If you’re considering a move here as an expat, you’ll find suburbs in Melbourne that perfectly match your lifestyle, whether you’re raising a family, studying or climbing the career ladder. Melbourne’s diverse neighbourhoods – from the city boundary to the charming bayside and beyond – each offer different flair and personality. We’ve aimed to cover a little bit of everything in this roundup of some of the top places to live in Melbourne.
East Melbourne
We’ll start with one of the closer suburbs to the city centre. East Melbourne is noticeable for its Victorian terraces and Art Deco homes, making it a standout neighbourhood within a couple of kilometres of the CBD. It attracts young independents and professionals alike, and has a great cultural scene, too. There are loads of restaurants, interesting architecture and gardens, tree-lined streets, and easy access to public transport. It’s also home to one of Australia’s great sporting venues, the Melbourne Cricket Ground or MCG (often referred to just as “the G”).
All of that comes at a price, however. East Melbourne is a generally affluent suburb, with terraces and grand mansions occupied mostly by prosperous young singles, mature couples and retirees drawn by the suburb’s close proximity to Melbourne’s centre.
Point Cook
Looking to buy your first home in Melbourne and close to the CBD simply isn’t an option? Add Point Cook to your list of possible places to move to. This is a highly liveable suburb for several key factors. Firstly, though it’s relatively new, there’s already a wide range of housing options, from family homes to modern apartments, catering to various lifestyles and preferences. Secondly, it’s not short on amenities and infrastructure, including schools, shopping centres, recreational facilities and healthcare services. There’s a well-connected transport network, including public transport options and major roads. And the rest of Melbourne is easy enough to reach (the CBD is 22km away).
Beyond practicalities, Point Cook’s natural beauty adds to its charm, with parks, landscaped reserves, wetlands and coastal vistas providing lots of opportunity for getting out and staying healthy. The suburb’s strong sense of community is also clear through its many cultural offerings, local events and community initiatives – it helps make for a welcoming environment for anyone moving here. In other good news, it’s on the more affordable end of the scale when it comes to buying a home to live in Melbourne.
Moonee Ponds
Moonee Ponds is in Melbourne’s inner north and another good option of where to live in Melbourne. It blends city vibes with a more suburban atmosphere, and is well-known for its selection of cafes, bars and shops. It also has plenty of greenery, giving it a fresher feel compared to other trendy areas.
The suburb is ideal for families and millennials alike. Families benefit from schools, homes and plenty of parks. Meanwhile, young professionals enjoy the short commute to downtown, reasonable rents, and having everything nearby.
Despite being close to the city, the area is also suitable for outdoor lovers. The Maribyrnong River and Queens Park offer a slice of nature and a break from urban life.
Moonee Ponds is also a hub for dining and shopping. Puckle Street is the go-to place for a variety of dining options. Additionally, you don’t have to travel far for vintage finds, with local charity shops offering a range of pre-loved items. Overall, it’s easy to see why Moonee Ponds is often rated among the top suburbs to live in Melbourne.
Mentone
Mentone is located 22 kilometres southeast from Melbourne’s CBD and feels quite distinct from the city’s energy. It’s recognised for its community-oriented atmosphere and, more recently, the regular emergence of new cafés and shops adding a lively touch to its main street.
This seaside suburb is increasingly becoming an appealing option for those considering relocation, whether it’s millennials who love the ocean, families or retirees. There are sporting groups to join, some prominent schools nearby, plenty of parks and playgrounds, and the beach is a central part of life.
Mentone has a peaceful setting that contrasts with places closer to the CBD (it’s about 40 minutes to the centre by train), but with new shopping, dining and drinking venues opening, and with easy access to suburbs like Cheltenham and Mordialloc, there’s enough going on to satisfy most newcomers.
Hawthorn East
Hawthorn East blends a family-friendly atmosphere with the perks of city living. It’s well-equipped with lively food options, shopping areas and fast transport to the CBD. Over the last five years, there’s been a noticeable increase in property values, influenced by the variety of Edwardian, Victorian and Art Deco homes on the market.
