Best places to live in Brisbane

Use this Brisbane article to identify the questions and locations worth comparing for your household. This article was published on April 29, 2024. Prices, population figures, service frequencies and market comparisons below belong to that publication context; check current information before making a housing or moving commitment. No neighbourhood description guarantees the conditions at a particular property.

The capital of the ‘Sunshine State’, Brisbane is known for its beautiful weather and more relaxed lifestyle.

Australia’s third biggest city by population behind Melbourne and Sydney, Brisbane also has a slightly lower cost of living.

But just where are the best places to live in Brisbane?

A study by accounting firm PwC Australia sought to find the answers, ranking Brisbane’s most liveable suburbs on a range of factors including housing, access to basic amenities, health facilities, green spaces and safety.

Here are the top-10 suburbs from the study –and why they are winners.

1. Toowong

Bordering the Brisbane River about 4 km south-west of the CBD, this historic area has a vibrant community atmosphere while enjoying inner-city convenience. There is lots of green space all around Toowong, which is home to a major shopping centre and a main street lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. Quality schools and good public transport options are also big ticks.

2. Coorparoo

Just a few kilometres south-east of the city centre, this area is a popular choice for families given its excellent schools and access to parks. There are also some trendy cafes, bars, restaurants and specialty shops in Coorparoo, which has a range of housing options and a relaxed atmosphere.

3. Tarragindi

About 6 km south of Brisbane’s CBD, Tarragindi is well-connected while providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. A leafy suburb with access to plenty of parks, reserves and playgrounds, it also has convenient amenities with shops, cafes and restaurants.

4. Mount Gravatt

As its name suggests, this suburb is situated around a hill about 8 km south-east of Brisbane. It offers a relaxed lifestyle and scenic views across the city, while having easy access to the city via roads or public transport. There is lots of green space nearby, along with shopping options, cafes and restaurants.

5. Kangaroo Point

An inner-city suburb which hugs the Brisbane River, this area has rich history and lots of older colonial-era cottages. There are stunning views to be had of the city and there are walking and cycling tracks along the riverbanks. A range of bars, restaurants and cafes line the streets and there are convenient public transport connections.

6. Greenslopes

About 5 km south-east of the CBD, this area is popular with families given its community atmosphere, good selection of schools, parks and playgrounds. There are multiple major shopping centres within easy reach, along with a range of dining options in what is a culturally-diverse area.

7. Ashgrove

A sought-after, leafy residential area about 5 km north-west of the CBD, Ashgrove has some character and charm about it. It is an escape from the busy city, but still has good access to major roads and public transport. There are well-regarded schools in the area and lots of parks, shops and cafes.

8. Auchenflower

An inner-city suburb about 2.5 km west of Brisbane, this area is known for its leafy streets and convenient access to all that Brisbane has to offer. It is close to Suncorp Stadium and has a train station for easy transport around Brisbane.

9. Wooloowin/Lutwyche

Located north of the CBD, this area is sometimes referred to as an ‘inner-city gem’. While it enjoys a quieter feel than some other inner-city suburbs, there are still plenty of amenities locally including shops, cafes and restaurants. Good public transport links are also handy.

10. Yeronga

A riverside suburb about 8 km south of the city, this area offers a relaxed, family-friendly suburban feel. There is plenty of outdoor fun to be had, with walking tracks along the river, a public pool and lots of parks and reserves. The area also has good schools and transport connections.

Are you planning a Brisbane move?

If you are looking to move to one of Brisbane’s most liveable suburbs, we can help.

At Fragile Removals & Storage, we are experienced and trusted removalists offering local moves within Brisbane – as well as interstate moves from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

To discuss all your moving needs or get a quote, contact us today on 1800 500 584.

Test the Brisbane shortlist against your ordinary week

Start with the places you need to reach regularly: work, education, care, shops and the people or activities important to your household. Compare the actual journey from a candidate address, including the time you need to arrive and return. A suburb's broad description does not establish a convenient commute from every street.

Visit the area at the times you expect to use it where practical. Compare the housing type and layout with your needs rather than choosing only by the suburb's reputation. If you are relying on a school, childcare place or a particular service, check eligibility and availability directly before making a commitment.

For schools, confirm the current enrolment or catchment position for the exact address. For property conditions and local hazards, use the relevant council, planning and other official information and obtain the property checks appropriate to the decision. A list of attractive features is not a substitute for checking the building and address.

Keep lifestyle descriptions separate from current market facts

Descriptions such as family-friendly, lively or relaxed help express the article's intended comparison, but different households value those qualities differently. Use the named places as a starting list and decide which features actually matter to you.

Historical rent, house-price, population, employment or cost-of-living figures should not be treated as current quotations or predictions. Check the date and scope of a comparison before using it. A broad claim that one city is cheaper or offers more opportunities does not settle your own housing, work or travel costs.

If two areas remain suitable, compare the practical trade-offs: the type of home, everyday travel, proximity to the services you need and the budget for that specific property. Record what still needs verification instead of treating an unanswered question as a positive feature.

Turn a property choice into a moving plan

Once you have an address, check the access before confirming the removal booking. Describe stairs, lifts, narrow entrances, parking and any restricted delivery hours. Check whether larger furniture can follow the route into the property and whether dismantling has been agreed.

Distinguish the date you receive keys from the expected arrival of your goods. For a journey between states, ask for collection and delivery windows and keep essentials accessible for the gap. If the property will not be ready, discuss storage options before fixing the delivery.

Use How to Choose a Good Removalist to compare written offers and the moving timeline to organise preparation. Update the team if the address, dates or access change after the quote.

For the transport stage, review Brisbane moving services and request a detailed quote. Use the moving advice index for the next preparation decision.