10 of the Best Suburbs to Live in Melbourne in 2020 | Transcorp (2024)

  • South Yarra
  • St Kilda
  • Carlton
  • Brunswick
  • Footscray
  • Fitzroy
  • Richmond
  • South Melbourne
  • East Melbourne

Are you outgrowing or getting bored with the area you currently live in? Do you want to move to a new location, but are struggling to choose from the dozens of possible suburbs? There are many things to take into account before making a decision, such as the suitability of the lifestyle, the proximity of shopping and entertainment options, and the ease of travelling around.
10 of the Best Suburbs to Live in Melbourne in 2020 | Transcorp (1)
Using data collected by the experts at Domain Group, a leading real-estate business in Australia, we’ve covered 10 of the best suburbs to live in Melbourne, keeping various liveability factors and elements in mind. Whether you’re looking for houses to buy or houses to rent, this information can help make your decision easier and as a leading local removalist in Melbourne , we can help with all aspects of your move.

1. South Yarra

10 of the Best Suburbs to Live in Melbourne in 2020 | Transcorp (2)

South Yarra is among the most liveable suburbs in Melbourne. Located 4km south-east of the CBD, it has a population of over 25,000 and boasts a thriving shopping, café and nightlife culture. Chapel Street and Toorak Road are bustling centres of activities, with many entertainment and food & drink options to choose from, all of which can be easily accessed via a public transport system that offsets traffic congestion.

South Yarra has an abundance of job opportunities, including but not limited to the hospitality sector. The suburb is also home to several popular landmarks and attractions including the Prahran Market for fresh produce, the Jam Factory for upmarket shopping, the Network 10 TV headquarters, and numerous open spaces such as the Royal Botanic Gardens all within reasonable walking distance. In addition, the suburb contains prestigious residential addresses and grammar schools.

2. St Kilda

10 of the Best Suburbs to Live in Melbourne in 2020 | Transcorp (3)

St Kilda is the perfect suburb to live for people who love being close to the beach and want to be surrounded by a thriving culture consisting of cafés, live music, cinema and festivals. Located 6km south-east of the CBD, the suburb currently boasts a population of over 20,000 and is within walking distance of a number of popular attractions. This includes the historic Luna Park with its carnival rides, the Palais Theatre where live music is regularly performed, and the Art-Deco styled Astor Theatre that hosts film festivals and private functions.

Public transport operates through the main arteries of Acland Street and Fitzroy Street. The houses to rent and houses to buy in St Kilda consist of an eclectic mix of residential styles, some of which includes palatial mansions, grand terraces and modern apartments. The St Kilda beach attracts large numbers of water sport enthusiasts all-year round. The suburb also hosts one of the largest free festivals in Australia featuring street performances, community activities, market stalls, and much more. There are additionally numerous parks and gardens for those who love nature and open spaces.

3. Carlton

10 of the Best Suburbs to Live in Melbourne in 2020 | Transcorp (4)

Adjacent to the Melbourne CBD, Carlton is a suburb that ranks high in terms of culture. Lygon Street, also known as the ‘Italian Precinct’, is the birthplace of the café culture in Melbourne and has dozens of restaurants lining both its sides. The Readings Bookstore, Cinema Nova, Royal Exhibition Building and Melbourne Museum are all within walking distance for people who want to expand their knowledge and marvel at historically significant buildings.

Carlton also ranks highly with public transport, with trams running along Swanston Street through to Carlton North. Excellent health services are also available at the Royal Women’s Hospital and Royal Dental Hospital, both of which are located within close proximity to each other. The population of 18,000 people includes a high concentration of students living in apartments, many of whom attend the nearby RMIT University or University of Melbourne campuses.

