Melbourne is a diverse and exciting city, and where you live can completely change your day-to-day lifestyle. Glen Waverley, Brunswick and Croydon are three popular Melbourne suburbs that attract very different types of people: growing families, young professionals, or those looking for more affordable options.
If you’re deciding where to live in Melbourne, this guide compares each suburb by lifestyle, housing, transport, schools, and popular amenities. Use it to see which suburb suits you best.
To compare other suburbs in Melbourne, check out our guide on Melbourne’s best suburbs.
Quick comparison: Glen Waverley vs Brunswick vs Croydon
| Suburb | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glen Waverley | Families, professionals | Great schools, safe streets, spacious homes with backyards | Higher house prices, many rely on cars |
| Brunswick | Young professionals, renters | Convenient location, cafés and bars, cultural attractions | Smaller living spaces, limited parking |
| Croydon | Families, first-home buyers | More affordable housing, quiet and relaxed, many parks and trails | Longer commute to CBD, less dining and nightlife options |
Key suburb statistics
| Suburb | Glen Waverley | Brunswick | Croydon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | ~42,642 | ~74,300 | ~61,836 |
| Median Age | 40 | 34 | 39 |
| Median Weekly Rent | House: $750 Unit: $700 | House: $795 Unit: $560 | House: $650 Unit: $570 |
| Train Access | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Commute to CBD | ~45 min | ~20 min | ~50 min |
| Source: ABS 2021 Census, Real Estate, Transport Victoria | |||
Glen Waverley has the highest rents and longest commute among the three, while Croydon offers more space for less money. Brunswick is ideal if you value short CBD access.
Is Glen Waverley a good suburb?
Best for: Families, professionals, long-term homeowners
Glen Waverley is one of Melbourne’s most sought-after eastern suburbs, especially for families prioritising schools and space. It’s known for larger homes, strong public and private schools, and plenty of high-quality parks and restaurants.
Key things to know about Glen Waverley:
- Housing style: Mostly detached homes and townhouses with backyards.
- Lifestyle: Quiet, family-oriented with local cafés and shops.
- Transport: Solid train and bus connections, but many rely on cars. Glen Waverley Station to CBD takes around 45–50 minutes.
- Schools: Excellent public and private schools, including Glen Waverley Secondary College.
- Popular amenities: The Glen Shopping Centre, Century City Walk, Kingsway dining strip, Mount Waverley Golf Club, and local parks like Jells Park and Central Reserve.
Median house price: $1,767,500
Glen Waverley isn’t cheap compared to other Melbourne suburbs, but many residents feel the cost is justified by school zones, safety and long-term property value.
Read our full breakdown of the cost of living in Melbourne.
Is Brunswick a good suburb?
Best for: Renters, young professionals, creatives
Brunswick has a completely different lifestyle in the inner north. It’s multi-cultural, walkable, and has a vibrant café, music and nightlife scene. Made up of mostly apartments and terraces, Brunswick is popular with renters and smaller households.
Key things to know about Brunswick:
- Housing style: Mix of apartments, terraces, and townhouses. Rent is high for the space you get.
- Lifestyle & vibe: Lively, walkable, culturally diverse, with cafés, bars, live music, and street art.
- Transport: Really easy access to frequent trains, trams, and bike paths. Many residents don’t rely on cars. Commute to CBD is 20–25 minutes.
- Schools: Some local schools like Brunswick Secondary College and RMIT University Campus, but families may look to nearby suburbs.
- Popular amenities: Sydney Road shopping strip, Brunswick Street café precinct, Brunswick Music Festival, CERES Community Environment Park, and local gyms like Brunswick YMCA
Median house price: $1,285,000
Brunswick will suit you if you want convenience and culture, and don’t mind paying a bit of a premium to live in the city area.
Is Croydon a good suburb?
Best for: Families, first-home buyers, budget-conscious movers
Croydon is a suburb in the outer-east that offers more space and affordability without sacrificing lifestyle. It’s relaxed, dominated by families, and great if you want larger homes for better value
Key things to know about Croydon:
- Housing style: Mostly detached houses with larger yards; plenty of space for families
- Lifestyle & vibe: Quiet, suburban, with parks, walking trails, and sports clubs
- Transport: Train and bus services available, but it takes about 50 minutes from Croydon Station to CBD. Most people rely on cars.
- Schools: Public and private schools, plus early learning centres, such as Croydon Secondary College and Yarra Road Primary School.
- Popular amenities: Eastland Shopping Centre, Croydon Main Street shops, Realm Croydon Community Centre, Croydon Park, and Croydon Golf Club.
Median house price: $950,000
Croydon is ideal if you want value for money without leaving Melbourne entirely. It’s highly rated for families and first-home buyers priced out of inner suburbs.
Which suburb should you choose?
If schools, safety and long-term investment matter the most to you, choose Glen Waverley.
If you want an inner-city lifestyle with everything at your doorstep, choose Brunswick.
Finally, if you're looking for affordability, space and an outdoorsy lifestyle, choose Croydon.
There’s no “best” suburb. It all depends on what best matches your budget, lifestyle and priorities.
Moving between Melbourne suburbs
Moving to a new suburb in Melbourne can be tricky depending on where you’re moving. Inner-city moves to Brunswick can involve narrow streets and difficult access, while outer city moves like those to Glen Waverley can mean longer travel distances.
Plan ahead and choose a removalist in Melbourne who knows the suburbs inside out. This can save you time, stress and money on moving day. Whatever suburb you’re moving to, Holloway Removals is here to help from start to finish.
