Best places to live around Australia in 2024 - top areas in every capital city
Katy has been writing and editing in the digital realm and in print for over ten years, and is based in Brisbane, Queensland.
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Samantha is a Sydney-based real estate and home improvement writer. She is currently Head of Marketing at OpenAgent.
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Maybe you’ve been travelling and are ready to put down some roots or perhaps you’re searching for an investment property to sink your teeth into - whatever your situation - Australian cities offer a vibrant array of different lifestyle options with immaculate beaches and natural paradises never too far away. From the thriving arts scene of Melbourne to the high-flying corporate culture of Sydney, there’s always a place to call home!
Sure, compared to both the UK and the USA, the cost of living in Australia is extremely high, but we think it’s worth every pretty penny. Let’s explore the merits of living in the biggest cities in Australia.
Best areas to live in Melbourne, Australia
Is Melbourne the best city in Australia? Sydneysiders may not think so, but Melbourne is consistently ranked the most liveable city in Australia, time and time again.
With its lively atmosphere, iconic architecture, and abundance of natural attractions on its doorstep (think, the Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Ranges), you would be mad not to fall in love with Melbourne’s eclectic suburbs and communities.
In the city, Carlton, Southbank and Docklands suit the tastes of creative professionals and those seeking to combine work and play. If you prefer the finer things, you may feel more at home in East Melbourne or Parkville. Beachside Altona, Seaholme and Willamstown hide quiet pockets close to the action.
Melbourne’s leafy east is full of picturesque, family-friendly suburbs, while families seeking affordability might consider Ringwood, Croydon or Bayswater.
If you're looking for other affordable hotspots around the city, these suburbs also offer vibrant family-friendly living.
Read: The cheapest suburbs to buy in and around Melbourne
Best areas to live in Sydney, Australia
Sydney is certainly not the cheapest place to live in Australia, but it’s an exciting city that certainly never sleeps. With its enviable nightlife, glistening beaches, and an endless list of job opportunities, Sydney is where you can make your mark on the world!
Sydney’s Lower and Upper North Shore and Northern Beaches come out on top for liveability, like Milsons Point, Lavender Bay, Wollstonecraft and Waverton. Neutral Bay, Mosman and Chatswood are also highly sought after.
The Sutherland Shire is a hot destination for families, with suburbs like Jannali, Woronora and beachside Cronulla considered highly liveable. Close enough to the city while existing in their own bubble, these relaxed communities offer space to breathe away from the commotion.
For trendy inner-city living, try Enmore, Petersham and Erskinville. Hipster-hoods like Marrickville, Newtown and Glebe are near the action and host sumptuous dining experiences to eat your way through.
Further afield, Wentworth Point, Northmead and North Parramatta are gaining traction with those wanting to get on the property market.
Best areas to live in Adelaide, Australia
For cost of living, Adelaide is one of Australia’s more affordable capital cities, and is one of the cheapest for buying a home. There are pristine beaches to explore, and the nearby Barossa Valley wine region is the perfect weekend getaway. It’s easy living in Adelaide, where you can slow the pace and enjoy the outdoors.
Some say, it’s the best place to retire in Australia. It certainly has a lot of appeal for relaxation, from the crisp, country air of the Adelaide Hills, to the coastal towns surrounding Glenelg. Well-appointed North Adelaide, Prospect and Sheidow Park offer plenty for retirees and families alike. Close to the city, Walkerville is a charming suburb with excellent schools, boutique shops and lush parks.
Seaside suburbs to note are Semaphore, Henley Beach and North Brighton. Further south, Moana is a close-knit coastal community, combining breathtaking scenery with modern convenience. The median house price in Moana is $770,000.
Nestled in the foothills of the Adelaide Hills, lush and leafy Greenwith, Fairview Park and Redwood Park are highly liveable suburbs for families, with access to good schools, excellent public transport and picture-perfect views.
Learn more about the Adelaide property market.
Best areas to live in Perth, Australia
Perth may seem isolated, but it’s no sleeping beauty. If you’re thinking of making the move across the Nullabor, you won’t be disappointed. Escape to an idyllic climate, white-sand beaches, and breathtaking views at every step!
Highgate, Northbridge and West Leederville are bustling inner-city suburbs popular with young professionals. Victoria Park has an unbeatable location, sitting pretty on the banks of the Swan River with its mix of eclectic dining, recreational reserves and heritage housing. The median house price is $790,000 and units are $360,000.
Laidback beachside living is to be found in Sorrento, Scarborough and Wembley Downs in the north, and Cottesloe, North Fremantle and Beaconsfield in the south. Prices drop the further south you go, such as in attractive Safety Bay and Golden Bay. Houses cost a median $592,500 in Safety Bay and $515,000 in Golden Bay.
The vibrant riverside community of Bayswater is popular with families for its excellent amenities and reputable schools. A house here sells for a median $775,000 and units for $341,000. Across the river, Ascot is a prestige suburb boasting tranquil parklands and luxury modern homes.
Families looking for affordability close to the city could consider Nollamara, Belmont and Cloverdale. For nature lovers, bushland suburbs Gossnells, Lesmurdie and Kelmscott are worth inspecting.
Learn more about the Perth property market.
Best areas to live in Brisbane, Australia
Brisbane holds onto its big country town feel, despite the city being home to nearly 2.5 million people and growing rapidly. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful places in Australia, like the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and subtropical balmy islands like Stradbroke and Bribie, it’s easy to see why so many are relocating to the Queensland capital.
West End, South Brisbane and Milton are trendy suburbs for vibrant inner-city living. Paddington is a thriving hotspot of retail and dining, prized for its charming Queenslander-style homes and renovated worker’s cottages on tree-lined streets.
Highly sought-after northside suburbs Ascot, Newmarket and Everton Park combine proximity to the city with great culture, amenity and lifestyle. Kelvin Grove, a slice of leafy suburbia near the CBD, draws students, professionals and families with its prime location and educational opportunities. The median house price is $1,251,500, while units are $480,000.
Nestled on the outskirts of the city, Wilston is a quiet gem with its blend of older and modern architectural homes, some boasting stunning city views. You can find out more about where to invest in Brisbane by reading this helpful guide.
For those seeking affordability, southern Rocklea has a friendly, community feel only 9 kilometres from the city. The median house price is $530,000. Leafy Oxley, Salisbury and Moorooka are other relatively affordable southside suburbs that stand out for their convenience and neighbourly vibe.
Read: Best places to invest in Queensland
Best areas to live in Canberra, Australia
If you’re looking for an investment property, Canberra’s tight rental market is alluring with plenty of students and workers moving into the capital. Canberra’s economy leads the nation with its highest average weekly earnings, low unemployment and continual investment in services and infrastructure, while locals rate the city as highly liveable.
The most desirable suburbs tend to surround the watchful eye of Capital Hill, like Kingston, Forrest and Red Hill. Close to the city, Hughes is one of Canberra’s most popular suburbs with its tree-lined streets and plenty of schools.
In the district of Gungahlin, Forde, Gungahlin, Bonner and Casey are popular family suburbs with more accessible prices. With a median house price of $945,000, Amaroo is a vibrant neighbourhood around 12 kilometres north of the city, sought after for its good school, green spaces and safe streets.
Lyneham, Belconnen and Kaleen are established student hubs. Dubbed Canberra’s coolest suburb, Braddon is the go-to for hip inner-city living and an apartment has a median sale price of $516,000.
