Thousands of Brits relocate to Australia every year. Melbourne draws more UK expats than almost anywhere else in the world, attracted by good weather, white beaches and exciting career opportunities. The city encapsulates Australia’s positivity and vibrancy from its beautiful coastline to the bustling high rises and leafy suburbs.
The benefits of living and working in Australia are clear but if you were going to move to Melbourne which part of the city would best suit you may be less obvious. There’s somewhere for everyone, from leafy, family-friendly neighbourhoods to buzzing, boho central suburbs. Here is our pick of the top 10 places to live in Melbourne.
1. Carlton & Fitzroy
Best suited to: Young professionals and students due to it’s trendy vibe and close proximity to the university
Property costs: In the past 12 months the median price of purchasing a property in Carlton was around $1,425,000 (AUD) and the median price of renting a property approximately $750 (AUD) per week. Prices are slightly higher in neighbouring Fitzroy. Accommodation options range from warehouse conversions to chic penthouses.
Transport links: Very good – the location is incredibly close to the central business district meaning for those working in the city, there is virtually no commute.
Lifestyle & recreation: With trendy cafes, bars and restaurants, both Carlton and Fitzroy are some of the most vibrant areas in Melbourne. Carlton has a thriving cafe culture, with an italian flavour felt throughout the venues, and some of the best coffee in the city available. Neighbouring Fitzroy is known as the creative and artistic heart of Melbourne, with a range of shops and hospitality venues centred around the exciting Brunswick Street area.
2. Coburg North
Best suited to: Professionals and families due to its safe, green reputation and proximity to the city centre.
Property costs: In the past 12 months the median price of purchasing a property in Coburg North was around $1,012,500 (AUD) and the median price of renting a property approximately $600 (AUD) per week. House prices are predicted to continue rising as the suburb continues to develop and grow. The area offers plenty of two to four-bedroom homes, making it ideal for families.
Transport links: Good – Coburg North is frequently serviced by trams and buses, taking around 40 minutes to reach Melbourne’s Central Business District.
Lifestyle & recreation: Coburg North offers excellent family-oriented amenities. Highlights include beautiful parks along the Merri Creek Trail, a drive-in cinema, a farmers market, and even an outdoor lounge. The area is also well-serviced by big chain supermarkets and restaurants, while still offering unique local spots.
3. Bentleigh
Best suited to: Families due to the highly respected schools in the area, and a balance between city and beach life in this quiet, green, and relaxed suburb.
Property costs: In the past 12 months the median price of purchasing a property in Bentleigh was around $1,632,500 (AUD) and the median price of renting a property approximately $800 (AUD) per week. Though there is a range of surprisingly affordable housing options, particularly in eastern Bentleigh.
Transport links: Good – Bentleigh is less than 30 minutes from central Melbourne, making it highly accessible for city commuters.
Lifestyle & recreation: While Bentleigh is a peaceful suburb, it’s close to the vibrant coastal areas of Brighton and St Kilda, offering everything from beautiful beaches and fish and chips to a fun fair. Within Bentleigh, there are plenty of parks, play areas, and a variety of sporting facilities including bowling greens, yoga centres, athletics, and aquatic clubs. The shopping scene is diverse, with supermarkets and international delis.
4. Brunswick
Best suited to: Young professionals and creatives looking for a multicultural, unpretentious, and cool vibe.
Property costs: In the past 12 months the median price of purchasing a property in Brunswick was around $1,266,500 (AUD) and the median price of renting a property approximately $720 (AUD) per week. The area features charming small Victorian houses, perfect for singles and couples, with larger homes available in the western part of the suburb for families.
Transport links: Very good – Brunswick residents can drive to the city centre in less than 20 minutes, but most prefer the tram, which is just as fast, more convenient, and eco-friendly.
Lifestyle & recreation: Brunswick is known for its independent spirit and character. It has a vibrant scene with unique shops, cafes, and bars that stand out from the rest of Melbourne. While it lacks glitz and glamour, it makes up for it with creative flair and a strong sense of community.
5. Essendon
Best suited to: Families and professionals seeking an affluent, friendly neighbourhood with great schools and beautiful properties.
Property costs: In the past 12 months the median price of purchasing a property in Essendon was around $1,765,000 (AUD) and the median price of renting a property approximately $710 (AUD) per week. The suburb features stunning Victorian and Edwardian homes along tree-lined streets, making it highly attractive to families and professionals.
Transport links: Very good – Essendon is close to the city centre with excellent public transport links, ensuring a quick and easy commute.
Lifestyle & recreation: Essendon has a welcoming, neighbourly vibe, offering plenty of pretty parks and a river to explore. It also boasts a wide variety of shops and restaurants, with nearby Moonee Ponds offering even more unique, independent retail options.
