04 Mar 2025 15 Best Suburbs in Melbourne for Families: Discover the Perfect Place to Call Home!
Choosing the right suburb for your family is about more than just price. You want good schools nearby, safe streets, parks, reliable transport, and a strong sense of community. In 2025, Melbourne continues to offer a range of family-friendly suburbs across different budgets and lifestyles.
If you’re looking to buy into one of these suburbs, our Melbourne mortgage brokers at EverLend can help. We’ll compare lenders, handle the paperwork, and find a home loan that suits your family’s needs and budget.
Whether you’re after modern housing estates, leafy streets, beachside living, or proximity to elite schools, there’s something here for every family in Australia’s cultural capital!
Here are 15 of the best suburbs for families in Melbourne in 2025.
(Updated as of October 2025)
Melbourne’s Family-Friendly Suburbs
1. Glen Waverley
Glen Waverley remains a top family suburb due to its renowned public schools, including Glen Waverley Secondary College. The suburb features leafy streets, major retail hubs like The Glen Shopping Centre, and strong train and bus links to the CBD. It’s a multicultural area with plenty of dining and cultural amenities. Parks and recreation options like Jells Park make it great for kids.
- Median house price: ~$1.4 million
- Average rent: ~$700–850/week
- Family-Friendly Amenities: The Glen, Jells Park, Monash Aquatic Centre
- School Proximity: Glen Waverley Secondary, Wesley College
- Safety Index: High
2. Camberwell
Camberwell is a well-established, leafy suburb with heritage homes and top-tier schools. Families love the strong transport connections, parks, and the vibrant Camberwell Junction shopping precinct. It offers a quiet, safe lifestyle while remaining close to the city. Homes here are premium, but the long-term investment is strong.
- Median house price: ~$2.45 million
- Average rent: ~$900–1,100/week
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Camberwell Junction, parks, Rivoli Cinema
- School Proximity: Camberwell High, Canterbury Girls’, private colleges
- Safety Index: Very high
3. Bentleigh
Bentleigh is a well-rounded suburb offering good schools, a village feel, and reliable train connections. Families enjoy the Centre Road shops, sports grounds, and multiple parks. It’s a stable suburb with strong owner-occupier demand. Schools like Bentleigh West Primary continue to attract families.
- Median house price: ~$1.4 million
- Average rent: ~$750–900/week
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Allnutt Park, Centre Road retail, libraries
- School Proximity: Bentleigh West Primary, McKinnon Secondary zone
- Safety Index: High
4. Balwyn
Balwyn is one of Melbourne’s most desirable suburbs for education-focused families. Balwyn High School is a top public school, and the area is known for tree-lined streets and excellent transport options. Local shopping strips and green spaces make day-to-day life pleasant. It’s a peaceful and affluent suburb.
- Median house price: ~$2.8 million
- Average rent: ~$900–1,200/week
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Whitehorse Road shops, Beckett Park, community centres
- School Proximity: Balwyn High, Fintona Girls’, local primaries
- Safety Index: Very high
5. Point Cook
Point Cook is popular for modern housing, green spaces, and its coastal location. It offers great value for families looking for space without sacrificing access to schools and shops. The area has grown rapidly, with new schools, shopping centres, and parks to match. Proximity to the freeway and train options support city commuters.
- Median house price: ~$850,000–1.1 million
- Average rent: ~$550–750/week
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Point Cook Town Centre, Sanctuary Lakes, parks
- School Proximity: Suzanne Cory High, local primary and secondary schools
- Safety Index: Medium–High
6. Berwick
Berwick offers families space, modern amenities, and access to strong schooling options. It has a mix of heritage homes and newer developments, with a welcoming community feel. The area continues to benefit from infrastructure upgrades and expanding retail zones. Its southeast location provides access to both urban convenience and semi-rural surroundings.
- Median house price: ~$900,000
- Average rent: ~$500–700/week
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Eden Rise Village, parks, playgrounds
- School Proximity: Berwick Primary, Haileybury College, St Margaret’s
- Safety Index: High
7. Wollert
Wollert is a fast-developing northern suburb with new estates tailored for young families. With schools, retail centres, and public parks emerging, it’s a great choice for buyers seeking value and growth potential. The homes are mostly new builds with modern features. Its community infrastructure is expanding rapidly.
