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Home › Feature › Best Suburbs in Melbourne for Families (2025 Guide)
Choosing the right suburb in Melbourne for your family isn’t just about finding a nice house, it’s about finding a community that feels like home. Parents across the city are weighing the same questions: Are the schools good? Is it safe for the kids to play outside? Will we spend hours commuting each day? These are the details that turn a house into a long-term home.
Melbourne is one of Australia’s most liveable cities, but it’s also incredibly diverse. Each pocket from the leafy east to the coastal west offers its own rhythm, culture, and housing style. The eastern suburbs, for example, are known for strong public schools and tree-lined streets. The bayside stretches deliver that relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle many families dream of. Meanwhile, the west and north often provide more space for your money and a growing number of new estates designed with young families in mind.
In this guide, we’ll unpack where families are moving in 2025, what makes those suburbs stand out, and how to work out which one fits your needs best. You’ll find practical suburb snapshots, plus simple checklists for schools, safety, transport, and housing. Whether you’re upgrading to a bigger home, moving closer to your child’s school, or relocating to Melbourne altogether, this article will give you a clear starting point.
Key Takeaways Melbourne offers incredible diversity for families from beachside life in Sandringham to leafy schools in Balwyn and affordable growth areas like Point Cook and Kurunjang. Safety, school catchments, and commute times remain the top three factors shaping family suburb choice. The right corridor depends on what you value most: education, lifestyle, space, or convenience. Visiting suburbs at different times of day, speaking with locals, and comparing multiple options side-by-side gives a much clearer picture than online listings alone.
Key Takeaways
Next step: Before shortlisting houses, compare top-performing local agents who know each suburb’s school-zone premiums and family demand trends. Compare local agents (free).
Here’s a fast, parent-friendly cheat sheet. We’ll unpack the “why” for each area in the suburb snapshots later.
For top public school options
For beach & outdoors
For value on a budget
For a village vibe near the CBD
Parent tip: Before you fall in love with a listing, confirm the school zone on the official Find My School map (Vic Gov), then review each school’s profile and NAPLAN trend on My School. Catchments can be precise street-by-street.
Before diving into suburb lists, it helps to understand the key factors that make a suburb truly family-friendly. This simple framework will help you evaluate each area with confidence, not just based on reputation, but on what actually matters day to day.
School quality is one of the biggest drivers for families. In Melbourne, public school enrolments are determined by school zones, defined geographic boundaries that guarantee your child a place at the local school. Living outside that boundary could mean missing out, even if you’re only a few streets away.
Here’s how to research:
Families naturally gravitate toward areas that feel safe and offer plenty of outdoor space. Suburbs with bike paths, large playgrounds, and sports clubs make day-to-day life easier and more enjoyable for kids.
Melbourne’s traffic can quickly test your patience, so factor in how easy it is to get to work, school, or childcare.
Family needs change fast. A couple with a toddler today might need multiple bedrooms and a backyard within a few years.
Each Melbourne pocket has its own character, from the artsy, café-filled streets of the north to the coastal calm of the south.
Pro tip: Spend a weekend exploring two or three suburbs you’re interested in. Walk to the nearest park and café, chat to locals, and visit at different times of the day. You’ll quickly sense whether it fits your family’s rhythm.
Compare trusted local agents who understand what families look for.
Melbourne’s family-friendly suburbs vary widely from leafy, established neighbourhoods to growing outer estates and coastal communities. Below are 12 suburbs that regularly appear across trusted sources like Metropole, Soho, and Sitchu, reflecting a strong mix of lifestyle, education, and value.
Why families choose it:Glen Waverley is Melbourne’s education heartland. The suburb sits within the prized Glen Waverley Secondary College zone, one of the most competitive and respected in Victoria. Homes here are designed for families: large blocks, quiet crescents, and proximity to major parks.
Safety & green space:The area feels calm and secure, with well-lit streets, manicured parks, and friendly neighbours. Jells Park and Central Reserve offer expansive open space, walking trails, and playgrounds for weekend recreation.
Weekend life:Families spend weekends at The Glen shopping centre, local cafés, or community sports fields. You’ll often see kids cycling to music lessons or swimming classes, it’s that kind of suburb.
Commute & transport:Glen Waverley has a direct train line to the CBD, and the Monash Freeway keeps car travel efficient. Many parents commute to nearby job hubs like Clayton or Box Hill within 20 minutes.
