10 Apr 2025 12 Safest Suburbs in Melbourne for a Secure Lifestyle in 2025
Living in one of the safest suburbs in Melbourne brings a sense of calm that many people crave when choosing a place to settle down. For families, retirees, and peace-seekers, safety means more than low crime; it’s quiet streets, a strong community, good schools, and easy access to essentials.
This article will explore the factors that make a suburb safe, and which Melbourne suburbs top the list in 2025.
Looking to buy in one of Melbourne’s safest suburbs? Let EverLend’s expert Melbourne mortgage brokers guide you through pre-approval and secure the right home loan for your first property. Call us today for a free consultation at 03 7036 3356.
What Makes a Suburb Safe?
Safety means different things to different people, but some factors consistently stand out when choosing where to live. Before we jump into the list, let’s look at what really makes a suburb feel safe and secure.
- Low crime rates – fewer reports of property damage, deception offences, and drug offences.
- Strong community – neighbours know each other and care.
- Fast emergency response – police and ambulance services are nearby.
- Street lighting – good lighting boosts safety and walkability.
- Public transport access – safe and reliable, especially around schools.
- Green spaces and parks – areas that attract families and promote an active lifestyle.
Now, let’s break down the 12 safest Melbourne suburbs.
Top 12 Safest Melbourne Suburbs
(editor’s note: updated as of August 2025)
1. Wattle Glen
Wattle Glen is Melbourne’s safest suburb, recording the lowest crime rate across Victoria. Nestled in a semi-rural setting, it offers quiet streets, close-knit community events, and easy access to nature reserves. Families appreciate the nearby schools and safe, open spaces, while retirees value the peaceful environment. It’s ideal for anyone who prioritises tranquillity and community safety.
- Crime rate: 10.3 per 1,000 residents
- Traffic accident rates: Very low, limited through-traffic
- Walkability score: Moderate, mostly residential
- Community engagement: Strong, regular local gatherings
- Emergency response time: Backed by local CFA/SES brigades and improved outer-suburb ambulance services.
2. Warrandyte
Warrandyte combines leafy tranquillity with strong community resilience. Its location along the Yarra River offers natural beauty while remaining one of the safest places in Melbourne. Locals benefit from active neighbourhood watch programs and access to quality schools and shops. The suburb appeals to families seeking space and retirees who love its bushland charm.
- Crime rate: 13.4 per 1,000 residents
- Traffic accident rates: Low, with well-maintained roads
- Walkability score: Moderate, best around town centre
- Community engagement: Very strong, local fire and community groups active
- Emergency response time: Moderate, serviced by Warrandyte CFA and SES
3. Yarrambat
Yarrambat is a semi-rural gem with exceptionally low crime and a family-friendly reputation. Its expansive blocks, parks, and equestrian culture attract families looking for safe outdoor lifestyles. The suburb is supported by strong local schools and a well-connected community. It’s a favourite for buyers seeking peace, safety, and space within reach of the city.
- Crime rate: 14.2 per 1,000 residents
- Traffic accident rates: Low due to limited high-speed roads
- Walkability score: Low, car-oriented suburb
- Community engagement: High, active sporting and school clubs
- Emergency response time: Backed by local CFA brigades with reliable coverage.
4. Park Orchards
Park Orchards ranks among the safest suburbs thanks to its leafy streets and community-driven initiatives. Known for its quality schools and family lifestyle, the area also benefits from low-density living and minimal crime. Residents take pride in environmental preservation, giving it a strong sense of local identity. Perfect for families and professionals who want security without sacrificing access to amenities.
- Crime rate: 15.5 per 1,000 residents
- Traffic accident rates: Low, residential traffic only
- Walkability score: Moderate, mostly around schools and shops
- Community engagement: Excellent, active local associations
- Emergency response time: Fast, serviced by nearby CFA brigades
5. Beaumaris
Beaumaris blends coastal charm with low crime and excellent livability. Its beachside appeal is enhanced by safe streets, reputable schools, and local parks. Popular with families and retirees, it also attracts professionals drawn to bayside living. Residents enjoy both lifestyle and security in this seaside enclave.
