest suburb in Canberra.
Q: What is the growing suburb of Canberra?
- The fastest growing area in Canberra in 2021-22 was North Canberra, followed by Molonglo and Gungahlin, showcasing significant population increases due to its appealing living conditions.
Q: Where is nice to live in Canberra?
- Barton is considered one of the nicest places to live in Canberra due to its lifestyle-rich neighborhood, historic homes, and proximity to the city centre.
