The Best Suburbs in Ballarat for Living – 2025 Guide

I’m Joaquín Trapero, owner of North Removals. Over two decades of moving Victorians, I’ve been part of countless journeys to Ballarat – from young families seeking more space to retirees looking for a quiet community. As premier regional removalists, my crew and I have criss-crossed this historic goldfields city, giving me a front-row view of what each suburb has to offer. In this guide, I’ll share personal anecdotes and professional insights into Ballarat’s best suburbs for liveability in 2025.

Whether you’re after safety, good schools, green parks, or investment potential, I’ve got you covered with local knowledge (and a few stories from the moving truck). Let’s dive into the best suburbs in Ballarat through the eyes of someone who has helped many make these places home.

Safety First – Ballarat’s Safest Suburbs

When choosing a place to live, safety is paramount. I’ve unloaded trucks on quiet Buninyong streets where neighbours still leave doors unlocked, and I’ve navigated busier areas where you keep an eye out. Ballarat as a whole has a higher crime rate than some cities, but it varies greatly by suburb. Some areas enjoy small-town security and peace of mind. 

For example, when I helped a family move from Melbourne to Ballarat, they were thrilled by how safe and serene Miners Rest felt at night—“you can actually see the stars and not hear sirens,” the dad joked. Below is a snapshot of Ballarat’s suburbs with the lowest rates of criminal incidents (per 100,000 people), based on the latest data:

Safest Suburbs in Ballarat by Crime Rate

Suburb	Criminal Incidents per 100k Residents (latest year)
Buninyong	2,634
Miners Rest	2,794
Invermay Park	3,191
Canadian	3,636
Ballarat North	4,011
Alfredton	4,272
Mount Clear	4,459
Brown Hill	4,820
Lake Wendouree	5,525
Mount Helen	5,751
Lucas	6,048
Black Hill	6,392

Source: Aucrimerate

It’s worth noting that the safest suburb by data is actually Addington (at effectively zero incidents) – but it’s a tiny rural locality on Ballarat’s outskirts with only about 60 people. For everyday folks, the suburbs in the table above are as safe as it gets. 

As you can see, outer village areas like Buninyong and Miners Rest boast very low crime rates. These are tight-knit communities where everyone knows the local shopkeeper and crime is almost an oddity. Invermay Park and Canadian are also quiet residential pockets.

The Canadian Regional Park at their doorstep might have something to do with the tranquility too. Alfredton, a popular family suburb, also has a low crime rate considering its size. It’s well below Ballarat’s overall average (for context, the city-wide incident rate is around 9,900 per 100k). This aligns with what I’ve seen on the job: whenever we move someone to Alfredton’s tree-lined streets, there’s a comforting calm and plenty of Neighbourhood Watch stickers on windows.

Living in these areas, you’ll enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. Families let their kids ride bikes on the street in Buninyong, and retirees in Miners Rest often tell me they love the quiet, country-town feel. Of course, basic precautions are wise everywhere, but in these Ballarat neighbourhoods, a friendly wave and watchful eye from neighbours are often the best security system.

Relationship Between Home Prices and Crime in Ballarat Suburbs

Safety and housing costs often go hand in hand, but Ballarat offers some pleasant surprises. In my experience, you don’t always have to pay a fortune for a safe address – but it helps to do your research. I’ve helped first-home buyers moving out for the first time into affordable areas and seen them delighted to find the streets as peaceful as pricier parts of town. On the flip side, I’ve moved people out of the city centre who were seeking a safer environment for their money. Let’s compare some suburbs to see how median house prices align with crime rates:

Housing Prices vs. Crime Rate in Ballarat

Suburb	Median House Price (2025, AUD)	Crime Rate (Incidents per 100k residents)	Safety & Value Insights
Lake Wendouree	$1,225,000	5,525	Premium suburb, heritage homes, low urban crime rate
Newington	$750,000	6,210	Close to top schools, safe & desirable
Alfredton	$605,000	4,272	Popular family suburb, affordable safety
Ballarat North	$580,000	4,011	Quiet residential area, stable prices & very low crime
Lucas	$565,000	6,048	New homes, family-friendly amenities, moderate safety
Mount Clear	$540,000	4,459	Leafy suburb, good safety, mid-range prices
Brown Hill	$530,000	4,820	Growing area, good value, low crime
Delacombe	$520,000	9,190	New estates, rapidly developing, average crime rate
Ballarat East	$460,000	7,855	Heritage charm, improving area, moderate crime
Sebastopol	$410,000	10,320	Affordable, improving but above-average crime
Wendouree	$430,000	8,200	Budget-friendly, convenient amenities, moderate crime
Ballarat Central	$580,000	41,136	Central location, nightlife area, elevated crime rates

Source: ABS

Looking at these figures, a few things stand out. Lake Wendouree is Ballarat’s premier suburb – grand heritage homes by the lake, leafy streets, and a prestige price tag to match (around $1.2 million median). It enjoys a relatively low crime rate for an urban area. Most incidents here tend to be minor property crimes (theft from cars during lake events, for example). 

