Melbourne is packed with suburbs that each have their own vibe. Some have leafy streets and historic homes. Others are all about the cafes, bars, and fast access to the city. Then there are the ones with big backyards, great schools, and enough space to breathe. Whether you’re looking for the best suburbs in Melbourne to settle down, the most expensive suburbs in Melbourne, or just a good suburb in Melbourne with a decent coffee shop, there’s a spot for you.
What Makes a Suburb Liveable?
The best Melbourne suburbs aren’t just about the houses. It’s about how easily you can get to work, whether the supermarket is five minutes away or a trek, and if the area actually has some character. Some people want parks and quiet streets. Others want nightlife and fast trams to the CBD.
Here’s what makes a good suburb in Melbourne stand out:
- Public transport: Trains, trams, and buses that actually run on time.
- Parks and beaches: Melbourne loves its green spaces. Some suburbs have more than others.
- Schools and childcare: If you’ve got kids, this one’s a big deal.
- Shops and cafes: Nobody wants to drive 40 minutes for a loaf of bread.
- Community feel: Is it family-friendly? Artsy? Full of students?
Best Suburbs in Melbourne for Local Living
Some people like staying close to home. If you work from home or just enjoy having everything within a short walk, these top suburbs in Melbourne rank high for local living:
- Northcote: Parks, cafes, and an unbeatable community vibe.
- Coburg: Just as cool as its pricier neighbours, with more space.
- Kew: Leafy streets, good schools, and a quieter pace of life.
- Fitzroy: If you want to be surrounded by coffee, street art, and live music.
- Yarraville: Feels like a small town but isn’t far from the action.
Best Melbourne Suburbs for Commuters
If you’re heading into the city every day, good transport links make life easier. These suburbs make getting to work (or back home) less painful:
- South Melbourne: Close to the CBD, with trams everywhere.
- Brunswick: Trains, trams, and a lively atmosphere.
- Essendon: Fast access to the city and the airport.
- Richmond: One of the best suburbs to live in Melbourne for young professionals.
- Hawthorn: A perfect mix of transport, cafes, and parks.
Melbourne’s Wealthiest Suburbs: Where the Big Money Lives
If money isn’t an issue and you want the best of the best, these most expensive suburbs in Melbourne are where you’ll find the mansions, fancy cars, and private schools:
- Toorak: The ultimate in luxury living, with homes that cost as much as small countries.
- Brighton: Beachfront mansions and boutique shopping.
- Canterbury: Huge houses, tree-lined streets, and an exclusive postcode.
- Malvern: Old-school charm meets high-end living.
- Armadale: A mix of heritage homes and modern architecture.
Best Suburbs in Melbourne for Families
Families need space, good schools, and a safe environment. These suburbs check all the boxes:
- Heidelberg: Great parks, schools, and a relaxed feel.
- Glen Iris: A solid mix of quiet living and city access.
- Balwyn: Known for its excellent schools.
- Mitcham: A little further out but worth it for the space.
- Eltham: If you like trees, parks, and a community vibe.
Best Melbourne Suburbs for First Home Buyers
Buying your first home? These suburbs are still (somewhat) affordable and have good investment potential:
- Sunshine: One of the fastest-growing areas with a lot of potential.
- Frankston: By the beach and still within reach for first-time buyers.
- Werribee: A great balance of price and liveability.
- Craigieburn: More space for your money.
- Reservoir: Close to the city but without the crazy price tags.
Hidden Gems: Underrated Suburbs in Melbourne
Some suburbs don’t get the attention they deserve. These spots fly under the radar but offer a great lifestyle without the massive price tag or crowds:
- Pascoe Vale: A solid mix of affordability and convenience.
- Altona: A coastal suburb without the Brighton price tag.
- Preston: Northside vibes with more space and a lot of good food.
- Mentone: Beachy but not as packed as its flashier neighbours.
- Macleod: A family-friendly area with parks, schools, and space.
Up-and-Coming Suburbs in Melbourne
Looking for a suburb that’s on the rise? These areas are still affordable (for now), but with new developments and growing demand, they won’t stay that way for long:
- Footscray: A mix of markets, modern apartments, and a growing foodie scene.
- Sunshine: A major transport hub with plenty of development.
- Thornbury: Northcote’s quieter cousin, but getting trendier.
- Clyde North: New estates, new schools, and lots of young families.
- Werribee South: By the water, with lots of investment happening.
If you’re planning a move, getting set up with energy connections and internet before you arrive is a smart move. Moveinconnect makes sure your utilities are ready, so you can settle in without the stress.
Best Suburbs in Melbourne for Renters
Not everyone is looking to buy. If you’re renting, you want affordability, convenience, and maybe a bit of character. These best Melbourne suburbs offer great rental options:
- Richmond: A mix of modern apartments and old-school terraces.
- Carnegie: Affordable and close to Monash University.
- Docklands: High-rise living with waterfront views.
- St Kilda: If you want to be near the beach and nightlife.
Why Your Suburb Matters
Where you live isn’t just about the house. It’s about the coffee shop you walk to on a Sunday morning, the park where your kids ride their bikes, and how long it takes to get home after work. The best suburbs to live in Melbourne offer a mix of lifestyle, convenience, and affordability but finding one that ticks all three boxes is rare.
If you’re thinking about moving homes, take a stroll through the area first. See what it feels like at different times of the day. Check out the local shops, the transport, and the people. The best suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, aren’t just the ones with the highest rankings. They’re the ones that feel right for you.
Final Thoughts on Melbourne’s Best Suburbs
Choosing where to live is a mix of personal preference, budget, and convenience. Whether you’re after the most expensive suburbs in Melbourne, a family-friendly area, or a hidden gem with potential, there’s a suburb for everyone.
And if you’re moving homes, don’t leave the essentials until the last minute. Moveinconnect helps with energy connections, internet, and everything else you need to make your new place feel like home from day one.
