10 Safest Suburbs in Melbourne: Live in Comfort and Security

Finding the safest suburbs in Melbourne is a top priority for families, professionals, and retirees looking for a peaceful place to call home. A safe suburb means lower crime rates, a strong sense of community, and a better quality of life. 

Melbourne’s suburbs stand out for their well-planned streets, active neighbourhood watch programs, and access to essential amenities, making them ideal for both homeowners and renters.

If you’re looking to buy in one of Melbourne’s safest suburbs, the mortgage brokers at LM Connect can help you secure the right home loan to match your budget and goals. With expert guidance, you can secure a safe place to live for yourself and/or your family. 

Let’s explore the 10 safest suburbs in Melbourne and what makes them great places to call home.

Top 10 Safest Melbourne Suburbs

Melbourne is home to many safe and welcoming suburbs, each offering a unique blend of community, security, and lifestyle perks. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly area, a quiet retreat, or a vibrant neighbourhood with low crime rates, these suburbs consistently rank among the safest. 

#1  Camberwell – A Family-Friendly, Low-Crime Suburb

Camberwell is one of Melbourne’s safest and most liveable suburbs, with a low crime rate and a strong sense of community. The area is known for its excellent schools, well-maintained parks, and tree-lined streets, making it a top choice for families. With a stable and prosperous community, Camberwell continues to be a secure place to live and invest.

✔ Why it’s safe:

• Crime rate: 3,500 offences per 100,000 people (well below Melbourne’s average)
• Strong community involvement and local events
• Quiet, well-lit streets and low traffic

#2  Canterbury – Exclusive and Secure with Low Crime Rates

Canterbury is a prestigious suburb with one of the lowest crime rates in Melbourne. It is known for its wide, leafy streets, luxury homes, and peaceful environment. This suburb has a strong neighbourhood watch presence and a well-connected transport system, ensuring safety for residents.

✔ Why it’s safe:

• Crime rate: 3,000 offences per 100,000 people (one of the lowest in the city)
• High-end residential area with long-term homeowners
• Strong community engagement and local safety programs

#3  Kew – A Safe Haven with Top Schools

Kew is a sought-after suburb due to its low crime rates, reputable schools, and excellent public transport access. With its close proximity to the city and safe, walkable streets, Kew attracts families and professionals alike. The suburb also has many parks and recreational areas, adding to its appeal.

✔ Why it’s safe:

• Crime rate: 3,800 offences per 100,000 people
• Family-friendly with top private and public schools
• Well-maintained public spaces and frequent police presence

#4  Balwyn – Perfect for Families and Professionals

Balwyn is consistently ranked as one of Melbourne’s most desirable and safest suburbs. It has low crime rates, excellent schools, and strong community engagement. The suburb is also known for its quiet streets, reliable public transport, and high-quality local amenities.

✔ Why it’s safe:

• Crime rate: 3,400 offences per 100,000 people
• Strong neighbourhood watch programs
• High community involvement in local events and safety initiatives

#5  Mont Albert – Quiet and Secure Neighbourhood

Mont Albert offers a safe and peaceful environment with low crime rates and a friendly community. The suburb has beautiful parks, good transport links, and a strong local school system, making it a great choice for families. Residents love the small-town feel combined with modern conveniences.

✔ Why it’s safe:

• Crime rate: 3,200 offences per 100,000 people
• Well-lit streets and low-traffic areas
• Family-friendly with safe parks and playgrounds

#6  Brighton – Beachside Living with Safety and Security

Brighton is one of Melbourne’s most secure beachside suburbs, known for its luxury homes and low crime rates. With a high police presence and community-led safety initiatives, Brighton is a safe and vibrant place to live. The suburb’s walkable streets, ample parks, and excellent schools make it a great option for families and retirees.

✔ Why it’s safe:

• Crime rate: 3,600 offences per 100,000 people
• Highly secure, with a strong local police presence
• Beachside lifestyle with safe, well-maintained public spaces

#7  Ivanhoe – A Safe and Leafy Suburb

Ivanhoe is well-known for its low crime rates, beautiful parks, and strong community connections. The suburb has well-maintained streets, top-rated schools, and excellent public transport, making it a popular choice for families. Ivanhoe’s active neighbourhood watch program contributes to its reputation as a safe and secure place to live.

✔ Why it’s safe:

• Crime rate: 3,500 offences per 100,000 people
• Safe and quiet, with a strong community presence
• Good public transport and accessibility

#8  Surrey Hills – Safe, Serene, and Well-Connected

Surrey Hills is a peaceful and safe suburb that attracts families and retirees. The crime rate here is well below the Melbourne average, thanks to its stable community and proactive safety programs. The suburb is also known for its quiet, tree-lined streets and excellent schools.

✔ Why it’s safe:

• Crime rate: 3,100 offences per 100,000 people
• Active community safety programs
• Excellent schools and family-friendly amenities

#9  Glen Waverley – A Secure Suburb with Great Amenities

Glen Waverley is one of the safest and most liveable suburbs in Melbourne’s east. It has low crime rates, great schools, and excellent transport links. The area also boasts a vibrant community with a mix of families and professionals, creating a stable and safe environment.

