03 Jun 2025 Top 10 of the Best Melbourne Suburbs for Retirees in 2025
Retirement in Melbourne is about finding the right mix of lifestyle, community, and convenience. From leafy streets to beachside suburbs, there’s a perfect spot for every retiree’s dream.
The best Melbourne suburbs for retirees offer a blend of relaxed lifestyles, vibrant communities, and easy access to excellent medical facilities, shopping strips, and green parks. These areas offer a strong sense of community, a perfect mix of modern conveniences and heritage charm, and housing options to suit different budgets. Whether it’s charming heritage homes, coastal views, or cultural diversity, each suburb brings its own appeal to retirement living.
Let’s explore the top 10 of the best Melbourne suburbs for retirees in 2025 and find the perfect place that blends active lifestyle, convenience, and natural beauty for seniors.
Looking to settle down in one of the best retirement suburbs in Melbourne? As trusted Melbourne mortgage brokers, EverLend is here to help retirees explore home loan options that turn their dream homes into reality. Call us at 03 7036 3356 or visit www.everlend.com.au to get started!
10 Best Melbourne Suburbs for Retirees
Our top 10 list offers a diverse mix of beachside suburbs and leafy retreats, each with a perfect blend of convenience and a strong sense of community. Whether it’s historic homes or modern apartments, these vibrant suburbs cater to a unique and ideal retirement lifestyle.
#1. Brighton
Brighton is known for its beachside lifestyle and charming heritage homes. Retirees love the relaxed vibe and the balanced lifestyle here. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or enjoy the vibrant arts scene. With its shopping strip and cozy cafés, Brighton offers both convenience and character. It’s a highly sought-after suburb, known for its Victorian-era houses and strong community vibe. Public transport options are plenty, making it easy to visit Albert Park Lake or Luna Park for a fun day out.
- Median House Price: around $3,050,000
- Median Unit Price / Apartment Price: about $920,000
- Vacancy Rate: sits at roughly 1.3%
- Proximity to Key Services: Excellent access to public transport (Brighton Beach station), health services, shopping strips, and cozy cafés.
- Access to Parks and Green Spaces: Superb! Retirees can enjoy lush parks like Elsternwick Park, Green Point Reserve, and the iconic Brighton Beach foreshore.
#2. Williamstown
Williamstown is a peaceful waterfront suburb that feels like a coastal village right on Melbourne’s doorstep. Its historic charm, bustling shopping hubs, and leafy streets create a charming atmosphere for retirees. Retirees enjoy the balanced lifestyle of beach walks, community amenities, and a strong sense of community. With its cozy cafés and easy access to the city, Williamstown is an attractive suburb for retirees seeking a blend of charm and convenience.
- Median House Price: ~$1,520,000
- Median Unit Price: ~$770,000
- Vacancy Rate: 1.5%
- Proximity to Key Services: Close to Williamstown Hospital, shopping strips, and cozy cafés.
- Access to Parks and Green Spaces: Jawbone Reserve, Williamstown Botanic Gardens, and waterfront parklands.
#3. Camberwell
Camberwell is famous for its leafy streets, local markets, and charming village atmosphere. Retirees find comfort in its excellent schools, top medical services, and strong community vibe. The suburb’s beautiful tree-lined streets, a blend of period homes and modern apartments, and a vibrant arts scene make it a prestigious suburb for retirement. Access to trams and convenient transport connections make getting around easy, too.
- Median House Price: ~$2,350,000
- Median Unit Price: ~$850,000
- Vacancy Rate: 1.4%
- Proximity to Key Services: Great access to medical centres, vibrant shopping hubs, and lively cafés.
- Access to Parks and Green Spaces: Camberwell Gardens and Lynden Park.
#4. Balwyn
Balwyn offers a village feel with green parks and plenty of spacious homes. It’s an affluent, family-friendly suburb with leafy streets, a welcoming community, and a perfect blend of lifestyle and natural beauty. Retirees love the friendly neighbourhood, great medical facilities, and lively suburb vibe. Balwyn’s charming heritage homes and vibrant communities create a perfect retirement atmosphere.
- Median House Price: ~$2,300,000
- Median Unit Price: ~$850,000
- Vacancy Rate: 1.3%
- Proximity to Key Services: Local shopping villages, medical services, and public transport.
- Access to Parks and Green Spaces: Beckett Park, Maranoa Gardens.
#5. Box Hill
Box Hill is known for its multicultural suburb feel and top-notch healthcare services. Its affordable housing options and vibrant communities make it one of the best Melbourne suburbs for retirees. Retirees here enjoy the Asian dining scene, shopping centres like Box Hill Central, and easy transport connections. It’s a lively suburb that offers a balanced lifestyle with access to parks, essential services, and a vibrant community.
- Median House Price: ~$1,450,000
- Median Unit Price: ~$650,000
- Vacancy Rate: 1.6%
- Proximity to Key Services: Box Hill Hospital, Box Hill Central Shopping Centre, and multicultural dining.
- Access to Parks and Green Spaces: Surrey Park, Box Hill Gardens.
If you seek assistance with a home loan, our Melbourne mortgage brokers at EverLend can help! Our expert brokers can compare loan options, simplify the process, and find a loan that suits your lifestyle and retirement goals. Call us at 03 7036 3356 or visit www.everlend.com.au to explore your options!
#6. Glen Waverley
Glen Waverley is a family-friendly suburb with a bustling shopping scene and excellent schools like Glen Waverley Secondary College. It’s known for its vibrant communities and easy access to public transport. Retirees love the modern conveniences, dining options, and active lifestyle on offer here. Green parks, spacious homes, and a sense of community make Glen Waverley a great choice for retirement.