Keep in mind: School-zone competition is fierce, and prices reflect that prestige.
Balwyn and Balwyn North combine elegant period homes, tree-lined streets, and access to elite schools like Balwyn High and nearby private institutions. Families love the quiet feel, quality amenities, and easy tram access to the city.
It’s one of Melbourne’s safest and most peaceful pockets. Parks like Beckett Park and MacLeay Park provide lush playgrounds and open lawns. Streets are lined with mature trees, creating a suburban calm perfect for raising kids.
Expect mornings at Whitehorse Road cafés, family brunches, and long walks to local libraries or Sunday markets. The local tennis and footy clubs are family staples.
Balwyn benefits from tram routes along Whitehorse Road and easy access to the Eastern Freeway. The commute to the CBD is roughly 30–40 minutes.
Keep in mind: Prestige drives high entry prices and competition for character homes.
Camberwell blends old-world beauty with modern practicality. Parents appreciate its proximity to quality schools, wide tree-lined avenues, and access to the Burke Road shopping village. The mix of heritage homes and renovated family properties make it a consistent favourite among established families.
Extremely family-friendly, Camberwell boasts quiet boulevards, Anderson Park, and nearby Frog Hollow Reserve, perfect for walks and playdates. The area’s long-term residents contribute to a strong sense of safety and neighbourliness.
Saturdays revolve around the Camberwell Sunday Market, kids’ sport at Fordham Gardens, and café stops along Burke Road. The vibe is polished yet warm, it feels both village-like and metropolitan.
Multiple tram routes and Camberwell Station make it a commuter’s dream. Families appreciate being 20 minutes from the CBD without losing suburban calm.
Keep in mind: Demand remains high, especially for renovated family homes in school zones.
Altona offers the coastal lifestyle without the inner-Bayside price tag. Families love its wide foreshore, great parks, and relaxed community feel. With its train line to the CBD and improving amenities, Altona is increasingly popular with young families and professionals seeking balance.
Wide streets, family parks, and community patrols keep Altona welcoming and low-stress. The foreshore promenade, Logan Reserve, and Cherry Lake Trail give kids space to roam and cycle safely.
Think Saturday picnics by the beach, walks along the pier, and junior sport at the local ovals. The suburb hosts markets and family festivals that bring neighbours together.
The Altona train line runs straight to the city, and the freeway makes driving convenient. Expect around 35–45 minutes to the CBD.
Keep in mind: Prices are climbing as more families discover its coastal affordability.
Williamstown combines seaside beauty with village character. The heritage streets, quality schools, and vibrant café scene make it feel like a small town near the city. Families enjoy weekend strolls along the foreshore and easy CBD train access.
Families praise the suburb’s low crime rates and “everyone knows each other” vibe. The Botanic Gardens and Point Gellibrand Park provide greenery and playgrounds within walking distance.
Life revolves around the waterfront like sailing clubs, ice creams by the pier, and sunset walks. Markets, footy, and festivals give it a close-knit rhythm.
Direct train service to the CBD plus West Gate Freeway access make commuting manageable. Many residents also work locally due to its self-contained services.
Keep in mind: Limited land means heritage homes are pricey and competition strong.
Sandringham delivers that relaxed Bayside family dream such as access to beaches, strong schools, and active sports clubs. It’s well connected by train and near larger hubs like Brighton and Hampton for shopping and dining.
Among Melbourne’s safest areas, Sandringham offers excellent local parks, Royal Avenue Reserve, and bike trails linking all the way to Brighton.
Weekends mean beach swims, brunch by the bay, and junior sport. Many families belong to surf clubs or community events at the foreshore. It’s active, social, and outdoorsy.
The Sandringham train line provides a direct coastal run to the city. Driving via Beach Road takes about 35 minutes off-peak.
Keep in mind: High lifestyle demand makes it expensive, but most families say it’s worth the trade-off.
Northcote combines the village charm of its café culture with green spaces like All Nations Park. The area’s tram and train connections make it easy for city commutes, and the community feels creative yet grounded, ideal for modern families who value balance.
Merri Creek Trail and All Nations Park give kids plenty of room to explore. Local safety initiatives and busy community groups add to the suburb’s secure, vibrant feel.
Families fill High Street cafés, browse boutique stores, or join community markets. The vibe is relaxed but lively, creative yet down-to-earth.
Outstanding tram and train links (86 tram, Mernda line) make commuting car-free for many households. Most workplaces are reachable in under 25 minutes.