✔ Why it’s safe:

• Crime rate: 3,700 offences per 100,000 people
• Well-lit streets and strong community patrols
• Close to schools, shopping centres, and transport hubs

#10  Essendon – A Secure and Convenient Inner Suburb

Essendon is a safe and well-established suburb that combines proximity to the city with a family-friendly atmosphere. With low crime rates, many parks, and strong local policing, it’s a great option for those looking for security and convenience. The suburb has good schools, public transport access, and plenty of amenities.

✔ Why it’s safe:

• Crime rate: 3,200 offences per 100,000 people
• Safe, walkable streets and good lighting
• Strong local community and well-organised safety programs

*Note the crime rate data above is subject to change. For the latest data, visit Crime Statistics Agency Victoria and Victoria Police – Local Area Crime Data Report.

How to Choose the Best Safe Suburb for You

Finding the right suburb isn’t just about low crime rates—it’s about lifestyle, convenience, and long-term value. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a safe and liveable suburb in Melbourne:

• Research Crime Rates: Check offence rates, violent crimes, and drug offences on the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria website. Compare different suburb rates to find areas with the lowest crime.

• Consider Proximity to Schools: If you have children, proximity to schools, secondary schools, and primary schools is essential. Look for suburbs with reputable schools and safe routes for students.

• Look at Property Prices and Affordability: Compare median house prices and property prices in your chosen suburbs. Some affordable options like Mont Albert or Glen Waverley offer safety without the high cost of living in areas like Port Melbourne or East Melbourne.

• Assess Public Transport and Walkability: Safe suburbs often have good tram routes, nearby transport, and train stations. Suburbs with access to trams and decent walkability offer greater convenience and security.

• Check Community Engagement and Lifestyle: A suburb with strong community spirit, regular community events, and ample amenities is generally safer. Areas with outdoor activities, neighbourhood activity centres, and recreational opportunities promote a secure and vibrant lifestyle.

• Visit the Suburb and Talk to Locals: Walk around at different times of the day. Check busy roads, nearby suburbs, and access to amenities. Speak to locals to get a feel for safety and liveability.

Looking to buy a home in one of Melbourne’s safest suburbs but unsure where to start? That’s where LM Connect comes in. Our team of expert mortgage brokers understands the property market and can help you secure the right home loan based on your budget and goals. Call us today to get started!

FAQs

Which suburb is the safest in Melbourne?

Canterbury is widely considered the safest suburb in Melbourne, with one of the lowest offence rates in the city. The suburb has low violent crimes, strong community spirit, and excellent primary schools. Its proximity to schools, reliable nearby transport, and low crime statistics make it an ideal suburb for families and retirees.

What suburb has the lowest crime rate in Victoria?

Canterbury and Balwyn rank among the lowest crime rate suburbs in Victoria. These safe cities within Melbourne have low violent crimes, strong neighbourhood activity centres, and minimal drug offences. Residents enjoy access to trams, ample amenities, and suburban safety while staying close to the Melbourne CBD.

What are the safest suburbs near the Melbourne city centre?

For those looking for safe suburbs close to the city centre, East Melbourne, Kew, and South Melbourne are top choices. These central neighbourhoods have good walkability, reliable tram routes, and access to amenities. With decent walkability, nearby transport options, and proximity to schools, these suburbs offer a great balance of safety and city access.

Are Melbourne’s northern suburbs safe?

Some northern suburbs like Ivanhoe, Essendon, and North Melbourne are known for low crime rates, family-friendly environments, and good educational opportunities. However, dangerous suburbs with higher offence rates and drug offences can be found in parts of Broadmeadows and Dallas. Researching suburb rates, culture scores, and nearby suburbs is essential before choosing a home.

Which Melbourne suburb is the most affordable and safe?

If you're looking for an affordable option with low crime rates, consider Glen Waverley and Mont Albert. These suburbs offer ample opportunity for families, strong community events, and access to trams. The median house price in these areas is lower than in Port Melbourne or East Melbourne, making them an attractive option for first-time buyers.

What should I look for in a safe suburb?

A safe suburb typically has low offence rates, good proximity to schools, and strong community involvement. Look for areas with low scores for crime, stable property prices, good public transport access, and ample outdoor activities. Suburbs with secondary schools, busy roads under control, and reliable tram routes tend to be liveable suburbs with great opportunities for families.

How do I check crime rates before moving to a Melbourne suburb?

To check a suburb’s offence rate and violent crimes, visit the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria website. Compare scores for crime, median price trends, and suburb rates on real estate websites. Also, consider the culture score, recreational opportunities, and amenities for families before deciding on a suburb.

Finding Your Safe Haven in Melbourne

Choosing the right suburb is one of the most important decisions when buying a home. With 2025 just around the corner, now is the perfect time to explore Melbourne’s safest suburbs and find a place that suits your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.

At LM Connect, we make the home loan process simple and stress-free. Our expert mortgage brokers will guide you through every step, ensuring you get the best loan for your needs. Book a free consultation today and take the first step toward buying a home in a safe and thriving suburb. Call 0423 713 362 or visit LM Connect to get started!