Melbourne is one of the most liveable cities in the world, offering diverse suburbs suited to various lifestyles. Whether you’re a family, a young professional, or a student, Melbourne’s suburbs have something for everyone.
In this article, we explore the best suburbs to live in Melbourne, considering factors such as public transport, green spaces, schools, and community amenities to help you find your perfect neighborhood.
What Makes a Melbourne Suburb Liveable?
When evaluating liveability in Melbourne, key factors come into play:
- Public transport: Easy access to trains, trams, and buses.
- Green spaces: Parks, gardens, and recreational areas.
- Quality of life: Access to schools, healthcare, restaurants, and shops.
- Community: Suburbs that offer a strong sense of belonging and safety.
Yarraville
- Median house price: $1,300,744
- Median rental price: $530/week
- Distance from CBD: 9.3 km
Yarraville is more than just a charming village—it’s a community-oriented haven known for its vibrant local culture. The suburb’s historic Sun Theatre is a local landmark, and Yarraville Gardens offers residents a green escape for picnics and outdoor activities.
The village feel here is enhanced by family-owned cafes and boutique shops, making it one of Melbourne’s most tightly knit suburbs. Yarraville is ideal for those seeking close proximity to the city with a laid-back, suburban charm.
Check out for more properties for sale in Yarraville VIC 3013.
Fitzroy
- Median house price: $1,758,891
- Median rental price: $700/week
- Distance from CBD: 3.3 km
Fitzroy is Melbourne’s cultural heartbeat, known for its street art, lively music scene, and edgy fashion boutiques. The suburb is home to some of Melbourne’s best galleries, including Centre for Contemporary Photography and Gertrude Contemporary.
Fitzroy’s vibrant nightlife is centered around Brunswick Street, where locals can find anything from dive bars to high-end restaurants.
Its rich history as Melbourne’s first suburb still shines through in its Victorian terraces and art-filled laneways, making it a top spot for creatives.
That’s why it’s one of the best places to live in Melbourne.
Check out more properties for sale in Fitzroy VIC 3065.
Prahran
- Median house price: $1,843,916
- Median rental price: $725/week
- Distance from CBD: 7.6 km
Prahran is famous for Chapel Street, Melbourne’s go-to destination for boutique shopping, high-end dining, and buzzing nightlife. Prahran Market, one of the oldest in Melbourne, is a foodie’s paradise, offering fresh produce, gourmet goods, and artisanal treats.
The suburb’s mix of modern apartments and heritage homes makes it appealing to both young professionals and long-term residents. With excellent public transport options and proximity to St Kilda’s beaches, Prahran offers a vibrant urban lifestyle.
Check out more properties for sale in Prahran VIC 3181.
East Melbourne
- Median house price: $3,262,152
- Median rental price: $860/week
- Distance from CBD: 2.9 km
East Melbourne is a prestigious, leafy suburb filled with Victorian terraces and art deco apartments. It’s known for its proximity to Fitzroy Gardens, where locals enjoy picnics and peaceful strolls amid lush greenery.
The suburb is home to some of Melbourne’s key landmarks, including St Patrick’s Cathedral and Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
With its tree-lined streets and picturesque parks, East Melbourne is a favorite among professionals who value both elegance and convenient access to the CBD.
Check out more properties for sale in East Melbourne VIC 3002.
Point Cook
- Median house price: $771,639
- Median rental price: $410/week
- Distance from CBD: 28.2 km
Point Cook offers a relaxed, family-oriented lifestyle with its spacious homes, easy access to Altona Beach, and proximity to Point Cook Coastal Park. It’s a hotspot for families due to its excellent schools, such as Point Cook College and Carranballac P-9 College, and growing amenities.
With affordable real estate compared to inner suburbs, Point Cook balances the advantages of suburban living with access to nature, making it one of the best-value suburbs near Melbourne.
Check out more properties for sale in Point Cook VIC 3030.
South Melbourne
- Median house price: $1,836,035
- Median rental price: $617/week
- Distance from CBD: 3.2 km
South Melbourne is known for its iconic Victorian terraces, beach access, and the vibrant South Melbourne Market. The suburb is beloved for its hidden laneways filled with artisanal cafes, making it a haven for food lovers.
Proximity to Albert Park Lake and Port Melbourne Beach adds to its appeal for residents seeking outdoor activities. While it carries a higher price tag, South Melbourne offers an unbeatable mix of urban convenience and coastal relaxation.
Check out more properties for sale in South Melbourne VIC 3205.
Ascot Vale
- Median house price: $1,463,418
- Median rental price: $574/week
- Distance from CBD: 8.1 km
Ascot Vale is a superbly connected suburb. If you’re after public transport access, this neighbourhood should be high on your list. It carries a fusion of young couples, singles and professionals, and will especially please those with pets.
Parks and leafy streets contribute to the warm, green atmosphere here. Not to mention you’re about a half hour’s bike ride from the city which takes you along the gorgeous river-bend.
Check out more properties for sale in Ascot Vale VIC 3032.
Kensington
- Median house price: $1,208,417
- Median rental price: $580/week
- Distance from CBD: 4.8 km
Kensington sits a mere four kilometres from the CBD which means you get to enjoy the calm of suburban life with easy access to the hustle and bustle when you need it!
The neighbourhood is painted with colour, from the artisanal style cafes lining the streets to the Cantonese and Vietnamese shopping strips and Victorian era houses.
About 10% of the housing here belongs to Melbourne’s largest universities effusing a young, spirited atmosphere.
Check out more properties for sale in Kensington VIC 3031.
How to Choose the Best Suburb for You?
When choosing the best suburb in Melbourne, it ultimately depends on your lifestyle needs. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly suburb, a trendy neighborhood for young professionals, or an area with plenty of green spaces, Melbourne has something for everyone.
We recommend exploring suburbs that suit your preferences for proximity to the CBD, housing prices, and available amenities.
Finding Your Dream Home in Melbourne
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Just remember to shortlist or swipe left on our listings so we can send you others that better match what you’re looking for.
FAQs on ‘Best Suburbs to Live in Melbourne’
What is the healthiest suburb in Melbourne?
Millgrove is ranked as the healthiest suburb in Melbourne, with 99.6% of its residents being in good health, followed by Waterford Park (98.2%) and Clifton Hill (98.0%).
Where do most millionaires live in Melbourne?
Toorak is the go-to suburb for Melbourne’s wealthiest residents. Known for its luxury homes, high-end dining, and boutique shopping, it has an average house price of $3.3 million.
Which is the fastest-growing suburb in Melbourne?
Harkaway in Melbourne’s southeast is the fastest-growing suburb, seeing a 10% increase in median home values over the past year due to its proximity to both the city and countryside.
Where do most people live in Melbourne?
Melbourne’s CBD is the most densely populated area, with more than 19,000 residents per square kilometre. Nearby suburbs like Carlton, South Yarra, Fitzroy, and Collingwood also have high population densities.
What is the poorest suburb in Melbourne?
Broadmeadows is considered one of the most disadvantaged suburbs in Melbourne, alongside Campbellfield – Coolaroo and Corio – Norlane.
Where are the most affordable places to live in Melbourne?
Maidstone is the most affordable suburb within 10km of Melbourne’s CBD, with a median house price of $826,500. Other affordable suburbs include West Footscray, Footscray, and Maribyrnong.
What is the richest street in Melbourne?
St Georges Road in Toorak holds the title for the most expensive street in Melbourne, followed by Orrong Road and South Bank.
