The best suburbs in Melbourne for families will be safe, well-connected and offer plenty of academic options for the little (or not so little) ones.
But fret not, you don’t have to be living on one of the most expensive streets in Melbourne to enjoy city life.
Melbourne has an array of suburbs, from bayside suburbs like Hampton and Middle park to beachside ones like Altona which aren’t as pricey.
Also, inner-city suburbs such as Kew and Surrey Hills provide a wonderful family living experience. So, you don’t have to be in one of the richest suburbs in Melbourne for a convenient lifestyle.
To help you on your way to making a choice, we’ve got you a list of the best suburbs in Melbourne for families based on their accessibility, community and suitability for family living. These suburbs on our list cater to every budget, and reading through will guide you in making a definite choice.
Melbourne Bound?: Ensure you’re equipped with all the right information. Discover more in our extensive piece about buying a house in Melbourne.
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Altona
- Median house price: $1,100,000
- Median unit price: $700,000
- Median house rental price: $470 per week
- Distance from CBD: 17km
Altona is a beachside suburb with a population of 10,762 persons (2016 estimate). It is a wonderful location for working parents and school-age kids. Altona has walking, cycling, running paths, and the sandy beach and pier are also added attractions.
The beachside adds more serenity to this community, giving it an extra ambience and a perfect balance between the sea and city life. It has great public amenities such as the great rail links and ecstatic city views (Truganina Park and the Kororoit Creek).
There are reputable educational institutions for the kids, including primary, high schools to the Melbourne city college in Williamstown. There are varieties of home options for families in Altona. The suburb hosts many activities and has indoor and outdoor attractions, with a produce market held every Tuesday.
Check out more properties for sale in Altona VIC.
Glen Waverley
- Median house price: $1,600,000
- Median unit price: $885,000
- Median house rental price: $682 per week
- Distance from CBD: 19km
The suburb of Glen Waverley is centred on growing families and professionals. With a population of 40,033 (2016 estimate), it offers a glimpse of suburban family living. Glen Waverley is one of the best suburbs in Melbourne for families when considering schools for the kids.
Commercial activities are mostly centred on the railway station as it offers access to the Shopping Centre, Central Park, and the Golf Course. Glen Waverley enjoys a low crime rate, peaceful environment, a lively social atmosphere, and great recreation options.
Check out more properties for sale in Glen Waverly VIC.
Sandringham
- Median house price: $2,132,500
- Median unit price: $719,000
- Median house rental price: $1,000 per week
- Distance from CBD: 16km
Sandringham is an expensive suburb and a magnet for families seeking beaches which include; dog beach, sandy beach and the Sandringham beach. Located on the southeast coast between Hampton and Black Rock, this suburb has a population of 10,241 persons (2016 estimate).
Sandringham overlooked Port Phillip and was originally known as “Gypsy Village”. It has several local attractions, such as the band dome, surrounded by trees, gardens, and lawns. The Allambee Park provides a scenic experience for its visitors and users, with several toy trucks scattered around the park.
Other local attractions include the famous Lick Me Ice Cream, reputed as one of the best creameries in Melbourne. Kids on school holidays can visit the Sandringham Yacht Club, which offers a holiday kids sailing program.
Check out more properties for sale in Sandringham VIC.
Doncaster East
- Median house price: $1,620,000
- Median unit price: $857,500
- Median house rental price: $750 per week
- Distance from CBD: 20km
Doncaster East is one of the best suburbs in Melbourne for families. It is reputed to be home to three of its council’s top five play spaces, with an indoor playground available for wet days. Situated in the northeast of Melbourne with a population of 28,360 (2016 estimate), its streets are safe, leafy and bustling with a relaxed way of life.
Doncaster East’s proximity to transport facilities, well-regarded schools and a bustling entertainment centre is also part of its attraction.
Doncaster East has a nice cultural blend and is home to the Doncaster playhouse, the Manningham Art Gallery (famed for its family-friendliness), the kids friendly café (Beasley’s Teahouse), and other restaurants and eateries (e.g. the Tai Pan Restaurant).
Check out more properties for sale in Doncaster East VIC.
Roxburgh Park
- Median house price: $650,000
- Median unit price: $447,000
- Median house rental price: $500 per week
- Distance from CBD: 25km
Roxburgh Park offers the best suburban homes in Melbourne for families regarding affordability. Roxburgh Park is dotted with good schools, sprawling reserves and parks, shops, and a very suitable location near transport stations have helped attract more families to the area.
With a population of 21,817 (2016 estimate), the suburb has several advantages: closeness to the train station, nearby shops, great schools, amazing parks, and a child care centre.
Check out more properties for sale in Roxburgh Park.
Coburg
- Median house price: $1,210,000
- Median unit price: $546,000
- Median house rental price: $670 per week
- Distance from CBD: 10km
Despite its closeness to the CBD, Coburg has maintained its suburban atmosphere. The charming neighbourhood is considered one of the best places to live in Melbourne. Its ambience ideal for families seeking robust city living has made it an attractive proponent for many.
With a population of 20,185 (2106 estimate), this suburb boasts several shopping malls, restaurants, and recreational centres. Coburg is a culturally diverse suburb with several local street and music festivals organised annually, helping to boost its outdoor activities and cultural landscape.
Check out more properties for sale in Coburg VIC.
Tips on finding a home for your family
Suggest Reading: You might want to also check out our guide on the Best Melbourne Suburbs for Schools.
Here are a few things to consider when you’re finding the best suburb in Melbourne for families as well as a home.
- Calculate your family’s budget; this will help you select a proper location.
- Consider your family’s safety; key metrics such as crime rate, environmental cleanliness, housing quality are factors to be considered when selecting a suburban family home.
- Check out proximity to schools and child care.
- Proximity to family, friends, and work; every family needs the support of friends and family without being far from work.
- Proximity to public transport; for those that rely on public transport to get around, getting a home within walking distance from public transport service is very important.
Looking for more of the best suburbs in Melbourne?
Without a doubt, Melbourne has several exciting suburbs for family living. Selecting one for you and your family will require effort and probably meeting the right broker.
If you want to search for the best suburban homes in Melbourne for families, we are available to help you. Please go through our search page to see some of our listings available right now. You can also download our app to enjoy the full Soho experience. Remember to shortlist or swipe left on the listings page to enable us to send you other options that fit your search criteria.
More on the Best Suburbs in Melbourne For Families
Where do most families live in Melbourne?
Most families in Melbourne live in suburbs like Glen Waverley, Ringwood East, Doncaster East, and Surrey Hills. They offer some of the top-performing schools, parks, and train access to the city.
Which suburb in Melbourne is best to live in?
The best suburb to live in Melbourne depends on individual preferences, such as proximity to the city, lifestyle, amenities, and budget.
However, some of the highly recommended suburbs include South Yarra, Fitzroy, and St Kilda for their vibrant communities, excellent amenities, and accessibility.
Which is the safest suburb in Melbourne?
According to crime statistics and local insights, the safest suburbs in Melbourne include Canterbury, East Melbourne, and Kew. These areas have lower crime rates and are known for their peaceful neighborhoods and strong community presence.
Is Melbourne a good place for families?
Yes, Melbourne is considered a great place for families. The city offers numerous family-friendly suburbs, excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities. Suburbs like Glen Waverley, Balwyn, and Hawthorn are particularly popular among families due to their strong sense of community, educational opportunities, and safe environments.