Anderson Park is a top pick if you’re looking for a spot to hang out on a sunny day. It was established back in the 1860s and it still a favourite place in Melbourne for a picnic.
Berwick
Berwick is far enough out of the centre of Melbourne – around 45km – to be described as “semi-rural”. But for many families, in particular, that’s one of its advantages. There’s a relaxed suburban feel here, with roomy streets and parks that give it a welcoming vibe.
Families like Berwick for the robust schools, the fact that there are plenty of things to do, and the connected nature of the community. Everything you need is close by, from the big Westfield Fountain Gate shopping centre, to places to eat, and healthcare services. For a nice combo of appreciating nature and the modern amenities available in the suburb, take a walk in the pretty 39-hectare Wilson Botanic Park then grab a morning coffee at a cosy café on the main street. It’s easy to see why Berwick is a top choice for many people who are looking at the best suburbs to live in Melbourne.
Collingwood
Collingwood has evolved a lot over the years, becoming a top choice for millennials looking for a trendy inner-city lifestyle in Melbourne. Easily accessible by train from the CBD, the suburb has a dense concentration of coffee shops, wine bars, galleries and design stores. Space is at a premium and there’s an active nightlife, making it perhaps more suitable for young singles and urban workers than for families who wants to live in Melbourne.
For those exploring Collingwood, it’s hard to single out just one spot, but notable mentions include Gum, a popular bar that brings a touch of nostalgia. Another must-visit is Collingwood Yards, a collective space hosting galleries, furniture designers, radio stations, book shops, bars and record stores – a true haven for creatives. It’s also home to the Stay Soft Night Markets, and Hope St Radio, whose freshly baked focaccia is much loved by locals.
Elwood
Elwood stands out for its lively community feel, combining the appeal of Art Deco apartments, parks and a beachfront promenade. It’s one of the suburbs in Melbourne that offers the convenience of both city and ocean access.
Compared to the glitzy nightlife of nearby St Kilda, Elwood is more about the café scene – there are great coffee and breakfast spots that attract brunch lovers from other suburbs. Elwood also sits well with an active lifestyle – residents enjoy biking along canal-side paths and jogging by the ocean. This neighbourhood provides a balanced environment where community spirit and leisure activities come together nicely.
Carlton North
Carlton North is one of Melbourne’s best regarded suburbs, appreciated for its mix of easy urban access and residential calm. Positioned just north of the CBD, it allows for easy entry into the city centre, yet provides a quieter environment, with streets that showcase Victorian and Edwardian homes.
You won’t get bored here either. Boutique shops, cafés, bars and restaurants populate the vibrant streets, particularly along Lygon Street. (This is known as Melbourne’s “Little Italy”, so expect lots of good Italian eats!) There are also local parks and gardens that reflect a strong sense of community, numerous recreational activities, and an abundance of schools, healthcare facilities and transport options.
Essendon
Essendon, located in Melbourne’s northwest, has been gaining more attention lately as a suburb of choice. It blends residential tranquillity and historical architecture with loads of active lifestyle options, from boutique shopping to cool eateries.
Education is a strong point here, with several schools enhancing the family-friendly reputation. Essendon is also one of the suburbs in Melbourne that’s home to a high-profile AFL football club (“the Bombers”), giving it a significant sporting culture too. (Carlton and Collingwood are two other suburbs in this list that have prominent Australian rules football teams.)
While property prices are on the high end in Essendon because of the proximity to the CBD, the combination of leisure, education and community makes it an increasingly popular choice for those looking to enjoy an engaging lifestyle while still having a peaceful home environment.
Also …
12 more suburbs in Melbourne that might suit you to a tee:
- Northcote
- Richmond
- St Kilda
- Brighton
- Elwood
- Beaumaris
- Eltham
- Caroline Springs
- Cranbourne
- Northcote
- Ringwood
- Prahran
Enjoyed reading about some of the best areas to live in Melbourne? Now discover a few fun things to do in and around the city.