Alfredton offers an excellent balance – moderate prices (by Ballarat standards) and one of the lowest crime rates in the city. For about $600k you get a modern family home and peace of mind. On moving day, we frequently see kids playing on the front lawns and neighbours chatting over the fence in Alfredton. The data backs it up: with roughly $605k median price and only ~4,300 incidents per 100k people, Alfredton gives you safety without a seven-figure mortgage.

By contrast, Sebastopol has one of the more affordable median house prices in Ballarat (around $410k), but its crime rate is a bit higher than the city average. As a long-established working-class suburb with a mix of industrial areas, Sebastopol sees more incidents (about 10,300 per 100k). Many of those are petty crimes, but it’s noticeable. The upside is that Sebastopol’s housing is budget-friendly and it’s rapidly improving – new shopping complexes and housing estates are sprouting, and the community is working to shed old stigmas.

In Ballarat you can find safe suburbs across the price spectrum. Expensive enclaves like Lake Wendouree are secure, but so are affordable spots like Alfredton or nearby Ballarat North (median around the mid-$500k range, very low crime). My advice to clients is always to weigh what matters most – is it absolute tranquillity, or being walking distance to the action? With Ballarat’s variety, you can usually find a happy medium.

Best Ballarat Suburbs by Access to Good Schools

As a removalist, I hear a lot about schools – often on the drive over to the new house! Ballarat has a fantastic range of educational options, and certain suburbs are magnets for families because of this. I’ve moved families who specifically said, “We chose this suburb so our kids could go to that school.” 

If you’re relocating for school reasons, it’s worth exploring our guide on How to Choose a Removalist to ensure your move goes smoothly. Certain suburbs in Ballarat are synonymous with top-tier schools, drawing families seeking quality education combined with a community feel. Here’s a snapshot of suburbs notable for their standout schools:

Top Schools in Ballarat Suburbs

Suburb	Notable Schools	Type of Institution
Newington	Ballarat Clarendon College	Independent, Co-ed, Prep–12
Newington	St Patrick’s College	Catholic Boys, Years 7–12
Wendouree (Lake Gardens)	Ballarat Grammar	Independent, Co-ed, Prep–12
Lake Wendouree	Loreto College	Catholic Girls, Years 7–12
Alfredton	Ballarat High School	Public Co-ed, Years 7–12
Alfredton	Alfredton Primary School	Public Primary
Mount Clear	Damascus College	Catholic Co-ed, Years 7–12
Buninyong	Buninyong Primary School	Public Primary

Source: My School Australia

Newington is often the top pick due to institutions like Ballarat Clarendon College, frequently ranked among Victoria’s best. Moving a family there recently, the parents told me their priority was Clarendon’s stellar academic record. Wendouree’s Lake Gardens area, close to Ballarat Grammar, attracts families nationally for its spacious campus and academic excellence. Alfredton is another magnet suburb thanks to Ballarat High School’s strong reputation. I’ve moved multiple clients specifically because they wanted to ensure their children were within Ballarat High’s catchment zone.

Schools undeniably shape neighbourhood dynamics. Families in these areas often share similar educational values, fostering vibrant community networks around school sports, parent associations, and local events. Choosing your suburb based on schools is not just an educational investment—it’s a social one, too. Ballarat’s educational landscape ensures that wherever you unpack your boxes, top-quality education is always within easy reach.

Access to Health Services in Ballarat Suburbs

In my line of work, I’ve moved many folks who chose their suburb to be closer to health facilities – sometimes it’s young couples planning for a family at the hospital, other times it’s older residents wanting peace of mind in case of emergencies. Ballarat is well-served with medical facilities, primarily the Ballarat Base Hospital (public) and St John of God Hospital (private), both located in the central Ballarat area. 

