The Best Suburbs in Melbourne for Living – 2025 Guide

I’m Joaquin Trapero, owner of North Removals. Following the huge success of our article Worst Suburbs in Melbourne, I’m excited to share my insights in our latest article, where I’ll reveal the absolute best suburbs in Melbourne right now.

Melbourne is a city of diverse and vibrant suburbs. From the leafy eastern streets to the edgy inner-city lanes, each area has its own charm. As specialists in interstate removalist services, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing these neighbourhoods up close – unloading trucks on quiet family-friendly courts, navigating bustling inner-city laneways, and everything in between. These day-to-day experiences have given me a unique perspective on which suburbs shine for liveability, community spirit, and convenience.

In the following guide, I’ll draw on my personal experiences and industry knowledge to highlight my top picks. Whether you’re after great schools and safe streets for the kids, a trendy café culture, or simply a friendly community vibe, I’ve got you covered. From young professionals to growing families, there’s a suburb on this list ready to welcome you. With my insider tips and anecdotes from the moving truck, let’s explore Melbourne’s best places to live in 2025.

Best Melbourne Suburbs for Families with Kids

Safety stands as an essential criterion when selecting the ideal location to bring up children. Crime rates within Melbourne suburbs show wide variations between areas because they directly influence both family living quality and neighbourhood tranquilly. The statistics indicate that suburbs located within a 20 km distance from city centre boast exceptionally low rates of crime which creates a secure living space for families.

These suburbs are also excellent choices if you’re moving interstate from Sydney to Melbourne, offering an ideal balance of lifestyle and safety for relocating families.

The following section features an extensive table that evaluates the best Melbourne suburbs through crime rate analysis. The data in this table enables you to select the best neighbourhood for family settlement.

Best Suburbs in Melbourne by Crime Rate (within 20 km)

Suburb	Criminal Incidents per 100,000 residents (latest)
Canterbury	3,000
Surrey Hills	3,100
Mont Albert	3,200
Essendon	3,200
Balwyn	3,400
Camberwell	3,500
Ivanhoe	3,500
Brighton	3,600
Glen Waverley	3,700
Kew	3,800

These ten suburbs in Melbourne boast the lowest crime rates within the inner and middle rings, making them particularly appealing to families. All are well below the metropolitan average crime rate (around 7,200 incidents per 100,000 people).

The combination of effective community safety measures and higher socioeconomic status in Canterburyresults in 3,000 crimes occurring among each 100,000 residents. More information about these initiatives exists at The property tribune. The crime rate in Camberwell, Balwyn and Brighton stands at 3,000–3,800incidents per 100,000 residents according to lmconnect.

The criminal activity rates in inner-city areas surpass 10,000 incidents per 100,000 people but residential suburbs maintain extremely low figures which designates them as secure zones. Active community watch programmes and excellent facilities along with steady long-term residents create safe conditions that lead to low crime rates in these neighbourhoods.

Median Property Prices vs. Crime Rate: A Melbourne Suburbs Overview

Suburb	Median House Price (AUD)	Criminal Incidents per 100,000 residents
Canterbury	$3,275,000	3,000
Brighton	$3,100,000	3,600
Balwyn	$2,880,000	3,400
Camberwell	$2,559,500	3,500
Essendon	$1,700,000	3,200
Glen Waverley	$1,659,000	3,700
Box Hill	$1,550,000	12,269
Brunswick	$1,263,000	9,877
Footscray	$945,000	19,491
Sunshine	$787,500	26,744

Property values in Melbourne’s suburbs directly relate to the crime rates in those areas. The affluent residential area of Canterbury maintains a crime rate of just 3,000 per 100,000 people because affluent and mature neighbourhoods tend to be safer areas.

Interestingly, compared to other major cities, Melbourne’s property market and lifestyle affordability consistently draw attention. If you’re evaluating costs, check out our detailed comparison on the Cost of Living in Melbourne vs Sydney for valuable insights before your move.

