15 Best Suburbs to Live in Melbourne: Find Your Ideal Place to Call Home

Finding the  best suburbs to live in Melbourne  can be a game-changer when you're dreaming of the perfect lifestyle blend of culture, green spaces, and top-notch amenities. Known for its vibrant arts scene, world-class education, and diverse communities, Melbourne continues to attract families, professionals, and investors alike.

If you're planning to settle down in one of Melbourne's sought-after suburbs, the expert mortgage brokers at LM Connect  can help you explore home loan options that suit your budget and goals—saving you time, money, and stress along the way.

Ready to discover the best suburb in Melbourne to live in? Let’s dive in right away.

1.  Ferntree Gully

Ferntree Gully is an ideal place to live, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and suburban convenience at the foothills of the stunning Dandenong Ranges National Park. Locals love the 1,000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk, a popular hiking trail that’s both a fitness challenge and a slice of history.

The suburb boasts family-friendly amenities like Westfield Knox Shopping Centre, quality schools, and easy access to public transport. With leafy streets, peaceful surroundings, and mountain views, Ferntree Gully truly offers that relaxing lifestyle many Melburnians dream of.

2. Berwick

Berwick is an ideal suburb for families and professionals, known for its charming village vibe mixed with modern conveniences. It’s home to Wilson Botanic Park, offering scenic walking trails, picnic spots, and breathtaking views right in the heart of the suburb.

With access to elite schools like Haileybury and St. Margaret’s School, plus shopping hubs like Eden Rise Village, Berwick ticks all the boxes. Its leafy streets, parks, and easy freeway and train access make it perfect for those chasing a balanced lifestyle.

3. Cranbourne

Cranbourne is a growing suburb that offers a great mix of affordability, community vibe, and access to nature, making it ideal for families and first-home buyers. It’s home to the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, perfect for weekend strolls and picnics surrounded by native flora.

With shopping hubs like Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre and reputable schools nearby, everything you need is right at your doorstep. Plus, Cranbourne’s regular train services and easy road connections make commuting into Melbourne CBD super convenient.

4. Richmond

Richmond is a vibrant inner-city suburb loved for its mix of trendy cafes, historic charm, and unbeatable location just minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. It’s home to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Bridge Road, famous for its shopping, restaurants, and bars.

With easy access to public transport, including trains, trams, and bike paths, getting around is a breeze. Richmond’s mix of period homes, modern apartments, and riverside parks makes it perfect for professionals, couples, and anyone craving that city lifestyle.

5. Glen Waverley

Glen Waverley is a highly sought-after suburb known for its top-ranking schools, family-friendly vibe, and cultural diversity. It’s home to The Glen Shopping Centre, packed with retail stores, dining spots, and entertainment options.

The suburb also boasts Kingsway precinct, a popular foodie hotspot offering everything from Asian cuisine to cozy cafés. With excellent public transport, including the Glen Waverley train line, and proximity to parks like Jells Park, it’s perfect for families and professionals alike.

6. Narre Warren

Narre Warren is a popular choice for families and first-home buyers, offering affordable housing, great schools, and a strong community feel. It’s home to Westfield Fountain Gate, one of Australia’s largest shopping centres packed with shops, dining, and entertainment.

The suburb also features plenty of green spaces like Bunjil Place and local parks, perfect for weekend outings. With easy access to the Monash Freeway and public transport, commuting to Melbourne CBD is super convenient.

7. Camberwell

Camberwell is a leafy, prestigious suburb known for its charming heritage homes, tree-lined streets, and vibrant community atmosphere. The suburb is famous for the Camberwell Junction and its Sunday Market, a local favourite for vintage finds and fresh produce.

Families are drawn to the area for its top-tier schools like Camberwell High and easy access to trams and trains. With parks, cafés, and boutique shopping all within reach, Camberwell offers an ideal blend of lifestyle and convenience.

8. Clayton

Clayton is a bustling suburb known for its cultural diversity, thriving local shops, and strong education and healthcare hubs. It’s home to the renowned Monash University Clayton campus and Monash Medical Centre, making it a prime spot for students and healthcare professionals.

Residents enjoy easy access to Clayton Road shopping strip filled with restaurants, fresh produce markets, and cafés. With excellent train connections and nearby parks like Namatjira Park, Clayton offers both convenience and a great community vibe.

9. Box Hill

Box Hill is a vibrant, multicultural suburb known for its bustling Box Hill Central Shopping Centre and famous Asian dining scene. It’s a major transport hub with trains, trams, and buses making city access super easy.

Families are drawn to top schools like Box Hill High School and plenty of green spaces, including Box Hill Gardens. With ongoing development and a lively community, Box Hill perfectly blends urban convenience with suburban charm.

10. Rowville

Rowville is a peaceful, family-friendly suburb known for its spacious homes, leafy streets, and scenic surroundings. Locals love spending weekends at Stud Park Shopping Centre and exploring the walking trails and lakes at Tirhatuan Park and Churchill National Park.

With quality schools, sporting facilities, and easy access to Eastlink, Rowville offers a great balance of nature and convenience. It’s the perfect spot for families looking for more space while still being connected to Melbourne.

11. Croydon

Croydon is a charming suburb offering a relaxed lifestyle with leafy streets, spacious homes, and a strong sense of community. Locals enjoy the convenience of Croydon Central Shopping Centre and easy access to the scenic Dandenong Ranges for weekend getaways.

