Find your ideal place to live in Melbourne
Melbourne sounds like your new home. Whether this is your first home or you're upgrading, you should research Melbourne's neighbourhoods and regions.
Our unbiased guide to Melbourne's attractions should help you plan. Personal recommendations from friends and family are invaluable, but everyone has different needs.
Now, focus on your own and your family's needs. Looking at houses and cleaning the floors isn't enough to find a new home.
Finding a new home can feel like self-discovery. Why this suburb? You may want parks, tree-lined streets, and commercial districts. A small apartment near tram stops and cafes might do.
Regardless of your needs, the following profiles will help you find the best Melbourne suburbs.
City dweller
Inner Melbourne is calling all movers attending classes or working in the CBD, new to Melbourne, or interested in the city's modern architecture.
These densely populated areas have movie theatres, museums, libraries, nightclubs, and bars. Melbourne's cultural precincts make culturally diverse dining easy.
High population density and limited parking options make it difficult and expensive to find a parking spot in Melbourne's CBD. If you find a place without a garage, call us so we can arrange for street access on moving day.
City dwelling movers will benefit from Melbourne’s:
- Apartment Living
- Bars and Clubs
- Cafes and Restaurants
- Supermarkets
- High Fashion Shopping Precinct
- Interconnecting Public Transport
- Landscaped Gardens
- Private Schools
- Sports Culture
- Universities
- World-class Medical Facilities
- The inner-city suburbs that will suit a fast-paced lifestyle include Carlton, Docklands, Melbourne CBD, and Southbank.
Although the Melbourne CBD has a large offering, it may not be the ideal choice for all movers, and we have detailed other options below which are a better fit for these needs:
- Child-friendly Parks
- Family Community
- Large Living Space
- Medium/Large Pets
- Tree-lined streets
- Quiet Atmosphere
Urban and trendy
Are you as outgoing as people say? If you spend your week eating out, going to bars, and shopping for clothes, you're probably right. Suburbs with an urban, fashion-forward vibe attract those who don't want to live in the city.
Urban and trendy suburbs feature:
- Apartment Living
- Cafes and Restaurants
- Bars and Clubs
- Fashion Outlets
- Parklands
- Public Transport
- Sporting Facilities
Balaclava, Brunswick, Fitzroy, Richmond, South Yarra, St. Kilda, and Windsor have young, trendy populations.
These close-to-the-city suburbs feature modern and historic architecture. To move to any of these Melbourne neighbourhoods, you'll need an experienced removals company.
Surfer chic
Does morning bring sea breeze longing? Melbourne's west, south-east, and south peninsula suburbs offer beautiful Port Phillip Bay views and sand beaches, making them ideal for families, couples, and singles. These suburbs have plenty of brunch spots, boutiques, parks, pet beaches, and running paths for Sunday chilling.
Surfer Chic is ideal for relocation professionals who love the beach, sun, and water sports.
Melbourne’s Surfer Chic suburbs feature:
- Beach Facilities
- Cafes
- Family Community Atmosphere
- Local Markets
- Pet Friendly
- Public Transport
- Shopping Strips
- Walking Paths
- Water Sports
Brighton, Elwood, Mordialloc, Sandringham, and Williamstown have small to large living options.
Removal companies should have no trouble navigating your belongings in these suburbs, which have more open areas and wider streets.
Cultural diversity
Melbourne has a staggering number of ethnic and racial groups. Some suburbs feature Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Greek, Italian, and Eastern European culture. Insatiably curious about new cultures, languages, foods, and experiences may be your next step.
These Melbourne neighbourhoods are ideal for singles, couples, families, and retirees who value the city's culture.
Movers seeking cultural diversity will find that these suburbs feature:
- Cafes and Restaurants
- Child-friendly Parks
- Family Community Atmosphere
- Organic Food Markets
- Private Schools
- Public Transport
- Religious Schools
- Shopping Centres
- Walking Paths
- World Food Markets
Abbotsford, Box Hill, Carnegie, Caulfield, Footscray, Oakleigh, Preston, and Springvale are culturally diverse.