6. Richmond
Best suited to: Young professionals and those seeking a diverse, multicultural, and vibrant community, with options for various budgets.
Property costs: In the past 12 months the median price of purchasing a property in Richmond was around $1,360,500 (AUD) and the median price of renting a property approximately $800 (AUD) per week. Richmond offers a range of housing options from trendy apartments to Victorian cottages, but parking can be difficult, so a property with parking space is ideal.
Transport links: Very good – Richmond boasts some of the best public transport links in Melbourne, making it easy to commute to the city and surrounding areas, even if parking is a challenge.
Lifestyle & recreation: A lively suburb, Richmond is known for its multicultural spirit and active social scene. There are always markets, late-night gigs, and local Aussie Rules games happening. For a peaceful retreat, residents can enjoy a stroll or cycle along the Yarra River, which winds through the south of the suburb.
7. Eltham
Best suited to: Families seeking a semi-rural lifestyle with access to great schools and open spaces, while still being relatively close to the city.
Property costs: In the past 12 months the median price of purchasing a property in Eltham was around $1,300, 000 (AUD) and the median price of renting a property approximately $680 (AUD) per week. Housing in Eltham is more affordable than in central Melbourne, with a wide variety of homes ranging from traditional mud brick houses to modern mansions.
Transport links: Fair- Eltham is approximately 35 minutes from central Melbourne, offering a peaceful retreat from the city while still maintaining good access for commuters.
Lifestyle & recreation: Eltham offers plenty of weekend activities close to home, including dozens of parks, brilliant shops, and the charming Montsalvat Artists Colony, known for its beautiful buildings and fascinating gallery. This makes it an attractive option for those who want a break from city life without sacrificing convenience.
8. Hawthorn
Best suited to: Families and professionals seeking a safe, friendly suburb with a mix of upmarket areas and more affordable options, plus the presence of a large student population.
Property costs: In the past 12 months the median price of purchasing a property in Hawthorn was around $2, 846,000 (AUD) and the median price of renting a property approximately $950 (AUD) per week. While property prices are still fairly reasonable, the area is gaining popularity, and prices are expected to rise as city dwellers move in.
Transport links: Very good – Hawthorn has excellent links to the city via tram and bus, making commuting easy and convenient.
Lifestyle & recreation: Hawthorn offers a blend of upmarket living with more affordable, student-friendly areas thanks to Swinburne University. The suburb has plenty of cheap shops and cafes catering to students. It also features leafy streets and beautiful parks such as St James.
9. Yarraville
Best suited to: Artists, creatives, and young families seeking a vibrant, eclectic community with a hip, village-like atmosphere.
Property costs: In the past 12 months the median price of purchasing a property in Yarraville was around $1,115,000 (AUD) and the median price of renting a property approximately $670 (AUD) per week. As the area gains popularity, especially with young families, property prices are likely to rise.
Transport links: Very good – Yarraville is just eight kilometres west of the city centre and a 10-minute drive from Williamstown Beach, making it easily accessible to both the city and the coast.
Lifestyle & recreation: Yarraville is known for its quirky, artistic vibe, filled with organic food stores, independent arts venues, and yoga studios. At the heart of the suburb is the stunning Sun Theatre cinema, with many of the best shops and cafes lining the nearby streets. While trendy and hip, the area also offers the usual large stores and amenities.
10. Port Melbourne
Best suited to: Young professionals seeking a glamorous, modern lifestyle by the waterfront.
Property costs: In the past 12 months the median price of purchasing a property in Port Melbourne was around $1,603,500 (AUD) and the median price of renting a property approximately $920 (AUD) per week. The area is known for its chic, waterfront apartments, making it a popular choice for those seeking modern living spaces.
Transport links: Very good – Port Melbourne is just 15 minutes from the city centre, making it a convenient location for commuters.
Lifestyle & recreation: Once a docklands area, Port Melbourne has transformed into a modern, vibrant suburb filled with trendy bars, restaurants, and bustling shopping centres. Its proximity to the coast makes it ideal for beach lovers, with refreshing sea breezes throughout the summer. Though close to the city, the suburb is quite self-contained, offering plenty to do without needing to travel far.
Of course, when it comes to moving to a new city, only you will know which area is right for you. Make sure to do your research, prioritising what matters most to you. That could be distance to work, to the beach, property prices or general vibe. It could be a good idea to visit Melbourne before your move and visit different suburbs; your favourite could surprise you.
For help with all other aspects of your move to Melbourne, get in touch.
We offer a wide range of relocation and removals services, for a stress-free experience. You can also explore our range of guides and resources such as our blog on what it’s like to Live and Work in Melbourne.
Sources
All property stats from https://www.realestate.com.au/, accurate as of August 2024.