The suburb boasts great schools, parks, and sporting facilities, making it ideal for growing families. With its own train station and good road links, Croydon provides a perfect balance of suburban living and city accessibility.

12. Emerald

Emerald offers a peaceful, semi-rural lifestyle surrounded by nature, making it ideal for those craving space and fresh air. The suburb is famous for Emerald Lake Park, perfect for family picnics, scenic walks, and riding the historic Puffing Billy Railway.

Locals love the village vibe with cozy cafés, local markets, and a close-knit community feel. With beautiful views of the Dandenong Ranges and plenty of outdoor activities, Emerald is a hidden gem for nature lovers.

13. Chadstone

Chadstone is a vibrant suburb best known for housing the iconic Chadstone Shopping Centre, the largest shopping mall in the Southern Hemisphere. It offers everything from luxury retail and dining to entertainment, making it a hotspot for locals and visitors alike.

Families enjoy access to quality schools, parks, and easy public transport connections to the city. With its mix of convenience, lifestyle amenities, and strong community vibe, Chadstone is a great place to call home.

14. Doncaster

Doncaster is a highly sought-after suburb known for its elevated views, modern homes, and family-friendly atmosphere. It’s home to Westfield Doncaster, a major shopping and dining destination offering everything from luxury brands to casual eats.

Locals enjoy plenty of green spaces like Ruffey Lake Park, perfect for picnics, walks, and weekend outings. With excellent schools, easy freeway access, and frequent public transport, Doncaster offers the perfect blend of convenience and lifestyle.

15. Footscray

Footscray is a vibrant, multicultural suburb known for its rich food scene, buzzing markets, and close proximity to Melbourne’s CBD. Locals love exploring Footscray Market for fresh produce and authentic international cuisine, especially Vietnamese and African eateries.

The suburb is also home to Victoria University and offers stunning city views from Footscray Park along the Maribyrnong River. With excellent train connections and a growing arts scene, Footscray perfectly blends urban living with cultural charm.

If you're planning to settle down in one of Melbourne's liveable suburbs, contact the mortgage brokers at LM Connect. Our expert brokers will assist you with home loans suitable to your lifestyle and financial goals. Contact us today at (03) 7020 1159!

Why Melbourne is One of Australia’s Most Liveable Cities

Melbourne has long been celebrated as one of Australia’s most liveable cities, thanks to its rich culture, world-class dining options, access to cafes and unique public spaces, each with a unique and attractive suburb. 

The city offers something for everyone, from bustling inner-city suburbs to peaceful outer suburbs filled with green parks and leafy streets. if you're looking for suburbs with an excellent tree cover, then Melbourne

This guide will help you discover the best suburbs with the best terms of liveability, focusing on affordable options with excellent amenities, a vibrant cafe scene, and a strong sense of place

FAQs

Which suburb in Melbourne is best to live in?

Melbourne boasts several popular suburbs, but Richmond, Glen Waverley, and Camberwell consistently rank high due to their wealth of amenities, strong public transport options, and ample lifestyle amenities. These established suburbs also enjoy solid property market performance and great future long-term growth potential.

What is the safest suburb to live in Melbourne?

Leafy suburbs like Canterbury, Kew, and Malvern are known as stable suburbs with lower crime rates and future growth potential. These areas are also attractive options for families thanks to their access to schools, lots of parks, and quiet residential suburb vibes.

What is the most affordable suburb in Melbourne?

Affordable suburbs like Werribee, Melton, and Cranbourne offer affordable property prices below the price threshold of many eligible first-home buyers. These suburbs provide good rental demand, potential investment return, and access to infrastructure projects that support future capital growth.

What is the happiest suburb in Melbourne?

Suburbs like Brighton and Elwood, with their beachside lifestyle, plenty of amenities, and vibrant community feel, are often considered the "happiest" spots. These areas offer a perfect blend of suburban lifestyle, ample lifestyle amenities, and scenic coastal views, making them attractive options for those seeking balance.

What are the best suburbs to live in Melbourne for families?

Suburbs among families like Berwick, Doncaster, and Glen Waverley are favored for their primary schools, lots of parks, and future growth potential. These areas also deliver solid property prices stability and strong access to schools, making them ideal for raising children.

How are rental prices and demand in Melbourne’s suburbs?

The rental market remains competitive in Melbourne, with suburbs like Footscray and Box Hill showing high rental demand and vacancy rates below 2%. Median rent varies by location, but rental properties in growth areas can generate solid rental returns and steady rental income.

What should first-time buyers or investors consider when choosing the best suburb in Melbourne?

First-time buyers and investment property seekers should compare median property prices, median unit price, and house prices while also factoring in living costs and additional costs like stamp duty. Areas with strong property price forecasts, good infrastructure projects, and potential for future capital growth make the most sense for long-term investment return.

Conclusion

Finding the best suburbs to live in Melbourne comes down to your personal priorities, whether it’s green spaces, excellent schools, vibrant communities, or proximity to the city. Melbourne has plenty of affordable options that offer a mix of lifestyle, amenities, and opportunities for families, young professionals, and investors. By exploring these suburbs and considering what fits your needs, you’ll be one step closer to finding your perfect home.

Ready to take the next step? Speak with the experts at LM Connect by calling (03) 7020 1159. We’re here to help you explore your options, find the right suburb, and make your dream of owning a home in Melbourne a reality!