Unmatched sun, surf, food and family fun. Welcome to the Gold Coast. This part of Queensland, Australia is not just a holiday hot spot, it's a great place to live long-term.
But with 81 suburbs to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to live in the Gold Coast. Should you live closer to Surfer’s Paradise or Tamborine National Park? Bryon Bay or Brisbane? Movie World or Burleigh Heads? This guide breaks down the top five suburbs Gold Coast suburbs to help you find your perfect place to live.
Coolangatta
Coolangatta is close to everything worth going to. Rainbow Bay, Greenmount, and Tweed Heads are all strolling distance. You can’t throw a stone without hitting a beautiful body of water or a vibey cafe.
Better yet, Coolangatta has more going for it than just proximity to great beaches. This suburb has a bustling CBD complete with a movie theatre, farmers markets, surf shops, and everything a coastie could ask for.
Median house price: $1.6M
Median unit price: $1.2M
Bundall
Bundall is a suburb that’s loved by its locals. And why wouldn’t it be? This suburb is thriving with businesses, excellent schools, and top-notch sporting clubs, making it an ideal home for young families. For a city suburb, Bundall truly feels like a community.
What’s more, Bundall is super close to Surfer’s Paradise, only being a nine minute drive away. If you’re to move to Bundall, the heart of Gold Coast would be at your fingertips.
Median house price: $2.3M
Median unit price: $725K
Oxenford
Oxenford is a suburb that contains multitudes. On one hand, it’s a quiet, leafy suburb that’s a 30 minute drive from the Surfer’s Paradise. But, on the other hand, it’s an action-packed place that’s home to Movie World, Dream World, and Wet n’ Wild.
What does this mean? Well, it means that if you want to relax in Oxenford, you can truly unwind. What’s more, if you want to party in Oxenford, you can take on an onslaught of rollercoasters.
Median house price: $1.1M
Median unit price: $715K
Helensvale
Quiet streets, plenty of green space, and an ocean breeze. What more could you possibly want? Helensvale is the perfect place to raise a family, if you like it nice and quiet. This inner-suburb also features a public primary school and high school, both of which have excellent reputations.
If you’re a beach fiend, don’t be put off by Helensvale's location. Cause it’s less than half an hour drive from Main Beach. What’s more, Helensvale is right next to Coombabah Lake, a nature reserve with bird watching, koala trails, and the most tranquil walks you could ask for.
Median house price: $1.3M
Median unit price: $767K
Springbrook
Nestled between a vista of national park mountains, Springbook is a quiet community for nature lovers. This rural town contains a multitude of stunning walks and impressive waterfalls. One of the most majestic places in this area is Purling Brook Falls, a waterfall that’s over a whopping 100 meters tall.
Springbrook residents are known for being close-knit who take care of each other. While it might be too far from the Surfer’s Paradise for some, being a 50 minute drive, it’s a perfect rural safe-haven for others.
Median house price: $800K
Final thoughts
From beachside Coolangatta to family-friendly Oxenford, the Gold Coast has a suburb to match almost every lifestyle. The best suburb to live on the Gold Coast really comes down to what matters most to you. Is it the beaches, schools, space, or a quieter pace of life?
Ready for your Gold Coast move?
Once you’ve chosen your ideal Gold Coast suburb, a Gold Coast removalist can make moving simple. They handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling into your new home and enjoying your new neighbourhood.
Note: Property prices are indicative and subject to changes with all median prices taken from REA in Jan 2026. Always conduct thorough research and consult with local real estate professionals for current market data.