Keep in mind: Smaller homes and higher prices mean you’re paying for location and lifestyle.
Essendon offers space, period homes, and proximity to quality schools. With its tree-lined boulevards, big backyards, and good transport to the CBD, it’s long been a go-to suburb for families wanting an established area without moving too far from the city.
Safe, well-kept, and friendly, Essendon features Queens Park and Buckley Park, perfect for picnics, sports, and community events. The suburb has a long-standing neighbourhood culture that makes it easy for newcomers to settle in.
Expect local sports on Saturday mornings, brunch along Keilor Road, and family walks by the Maribyrnong River. There’s a “village feel” despite being just 20 minutes from the city.
Frequent trains from Essendon Station and access to CityLink keep commutes short. Many residents also work in nearby education and healthcare hubs.
Keep in mind: Period homes are beautiful but come at a premium.
Coburg is lively and diverse, with great transport and a strong community feel. Families enjoy Merri Creek trails, playgrounds, and multicultural dining along Sydney Road. It offers a good mix of older homes and new developments, giving buyers flexibility.
The suburb’s family-friendly feel centres around Merri Creek, Harmony Park, and Coburg Lake Reserve which are safe, social places where locals gather.
Weekends mean markets, playgrounds, and multicultural dining along Sydney Road. Coburg’s walkability and inclusive atmosphere make it a natural fit for young families.
Both Upfield train line and 19 tram run through Coburg, providing reliable access to the CBD within 30 minutes.
Keep in mind: Inner-north traffic can be busy; quieter pockets near the creek offer more serenity.
Doncaster East is known for large, modern homes, top-rated schools like Doncaster Gardens Primary, and access to Westfield Doncaster shopping and dining. It’s popular with both established and new families seeking bigger homes in a green setting.
Quiet, well-maintained, and family-oriented, the suburb features Ruffey Lake Park, a standout for weekend barbecues, bike rides, and picnics.
Locals spend weekends at Westfield Doncaster, sports clubs, or nearby parklands. It’s peaceful yet full of modern convenience.
Though it lacks a train line, Doncaster East has express bus services via the Eastern Freeway, and easy car access keeps travel times reasonable.
Keep in mind: Driving is still essential for most families, but infrastructure continues to improve.
Point Cook offers newer housing estates, wide streets, and parks designed for young families. Its affordability, compared with Melbourne’s inner ring, draws first-home buyers and upsizers alike. Amenities like Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre and local schools make it self-contained and convenient.
Master-planned estates mean streets are wide, footpaths are safe, and parks like Point Cook Coastal Park and Featherbrook Reserve are abundant.
Families enjoy playgrounds, community sports, and day trips to Altona Beach. There’s a strong sense of new community with playgroups, childcare centres, and schools at its core.
Frequent buses link to Williams Landing train station, and the Princes Freeway provides quick access to the city (30–40 minutes off-peak).
Keep in mind: Peak-hour congestion can be challenging; consider proximity to train stations when buying.
Roxburgh Park is one of Melbourne’s more affordable family suburbs, offering good transport, large homes, and access to multiple schools and parks. Families appreciate its value and multicultural energy.
Well-planned parks, sports fields, and community patrols keep it secure and family-focused. Roxburgh Park Homestead Reserve and Lakeside Park offer great outdoor options.
Local shopping, family barbecues, and sports at the leisure centre define weekends here. Community events foster strong neighbourhood ties.
Served by the Craigieburn train line and main arterials to the city, commutes take 40–45 minutes.
Keep in mind: Slightly longer travel times but excellent value for the size of homes offered.
Located near Melton, Kurunjang provides exceptional value for families seeking detached homes and larger lots. It’s growing quickly, with new facilities, schools, and parks developing alongside affordable land prices.
Safe, calm, and semi-rural, the area features generous backyards, sports fields, and open reserves which are perfect for kids to explore.
Expect community barbecues, local sporting events, and day trips to the Macedon Ranges or Werribee Open Range Zoo.
A 50–60 minute drive to the CBD via the Western Freeway, or train from nearby Melton Station. The payoff: space, peace, and budget-friendly homes.
Keep in mind: Suited to families prioritising space and value over proximity to the city.
Melbourne’s geography is more than just a map, each corridor offers a different lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for school excellence, coastal charm, or value for money, understanding the character of each region helps narrow your search quickly.
