Best Neighborhoods for Families in Melbourne

Melbourne, is a vibrant city known for its cultural diversity, stunning architecture, and family-friendly neighborhoods. Expats and digital nomads with families often seek out communities that offer a blend of safety, amenities, and quality education. The following neighborhoods in Melbourne are considered some of the best for families to settle down, each offering unique attractions and a high quality of life.

South Yarra

South Yarra is a fashionable and upscale suburb that's perfect for families looking for a blend of city life and suburban comfort. With its beautiful Victorian houses and proximity to some of the city's best schools, it's a highly sought-after location. Families can enjoy the expansive Royal Botanic Gardens for picnics and outdoor activities, or visit the Como House and Garden for a touch of history and culture. The area is also known for its boutique shopping along Chapel Street.

Location: Southeast of Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD).

Real Estate: The average rental price for a 2-bedroom apartment is around AUD 500 per week, while a 3-bedroom home can cost upwards of AUD 700 per week. Purchase prices for a 2-bedroom unit average around AUD 650,000, with 3-bedroom houses exceeding AUD 1.2 million.

International Schools: South Yarra doesn't have specific international schools, but it is home to prestigious private schools like Melbourne High School, which offers a high-quality education with a diverse curriculum.

Where to Eat: South Yarra boasts a variety of dining options, from the chic cafes on Toorak Road to the trendy eateries on Chapel Street, offering everything from gourmet brunches to international cuisine.

Interesting History: The suburb has a rich history, with the iconic Prahran Market being one of the oldest food markets in Australia, dating back to the 1860s.

Parks: Fawkner Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens are the most popular green spaces, offering families plenty of room for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Kew

Kew is known for its leafy streets, grand homes, and excellent educational institutions, making it a top choice for families. With its numerous parks and recreational facilities, such as the Studley Park Boathouse where families can enjoy kayaking on the Yarra River, Kew provides a serene environment. The Kew Recreation Centre is a hub for family fitness and fun, offering various sports and activities.

Location: East of Melbourne's CBD.

Real Estate: Renting a 2-bedroom apartment averages around AUD 450 per week, while a 3-bedroom house may cost about AUD 650 per week. Buying a 2-bedroom apartment typically costs around AUD 600,000, with 3-bedroom houses averaging at AUD 1.5 million.

International Schools: While Kew doesn't host international schools, it is home to some of the best private schools in Melbourne, such as Xavier College and Trinity Grammar School, offering excellent education from early learning to Year 12.

Where to Eat: Kew's High Street is lined with a variety of cafes and restaurants, offering everything from artisanal bakeries to family-friendly dining options.

Interesting History: The suburb is home to the historic Studley Park Boathouse, one of the oldest in Australia, offering a glimpse into the leisurely pastimes of the early 20th century.

Parks: Victoria Park and Alexandra Gardens are among the popular parks in Kew, providing playgrounds and sports facilities for families.

Brighton

Brighton is a coastal suburb that offers a relaxed beachside lifestyle, making it ideal for families who love the outdoors. With its well-maintained beaches, such as the famous Brighton Beach with its colorful bathing boxes, and top-notch schools, Brighton is a desirable place to live. The Bay Trail offers a scenic route for family bike rides or walks along the coastline.

Location: Southeast of Melbourne's CBD, along the coast of Port Phillip Bay.

Real Estate: Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs about AUD 550 per week, while a 3-bedroom house can be around AUD 900 per week. The purchase price for a 2-bedroom unit is approximately AUD 800,000, with 3-bedroom houses averaging around AUD 2 million.

International Schools: Brighton doesn't have specific international schools, but it boasts prestigious private schools such as Brighton Grammar School and Firbank Grammar School, offering excellent education from early years to Year 12.

Where to Eat: Church Street is the culinary heart of Brighton, with a range of eateries from cozy cafes to gourmet restaurants, catering to all tastes and occasions.

Interesting History: The iconic Brighton bathing boxes are a historical landmark, having been a part of the beachscape since the 1800s and reflecting the area's early European settlement.

Parks: Dendy Park is one of the largest and most popular parks in Brighton, featuring sports fields, playgrounds, and wide-open spaces for family activities.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn is a suburb that combines urban convenience with a sense of community, making it a great choice for families. It's known for its excellent schools, including Swinburne University for higher education. Families can enjoy the Hawthorn Arts Centre for cultural events, or spend time at the Central Gardens, known locally as the 'Rocket Park' for its impressive play equipment. Glenferrie Road offers a bustling shopping and dining scene.

Location: Situated just east of Melbourne's CBD.

Real Estate: The average rental price for a 2-bedroom apartment is around AUD 400 per week, while a 3-bedroom house typically costs about AUD 650 per week. To purchase, a 2-bedroom apartment averages AUD 550,000, with 3-bedroom houses around AUD 1.4 million.

International Schools: Hawthorn does not have international schools, but it is home to prestigious educational institutions like Scotch College and Melbourne Girls College, providing high-quality education from primary to secondary levels.

Where to Eat: Glenferrie Road is the go-to spot for dining, offering a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries to suit any family's taste buds.