4. Brunswick

10 of the Best Suburbs to Live in Melbourne in 2020 | Transcorp (5)

Brunswick is one of the oldest suburbs in Melbourne and has become a hub for young art creators and enthusiasts of all kinds. The area has a large student population who attend nearby secondary and tertiary schools. Known for its bohemian culture and exciting live music scenes, Brunswick also has a reputation for being home to some of the most popular shopping and dining destinations. The suburb scores exceptionally well for its high walkability and is among the best areas in terms of public transport. People who value the environment and enjoy spending time surrounded by nature also have access to a number of open recreational areas on its western border, including Brunswick Park.

5. Footscray

10 of the Best Suburbs to Live in Melbourne in 2020 | Transcorp (6)

Footscray has had a reputation in the past for being unsavoury and lacking security, but there’s no denying it’s now one of the best suburbs to live in Melbourne. The area is a hub of immigration and is renowned for its diversity and multiculturalism. Over 100 food & drink outlets are spread across the suburb, many of which offer international cuisine. It also has one of the lowest median prices for houses to buy out of the highly-rated suburbs.

Located 6km west of the Central Business District, Footscray boasts an emerging art scene as well as a growing number of bars and nightlife options. The suburb is well-serviced by public transport, including trams and trains that make travelling easy. The Footscray Market is adjacent to the Footscray train station, wherein fresh produce and seafood are available. Various educational institutions, public libraries and health services are also readily accessible.

6. Fitzroy

10 of the Best Suburbs to Live in Melbourne in 2020 | Transcorp (7)

Located 3km north-east of the Central Business District, Fitzroy is one of the most densely populated areas in Melbourne with over 10,000 people spread across just 100 hectares. The suburb has earned a reputation for its bohemian culture, live music performances and art exhibits. Artists gravitate towards the plethora of art studios, commercial art galleries and street art exhibitions.

Fitzroy is serviced by three tram lines and rates highly in terms of walkability. A large number of pubs and cafés are at your fingertips, giving locals no shortage of options for food & drink. Brunswick Street also has dozens of shopping and entertainment options. There’s additionally a diverse range of houses to rent and houses to buy, including Victorian-era terraced housing and modern apartments.

7. Southbank

10 of the Best Suburbs to Live in Melbourne in 2020 | Transcorp (8)

Southbank is a densely populated suburb with a population of over 18,000. The area is dominated by high-rise apartments, all of which are located within walking distance of Crown Casino, Southbank Promenade and more. This is one of the biggest entertainment precincts in Melbourne, with plenty of shopping and dining choices available. The Yarra River represents the northern border of the suburb, offering excellent cruise experiences and unobstructed views of the Melbourne skyline, making the suburb perfect for people who love spending time in an open environment. Five tram lines pass through Southbank, making it and other areas of the CBD easily accessible.

8. Richmond

10 of the Best Suburbs to Live in Melbourne in 2020 | Transcorp (9)

Richmond is one of the best suburbs to live in Melbourne for people who want to be close but not too close to the CBD. A current population of 26,000 people have no shortage of shopping, food & drink, entertainment, art and culture to soak up along Victoria Street, Bridge Road and Swan Street. The area is suitable for students, family units, and other groups who are looking for security without sacrificing their lifestyle. Houses to rent and houses to buy include residential styles from most periods, including Victorian-era terrace houses and modern apartments. Nature lovers can enjoy excellent tree cover as well as open environment spaces such as Burnley Park and Richmond Oval. The suburb is also served by several tram lines, making travelling and moving around the suburb easy.

9. South Melbourne

10 of the Best Suburbs to Live in Melbourne in 2020 | Transcorp (10)

South Melbourne is one of the oldest suburban areas in Melbourne, known for its Victorian-era streetscapes. It has a population of just under 11,000 people and is within walking distance of a number of retailers, art galleries, food & drink establishments and more along Clarendon Street and at the South Melbourne Market. The suburb also offers excellent tram access, with four routes travelling through it.