The crime rates in suburbs tend to be higher when housing costs are lower. These western suburbs of Melbourne such as Footscray and Sunshine hold median house prices of approximately $945k and $788k respectively while facing 20,000–27,000 incidents per 100k population which rates them among the highest crime areas in the city.

The suburbs of Essendon and Glen Waverley maintain an average price tag between $1.6 million and $1.7 million and show crime rates between 3,200 and 3,700 per 100,000 population. Notably, high-density inner-urban areas (e.g. Brunswick) can buck the trend – despite mid-range prices, Brunswick’s vibrant nightlife and population density contribute to a elevated crime rate near 10,000 per 100k. The data establishes that neighbourhoods with lower crime rates tend to have higher property values unless density or student population or nightlife activities influence pricing exceptions.

Top-Rated Schools in Melbourne Suburbs

Suburb	Notable Top-Rated Schools	School Level
Kew	Xavier College, Methodist Ladies’ College, Carey Grammar	Private secondary
Camberwell	Camberwell Grammar, Camberwell Girls’ Grammar	Private secondary
Balwyn North	Balwyn High School	Public secondary
Glen Waverley	Glen Waverley Secondary, Wesley College	Public & private secondary
Bentleigh East	McKinnon Secondary College	Public secondary
Parkville	University High School	Public selective secondary
South Yarra	Melbourne High School	Public selective secondary
Albert Park	Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School, Albert Park College	Public selective & secondary
Brighton	Brighton Grammar School, Firbank Grammar School	Private secondary
Berwick	Nossal High School	Public selective secondary

Source: My School Australia

Melbourne suburbs function as prominent educational hubs, offering prestigious public and private school options. Families moving interstate often prioritise proximity to quality schools. If you’re considering relocating from Sydney, our guide on Sydney to Melbourne Removalists explains how we manage seamless relocations that consider your educational priorities. 

The public school options in Balwyn North and Glen Waverley and Bentleigh East excel above other schools in academic performance rankings across the state. The educational capabilities of South Yarra and Albert Park stand strong because of their selective entry schools which include Melbourne High School and Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School respectively.

Proximity to Parks & Recreation in Melbourne Suburbs

Suburb	Major Parks/Green Spaces	Total Parkland Area
Parkville	Royal Park	181 hectares
Albert Park	Albert Park & Lake	225 hectares
Kew	Yarra Bend Park	260 hectares
Fitzroy North	Edinburgh Gardens, Merri Creek Trail	24 hectares
Templestowe	Westerfolds Park	123 hectares
Doncaster East	Ruffey Lake Park	68 hectares
Wheelers Hill	Jells Park	127 hectares
Williamstown	Williamstown Botanic Gardens, Foreshore	50+ hectares
Eltham	Yarra River parklands, Diamond Creek	Extensive reserves
Ferntree Gully	Dandenong Ranges National Park	Part of 3,540 hectares

The extensive green spaces in Melbourne suburbs create multiple recreation and relaxation possibilities which improve family life quality. The lakeside facilities at Albert Park combined with Royal Park in Parkville showcase prominent urban green spaces in this central area. Our Melbourne vs Geelong comparison highlights how suburbs with ample green spaces can positively influence lifestyle choices.

Family hikes and outdoor adventures can find their perfect setting in the larger bushlands that exist at Yarra Bend Park in Kew and Dandenong Ranges in Ferntree Gully. Templestowe, Doncaster East, and Wheelers Hill present accessible suburban parks suitable for family outings. Plenty of available parkland space draws active households to these residential areas.