- Crime rate: 17.2 per 1,000 residents
- Traffic accident rates: Low to moderate along Beach Rd
- Walkability score: High, beach paths and village centre
- Community engagement: Strong, surf and community clubs
- Emergency response time: Quick, serviced by Bayside SES
6. Black Rock
Black Rock is another bayside suburb known for its safety and scenic outlooks. With low crime, good infrastructure, and active neighbourhood initiatives, it’s a secure place to call home. Families love the schools and recreational clubs, while retirees appreciate the relaxed coastal vibe. It’s also well-connected by road to nearby hubs.
- Crime rate: 17.4 per 1,000 residents
- Traffic accident rates: Low
- Walkability score: High, with coastal paths and shops nearby
- Community engagement: High, local sailing and sporting groups
- Emergency response time: Prompt, Bayside police and CFA coverage
First homebuyer dreaming of a quiet, family-friendly street? Our Melbourne mortgage brokers at EverLend simplify first homebuyers’ loan applications, helping them get into Melbourne’s safest suburbs faster. With pre-approval made easy. Book your free appointment by calling 03 7036 3356 today.
7. Eltham
Eltham offers a rare mix of leafy bushland and suburban convenience with one of the lowest crime rates in Melbourne. Its vibrant arts community, strong schools, and plentiful green space make it family-friendly. It also benefits from solid infrastructure and excellent community safety programs. Ideal for creative families and retirees wanting security and culture.
- Crime rate: 18.7 per 1,000 residents
- Traffic accident rates: Low to moderate, some busy intersections
- Walkability score: Moderate, good around town centre
- Community engagement: Excellent, strong arts and community programs
- Emergency response time: Fast, serviced by Nillumbik SES
8. Balwyn North
Balwyn North is one of Melbourne’s most desirable eastern suburbs, pairing prestige with safety. Families are drawn by top schools and low crime, while retirees value its leafy streets and accessible amenities. Its walkability and strong transport connections also boost its livability. The suburb consistently ranks high for safety and education.
- Crime rate: 19.0 per 1,000 residents
- Traffic accident rates: Moderate, busy arterial roads
- Walkability score: High, with trams and local shops
- Community engagement: Strong, active cultural groups
- Emergency response time: Quick, supported by Boroondara services
9. Templestowe
Templestowe is known for spacious properties, excellent schools, and low crime rates. It’s a safe and quiet suburb with ample green space, including Ruffey Lake Park. Families enjoy its strong community atmosphere and easy access to shopping centres. Safety and lifestyle balance make it highly sought after.
- Crime rate: 19.8 per 1,000 residents
- Traffic accident rates: Low to moderate, localised around main roads
- Walkability score: Moderate
- Community engagement: Strong, school and park activities
- Emergency response time: Reliable, covered by Manningham services
10. Doncaster East
Doncaster East combines safety, accessibility, and strong family appeal. With a low crime rate, high-performing schools, and plentiful shops, it’s one of the safest family suburbs in Melbourne. Community events and well-maintained parks add to its appeal. It’s a perfect fit for families and retirees.
- Crime rate: 20.1 per 1,000 residents
- Traffic accident rates: Moderate along major roads
- Walkability score: Moderate to high near shopping centres
- Community engagement: Strong, many local activities
- Emergency response time: Prompt, supported by Manningham emergency services
11. Canterbury
Canterbury is a prestigious eastern suburb combining safety with charm. Its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and excellent schools make it both secure and highly liveable. It’s one of Melbourne’s safest areas, ideal for families seeking long-term security. The suburb is also well-supported by local amenities and transport.
- Crime rate: 20.4 per 1,000 residents
- Traffic accident rates: Low, quiet streets
- Walkability score: High, with shops and train station access
- Community engagement: Very strong, historic preservation groups
- Emergency response time: Quick, Boroondara emergency services
12. Bulleen
Bulleen rounds out the top 12, offering affordability, safety, and family-friendly amenities. Its parks, schools, and strong Italian-Australian community create a welcoming atmosphere. With low crime rates and reliable emergency services, it’s a secure choice for new buyers and long-term residents alike.
