As Queensland’s tropical capital continues to grow, you may be wondering if it’s time you also joined the sun-soaked city-dwellers of Brisbane. A perfect blend of cosmopolitan living and natural beauty, Brisbane has one of the highest internal migration rates because of its diverse lifestyle options and warm climate. However, with such a varied landscape that offers up a whole host of living opportunities, it can be difficult to know what area is best suited for you.
Whether you're seeking riverside luxury, family-friendly communities, or cultural hotspots, our curated guide gives a breakdown of Brisbane's most desirable suburbs for all different lifestyle options.
Ascot: Prestigious Family Living
A long-standing desirable neighbourhood, Ascot is known best for its wide tree-lined streets and prestigious lifestyle options. With an array of high-end boutiques and premium real estate options, it's no wonder that this thriving area attracts a particularly affluent demographic. Accessibility to some of Brisbane’s leading schools also sets this suburb above the majority, making it particularly attractive to families looking to set their children up for a bright future. Ascot’s strong community spirit shines through in its local markets and cafes, along with impressive sporting facilities that reflect the healthy lifestyle of its residents. With great connectivity to the city centre, whilst maintaining a safe small-town feel, Ascot is perfect for growing families who enjoy living a balanced life of city and suburbia.
Median house price: $1.8M
Paddington: Heritage Hills and Cultural Charm
This inner-city cultural hub is one of the central watering holes for young creatives and professionals. Packed with bustling cafes and a revolving door of edgy restaurants, Paddington has evolved over the years to become the perfect spot for Queenslander’s artsy crowd. Along the character-filled streets of Given Street and Latrobe Terrace, you can also find an eclectic mix of fashion boutiques and antique shops that cater to the residents' individualistic style choices. Renowned for its rolling hills with views encapsulating the city, Paddington offers a charming mix of heritage homes and progressive new builds that suit its diverse demographic. Professionals looking for a culturally thriving lifestyle will find Paddington the perfect spot to call home.
Median house price: $1.5M
Alderley: Connected Community Living
Nestled just 7km from Brisbane's CBD, Alderley combines the convenience of city proximity with an endearing community lifestyle. Rated first place on Domain’s 2019 Liveable City round-up, this appealing suburb offers excellent public transport links and access to highly esteemed schools, making it great for young families and professionals alike. With a mixture of character homes and new developments, the affordability of the area caters to a wider clientele than that of Ascot. With plenty of peaceful parklands, locals can connect to nature whilst still embracing that city lifestyle. An attractive option for many, Alderley is the city suburb that caters to its community effortlessly.
Median house price: $1.2M
Windsor: Historical Legacy with Modern Lifestyle
One of Brisbane’s oldest Suburbs, Windsor is renowned for its heritage charm whilst also embracing modern living options. Steeped in rich cultural history, homes within the area are oozing with grandiose appeal and distinctive character. Locals can enjoy a panoramic view of the city whilst perched in the historic Windsor War Memorial Park or take full advantage of all the numerous green spaces that the suburb has to offer. Not only is this charming suburb steeped in history, but it also has made sure to grow with its community and now has an evolving food scene with a plethora of new cafes and restaurants. Whilst only 3.5km from the city centre, Windsor has the ability to feel a million miles from Brisbane’s shiny and sleek CBD.
Median house price: $1.25M
New Farm: Riverside Sophistication
This leafy riverside suburb has captured the hearts of many Queenslanders making it one of the city's most sought-after locations to live. Named after its renowned New Farm Park, the area boasts 37 acres of green expanse that overlooks the Brisbane River, making it perfect for those who enjoy weekend picnics by the water and scenic walks in the afternoon. With plenty of restaurants and shops trailing the area, locals can enjoy a bite to eat after a day of enjoying all that New Farm has to offer. Furthermore, the Brisbane Powerhouse means that residents are never short of entertainment, with the cultural hub displaying everything from comedy shows to musical performances. One of Brisbane’s most coveted addresses, New Farm is perfect for professionals looking to explore the best of the Queensland capital as long as they’re willing to pay the price tag.
Median house price: $2.1M
Lifestyle Considerations
Climate Adaptation
Brisbane’s subtropical climate means that weather conditions require slightly more consideration when it comes to relocation than some of its sister cities along the East Coast. When researching what suburb would best suit you, it's good to note which area's particular climate and weather would affect your lifestyle, especially if moving from cooler parts of the country. Features like elevation and natural ventilation should be key considerations, particularly for those who enjoy outdoor activity as this could impact your routine when not adapted to Queensland’s humidity and heat. Additionally, when you're picking a property, finding somewhere with good airflow and shade can be helpful to reduce the costs of air conditioning, particularly in a larger property.
Investment Potential
With a diverse landscape and continued growth, Brisbane has great opportunity for investment potential. Whilst it’s important to find a suburb that feels most like home, it's also worth noting that certain regions could offer much higher investment returns than those already well-established suburbs. Due to infrastructure developments and urban renewal projects, suburbs such as Ripley and Narangba are seeing huge growth expansion.
Whilst these areas are not the most prestigious, if you are interested in selling the property further down the line then understanding a suburb's future potential could result in significant financial benefits.
What’s Next
Brisbane’s continual development, warm climate and relaxed lifestyle options make it the perfect place to find your dream home within a wide range of budgets. Whether you're drawn to the cultural vibrancy of inner-city areas or the leafy tranquillity of the established northern suburbs, Brisbane's property market continues to evolve and mature.
Whilst planning your next move to one of the many vibrant suburbs of this city, consider using professional local removalists Brisbane to help you along your journey. Offering expert advice, friendly and reliable removal services and professional packing options, there is no stone left unturned.
At Holloway Removals & Storage we have the removals experts and professional equipment to help you navigate your move to one of Brisbane’s best suburbs, whether that’s five minutes down the road or an interstate relocation.
Find out more about our unbeatable services by calling 1300 050 852 or get your free quote today.
Note: Property prices are indicative and subject to market changes with all median prices based on a 3-bedroom house taken from Domain. Always conduct thorough research and consult with local real estate professionals for current market data.