10. East Melbourne

10 of the Best Suburbs to Live in Melbourne in 2020 | Transcorp (11)

East Melbourne ranks highly in most liveability factors, making it one of the best suburbs to live in Melbourne. An impressive number of cafés and cultural activities are located in the area in addition to some of the most impressive gardens in Melbourne. This includes Fitzroy Gardens, Treasury Gardens and the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Precinct, which encompasses three parks. East Melbourne is also served by several major tramlines and train stations.

Learn More Today

When it comes to relocating to a new location with ease, Transcorp Removals & Storage have been the preferred Melbourne removalists for over 35 years. We understand how stressful moving can be, which is why we do everything possible to make the process as simple and hassle-free as possible. At the end of the day, the best suburbs to live in Melbourne will depend on your lifestyle, level of convenience and entertainment for the whole family.

Our team offers award-winning services that are accredited by the Australian Furniture Removers Association, so you can rest assured we know exactly what we’re doing. Get in touch with us when you’re considering your next move for more details about what we can do and how we can help as your local removalist. Call us on 1300 466 838 or submit an online enquiry and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

10 of the Best Suburbs to Live in Melbourne in 2020 | Transcorp (2024)

FAQs

10 of the Best Suburbs to Live in Melbourne in 2020 | Transcorp? ›

The Australian Bureau of Statistics rankings, released on Thursday, are based on the latest Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), compiled using data from the 2021 census. The list of the most advantaged suburbs is dominated by locations in Melbourne's inner east, such as Toorak, Brighton and Malvern.

What is the best suburb to live in Melbourne? ›

  1. South Yarra. South Yarra is among the most liveable suburbs in Melbourne. ...
  2. St Kilda. ...
  3. Carlton. ...
  4. Brunswick. ...
  5. Footscray. ...
  6. Fitzroy. ...
  7. Southbank. ...
  8. Richmond.
Sep 30, 2022

What are the top 10 most expensive suburbs in Melbourne? ›

Cha-ching! These are the ten most expensive suburbs in Melbourne
  1. Toorak. Big surprise, right? ...
  2. East Melbourne. Next up, we've got this 'burb that's just two kilometres from the CBD. ...
  3. Brighton. ...
  4. Kooyong. ...
  5. Canterbury. ...
  6. Balwyn. ...
  7. Malvern. ...
  8. Kew.
Feb 23, 2023

What suburbs are booming in Melbourne? ›

Top 10 suburbs for house price growth
Suburb12 months to Sep-22 quarterAnnual change
Keilor East$1,100,00020.2%
Rosebud$896,50018.7%
Narre Warren South$818,00018.0%
Caroline Springs$772,50017.0%
6 more rows
Dec 9, 2022

Which are richest suburbs of Melbourne? ›

The Australian Bureau of Statistics rankings, released on Thursday, are based on the latest Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), compiled using data from the 2021 census. The list of the most advantaged suburbs is dominated by locations in Melbourne's inner east, such as Toorak, Brighton and Malvern.

Where do most Americans live in Melbourne? ›

Popular regions for Melbourne's American community
  • Nillumbik. ...
  • Port Phillip. ...
  • Stonnington. ...
  • Whitehorse. ...
  • Whittlesea. ...
  • Wyndham. ...
  • Yarra. ...
  • Yarra Ranges. The Shire of Yarra Ranges is located at the east of Melbourne and is a diverse mix of urban and rural communities.

Which is the safest suburb in Melbourne? ›

Melbourne's safest suburbs
  • Ferny Creek.
  • Selby.
  • Kallista.
  • Warrandyte.
  • Montmorency.
  • Donvale.
  • Sassafras.
  • Black Rock, Beaumaris.
Feb 9, 2023

What is the richest neighborhood in Melbourne Australia? ›

1. Toorak – $5.19m. Toorak, one of Melbourne's most exclusive and affluent suburbs, is a long-standing front-runner for property prices so it's no surprise to see this suburb at the top of the list yet again. Toorak is located about 5km south-east of the CBD and has a range of luxury properties on offer.

