Melbourne is made up of many different suburbs. Some are quiet. Some are busy. Some are close to the city. Some are full of parks and schools. People live in different places for different reasons. This list looks at the best suburbs in Melbourne based on what matters most: schools, parks, shops, transport, and safety. These are the best suburbs to live in Melbourne right now:
Fitzroy North
Fitzroy North is close to the city. You can walk to everything. There are parks like Edinburgh Gardens. It has cafes, shops, and bike lanes. It’s easy to get around. Trams take you into the city fast. It’s one of the top suburbs in Melbourne for people who want an inner-city feel without the noise.
Canterbury
Canterbury is quiet. It has big houses and leafy streets. The schools are excellent. Families move here for space and peace. This is one of the best suburbs for people who want privacy and don’t need to be close to the city every day.
Flemington
Flemington has trains, trams, and a big market. It’s full of different cultures. The racecourse is here. There are local shops and parks. It’s a good suburb in Melbourne for people who want quick city access and a strong local community.
West Melbourne
West Melbourne is just outside the city. There are new apartments and old buildings. It has a mix of workers, students, and families. There are green spaces and small shops. This is one of the best Melbourne suburbs for people who want the city without being right in it.
Hawthorn East
Hawthorn East has a bit of everything. There are schools, shops and parks. Camberwell Junction has what you need. There are trams and trains to the city. It’s a nice suburb in Melbourne for families and professionals who want balance.
Balwyn
Balwyn is all about schools. It’s popular with families. There are parks, local shops, and big houses. It’s calm and clean. It’s one of the good suburbs in Melbourne if you care about education.
Northcote
Northcote has music, food, and art. It’s younger. There’s a lot on High Street: shops, bars, and cafes. Public transport is easy. There are big parks like All Nations. It’s one of the top suburbs in Melbourne if you want culture and access.
Doncaster East
Doncaster East is further out. Houses are bigger, and it’s quieter. There are good schools and Westfield Doncaster. You can get to the city fast on the freeway. This is the best suburb in Melbourne for people who want space but need the city nearby.
Surrey Hills
Surrey Hills feels like a village. There are trees and heritage houses. The train station is handy. There are local cafes and parks. It’s peaceful and well-connected. This is a nice suburb in Melbourne for people who want calm and convenience.
Ferntree Gully
Ferntree Gully is at the edge of Melbourne. It’s near the Dandenongs. There are bush trails, parks, and space to breathe. It’s a good choice for nature lovers. This is a good suburb to live in Melbourne if you want green views and a slower pace.
Bentleigh
Bentleigh has schools, parks, and a strong shopping strip. The train goes straight into the city. You’re close to the beach too. It’s steady and reliable. This is one of the best suburbs of Melbourne for families.
Picking the Right Melbourne Suburb for You
Not every suburb will suit everyone. Some people want parks and schools. Others care more about a short commute. Some want to walk to the shops. Others want peace and quiet. That’s why Melbourne suburbs are so varied. You need to figure out what matters most to you.
Start with these questions:
- Do you need to be close to work or study?
- Is walking distance to shops and transport important?
- Do you have kids or plan to?
- Do you want more space or less noise?
Once you know what you need, you’ll have an easier time narrowing down the best suburbs to live in Melbourne that suit your life. And once you’ve picked, CheapBills can help you compare and connect energy, internet and more in Melbourne. It’s about keeping things simple and keeping costs low.
Most Expensive Suburbs in Melbourne
Some people want space and quiet. Some want prestige. These are Melbourne’s wealthiest suburbs:
- Toorak: High-end homes. Big blocks. Close to private schools and the city.
- Brighton: Near the beach. Expensive houses. Strong public and private schools.
- Hawthorn: Old mansions, private schools, and a short trip to the city
- Camberwell: Heritage homes, leafy streets, and strong school zones.
These are not just most expensive suburbs in Melbourne they also rank high in safety and schools.
How to Choose a Suburb Without Breaking the Budget
Not every good suburb has to cost a fortune. Some of the best suburbs in Melbourne have solid schools, decent transport, and safe streets without the price tag of Melbourne’s wealthiest suburbs. Bentleigh, Doncaster East, and Northcote are good examples. You can get what you need parks, shops, and space without overpaying for a postcode.
Before you move, look at the full picture. House prices matter, but so do your everyday costs. Bills add up fast. CheapBills can help with that. You can compare electricity, gas, and internet plans in your new suburb. Some providers charge more depending on where you live. Comparing them could save you hundreds a year.
What Makes a Melbourne Suburb Liveable?
- Shops and supermarkets: Can you get what you need without driving far?
- Transport: Can you walk to the train or tram?
- Parks and open space: Is there a place to walk, run, or sit?
- Schools: Are there options for kids close by?
- Safety: Do people feel okay walking home at night?
These things matter more than trends or looks. They make life easier.
What Melbourne Suburb Works for You?
Melbourne has lots of great suburbs. Some are green. Some are fast-paced. Some are quiet. What makes the best suburbs in Melbourne depends on what you need.
If you want parks and space, try Canterbury or Balwyn. If you want to be close to food and culture, Northcote or Fitzroy North are good picks. If you want calm and a short train ride to the city, go with Surrey Hills or Bentleigh.
Whatever you pick, get your basics sorted early: school, transport, utilities. The rest will follow.
Compare and Connect Utilities in Melbourne
Every suburb has different house prices. But bills hit everyone. Power, gas, internet. Whether you live in Melbourne’s wealthiest suburbs or out in Ferntree Gully, you still need good prices. That’s where CheapBills comes in.
We help people compare energy and internet plans from our panel of providers. No calls. No upselling. Just lower bills. So wherever you live, you’re not wasting money.