The inner north including Northcote, Coburg, and Essendon balances lifestyle and convenience. It’s a favourite among young families who love café culture, bike paths, and heritage homes with personality. Parks and playgrounds are plentiful, and you’ll find a mix of well-established and newer schools.
Why families choose the North:
Typical housing:
Keep in mind: Parking and traffic can be tricky near popular café strips. Some areas carry a premium due to school zones and convenience.
The eastern suburbs such as Glen Waverley, Balwyn, Camberwell, and Doncaster East are Melbourne’s traditional heart for education and family living. They’re famous for leafy streets, safety, and proximity to top-performing schools. Parents often buy here with a long-term view, not just for the home, but for the educational pathway it offers.
Why families choose the East:
Keep in mind: Demand is fierce for homes within specific school zones; expect higher entry prices and competition at auctions.
The south and bayside corridor includes Sandringham, Mentone, and Brighton-adjacent areas, all prized for their access to beaches, sports clubs, and relaxed, outdoor living. Families here love the weekend lifestyle: coastal walks, surf lessons, and café breakfasts with ocean views.
Why families choose the South & Bayside:
Keep in mind: Limited stock and high demand can push prices up quickly; public transport is solid along the Sandringham line, but parking near stations fills fast.
The western corridor home to Altona, Williamstown, Point Cook, and Kurunjang has transformed over the past decade. Once seen as Melbourne’s affordable edge, it’s now a thriving family region with great amenities and growing infrastructure. The western suburbs are perfect for those seeking more space, newer homes, and community-focused estates.
Why families choose the West:
Keep in mind: Commutes can be longer from outer suburbs; check train frequency and freeway access during peak times.
For many Melbourne parents, the school catchment map matters just as much as the house plan. The right address can determine which school your child is eligible to attend and in some suburbs, that can add hundreds of thousands to a property’s value. Understanding how school catchments work and what to look for before buying or renting can save you disappointment (and money).
Victoria’s public school system assigns students to schools based on their residential address. Each school has a defined zone, a boundary showing which streets are guaranteed a place. If you live inside that zone, your child is entitled to enrol. Living outside means you can still apply, but it’s subject to available space. You can easily check your address on the official Find My School map run by the Victorian Government. Simply type in a property address and you’ll see the primary and secondary schools that serve it.
This zoning system is a major driver of demand in family-friendly suburbs like Glen Waverley, Balwyn North, and Camberwell, where public schools rank among the state’s best.
Melbourne families often mix both public and private schooling across a child’s education.
Popular choices like Camberwell Grammar, Mentone Grammar, and Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar (Essendon) draw families from across the city, not just locally. Many parents choose a home that gives flexibility: a top public option nearby, plus access to respected private schools.
The “school zone effect” is well documented. According to market insights from CoreLogic and Domain, homes inside sought-after zones can attract a 5–10% price premium compared with nearby properties outside the boundary. This is especially true in:
These areas see high demand from both local and international buyers.
Tip: When inspecting homes, always ask agents to confirm the school zone in writing and cross-check it on Find My School. Catchments can shift slightly year to year based on enrolments.
Melbourne’s family suburbs come in many shapes and prices from million-dollar heritage homes in the east to affordable new estates on the city’s growing edges. Understanding how affordability shifts across regions can help you set realistic expectations and find the best fit for your family’s budget, without sacrificing comfort or safety.
Each part of Melbourne tends to favour different property styles and block sizes. Here’s a quick guide to what you’ll typically find across the city:
For growing families, space is often the biggest upgrade driver. Moving from an inner 2-bedroom townhouse to an outer 4-bedroom home can feel life-changing, not just financially, but emotionally too.
Some of the best suburbs for families in Melbourne include Glen Waverley, Balwyn, Camberwell, Altona, and Sandringham. These areas offer excellent schools, safe neighbourhoods, and easy access to parks and public transport, making them ideal for raising kids.
Eastern and bayside suburbs like Balwyn, Glen Waverley, Doncaster East, and Sandringham are consistently ranked among Melbourne’s safest. They feature quiet streets, strong community ties, and low crime rates, according to the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria.
If you want strong schools without paying inner-east prices, look to Doncaster East, Point Cook, Roxburgh Park, or Kurunjang. These suburbs balance good education access with modern homes and growing family amenities.
Altona, Sandringham, and Williamstown are the top family-friendly beach suburbs. Each offers safe swimming spots, playgrounds, foreshore walking paths, and direct train lines to the city, a rare mix of coastal lifestyle and convenience.
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