What is the posh area of Melbourne Australia? ›

Toorak: $5,000,000

Toorak has long been king of the hill, home to Melbourne's priciest, exclusive properties - and this is still true today. Why is Toorak so expensive? The inner city suburb has a combination of luxury lifestyle properties that are within a 6km radius of the CBD.

What is the richest street in Melbourne? ›

Melbourne's most expensive house in 2021 was located on Lansell Road in Toorak, sold for $43.1 million. The property was previously owned by British businessman Mark Healey and his wife Kelly.

What is the happiest suburb in Melbourne? ›

Northcote has taken out the title of the best Melbourne suburb to live in, in a new study by PWC (Pricewaterhouse Coopers). One of Australia's “big four” accounting and consultancy firms, it recently released the findings of its yearly City Pulse analysis, which charts liveability across the state.

Which Melbourne suburbs are rough? ›

  • Frankston North and Pines Forest. The suburb, which is located south-east of the Melbourne CBD, has had whispers about its security levels for a few years now. ...
  • Clyde, Clyde North, and Cardinia. ...
  • Rockbank and Plumpton. ...
  • Broadmeadows. ...
  • Aggravated Burglaries. ...
  • Securing Your Home.
Jan 22, 2018

Where do old money live in Melbourne? ›

Toorak, a Suburb of Melbourne, Is a Hub for Generational Wealth and Large Private Estates - Mansion Global.

What is the fastest growing suburb in Melbourne? ›

States and territories annual population growth, December 2022. Wyndham in Victoria was the fastest-growing area between 2019 and 2022, with 34,500 additional residents.

What is the average price of a house in Melbourne? ›

Median prices in Australia
CityMedian house priceMedian unit price
Melbourne$918,350$554,306
Sydney$1,168,806$744,672
Darwin$494,281$262,562
Canberra$779,050$441,055
4 more rows

Where do most Muslims live in Melbourne? ›

Melbourne's Australian Muslims live primarily in the northern suburbs surrounding Broadmeadows, (mostly Turkish), Coburg, Brunswick and Epping (mostly Lebanese). They also form communities in outer south-eastern suburbs such as Dandenong and Hallam (mostly Afghan and Pakistani).

Where do most English people live in Melbourne? ›

Popular regions for Melbourne's British community
  • Banyule. The City of Banyule is located between 7 and 21 km north east of Melbourne. ...
  • Bayside. ...
  • Boroondara. ...
  • Brimbank. ...
  • Cardinia. ...
  • Casey. ...
  • Darebin. ...
  • Frankston.

Which US city is most like Melbourne? ›

There are a few different US cities that have been regarded as being like Melbourne, Australia. However, the city that is generally considered to be the most like Melbourne is New York City. New York City is often compared to Melbourne in an economic hub sense.

Which Melbourne suburbs are most at risk of climate change? ›

They say Port Phillip residents – living in suburbs including Port Melbourne, St Kilda, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, Elwood and the urban renewal precinct of Fishermans Bend – are at particular risk due to the low-lying nature of the bayside suburbs.

What part of Melbourne should I live in? ›

Suggested Melbourne Neighborhoods

The CBD (Central Business District) – Right in the action. St Kilda – a historic suburb, close to beaches. Richmond – a cool, hip suburb not far from the city. Fitzroy – Great for a night out, or boutique shopping.

What is the most educated suburb in Melbourne? ›

Princes Hill, in the lap of Melbourne University, has the state's highest concentration of post-graduates. East Melbourne, Carlton North, Clifton Hill and Parkville, all with universities on their doorstep, predictably rate highly for education as well.

What are the most undervalued suburbs in Melbourne? ›

Melton is the cheapest suburb in Melbourne with a median house price of $410,000 and tops the list as the most affordable suburb in Melbourne, followed by Melton South ($441,000), Cobblebank ($545,000) and Kurunjang ($445,000).

