Best places to live in Melbourne

Use this Melbourne article to identify the questions and locations worth comparing for your household. This article was published on April 15, 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.

Described as ‘Australia’s cultural capital’, Melbourne has a lot going for it.

It has regularly ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world, with world-class food, sport, arts and major events on offer.

But what are the best places to live in Melbourne?

A 2021 study by major accounting firm PwC Australia sought to rank Melbourne’s most liveable suburbs, with rankings based on a range of key factors.

These included proximity to open space, medical services, access to amenities and public transport, housing prices, housing density, access to shops and cafes, access to playgrounds, street safety and ‘walkability’.

Here are the suburbs which the study ranked as the top-10 most liveable in Melbourne.

1. Northcote (Score: 10.0)

Just 7km north-east of Melbourne’s CBD, Northcote enjoys a mix of inner-city convenience and a strong suburban community feel. It has excellent public transport options, a thriving arts scene and plenty of green spaces.

2. Heidelberg/Rosanna (Score: 9.5)

North-east of the CBD, the suburbs of Heidelberg and Rosanna offer a leafy family-friendly suburbs feel while only being about 30 minutes from the middle of Melbourne. There are good schools and plenty of shops, green spaces and hospitals in the area.

3. Essendon/Aberfeldie (Score: 9.3)

About 7km north-west of the CBD, these up-and-coming suburbs offer easy access to Melbourne while enjoying a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere. There are plenty of parks and green spaces, reputable schools and shopping options nearby.

4. Wantirna (Score: 9.3)

Lying in Melbourne’s east about 27 km from the CBD, this area has a lot of local amenities with a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, a hospital, a leisure centre, primary and secondary schools and a TAFE institute. It is also well-connected, through both public transport and major roads.

5. Montmorency/Briar Hill (Score: 9.2)

These leafy north-east suburbs – located about 18km from the CBD – have plenty of character and are popular among both young families and those seeking a more relaxed outer suburban life. There is a strong local café scene, great public schools and plenty of parks and reserves nearby. The city centre is about 40 minutes away by train.

6. Greensborough (Score: 9.1)

Located next door to Montmorency and Briar Hill, Greensborough is another leafy north-east suburb with good schools, lots of parks and easy access to public transport and major roads. Greensborough also has a large shopping centre with shopping, dining and entertainment options.

7. Blackburn (Score: 9.1)

In Melbourne’s eastern suburbs about 16 km from the CBD, Blackburn is known for some delightful parks and reserves among the suburban landscape. It is a safe area and there are excellent schools, shops and restaurants. Public transport options are readily available, while the nearby Eastern Freeway provides road access direct to the city.

8. Kew (Score: 9.1)

In Melbourne’s inner-east, the leafy Kew provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. There are some lovely historical homes and buildings, mixed in with contemporary residences. The area has high-quality schools and well-renowned restaurants.

9. Ringwood (Score: 9.1)

In Melbourne’s east about 25 km from the CBD, this area blends green spaces with urban convenience and is more affordable than other parts of the city when it comes to housing. Ringwood is home to one of Victoria’s largest retail precincts, boasts good schools and children’s amenities and is well-connected through public transport and major roads.

10. Coburg (Score: 9.1)

An inner-north suburb with an up-and-coming vibe, Coburg is about 8 km from Melbourne’s CBD. It is a diverse, multicultural area which is reflected in its restaurants, shops and overall atmosphere and adds to its character. It is also well-connected, with several tram lines offering access to the city as well as train stations being nearby.

Making a move to Melbourne?

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At Fragile Removals & Storage, we are one of Australia’s leading removalists and offer services for local moves within Melbourne as well as interstate moves from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

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Test the Melbourne 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 Melbourne moving services and request a detailed quote. Use the moving advice index for the next preparation decision.