- Median house price: ~$700,000–850,000
- Average rent: ~$450–600/week
- Family-Friendly Amenities: New estates, parks, proposed town centre
- School Proximity: New primary schools, future secondaries planned
- Safety Index: Medium
Ready to settle into one of Melbourne’s top family suburbs? Let EverLend’s Melbourne mortgage brokers guide you through the home loan process, from pre-approval to settlement. We’ll help you find a home loan that suits your budget, family needs, and future plans. Call us at 03 7036 3356 to get started.
8. Altona
Altona is a bayside suburb that balances lifestyle with affordability. Families love the beach, expansive parks, and family-oriented community vibe. Pier Street provides local shopping and dining options, and the train makes CBD access easy. It’s a quieter alternative to inner-bayside living.
- Median house price: ~$1.3 million
- Average rent: ~$700–900/week
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Altona Beach, parks, walking trails
- School Proximity: Altona Primary, Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College
- Safety Index: High
9. Northcote
Northcote blends a trendy atmosphere with family-friendly features like schools, parks, and public transport. It’s known for the High Street precinct and Merri Creek Trail. There’s a mix of old and new housing, and it’s ideal for families who value culture and community. The area is walkable, green, and well serviced.
- Median house price: ~$1.3 million
- Average rent: ~$700–900/week
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Merri Creek, All Nations Park, cafés
- School Proximity: Northcote High, local primaries
- Safety Index: High
10. Kew
Kew is a prestigious suburb with elite private schools, established streetscapes, and excellent parks. It’s one of Melbourne’s safest and most consistent high-demand suburbs. Families choose Kew for its educational reputation and proximity to the CBD. The area has a calm, upscale vibe with strong community values.
- Median house price: ~$2.52 million
- Average rent: ~$1,100–1,300/week
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Studley Park, shopping villages, Yarra trails
- School Proximity: Trinity Grammar, MLC, Xavier College
- Safety Index: Very high
11. Rosanna
Rosanna is a green, hilly suburb with solid transport links and well-kept homes. It’s attractive to families wanting space and peace while remaining close to the city. The suburb offers excellent parks and community facilities. Its station upgrade and shopping strip improvements have lifted its appeal.
- Median house price: ~$1.7 million
- Average rent: ~$800–1,000/week
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Rosanna Parklands, shops, train station
- School Proximity: Banyule Primary, Viewbank College zone
- Safety Index: High
12. Essendon
Essendon is a long-time favourite for families, offering character homes, tree-lined streets, and top schools. Its location near the CBD is supported by train and tram connections. The suburb has multiple shopping and dining zones and access to sporting facilities. Essendon’s mix of history and practicality makes it ideal for families.
- Median house price: ~$1.2–1.4 million
- Average rent: ~$700–900/week
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Windy Hill, parks, DFO Essendon
- School Proximity: PEGS, Lowther Hall, Buckley Park
- Safety Index: High
13. Frankston
Frankston offers families beachside living at a much more affordable price point. The suburb has improved significantly with investment in infrastructure, schools, and local facilities. Families appreciate the coastal lifestyle, large blocks, and variety of schooling. Its V/Line train makes commuting into the CBD possible.
- Median house price: ~$700,000
- Average rent: ~$450–600/week
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Frankston Waterfront, PARC, Bayside Shopping Centre
- School Proximity: Frankston High, John Paul College
- Safety Index: Medium–High
14. Melton
Melton offers affordability and space, making it popular with young and growing families. While it’s further from the city, infrastructure upgrades and new estates are helping transform it into a modern suburban centre. It has ample schools and services, and its housing value is hard to beat.
- Median house price: ~$510,000
- Average rent: ~$350–500/week
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Woodgrove Shopping Centre, parks, local sports clubs
- School Proximity: Melton Secondary, St. Dominic’s
- Safety Index: Medium
15. Williams Landing
Williams Landing is a well-planned, modern suburb ideal for young families seeking a balance of affordability and convenience. With its own train station, shopping centre, and commercial precinct, it offers everything within close reach. Green space and modern homes are plentiful. It’s a clean, structured suburb with future growth ahead.
