What Are the Best Suburbs in Melbourne?

Melbourne is one of Australia’s most popular cities, attracting millions of visitors each year. The city is known for its vibrant culture and many diverse neighbourhoods. But which suburbs are the best to live in? That’s the ultimate question.

In this guide, we will discuss the best suburbs in Melbourne and why they are great for residents. We’ll look at factors like affordability, lifestyle and cultural environment. Lastly, there are many lifestyle factors to consider when moving to a suburb. We’ll cover these too.

1. Carlton North

Carlton North is an inner city suburb situated just north of the CBD, renowned for its village-style charm. It is a popular residential area for its trendy cafes, dining spots, green parks, and unique galleries and boutiques. The area consists of a mix of 19th-century terrace buildings and small apartment buildings from post-war eras. For young professionals and families alike, this is one of the liveliest places in Melbourne.

2. South Yarra

South Yarra is situated south-east of the CBD and is considered one of the trendiest suburbs in Melbourne. Home to some of the city’s most famed fashion boutiques, luxury buildings and restaurants, it is a dream place for shopaholics. It also has several parks such as Fawkner Park, Royal Botanic Gardens, Domain Parklands, and Albert Park Lake connected by bicycle paths that offer plenty of calming nature spots.

3. Northcote

Northcote is one of the most affordable suburbs in Melbourne located 5km from the CBD. Young professionals flock to the area for its laid-back vibe as well as affordable rents between 20 and 25% cheaper on average compared to other suburbs in the inner city. It is an inner city neighbourhood made up of stately Victorian terrace buildings from the 19th century dwellings and red brick homes from the 1960s. The neighbourhood has a touch of culture with several theatre venues, a culinary hub and parks for residents to enjoy connections with nature.

4. Kew

Kew has been rated as one of the most livable suburbs in Melbourne because of its low crime rate and access to education, medical care and transport options. It is located 10 km east of the CBD and boasts some of the city’s glossy villas with stately gardens together with a string of luxury shops, boutique cafes and fine restaurants. Moreover, the Kew Gardens are the largest in Victoria, making it a breathtaking place to escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life with its 180-acres of nature.

5. Brighton

The beachside suburb of Brighton is located 15km south east of Melbourne CBD between Elwood and Mordialloc. It’s a popular suburb for its family friendly beaches, million dollar mansions, endless beachside cycle paths and charming eateries over looking Port Phillip Bay. There are a few pocket parks that run down towards the beach at the cliffs edge where visitors can watch the sun set over Melbourne’s skyline. It’s an affluent area filled with restaurants, boutique shops and picturesque paths along the bay.

No matter where you decide to live in Melbourne, there is something special about each suburb that makes it unique. Each neighbourhood offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages based on factors like cost, convenience and lifestyle preferences. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference – what’s important to you? To find out more about each suburb’s lifestyle characteristics and property market activity, we recommend reading your local real estate guide from Domain website.

Insider’s Guide to Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is a vibrant and ever-evolving city known for its coffee culture, diverse cuisine, street art, and sporting events. While the city itself is certainly worth exploring, the suburbs of Melbourne offer a unique charm that shouldn’t be overlooked. Here are some of the best suburbs in Melbourne to add to your itinerary.

Fitzroy

Fitzroy is a trendy suburb that’s popular among young people and artists. It’s known for its vibrant street art, cool cafés, independent boutiques, and live music venues. The suburb is also home to the famous Brunswick Street, which is lined with bookstores, record shops, and vintage clothing stores. In Fitzroy, you can enjoy brunch at Industry Beans, shop for unique handmade items at Rose Street Artists’ Market, or catch a live show at The Workers’ Club.

St Kilda

Located just south of Melbourne’s city center, St Kilda is a beachside suburb that’s known for its vibrant nightlife, palm-lined boardwalk, and amusement park. The suburb is home to the famous Luna Park, which features a historic wooden rollercoaster and other rides, as well as the St Kilda Pier, which is a great spot for fishing or watching the sunset. For brunch, head to the iconic Café Di Stasio, and for dinner, visit The Stokehouse for an upscale dining experience with views of the ocean.

Yarraville

Yarraville is a charming suburb with a village-like atmosphere that’s popular among families and young professionals. The suburb is home to the iconic Sun Theatre, which has been operating since 1938 and features art-deco architecture and a mix of mainstream and independent films. Yarraville also has a great selection of cafes, restaurants, and shops, including the popular Cornershop, which serves up delicious brunch dishes like ricotta hotcakes and corn fritters.

Williamstown

Located on the western edge of Melbourne, Williamstown is a historic suburb that’s known for its seaside charm, colonial architecture, and maritime history. The suburb is home to the Williamstown Botanic Gardens, the Seaworks Maritime Museum, and the historic Timeball Tower, which was used to signal the time to ships in the 1800s. For lunch, visit the historic Customs House Hotel, or for dinner, head to the Italian eatery, Ciao Cielo, which offers water views and a relaxed atmosphere.

Cultural Experiences

Melbourne is a cultural hub with plenty of museums, galleries, and performing arts venues to explore. For a taste of the city’s thriving arts scene, visit the National Gallery of Victoria, which features a diverse collection of art from around the world, or catch a show at the iconic Arts Centre Melbourne. Other must-visit cultural attractions include the Melbourne Museum, which showcases Australia’s natural and social history, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, which is home to over 8,500 plant species.

Off the Beaten Path

While Melbourne’s main attractions are certainly worth visiting, there are also plenty of lesser-known gems to discover. For a unique dining experience, visit the Brothl, which serves up sustainable bone broth, or head to the rooftop bar, Madame Brussels, for cocktails and garden games. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a hot air balloon ride over the city with Global Ballooning or explore the city’s hidden laneways on a guided walking tour.

Melbourne is a city full of surprises with a suburb to suit every taste. Whether you’re into beachside charm, artistic vibes, or historic landmarks, these suburbs will provide you with a unique and unforgettable experience.