04 Mar 2025 18 Best Suburbs in Melbourne for Families: Discover the Perfect Place to Call Home!

Finding the best suburbs in Melbourne for families can feel overwhelming, especially with so many great options to choose from. Melbourne is one of the world’s most liveable cities, offering quality schools, plenty of parks, strong public transport links, and a vibrant community lifestyle—all essential for raising a family. 

Whether you’re looking for an affordable suburb or a leafy suburb with a peaceful retreat, there’s a perfect spot for every family.!

If you’re planning to buy a home in one of these suburbs, the brokers at EverLend can help you find the right loan with competitive rates and flexible options, making the process easier. Let’s explore 18 top suburbs that offer the best mix of family-friendly amenities, lifestyle, and affordability.

 

18 Best Suburbs in Melbourne for Families

Finding the perfect place to call home is about more than just property prices—it’s about quality schools, beautiful parks, strong transport links, and a community feel that makes everyday life enjoyable. Whether you’re after an affordable suburb, a middle-ring suburb with future long-term growth, or an up-market western suburb, Melbourne has options for every family. 

Here are 18 of the best suburbs in Melbourne for families, each offering its own unique advantages.

#1  Kurunjang

A peaceful retreat in Melbourne’s west, Kurunjang is perfect for families looking for space at an affordable price. The area has plenty of parks, growing amenities, and access to primary schools, making it a great choice for first-home buyers.

• Median house price: Lower than many other outer suburbs, offering affordability.
• Family-friendly amenities: Parks, playgrounds, and local schools.
• Public transport links: Easy access to major roads and transport hubs.

#2  Wyndham Vale

A fast-growing suburb with historical growth in property values, Wyndham Vale offers ample lifestyle amenities and a strong community. Families love its shopping centres, green parks, and proximity to good schools.

• Great for first-home buyers: Affordable median house prices and rental demand.
• Plenty of parks: Great for kids and outdoor activities.
• Public transport options: Train station with direct access to the city centre.

#3  Coolaroo

A middle-ring suburb with a strong sense of community, Coolaroo is one of Melbourne’s most affordable suburbs. It’s close to public transport access, schools, and major shopping strips.

• Low-cost housing: Among the most affordable suburbs in Melbourne.
• Convenient location: Near major highways and public transport links.
• Strong sense of community: Great for young families.

#4  Rockbank

A gentrifying middle-ring suburb, Rockbank is rapidly developing with infrastructure upgrades and new housing estates. It offers a mix of affordability and modern amenities.

• New developments: Affordable, grade homes in master-planned communities.
• Future long-term growth: Property values are rising with new infrastructure.
• Public transport access: Train station connecting to Melbourne Central.

#5  Melton South & Melton West

Both suburbs provide affordable options for families seeking space without the impressive price tags of inner-city areas. They offer good schools, shopping centres, and access to supermarkets.

• Affordable suburbs: Lower-than-average median house prices.
• Plenty of amenities: Schools, shopping strips, and ample supermarkets.
• Great for families: Plenty of parks and recreational facilities.

#6  Balwyn

A leafy suburb known for its reputable schools, Balwyn is a popular choice for families seeking top-tier education and a safe, stable suburb among families.

• Excellent schools: Some of Melbourne’s most prestigious public and private schools.
• Family-friendly: Tree-lined streets and large parklands.
• Median property prices: Higher due to demand for education.

#7  Glen Waverley

A liveable suburb with an aspirational lifestyle, Glen Waverley is known for Glen Waverley Secondary College, one of Melbourne’s best-performing public schools.

• High demand: Median property prices are strong due to school zones.
• Great transport links: Easy access to Monash University and the CBD.
• Lots of parks and family amenities.

#8  Doncaster East

A family-friendly suburb with wide, tree-lined streets, Doncaster East is home to high-ranking schools and strong owner-occupier demand.

• Top school zones: Access to reputable schools.
• Great infrastructure: Shopping centres, parks, and easy city transport links.
• Median unit price is competitive for families entering the market.

#9  Camberwell

A prestigious eastern suburb, Camberwell is one of Melbourne’s most aspirational lifestyle suburbs with historical growth in property prices.

• High-quality schools: Access to reputable schools and McKinnon High School.
• Leafy streets and ample supermarkets.
• Excellent public transport options.

#10  Coburg

A gentrifying middle-ring suburb, Coburg blends Victorian suburb charm with modern amenities. It’s close to Melbourne Central, Lygon Street, and great schools.

• Family-friendly atmosphere: Plenty of parks and community events.
• Shopping strip: Plenty of retail and dining options.
• Public transport links: Well-connected to the city centre.

#11  Doreen

A peaceful retreat away from the city, Doreen offers lots of parks and green spaces, making it perfect for nature-loving families.

• Great for young families: Safe and quiet.
• Ample lifestyle amenities: Schools, shopping centres, and parks.
• Future long-term growth due to ongoing developments.

#12  Fitzroy North

A trendy, inner-city suburb with a strong sense of community, Fitzroy North offers a mix of historical growth and modern convenience.

• Trendy but family-friendly: Hip cafes, art galleries, and shopping strips.
• Public transport access: Near Chapel Street and North Melbourne.
• Great schools and lifestyle amenities.

#13  Patterson Lakes

A coastal suburb offering waterfront living, Patterson Lakes is ideal for families who love the outdoors.

• Beautiful parks and lots of parks.
• Good schools and ample lifestyle amenities.
• Proximity to lifestyle locations.

#14  Brighton

An up-market western suburb with impressive price tags, Brighton is known for its beachfront lifestyle and top schools.