If Melbourne's cultural diversity isn't enough, consider moving abroad.
Old-world charm
Do you want to display your art and wine collections? Then find a suburb with artistic exteriors. Certain Melbourne suburbs offer the privacy and prestige you seek, whether you're a newlywed couple, a family, a retired couple, or a relocating individual.
These affluent Melbourne neighbourhoods are clean and convenient to the CBD, major roads, and shopping districts.
These elite Melbourne suburbs are well-maintained, within proximity to the CBD, major highways, shopping precincts, and also feature:
- Artisan Produce
- Boutiques
- Cafes and Restaurants
- Exclusive Community
- Fine Dining
- High-end Fashion Retailers
- Large Properties
- Parks
- Private Schools
- Public Transport
- Tree-lined streets
Many historic district trees are low to the ground, so check your street's clearance height. If your new home has a long driveway, tell your Melbourne movers before moving day.
Family-friendly
Best wishes to newlyweds! Families moving to Melbourne's best neighbourhoods should consider several factors. You and your family need a safe neighbourhood with a daycare and elementary school.
Melbourne's north, south-east, south, east, and west all have pleasant, affordable suburbs. These communities have access to public transportation, highways, and freeways and host sports leagues and clubs.
Family-friendly suburbs in the outer-Melbourne suburbs feature:
- Bulk-billing Medical Facilities
- Child Care Facilities
- Child-friendly Parks
- Family-Friendly Restaurants
- Family Community Atmosphere
- Neighbourhood Watch Programs
- Private Schools
- Public Schools
- Public Transport
- Religious Schools
- Shopping Centres
- Walking Paths
Melbourne suburbs ideal for raising families include Avondale Heights, Berwick, Cheltenham, Langwarrin, Montmorency, Ringwood East, Rosanna, and Upwey.
If you are a mover considering a large property in one of these Melbourne suburbs, it is also a good idea to consider removalists with skilled packing and unpacking services – getting all your belongings settled in a large place is a great deal of work. No unpacking job is too difficult for the trained and friendly staff at WridgWays.
We hope this guide has provided you with the information you need to find your new home.
Read more about this topic at https://www.wridgways.com.au/.
Discover Which Melbourne Neighborhood Fits You The Best
Are you searching for that perfect place in Melbourne to call home?
Keeping active
Your perfect day might include a morning jog and a stroll along the water. If so, consider St Kilda or Albert Park. Both St Kilda and Albert Park are on the water and are 6 km from the city.
Luna Park, the Palais Theatre, the St. Kilda Sea Baths, and the historic Esplanade Hotel are popular in St. Kilda, while Albert Park hosts the Australian Grand Prix.
Family-focused
Bentleigh's tree-lined streets, parks, and Centre Road's 250 shops and amenities are 13 km from the CBD. Kilometers has top schools and a quiet nightlife.
Sandringham is a family-friendly bayside suburb. This 16-kilometer-from-the-city-center suburb feels rural thanks to its green space, historic homes, and one of Victoria's oldest elementary schools.
Bohemian
Fitzroy welcomes and celebrates outsiders and nonconformists. Fitzroy was Melbourne's first suburb and still has homes from the 1850s.
Brunswick Street has restaurants, bars, vintage clothing stores, and used bookstores, and the annual Melbourne Fringe Festival is held there. The Veggie Bar has made this neighbourhood popular with vegans. Fitzroy has single-family detached houses and high-rise condo complexes.
City slicker
Want city life? You'll love Southbank. Southbank is a riverfront suburb with some of Melbourne's best restaurants and hotels.
Southbank is Melbourne's Arts Precinct, with the National Gallery of Victoria, Hamer Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre, Malthouse Theatre, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.
People from across the state visit Southinner-cityPromenade on weekends, and every Sunday there's an arts and craft market. Southbank is a high-rise suburb.