Why are houses in Melbourne so expensive? ›

House prices in Australia are extremely high compared to income, relative to other countries. The market is propped up by rules that provide tax deductions for property investment, and by repeated state government bonuses for first home buyers. Furthermore, the supply of new homes is hard to generate.

What is the average income in the Melbourne suburbs? ›

INCOME AND HOUSING COSTS

The suburb with the highest individual income is East Melbourne, where half of the adult population earns at least $1532 a week. The suburb with the lowest is Campbellfield/Coolaroo with $437 a week. For all of Victoria, the median individual weekly income is $803.

What is the hipster capital of Melbourne? ›

Fitzroy. Ranked third on UK Telegraph's list of the '15 Most 'Hipster' Neighbourhoods in the World' is Fitzroy. Just two kilometres from the CBD, Fitzroy is not only the hippest but also Melbourne's oldest suburb, dating back to 1839.

What celebrities live in Toorak Melbourne? ›

But Toorak in particular is packed with wealth and fame, being home to the mansions of trucking magnate Lindsay Fox, property developer Harry Stamoulis, Chadstone Shopping Centre part-owner John Gandel, former Essendon Football Club chairman Paul Little, tech entrepreneur Ruslan Kogan, retailer Solomon Lew – and the ...

What are the top investor suburbs revealed in Melbourne? ›

They are: the Brunswick and Lalor house markets and the Malvern East, Clayton, Box Hill and St Albans unit markets.

What is the Beverly Hills of Melbourne? ›

Beverley Hills is a landmark historic apartment development at 65 Darling Street in South Yarra, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia, designed by the architect and developer Howard Lawson, and built in 1935-36.

Who owns the most property in Melbourne? ›

McMillan family: 1.63 million hectares.

What is the most expensive house East Melbourne? ›

An East Melbourne penthouse overlooking Fitzroy Gardens and the Melbourne CBD has been acquired off-the-plan by a local family for $19 million, setting a new apartment benchmark in one of Melbourne's premier inner-city suburbs.

Where is Melbourne on the most liveable city? ›

Melbourne has been named Australia's most liveable city and the 10th in the world in the Global Liveability Index 2022 . Released by the Economist Intelligence Unit, the title is awarded to the city with the highest score for stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.

Where do the happiest Australians live? ›

Queensland's known as the Sunshine State. All those rays and the laid-back lifestyle might be among the reasons why it's Australia's happiest state,” Bayliss said.

Is it worth moving to Melbourne from Sydney? ›

Life in Melbourne trounces life in Sydney as the cost of living is at least 11% cheaper. Even rent is cheaper in Melbourne. A typical 1 bedroom rents at AUD 2,689 in Sydney and AUD 1,725 in Melbourne. Also moving around in Melbourne is easy as the city has a well-thought public transport network.

Where do most Americans live in Australia? ›

Western Sydney is particularly popular with American expats, while the Northern Beaches Area is great for families. Sydney is a major player on the world stage, which has an undeniable effect on the cost of living here.

Where do most Asians live in Melbourne? ›

The City of Darebin is located to the north of Melbourne and has a population of about 150,000 people covering suburbs such as Bundoora, Northcote and Thornbury. Many of Darebin's residents come from Sri Lanka, India, Egypt and the Middle East.

Where do all the Arabs live in Melbourne? ›

Melbourne's Arab community is Australia's second largest. Settled in Coburg, Brunswick, Endeavour Hills, Dandenong, Sunshine, Keilor, Altona and Footscray, the community is divided by religious, national and political differences.

What are the healthiest suburbs in Melbourne? ›

Fitzroy, Carlton, and St Kilda are some of the healthiest places in Melbourne to live in terms of walkability and the principle of the 20-minute neighbourhood.

Which suburbs in Melbourne have the most homeless? ›

In Melbourne, high homelessness rates are found in Dandenong about 25km from the city, as well as in Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Moreland, Darebin and Whitehorse councils.