Healthcare Accessibility in Melbourne Suburbs

Suburb	Major Nearby Healthcare Facilities	Distance/Location
Parkville	Royal Children’s Hospital, Royal Melbourne Hospital	Within suburb
Clayton	Monash Medical Centre & Children’s Hospital	Within suburb
Heidelberg	Austin Hospital, Mercy Hospital for Women	Within suburb
Box Hill	Box Hill Hospital	Within suburb
Footscray	Western Hospital (New Footscray Hospital from 2025)	Within suburb
Sunshine	Sunshine Hospital	~2 km
Dandenong	Dandenong Hospital	Within suburb
Frankston	Frankston Hospital	Within suburb
Prahran	The Alfred Hospital	~1 km
Werribee	Werribee Mercy Hospital	Within suburb

Source: Victorian Department of Health

These Melbourne suburbs offer exceptional medical services to families. Both Parkville and Clayton offer their residents major hospital facilities that are easily accessible. Heidelberg patients benefit from the medical services of Austin and Mercy hospitals, along with the Box Hill Regional Hospital Care Center. For detailed interstate logistics, our Moving Interstate Checklist will ensure nothing gets overlooked.

As you see in the charts before, safety, good schools, and nearby parks can make all the difference when we speak about the best suburbs for families. Suburbs like Canterbury, Balwyn, and Camberwell consistently rank lowest in crime rates—perfect for peace of mind. Glen Waverley also stands out with strong public schools and plenty of family-friendly amenities. Many of these spots lie within 20 km of the CBD, which not only keeps commute times reasonable but also places you close to major hospitals in areas like Box Hill or Parkville. Altogether, these suburbs strike a wonderful balance of security, education, and community spirit.

Best Melbourne Suburbs for DINK Professionals (Dual Income, No Kids)

The selection of a suburb by DINK professionals depends on how well it matches their current lifestyle along with their planned future goals. An examination of Melbourne’s leading residential neighbourhoods follows based on lifestyle attractiveness and population statistics along with health facilities and real estate investment value.

Demographic Indicators for DINK-Friendly in Melbourne Suburbs

The table demonstrates that DINK professionals choose specific suburbs because they have high numbers of couple-only families alongside a substantial young adult population. The family makeup in Southbank and Docklands consists mainly of childless married couples who make up sixty-seven percent of the households. 

Similarly, Collingwood, Carlton and South Yarra show high proportions of DINK households. People aged 25-44 choose these residential areas because they suit the needs of young professionals and childless couples.

Suburb	% Couple Families Without Children	% Residents Aged 25–44
South Yarra	64.4%	50.9%
Fitzroy	56.8%	47.1%
Richmond	54.5%	47.9%
Carlton	59.1%	44.7%
Prahran	58.8%	49.2%
Brunswick	53.4%	46.9%
Southbank	68.1%	60.2%
Collingwood	62.5%	55.5%
Melbourne CBD	68.4%	50.5%
Docklands	65.0%	57.5%

The child-free population in central Melbourne suburbs shows rising trends based on these statistics. Urban professionals particularly find appeal in Southbank and Docklands neighbourhoods because of their high density of DINK couples. The combination of professional young communities in Fitzroy and Collingwood along with South Yarra makes these neighbourhoods extremely attractive to DINK households.

Investment Potential in DINK-Friendly Melbourne Suburbs

The table shows essential investment metrics that demonstrate the advantages of suburbs where DINK professionals like to invest through rental yield and median property pricing data. The rental market demand in Carlton and Melbourne CBD produces high rental yields for units. Southbank and Docklands also offer solid apartment yields. These neighbourhoods have median house prices surpassing one million dollars but apartment investments start at $500k and extend to $600k.

Suburb	Average Rental Yield (%) (units)	Median House Price	Median Unit Price
South Yarra	6.0%	$1,816,000	$555,000
Fitzroy	4.6%	$1,717,500	$775,000
Richmond	5.9%	$1,373,000	$550,000
Carlton	7.6%	$1,360,000	$420,000
Prahran	5.9%	$1,550,000	$520,000
Brunswick	5.2%	$1,263,000	$580,000
Southbank	6.3%	N/A	$590,000
Collingwood	5.7%	$1,175,000	$615,000
Melbourne CBD	7.1%	N/A	$560,000
Docklands	6.3%	$1,590,000	$615,000

Investors from Sydney considering relocating to Melbourne frequently choose apartments in central areas offering high rental yields and vibrant urban culture. Our team regularly assists professionals with Melbourne to Sydney moves, making these transitions smooth and stress-free.