Historically inclined
Do you want Victorian homes and leafy streets? You'll love Abbotsford. This suburb features heritage-listed properties and local landmarks.
Abbotsford's landmarks include the Abbotsford Convent, Collingwood Children's Farm, and Dights Falls. Victoria Street, also known as Little Saigon, has some of Melbourne's best Vietnamese restaurants, and it's only two kilometres from the city.
Abbotsford has two train stations and a tram for kayakers, cyclists, and joggers.
The Best Suburbs to Live in Melbourne
Feeling cramped or bored in your current home? Are you deciding between dozens of suburbs? Before making a decision, consider the lifestyle, shopping, entertainment, and travel options.
South Yarra
The Prahran Market for fresh produce, the Jam Factory for upmarket shopping, Network 10 TV headquarters, and the Royal Botanic Gardens are all within walking distance. The suburb has prestigious homes and elementary schools.
St Kilda
Luna Park's carnival rides, the Palais Theatre's live music, and the Art-Deco Astor Theatre's film festivals and private events are included.
Buses travel Acland and Fitzroy streets. St Kilda has palatial mansions, grand terraces, and modern apartments.
St Kilda attracts watersport enthusiasts year-round. The suburb hosts Australia's largest free festival with street performances and more. Naturalists can visit parks and gardens.
Carlton
Carlton is a high-culture suburb near Melbourne's CBD. Lygon Street, also known as the 'Italian Precinct,' is the birthplace of Melbourne's café culture.
Readings Bookstore, Cinema Nova, Royal Exhibition Building, and Melbourne Museum are all walkable.
Trams run along Swanston Street to Carlton North. Royal Women's Hospital and Royal Dental Hospital offer year-round excellent health services. Many students from RMIT University and University of Melbourne live in apartments in 18,000-person city promenadeion.
Brunswick
Brunswick is one of Melbourne's oldest suburbs and a hub for young artists. The area has many secondary and tertiary students. Brunswick is known for its bohemian culture, live music scenes, and shopping and dining.
The suburb has great walkability and public transportation. On its western border, nature lovers can enjoy Brunswick Park and other open recreational areas.
Footscray
Footscray used to be unsavoury and unsafe, but it's now one of Melbourne's best suburbs. The area is known for its immigration and diversity.
Over 100 restaurants and bars offer international cuisine in the suburb. It has one of the lowest median home prices in highly-rated suburbs.
Footscray is 6km west of the CBD and has a growing art scene, bars, and nightlife. Trams and trains make travel easy in the suburb.
Near the station, Footscray Market sells fresh food. Accessible schools, libraries, and healthcare.
Fitzroy
Fitzroy, 3 km north-east of Melbourne's CBD, has over 10,000 people in 100 hectares. Bohemian culture, live music, and art exhibits define the suburb. Artists flock to art studios, galleries, and street art shows.
Fitzroy has three trams and is walkable. Locals have access to many pubs and cafés for food and drink. Brunswick Street has shops and entertainment.
Southbank
Southbank has over 18,000 residents. High-rise apartments are close to Crown Casino, Southbank Promenade, and more.
Richmond
Richmond is one of the best Melbourne suburbs for those who want to be close to the CBD. Victoria Street, Bridge Road, and Swan Street offer 26,000 residents shopping, dining, entertainment, art, and culture.
The area is good for students, families, and others who want security without sacrificing lifestyle. Rentals and sales include Victorian terrace houses and modern apartments.
Burnley Park and Richmond Oval offer excellent tree cover and open spaces. Several tram lines serve the suburb, making travel easy.
South Melbourne
South Melbourne is known for its Victorian-era streetscapes. It has a population of just under 11,000 and is near Clarendon Street and the South Melbourne Market. The suburb has four tram lines running through it.
East Melbourne
East Melbourne ranks high in liveability, making it one of Melbourne's best suburbs. Some of Melbourne's most impressive gardens and cafés are in the area.
Fitzroy Gardens, Treasury Gardens, and Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Precinct are included. Trams and train stations serve East Melbourne.