For families or individuals needing special relocation support, we also offer dedicated NDIS Removalist services, providing additional peace of mind during your move. No matter where you live in the city, you’re within a reasonable drive of care. Here’s a quick guide to how far some suburbs are from a major hospital:

Hospitals and Clinics in Ballarat Suburbs

Suburb	Nearest Major Health Facility	Distance
Ballarat Central	Base Hospital (Ballarat Central)	0 km (within suburb)
Sebastopol	Base Hospital (Ballarat Central)	~5 km
Lucas	Base Hospital (Ballarat Central)	~8 km
Miners Rest	Base Hospital (Ballarat Central)	~10 km
Buninyong	Base Hospital (Ballarat Central)	~13 km

Source: Victorian Department of Health

As shown above, if you live in Ballarat Central, you’re right on the doorstep of the Base Hospital – handy for medical workers and those who want ultra-close access. Suburbs like Sebastopol and Redan on the south side, or Wendouree on the north, are usually a 10-minute drive or less to the Base or St John of God. Lucas, a growing suburb to the west, is about 8 km away.

Even the “far-flung” suburbs of Ballarat aren’t very far in reality. Miners Rest (northwest) and Buninyong (far south) are around 10–13 km from the city’s hospitals, roughly a 15–20 minute drive. For daily healthcare needs, all these areas have GPs and pharmacies nearby too – but for serious matters, residents rely on Ballarat’s central health precinct.

In addition, Ballarat has specialty clinics and an upcoming massive redevelopment of the Base Hospital (adding new emergency and acute facilities). So access to healthcare is only getting better. Wherever we drop off your moving boxes in Ballarat, you can be confident that good care isn’t far down the road. And as someone who’s seen clients through moves during pregnancies, illnesses, and everything in between, I know how important that peace of mind can be.

Ballarat Suburbs and Their Major Parks/Reserves

If there’s one feature of Ballarat that consistently delights new arrivals, it’s the abundance and variety of green spaces. As someone frequently navigating moving trucks through Ballarat’s suburbs, I often overhear excited clients pointing out nearby parks or reserves, imagining weekends spent walking, cycling, or picnicking. In my experience, access to quality green space significantly boosts the lifestyle and happiness of a suburb’s residents.

Moving often involves decluttering, so if you’re preparing for a move, our guide on How to Get Rid of Old Furniture can be especially helpful. Whether it’s expansive reserves, serene botanical gardens, or neighbourhood parks buzzing with activity, Ballarat has green spaces that cater to all interests. Here’s an overview of suburbs known for their beautiful and generous parks:

Ballarat Suburbs and Their Major Parks/Reserves

Suburb	Notable Park or Reserve	Approx. Area	Features and Highlights
Lake Wendouree	Lake Wendouree & Ballarat Botanical Gardens	238 hectares	Walking trails, picnic areas, iconic gardens
Newington	Victoria Park	130 hectares	Sports grounds, family playgrounds, jogging tracks
Canadian/Mt Clear	Woowookarung Regional Park	641 hectares	Bushwalking, mountain biking, native wildlife
Black Hill	Black Hill Reserve	21 hectares	City views, hiking trails, mountain bike courses
Buninyong	Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve	90 hectares	Scenic views, bush trails, birdwatching
Alfredton	Alfredton Recreation Reserve	Community-sized	Sports facilities, playground, community events
Delacombe	Delacombe Wetlands & Recreation Area	Community-sized	Nature trails, wetlands habitat, family areas

Source: Visit Ballarat

Lake Wendouree stands out as the heart of Ballarat’s green identity—its scenic walking paths, tranquil waters, and vibrant botanic gardens make it a daily retreat for locals. When I helped a retired couple move to the area, their excitement about morning walks along the lake was palpable. Meanwhile, families in suburbs like Newington and Alfredton value accessible parks for sports and social gatherings. Woowookarung Regional Park offers Canadian and Mount Clear residents immediate bushland adventure, ideal for active, outdoor-focused families.

Having a beautiful park nearby isn’t just about aesthetics—it builds community, encourages active lifestyles, and provides essential space for relaxation. In Ballarat, the city’s parks are integral to suburban life, enriching every neighbourhood and making moving day feel like the start of a permanent holiday. Wherever you choose to live here, expect your weekends to be spent enjoying nature just minutes from your doorstep.

Investment Potential in Ballarat Suburbs

Ballarat’s property market has been sizzling in recent years, becoming a favourite for investors and homebuyers alike. I’ve certainly noticed the trend – a few years ago I mainly moved long-time locals around town, but now I’m just as likely to be unloading a truck for a Melbourne investor setting up a rental, or a Sydney family relocating to take advantage of Ballarat’s growth. 