Health and Wellness Facilities in DINK-Friendly Suburbs

DINK professionals who place importance on maintaining an active lifestyle prioritise their access to high-quality wellness facilities, including gyms and yoga studios, as well as wellness centres. This table shows the suburbs of Melbourne that stand out for offering extensive health and wellness facilities.

Suburb	Gyms Yoga & Pilates Studios	Wellness Centres & Spas
Melbourne CBD	22 17	12
South Yarra	16 14	9
Richmond	15 10	7
Fitzroy	12 13	6
Collingwood	10 9	5
Carlton	9 8	5
Brunswick	11 9	4
St Kilda	13 10	7
Docklands	8 6	4

These suburbs present outstanding conditions for people who want to live a health-focused lifestyle. The central business district of Melbourne features an abundance of fitness possibilities that consist of the premium yoga studio Move Yoga alongside all-encompassing gym facilities.

The fitness studios Kaya Health Clubs operate premium yoga and pilates classes in South Yarra and Prahran. The fitness markets in Richmond and Fitzroy have many diverse facilities including wellness centres and day spas which attract numerous visitors. 

As you can see in the charts before, DINK couples flock to Melbourne’s inner suburbs for that ideal blend of convenience, culture, and solid investment potential. Places like South Yarra, Fitzroy, and Collingwood boast thriving cafés, fitness studios, and strong rental yields—perfect if you’re keen on vibrant city living. Southbank and Docklands draw those craving modern apartments and quick CBD commutes, while Carlton shines for both high returns and walkable charm. You should also consider storage costs in Melbourne when living in one of these suburbs, as you’ll probably need extra space for your belongings.

Best Melbourne Suburbs for Retirees and Seniors

Retired and senior adults need to select suburbs which create peaceful conditions for their satisfying retirement. Safety together with healthcare accessibility and nearby parks play essential roles when selecting a suburb. Residents need to assess these along with life quality standards. If you’re relocating from cities like Adelaide, consider our detailed breakdown of Adelaide vs Melbourne living costs to help make an informed decision.

The following section explores the particular attributes that define optimal retirement locations for elderly residents within Melbourne. This table of Melbourne’s best suburbs for retirees and seniors will present detailed information about each area to help you make a decision about your settlement.

Demographic Overview: Average Age in Senior-Friendly Melbourne Suburbs

Suburb	Median Age (Years)
Brighton	48
Camberwell	43
Balwyn	42
Hampton	44
Essendon	37
Glen Waverley	40
Williamstown	45
Heidelberg	39
Altona	42
Box Hill	38

Source: ABS 2021 Census Data

The suburbs of Brighton, Williamstown, Hampton and Camberwell exhibit a median age of 48 years, 45 years, 44 years and 43 years respectively which exceeds the overall median age of 37-38 years in Melbourne thus they attract retirees and seniors. 

The designated locations establish communities that offer both developed infrastructure and age-appropriate lifestyles for elderly residents. Essendon (37 years) and Box Hill (38 years) represent suburbs with slightly younger demographics which maintain active mixed-age populations that receive senior-friendly services.

Health and Medical Facilities: Hospital Proximity in Melbourne Suburbs

Suburb	Nearest Major Hospital	Distance (km)
Heidelberg	Austin Hospital	Within suburb
Williamstown	Williamstown Hospital	Within suburb
Hampton	Sandringham Hospital	2 km
Glen Waverley	Monash Medical Centre (Clayton)	7 km
Camberwell	Box Hill Hospital	5 km
Balwyn	Box Hill Hospital	6 km
Essendon	Royal Melbourne Hospital	7 km
Brighton	Cabrini Hospital (Brighton/Malvern)	3 km
Altona	Williamstown Hospital	5 km
Box Hill	Box Hill Hospital	Within suburb

Source: Victorian Department of Health

Health care accessibility for retirees is excellent in these suburbs. Heidelberg is notably well-serviced, housing the Austin Hospital within its boundaries. Williamstown and Box Hill also have their own hospitals, providing residents immediate access. Hampton residents benefit from close proximity to Sandringham Hospital, while suburbs such as Brighton have convenient access to private medical facilities like Cabrini Hospital. 