- Median House Price: ~$1,600,000
- Median Unit Price: ~$750,000
- Vacancy Rate: 1.2%
- Proximity to Key Services: Glen Waverley Secondary College, shopping hubs, and medical services.
- Access to Parks and Green Spaces: Jells Park and Central Reserve.
#7. Hampton
Hampton is a coastal suburb that’s all about relaxed living. With beach walks, green parks, and a vibrant arts scene, Hampton is perfect for retirees who love a beachside lifestyle. There’s a strong sense of community and cozy cafés where you can catch up with friends. The suburb’s natural beauty and active lifestyle create a perfect blend of relaxation and vibrancy.
- Median House Price: ~$2,300,000
- Median Unit Price: ~$900,000
- Vacancy Rate: 1.2%
- Proximity to Key Services: Hampton Street shopping, beach access, and medical centres.
- Access to Parks and Green Spaces: Castlefield Reserve, Hampton Beach.
#8. Malvern
Malvern is an elegant, historic suburb with beautiful charm. It boasts heritage homes, a charming village atmosphere, and bustling shopping hubs like Chapel Street. Retirees are drawn to its convenient tram routes, cozy cafés, and active arts scene. Malvern’s leafy streets and vibrant community make it a perfect retirement suburb for those who appreciate a blend of heritage and modern living.
- Median House Price: ~$2,650,000
- Median Unit Price: ~$880,000
- Vacancy Rate: 1.3%
- Proximity to Key Services: Access to excellent schools, medical services, and cozy cafés.
- Access to Parks and Green Spaces: Malvern Gardens, Central Park.
#9. Doncaster
Doncaster combines green spaces with urban convenience, thanks to Westfield Doncaster and easy access to parks. It’s a family-friendly suburb with a strong sense of community. Retirees find the blend of convenience and nature here appealing, as well as the affordable property prices and future growth potential. Doncaster is a lively suburb with a perfect balance of modern conveniences and community amenities.
- Median House Price: ~$1,450,000
- Median Unit Price: ~$720,000
- Vacancy Rate: 1.5%
- Proximity to Key Services: Westfield Doncaster, medical services, and great public transport links.
- Access to Parks and Green Spaces: Ruffey Lake Park, Schramms Reserve.
#10. Elwood
Elwood offers a relaxed beach lifestyle with easy city access. Its leafy streets and a strong sense of community make it one of Melbourne’s most attractive suburbs for retirees. Retirees here enjoy beach walks, cozy cafés, and the vibrant arts scene. With affordable property prices and a charming community vibe, Elwood blends convenience and relaxation perfectly.
- Median House Price: ~$1,950,000
- Median Unit Price: ~$820,000
- Vacancy Rate: 1.4%
- Proximity to Key Services: Albert Park, Luna Park, and cozy cafés.
- Access to Parks and Green Spaces: Elwood Beach, Elsternwick Park.
Sources: CoreLogic Property Data, Realestate.com.au, Domain, Victorian Government Reports. Take note that market values tend to fluctuate over time. Hence, it’s always best to consult with your real estate agent for the latest property prices.
Thinking about settling down in one of the best Melbourne suburbs for retirees?
Our Melbourne mortgage brokers at EverLend are here to take the stress out of the loan process. We’ll guide you through your options, find competitive rates, and tailor a solution that aligns with your retirement plans. Reach out today at 03 7036 3356 or visit www.everlend.com.au.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best suburb to retire in Melbourne?
The best suburb to retire in Melbourne depends on your lifestyle preferences, from charming suburbs like Brighton and Williamstown to affordable suburbs like Box Hill with excellent amenities. These suburbs have low crime rates, vibrant communities, and real estate agents ready to help you find a perfect home.
What are the most sought-after suburbs in Melbourne?
Melbourne’s most sought-after suburbs include leafy inner-city suburbs like Camberwell, family-friendly suburbs like Balwyn, and relaxed coastal areas like Elwood. They offer a family-friendly atmosphere, charming suburban charm, and housing affordability to suit different needs.
Where is the best place to retire in Victoria?
The best place to retire in Victoria often includes Melbourne’s bustling suburbs with excellent amenities, attractive options, and a blend of vibrant communities and green parks. Suburbs like Glen Waverley and Doncaster balance the bustle of city life with housing affordability and access to schools.
Where do the happiest retirees live in Australia?
The happiest retirees often choose suburbs with a strong sense of community, family-friendly atmosphere, and access to schools for visiting grandkids. Affordable suburbs like Box Hill and relaxed leafy suburbs like Balwyn ensure low crime rates and affordable housing options, making retirees feel right at home.
What types of home loans are available for retirees in Melbourne?
Retirees in Melbourne can explore a range of home loans like reverse mortgages, home loans such as fixed-rate, variable-rate or interest-only, and low-doc loans, depending on their financial situation and housing affordability.
Real estate agents can help retirees find charming suburbs with average house rent and excellent amenities to fit their retirement lifestyle, whilst mortgage brokers can help with choosing the right home loan.
Wrapping Up
In 2025, retiring in Melbourne is all about finding that perfect blend of lifestyle, community, and a place that truly feels like home. Whether you’re drawn to leafy suburbs, coastal lifestyle, or lively inner-city suburbs, the best Melbourne suburbs for retirees blend charm, affordable property, and excellent amenities.
As a trusted mortgage broker based in St Kilda and serving wider Melbourne, EverLend can help you compare home loan options, answer your questions, and make sure you’re supported every step of the way with your home loan.
Book your free consultation with us today at 03 7036 3356 or visit www.everlend.com.au. Let’s find the perfect loan to make your retirement dream home a reality!