• Aspirational suburb with historical growth.
• Luxury homes with median property prices in the millions.
• Close to Bay Street, Port Melbourne, and Albert Park.

#15  Northcote

Northcote is a lively middle-ring suburb with great amenities, schools, and easy transport, making it perfect for young families.

• Numerous coffee shops and shopping centres.
• Public transport options to Melbourne Central.
• Leafy streets and strong community feel.

#16  Altona

Altona is a coastal suburb that balances affordable housing with growing demand. It offers beautiful parks, great schools, and easy public transport access, making it a top choice for families and investors alike.

• Wide, tree-lined streets with green parks.
• Close to business hubs and the city centre.

#17  Ascot Vale

Ascot Vale is a well-connected suburb near Melbourne Central, offering families easy city access, excellent schools, and plenty of parks, all while maintaining a relaxed lifestyle with great local cafes and shops.

• Good schools and plenty of parks.
• Affordable median unit rent.

#18  Bentleigh

Bentleigh is a stable suburb popular with families, offering strong owner-occupier demand, excellent schools, and plenty of amenities, making it a great choice for future long-term growth and investment.

• Great schools and public transport access.
• Ample supermarkets and quality schools.

 

Each of these suburbs for property investment offers unique benefits for families. Up next, let’s explore how to choose the right one for you!

Thinking about buying a home in one of Melbourne’s best family-friendly suburbs? At EverLend, we make the home loan process simple, stress-free, and tailored to your needs. Call us today at 03 7036 3356 or visit EverLend to get started. 

 

How to Choose the Right Suburb for Your Family

Finding the perfect suburb isn’t just about property prices—it’s about what feels right for your family’s needs. Whatever your priorities, here are a few key things to consider before making your move.

• Consider Your Budget and Housing Options: Check median house prices, median unit price, and rental prices to see what fits your budget. Look at historical growth and property price forecasts for long-term investment potential.
• Research School Zones and Education Facilities: Check if the suburb falls within a secondary school catchment zone or offers reputable schools. Areas like Glen Waverley and Doncaster East have excellent schools with strong owner-occupier demand.
• Evaluate Public Transport and Commute Times: Look for public transport links, city transport links, and train stations for easy commuting. Suburbs like Ascot Vale and Bentleigh offer fast access to the Central Business District.
• Explore Local Amenities and Lifestyle: Check for shopping centres, supermarkets, shopping strips, and numerous coffee shops nearby. A suburb with plenty of parks, green parks, and tree-lined streets creates a great family environment.
• Think About Future Growth and Investment Potential: Consider suburbs with infrastructure upgrades, a stable housing market, and future long-term growth. Gentrifying middle-ring suburbs like Coburg and Northcote offer strong investment returns.

Choosing the right suburb is all about balancing lifestyle, affordability, and convenience.

Let EverLend Help You Find the Perfect Home Loan

Found the ideal suburb for your family? Let EverLend help you take the next step with a home loan that suits your needs. Whether you’re buying your first home or upgrading in 2025, we offer expert advice, competitive rates, and a stress-free process.

Call us at 03 7036 3356 or visit EverLend to book your free consultation today!

 

FAQs

Which suburb is best to live in Melbourne for families?

The ideal suburb depends on your needs, but Glen Waverley, Doncaster East, and Bentleigh offer access to schools, plenty of parks, and a strong sense of community. These established suburbs also have a wealth of amenities and excellent transport links.

What are the top 3 suburbs in Melbourne?

For families, the top 3 suburbs are Balwyn, Brighton, and Northcote, each offering a dramatic range in performance across school quality, transport, and lifestyle amenities. These areas are known for high wages growth, strong community vibes, and high-demand property markets.

What is the safest suburb to live in Melbourne?

Camberwell and Balwyn are considered some of Melbourne’s safest areas, with low crime rates and strong demand for options in family-friendly communities. These established suburbs also have great public transport, leafy streets, and high median rent, reflecting their desirability.

What are the most liveable suburbs in Melbourne?

Some of the most liveable suburbs include Fitzroy North, Brighton, and Ascot Vale, offering a dramatic range of lifestyle options. These areas have a wealth of amenities, excellent schools, great public transport access, and a strong property market.

Which Melbourne suburbs offer the best housing affordability?

If you’re looking for housing affordability, consider Melton South, Wyndham Vale, and Rockbank, where average prices and median house rent are lower than Melbourne’s average. These neighbouring suburbs offer future long-term growth and infrastructure upgrades.

What are the best suburbs for lifestyle and amenities?

For a great lifestyle, Port Melbourne, South Melbourne, and Coburg offer plenty of parks, shopping strips, and a vibrant café culture. You’ll find everything from your favourite coffee shop to boutique clothes shops, plus excellent schools and transport links.

Which suburbs are best for property investment in Melbourne?

Suburbs like Northcote, Brunswick East, and Bentleigh show strong investment return, wages growth, and high demand for options. These areas have median rent increases, growing infrastructure, and a diverse range in performance across the property market.

 

Final Thoughts: Finding the Perfect Family Suburb in Melbourne

Choosing the right suburb is an exciting step toward building your family’s future. With so many liveable suburbs offering quality schools, plenty of parks, and a wealth of amenities, Melbourne has an ideal suburb for every lifestyle and budget. 

If you’re ready to buy a home, the team at EverLend is here to help. We’ll find the best loan options tailored to your needs, making the process simple and stress-free. Call us today at 03 7036 3356 or visit EverLend for a free consultation!