- Median house price: ~$850,000–1 million
- Average rent: ~$550–750/week
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Williams Landing Shopping Centre, parks, transport hub
- School Proximity: Local and nearby schools in Point Cook and Truganina
- Safety Index: High
Sources: Victorian Property Sales Report, Realestate.com.au, Domain, Cotality. Note that the figures above are subject to change, so it’s best to get current market values from your real estate agent.
Public Transport Access in Melbourne’s Family-Friendly Suburbs
One of the biggest lifestyle advantages for families in Melbourne is access to reliable public transport. Whether it’s getting to work, school, or weekend activities, a well-connected suburb can make all the difference.
Many of the suburbs listed, such as Glen Waverley, Camberwell, Essendon, and Northcote, are serviced by Metro Trains Melbourne’s rail network, offering direct access to the Melbourne CBD. Others like Point Cook, Williams Landing, and Berwick benefit from V/Line or key outer-suburban stations along high-frequency routes.
The Public Transport Victoria (PTV) network includes:
- Train lines connecting suburbs across all directions: PTV Train Network Map
- Tram services, especially prominent in inner and eastern suburbs like Kew, Balwyn, and Camberwell: PTV Tram Network Map
- Bus routes, which complement train access in growth suburbs like Wollert, Melton, and Altona: PTV Bus Network
For up-to-date information on transport options, ticketing, and routes, visit the Public Transport Victoria website.
Buying in a family-friendly suburb in Melbourne should be exciting—not stressful. Let EverLend’s experienced Melbourne mortgage brokers help you with expert advice, competitive rates, and zero guesswork. From home loan comparisons to approval, we’re with you every step of the way. Book your free consultation by calling us today at 03 7036 3356.
FAQs
What are the four no-go suburbs in Melbourne?
While livability surveys vary, some commonly flagged areas due to lower safety ratings and infrastructure gaps include Broadmeadows, Dandenong, Flemington, and parts of Sunshine West. These suburbs often show weaker rental yields, inconsistent public transport options, and below-average median house prices.
What is the happiest suburb in Melbourne?
According to multiple livability surveys and community feedback, St Kilda ranks highly due to its vibrant lifestyle, beach access, and active community centers. While rental prices can be on the higher side, locals say the suburb offers the perfect mix of energy, nature, and connection.
Which is the safest suburb in Melbourne?
South Yarra consistently ranks among the safest thanks to low crime rates, access to quality schools, and proximity to well-lit railway stations and trams. It’s also a hot spot for property investment, though house prices here are on the higher end.
Is Melbourne a good place to raise a family?
Yes, Melbourne is a great place to raise a family, especially in suburbs known for being a family-friendly neighborhood with parks, schools, and safe streets. Access to quality schools, community centers, and strong public transport options make it a top pick in national livability surveys.
Where can I find the best rental yields in Melbourne?
Outer growth suburbs like Wollert, Melton, and Tarneit often offer the strongest rental yields due to lower median house prices and rising tenant demand. These areas also present good investment opportunities for long-term buyers.
How do rental prices compare across Melbourne?
Rental prices vary widely—inner-city areas like South Yarra and St Kilda command higher weekly rents, while middle and outer suburbs offer more affordability. Always compare rental trends against house prices and infrastructure access for best value.
What factors impact house prices in Melbourne suburbs?
Key drivers of house prices include proximity to the CBD, access to railway stations, public transport options, local schools, and community centers. Suburbs with strong infrastructure and lifestyle appeal tend to have higher median house prices and better property investment prospects.
What are the available home loans for first-home buyers in Melbourne?
Homebuyers in Melbourne can access a range of home loans, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, interest-only, and low-deposit loans, depending on their financial goals and suburb of choice. EverLend’s Melbourne mortgage brokers help families compare products based on house prices, cost of living, and long-term investment opportunities.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Perfect Family Suburb in Melbourne
Choosing the right suburb is an exciting step toward building your family’s future. With so many liveable suburbs offering quality schools, plenty of parks, and a wealth of amenities, Melbourne has an ideal suburb for every lifestyle and budget.
If you’re ready to buy a home, the team at EverLend is here to help. Based in St Kilda, our Melbourne brokers will find the best home loan options tailored to your needs, making the process simple and stress-free. Call us today at 03 7036 3356 or visit EverLend for a free consultation!