- Crime rate: 21.0 per 1,000 residents
- Traffic accident rates: Moderate, freeway proximity
- Walkability score: Moderate, some hilly terrain
- Community engagement: High, with active sporting clubs
- Emergency response time: Reliable, Manningham council coverage
Source: Realestate.com.au, Crime Stats Agency VIC, Domain, Homely
Your first home should feel safe and secure – your finances should too. Let our Melbourne mortgage brokers at EverLend help you access the right home loan for properties in suburbs with low crime and high community appeal. Speak with our expert brokers today at 03 7036 3356.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is the safest suburb in Melbourne?
Wattle Glen is currently considered the safest suburb in Melbourne, backed by low crime rates, strong community engagement, and support from local CFA and SES brigades.
What suburb has the lowest crime rate in Victoria?
Wattle Glen also records the lowest crime rate in Victoria, at around 10.3 incidents per 1,000 residents.
What is the most burgled suburb in Melbourne?
Recent Crime Statistics Agency data shows Port Melbourne records some of the highest burglary rates, influenced by its density, transient population, and proximity to the CBD.
Which suburb is best to live in Melbourne?
East Melbourne and Doncaster East rank among the most desirable suburbs, combining safety, lifestyle, and convenience with easy tram access, nearby childcare, and strong culture scores from local galleries.
What is the most affordable suburb in Melbourne?
Cranbourne East and Melton South are among the most affordable suburbs, with median prices under $600K. They offer good infrastructure, access to schools, and land for sale near key transport and education hubs.
What suburb has the best overall culture in Melbourne?
Carlton North and Brunswick are top cultural suburbs, known for cafes, galleries, and walkable streets with easy tram access, perfect for culture lovers.
What are the riskiest suburbs to buy property in Melbourne?
According to the Crime Statistics Agency, suburbs like Dandenong, Broadmeadows, and Footscray rank high in certain crime categories such as burglaries and sexual assaults. Low infrastructure security, poor transport links, and weaker rental yields also make these areas riskier for buyers.
What are the most disadvantaged suburbs in Melbourne?
Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data, areas like Frankston North, Sunshine, and Melton South score low in income, education, and access to services. Limited train stations, rising cost of living, and gaps in environmental security contribute to the disadvantage.
What is the friendliest suburb in Melbourne?
Many consider Williamstown the friendliest, offering coastal charm, strong transport links, and a tight-knit community. Access to safe train stations, good infrastructure, and low crime rates contribute to its welcoming vibe.
Is South Yarra considered one of the safest suburbs in Melbourne?
South Yarra, within the City of Melbourne, is popular for its vibrant cafe culture and proximity to Brunswick Street and Melbourne University. While it’s desirable, safety levels can be lower than leafier suburbs, and high median house prices reflect its inner-city demand.
Are Glen Waverley and Ferny Creek safe suburbs for families?
Yes. Glen Waverley is regarded as a safe, family-friendly suburb with excellent schools and transport links, while Ferny Creek in the Yarra Ranges ranks among the safest, offering low crime, quiet streets, and strong community ties. Both areas show steady growth in median house prices.
How safe is Greater Dandenong compared to Melbourne’s safest suburbs?
Greater Dandenong offers more affordable median house prices than South Yarra or Glen Waverley, but higher crime makes it less safe than Ferny Creek in the Yarra Ranges. Buyers weigh affordability against lifestyle, cafe culture, and proximity to Melbourne University and Brunswick Street.
Final Thoughts
Each of these suburbs showcases why Melbourne is not only a cultural hub but also a safe place to live. Whether you’re a first-home buyer, a growing family, or planning retirement, these areas combine low crime, strong community, and quality amenities, making them the most secure investments in 2025.
If you’re ready to explore your housing options, the right finance expert can ensure you secure a better deal and simplify the whole mortgage process.
At EverLend, we offer a free consultation to help you explore your loan options and make confident decisions. We’re a team of trusted mortgage brokers that work with clients across all of Melbourne. Call us today at 03 7036 3356 to book your free chat.