Considering investing or moving here due to affordability? Check out our comparison article: Melbourne vs. Ballarat: Cost of Living, Jobs, and Lifestyle. Let’s break down some suburbs with strong investment potential, including their median house price, recent growth, rental yield, and what makes them stand out:

Top Ballarat Suburbs for Property Investment in 2025

Suburb	Median Price (2025, AUD)	5-Year Growth	Rental Yield	Key Highlights
Lake Wendouree	$1,225,000	+40%	3.2%	Prestige suburb, limited supply, high capital growth
Newington	$750,000	+45%	3.5%	Near elite schools, stable demand, heritage properties
Alfredton	$605,000	+50%	3.8%	Family-friendly, excellent amenities, consistent demand
Ballarat North	$580,000	+52%	4.0%	Quiet, sought-after suburb, excellent long-term investment
Lucas	$565,000	+60%	4.2%	Modern suburb, new amenities, strong population growth
Delacombe	$520,000	+55%	4.5%	Growth corridor, Delacombe Town Centre, popular with renters
Ballarat East	$460,000	+55%	4.4%	Gentrifying area, heritage homes, close to CBD
Wendouree	$430,000	+65%	4.8%	Affordable entry point, transport links, high rental demand
Sebastopol	$410,000	+60%	4.9%	Cheapest suburb, urban renewal, attractive rental yields
Canadian	$545,000	+50%	4.3%	Popular family area, bushland setting, ongoing growth
Brown Hill	$530,000	+53%	4.4%	Expanding residential area, appealing to families
Mount Clear	$540,000	+48%	4.2%	University proximity, stable rental demand

Median prices and yields are as of early 2025; growth is estimated from 2018–2023 trends. Source: Open Agent and Domain.

Suburbs like Lake Wendouree and Newington offer blue-chip investments. Although pricier, they deliver stable capital growth and consistent demand, thanks to prestigious locations and top-tier schools. Alfredton and Ballarat North are ideal for those seeking steady long-term returns. Fast-growing areas like Lucas and Delacombe provide excellent upside potential, especially appealing to younger investors who prefer new builds and contemporary living.

Understanding moving costs is crucial when planning your budget—use our Moving Cost Calculator to accurately forecast expenses. Budget-conscious investors find remarkable value in suburbs like Sebastopol and Wendouree, which offer affordable entry points coupled with impressive rental yields. These areas are evolving rapidly, attracting tenants who appreciate convenience and affordability. 

In summary, Ballarat’s investment landscape is diverse enough to match any investor’s strategy, from prestige properties to high-yield bargains. With careful consideration and a bit of foresight, investing in Ballarat can yield rewarding returns—something I’ve witnessed repeatedly as residents upgrade, expand, or simply capitalise on the city’s steady growth.

Welcome Home to Ballarat (We’ll Get You There!)

Looking back at the suburbs we’ve explored, it’s clear Ballarat offers something for everyone: peaceful country-style living in Buninyong or Miners Rest, vibrant heritage neighbourhoods in Ballarat East and Central, family-friendly communities in Alfredton and Newington, and exciting growth areas like Delacombe. Each pocket of this city has its own charm – and I’ve had the privilege to witness it all from the driver’s seat of a moving truck.

If you’ve found your perfect suburb (or even if you’re still deciding), when the time comes to make the move, North Removals is here to move you from Melbourne to Ballarat. My team and I take pride in not just transporting furniture, but in easing your transition into the community. We know the streets (yes, even those tricky narrow lanes in Soldiers Hill or the new estates where Google Maps gets confused!). We’ll handle the heavy lifting so you can start exploring your new neighbourhood – maybe take a stroll around the block, chat with the neighbours, or visit that park or café you’ve been eyeing.

Ballarat in 2025 is a city on the rise, but it hasn’t lost its friendly, easygoing soul. Whether you’re drawn by safety, affordability, schools, greenery, or opportunity, there’s a suburb here ready to welcome you. And speaking as someone who’s helped so many call Ballarat home, I can say there’s no better feeling than watching a client smile as they step into their new house, ready to build a life in this wonderful city. When you’re ready to take that step, we are the best rated removalist in Victoria and we’ll be right there with you, turning the keys to the truck as you turn the keys to your new home. Welcome to Ballarat!