Interesting History: The Hawthorn Town Hall, now the Hawthorn Arts Centre, is a historic building dating back to 1888, showcasing the suburb's rich heritage.

Parks: Central Gardens is a favorite among families for its spacious play areas and picturesque surroundings.

Essendon

Essendon is a well-established suburb that's perfect for families seeking a quieter lifestyle with easy access to the city. It's known for its large period homes, leafy streets, and a strong sense of community. The Maribyrnong River provides a beautiful backdrop for family outings, and there are plenty of parks and sports clubs to keep everyone active. Essendon also has a good selection of both public and private schools.

Location: Northwest of Melbourne's CBD.

Real Estate: Renting a 2-bedroom apartment averages around AUD 350 per week, with a 3-bedroom house costing about AUD 500 per week. Buying a 2-bedroom apartment is typically around AUD 500,000, while 3-bedroom houses average at AUD 900,000.

International Schools: While there are no international schools in Essendon, the suburb is home to reputable schools such as Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School, offering a comprehensive education from early years to Year 12.

Where to Eat: Essendon's dining scene is varied, with Mount Alexander Road offering everything from casual family-friendly eateries to fine dining options.

Interesting History: The Essendon Historical Society operates out of the old Courthouse, which dates back to 1890, and offers insights into the suburb's past.

Parks: Queens Park is a popular spot for families, featuring a picturesque lake, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

Elwood

Elwood is a beachside suburb with a laid-back atmosphere, making it a hit with families who enjoy a blend of seaside living and urban amenities. The suburb is known for its art deco apartments, quiet tree-lined streets, and excellent schools. Elwood Beach offers a family-friendly setting for swimming and beach activities, while Elsternwick Park provides ample green space for sports and relaxation.

Location: South of Melbourne's CBD, close to St Kilda.

Real Estate: Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs about AUD 400 per week, while a 3-bedroom house can be around AUD 600 per week. The purchase price for a 2-bedroom unit is approximately AUD 650,000, with 3-bedroom houses averaging around AUD 1.3 million.

International Schools: Elwood doesn't have its own international schools, but it is in close proximity to schools like Elwood College, which offers a multicultural environment and a comprehensive curriculum.

Where to Eat: Elwood Village is the suburb's culinary hub, with a variety of cafes and restaurants that cater to families and food enthusiasts alike.

Interesting History: Elwood was once a swampy area before it was transformed into the attractive residential suburb it is today, with its development closely linked to the construction of the Elwood Canal in the early 20th century.

Parks: Elsternwick Park is a favorite among locals, featuring sports fields, a nature reserve, and playgrounds for children.

Malvern

Malvern is an affluent suburb that offers families a high standard of living with its excellent schools, beautiful parks, and high-end shopping. The suburb's streets are lined with impressive Victorian and Edwardian homes, and there's a strong community feel. Malvern Gardens is a popular spot for family picnics and leisurely strolls, and the Harold Holt Swim Centre provides swimming facilities for all ages.

Location: Southeast of Melbourne's CBD.

Real Estate: Renting a 2-bedroom apartment averages around AUD 450 per week, while a 3-bedroom house typically costs about AUD 700 per week. To purchase, a 2-bedroom apartment averages AUD 700,000, with 3-bedroom houses around AUD 1.6 million.

International Schools: Malvern doesn't host international schools, but it is home to prestigious educational institutions like Malvern Central School, which offers a strong academic program.

Where to Eat: Glenferrie Road and Malvern Road are the main dining strips, offering a range of eateries from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, perfect for family meals or special occasions.

Interesting History: The Stonnington History Centre, located in the Malvern Town Hall, provides a glimpse into the area's rich history, with archives and exhibitions that explore its development.

Parks: Malvern Gardens is a central feature of the suburb, known for its lush greenery, ornamental lake, and children's playground.

Alphington

Alphington is a quieter, family-oriented suburb nestled along the Yarra River, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's characterized by its spacious homes and abundant green spaces. Families can take advantage of the Darebin Parklands for hiking and cycling, or enjoy the Alphington Farmers Market for fresh, local produce. The suburb also has a selection of good schools and community facilities.

Location: Northeast of Melbourne's CBD.

Real Estate: Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs about AUD 350 per week, while a 3-bedroom house can be around AUD 500 per week. The purchase price for a 2-bedroom unit is approximately AUD 600,000, with 3-bedroom houses averaging around AUD 1 million.

International Schools: Alphington doesn't have international schools, but it is close to well-regarded institutions such as Alphington Grammar School, which offers a diverse curriculum and a strong sense of community.

Where to Eat: The suburb's dining scene is growing, with local cafes and eateries providing a range of options for family dining, many of which are located along Heidelberg Road.

Interesting History: Alphington has a rich industrial history, with the former paper mill site being a significant landmark that's now being transformed into a residential and cultural precinct.

Parks: Darebin Parklands is one of the most significant natural reserves in the area, offering families a natural escape with its extensive walking trails and wildlife.

Each of these neighborhoods in Melbourne offers its own unique charm and a range of amenities that cater to family life. From beachside bliss to leafy suburban streets, expats and digital nomads can find a community that feels like home in this diverse and welcoming city.