Accessibility & Public Transport in Senior-Friendly Melbourne Suburbs

Suburb	Walk Score (out of 100)	Public Transport Options
Brighton	75	Train, Bus
Balwyn	72	Tram, Bus
Essendon	71	Train, Tram, Bus
Williamstown	71	Train, Bus, Ferry
Camberwell	70	Train, Tram, Bus
Hampton	70	Train, Bus
Heidelberg	67	Train, Bus
Altona	65	Train, Bus
Box Hill	80	Train, Tram, Bus
Glen Waverley	59	Train, Bus

Source: Walk Score Melbourne

Retirees who prefer walking will find ideal neighbourhoods in Box Hill (Walk Score 80) and Brighton (75) along with Balwyn (72) and Essendon (71). Every suburb provides residents with outstanding access to public transport through train service and tram service and bus service. 

The ferry services operated from Williamstown augment its overall attractiveness to visitors and residents. Glen Waverley provides transportation links through its train and bus network which enhance access for residents to travel regardless of their private vehicle ownership.

Community and Social Life: Senior Facilities & Clubs

Suburb	Senior Clubs & Community Centres (Approx.)	Libraries & Social Facilities
Camberwell	8	2
Balwyn	7	2
Brighton	6	2
Hampton	5	1
Williamstown	6	2
Heidelberg	4	1
Essendon	5	2
Altona	4	1
Glen Waverley	6	2
Box Hill	7	2

Camberwell, Balwyn, Brighton and Box Hill abound with senior clubs and social facilities, along with community centres, libraries and other social facilities. Williamstown and Glen Waverley also provide significant opportunities for social interaction through libraries and dedicated senior-oriented centres. 
Retirement institutions organise several programs including hobby clubs and educational seminars and fitness sessions and social events that create enriching experiences for senior residents.

As we can see in the charts above, well-connected suburbs make a real difference to later-life comfort. Places like Brighton, Williamstown, and Hampton stand out with higher median ages, easy hospital access, and strong community support—perfect if you value a calm environment and good medical care. Box Hill and Heidelberg also offer hospitals right on the doorstep, plus libraries and senior clubs. If a friendly, easy-going neighbourhood with great public transport and social facilities is your priority, these suburbs truly tick the boxes.

Found Your Best Suburbs in Melbourne? North Removals Makes Moving Easy!

Looking back at the suburbs we’ve explored, it’s clear that Melbourne offers something truly special in each pocket of the city. Every area we covered boasts a mix of friendly community spirit, convenient amenities, and welcoming, safe neighbourhoods. It’s no wonder our city is celebrated for its outstanding liveability. From family-oriented streets to lively urban hubs, Melbourne’s diverse housing options ensure that everyone can find a place to feel at home.

I remember one move that always makes me smile: a young couple asked me where to settle down and start their family. I suggested Northcote for its quiet parks and warm community — perfect for them. A year later, they told me they were happy with their decision – they’d made friends with the neighbours and their little one loved the local playground. Moments like that remind me why I’m passionate about what I do and why we are the best rated removalist in Melbourne.

If you’re thinking about moving to one of Melbourne’s best suburbs, I’d be thrilled to help make it happen. After thousands of moves, I know how to take the stress out of relocating. To ease your planning, use our change of address checklist for an complete list of task you have to do when moving homes. And if you are vacating a property after a long lease use our end of lease cleaning checklist! With these blogs, your move will be a piece of cake. See you in the next one!