Conclusion
There are plenty of places to go in Melbourne's central business district, but it's not for everyone. People who don't want to live in the city are drawn to the suburbs that have an urban, hipster vibe. Finding a parking spot is a hassle and can cost a pretty penny due to the high population density and lack of parking facilities. The number of different racial and cultural communities in Melbourne is truly staggering. Cultures from all over the world, including China, Vietnam, India, Japan, Korea, Greece, Italy, and Eastern Europe, can be found in some of the suburbs.
These areas are wonderful for anyone who enjoys the city's cultural offerings, whether they're single, married, starting a family, or retired. Sandringham is a bayside community ideal for raising a family. The original suburb of Melbourne, Fitzroy, still has many buildings from the 1850s. Some of Melbourne's finest eateries can be found in the riverside suburb of Southbank. In Abbotsford, you can visit local landmarks and historic homes.
Well-known Melbourne neighbourhoods include Footscray, Brunswick, and Fitzroy. Historically a seedy and dangerous neighbourhood, Footscray has been transformed into one of the city's most desirable residential areas. Bohemian art and culture can be found all over Fitzroy. For those seeking a home in close proximity to Melbourne's central business district, Fitzroy is a top choice. Fitzroy is easily accessible by foot, has three tram lines, and is surrounded by lush greenery and wide open spaces. The Southbank Promenade and Crown Casino are within walking distance of the high-rise apartments in Southbank.
Content Summary
- We have the finest apartments in Melbourne.
- It seems as though you've made Melbourne your permanent residence.
- Whether you're a first-time buyer or an upgrader, it's important to learn about the various areas of Melbourne.
- Now tend to your own needs and those of your family.
- In any case, the profiles that follow will point you in the direction of the best Melbourne suburbs.
- Gymnasiums and sports arenas
- There are many young, hip people in Balaclava, Brunswick, Fitzroy, Richmond, South Yarra, St. Kilda, and Windsor.
- Any resident of Melbourne, whether young or old, single or coupled, culturally curious or settled, will find these areas to be a perfect fit.
- Suburban cafes and restaurants showcase a wide range of international cuisines.
- If you can't find enough cultural variety in Melbourne, maybe you should move abroad.
- Afterward, go to a residential area that prides itself on its artistic facades.
- If you're a family looking to relocate to one of Melbourne's top neighbourhoods, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
- Sandringham is a bayside community ideal for raising a family.
- Think about the culture, amenities, and accessibility of the area before making a final choice.
- One of Melbourne's earliest neighbourhoods, Brunswick today serves as a cultural epicentre for the city's creative class.
- The bohemian atmosphere, live music venues, and great restaurants can all be found in Brunswick.
- One of Melbourne's best neighbourhoods is located in what was once a seedy and dangerous area: Footscray.
- 6 kilometres west of Melbourne's central business district, Footscray is home to a burgeoning bar and club scene.
- The Fitzroy neighbourhood is located three kilometres north-east of Melbourne's central business district, and it covers an area of 100 hectares.
- When it comes to living in Melbourne's outer suburbs, Richmond is a top choice for those who value proximity to the central business district.
- The architecture in South Melbourne is typically Victorian.
- SydneyEast Melbourne is one of Melbourne's best suburbs due to its high liveability rating.
- The neighbourhood is home to some of Melbourne's best gardens and cafes.
- The East Melbourne neighbourhood is well-connected by trams and train stations.
FAQs About Melbourne
- South Yarra.
- St Kilda.
- Carlton.
- Brunswick.
- Footscray.
- Fitzroy.
- Richmond.
- South Melbourne.
A suburb with high liveability will typically have a range of high quality dining, culture, entertainment and shopping, whether that's local shopping villages or major retail centres. This includes: Restaurants and cafes focused on bringing communities together, such as The Kitchen at Waterford.
Reservoir is a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 12 km north of Melbourne's Central Business District. Its local government area is the City of Darebin. Reservoir is the largest suburb in Melbourne by land area.