What is the coolest neighborhood in Melbourne? ›

Melbourne's Coolest Neighborhoods
  • St Kilda. Just south of Melbourne's city center, this buzzing beachside suburb is packed with beauty, culture, and entertainment. ...
  • Windsor. ...
  • Fitzroy. ...
  • Brunswick. ...
  • Collingwood. ...
  • South Yarra. ...
  • CBD.

Why is Toorak so popular? ›

Toorak is home to more than 270 shops and businesses ranging from fashion boutiques, cafes, restaurants, beauty therapy, and hair salons. There are also many highly reputable cosmetic and medical clinics inside Toorak Village, located between Wallace Ave and Grange Road.

Where were the slums in Melbourne? ›

As far back as the 1850s, slums existed in inner city Melbourne. Slum dwellers lived a squalid existence. Often, they had no bathrooms, or sewerage. They lived in ramshackle housing, with leaky roofs and holes in the walls.

Is there still Melbourne money left? ›

When will Midweek Melbourne Money end? Midweek Melbourne Money will close 11.59pm Monday 11 April 2022. You still have until 11.59pm Thursday 14 April 2022 to get any outstanding claims in.

What is the booming city in Australia? ›

Wyndham in Victoria was Australia's fastest growing region over the past three years, with an additional 34,500 to its population between 2019-2022 for a December estimate of 308,900 residents.

Which of the Melbourne suburbs have property prices risen and fallen most? ›

The biggest falls in house prices in Melbourne over the past year were in Lower Plenty and Toorak. Bonbeach and Brunswick West bucked the trend, recording rises above 30 per cent compared to the previous year. Noble Park's unit prices rose by more than 40 per cent.

What is the most sought after suburb in Australia? ›

Australia's most expensive suburbs, excluding Sydney's top 20
RankSuburbCity
1MosmanSydney
2RossmoreSydney
3BringellySydney
4DorroughbySydney
16 more rows
Jan 17, 2023

Can foreigner buy house in Australia? ›

Can foreigners purchase property in Australia? While it is entirely possible for foreigners to purchase property in Australia, they have to be granted permission to do so by the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).

Are Melbourne property prices dropping? ›

Prices are forecast to decline across all capital cities in 2023, with the largest falls expected in Sydney (-8% to -11%), Brisbane (-8% to -11%), Canberra (-8% to -11%), Melbourne (-7% to -10%), and Hobart (-7% to -10%).

What is the average age to buy a house in Melbourne? ›

The ABS has a number of interesting statistics regarding the identities of Australia's first home buyers. The average age is between 31 and 33 and the majority are couples, with about half of these including children.

What is the most in demand suburb in Melbourne? ›

The most in-demand suburbs across the state where houses are attracting hundreds of competing buyers have been revealed. New PropTrack data showed Kangaroo Ground, 26km northeast of the CBD, was the most in demand for houses, with up to a whopping 484 buyers battling for each listed property.

Where is gentrifying in Melbourne? ›

Footscray and Yarraville were also suburbs that were showing similar signs of gentrifying, he said. Wealth has also increased rapidly in Thornbury, the median weekly income having risen from $641 in 2011 to $1041 by 2021, an increase of 62 per cent.

Are Melbourne house prices dropping? ›

Prices are forecast to decline across all capital cities in 2023, with the largest falls expected in Sydney (-8% to -11%), Brisbane (-8% to -11%), Canberra (-8% to -11%), Melbourne (-7% to -10%), and Hobart (-7% to -10%).

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Melbourne? ›

The average cost of living in Melbourne, Australia per month is around $2,500 for a single person. This includes expenses for housing, food, rent, transportation, entertainment, and other amenities.

Is it a good idea to move to Melbourne? ›

Great city for coffee, education and culture

If you are a coffee addict, love culture and great food, you'll dig Melbourne. The Victorian capital is one of the most exciting and diverse in Australia, offering a variety of academic options and employment opportunities.

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