Melbourne is one of the world’s most liveable cities, but not all suburbs are the same. In 2026, new transport links and shifting housing preferences are reshaping Melbourne. So, where’s the best place to live? Here’s a guide to Melbourne’s most liveable suburbs for work, family, and long-term appeal.
What makes a suburb "liveable" in 2026?
Before we dive into suburb names, it’s important to note what a “liveable suburb” even means to people in Melbourne right now:
- The 20-minute city: Can you reach shops or parks within a 20-minute walk?
- Convenient transport: Is there traffic? Are you close to train, tram or bus stations, or the new Metro Tunnel?
- Green space: Are there local reserves or tree cover for mental health?
- Safety and community: Is the crime rate low? Is there an active community?
The best Melbourne suburbs in 2026 are the ones that tick most or all of these boxes.
Our 2026 rankings draw on data from community and industry expert feedback, the 2025 CityPulse Analysis, road and rail updates, and real estate forecasts.
Looking for past data? See our guide to Melbourne’s most liveable suburbs in 2024.
Quick comparison: Melbourne’s most liveable suburbs in 2026
| If you want... | Look at... | Why? | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| The best overall | Fitzroy North | Walkable streets, strong community, easy CBD access | $$$ |
| A fast commute | Southbank | Next to the CBD, walkable amenities | $–$$ |
| A great place for family | Glen Waverley | Top school zones, long-term stability | $$$ |
| Affordability with liveability | Brunswick East | More affordable units, good tram access | $–$$ |
| Safety | Warrandyte | Low crime rates, strong community | $ |
Melbourne’s most liveable suburbs all round in 2026
These are the best Melbourne suburbs, ranking high in safety, transport, amenities and lifestyle.
Fitzroy North 3068
Fitzroy North is a consistent favourite for people who want to live close to the city without feeling boxed in. The community is active, and there are plenty of cafés and shops to choose from. The nearby Carlton Gardens and the Merri Creek Trails make it easy to enjoy a balance of nature and city.
Median house price: $1.5 million
South Yarra - West 3141
At West South Yarra, you’ll get great restaurants, bars and boutique shops on your doorstep, plus easy train and tram access into the CBD. There’s a mix of luxury apartments and charming terrace homes to suit all preferences. Parks like Fawkner Park offer space for relaxation.
Median house price: $1.9 million
Melbourne’s best suburbs for families
If you’re looking for good schools, space, safety and community, here are the top Melbourne suburbs for it. Moving your family to these new suburbs with experienced Melbourne removalists will be far less stressful.
Glen Waverley 3150
Glen Waverley remains one of Melbourne’s most popular suburbs for families because of the top-rated public schools nearby (like Glen Waverley Secondary College and Mount View Primary School). Add in public transport and a huge range of dining options, and it’s easy to see why families settle here.
Median house price: $1.7 million
Surrey Hills 3127
Surrey Hills is known for a strong community and excellent schools (like Surrey Hills Primary School and Camberwell High School). There are plenty of shops, parkland, sporting facilities, and access to public transport. It’s a calm but well-connected suburb.
Median house price: $2.3 million
Melbourne’s most affordable (but liveable) suburbs in 2026
If you’re a first home buyer or looking for a more affordable suburb that still offers safety, nature and convenience, here are the top suburbs in 2026 that are good value.
Pascoe Vale 3044
Many Pascoe Vale residents praise this suburb for having great access to nearby shops, trams, and green space, including the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail. It’s safe, convenient, and relatively affordable.
Median house price: $1.1 million
Brunswick East 3057
Brunswick East is an inner-city suburb at a relatively cheaper price for units. It’s only 5 km from the CBD, with tree-lined streets, parks, and cafés for families and young professionals.
Median unit price: $539,000
Melbourne’s best suburbs for professionals and commuting
Now that the new Melbourne metro tunnel is running, suburbs like Arden and South Yarra are much more liveable. Even so, there are still suburbs in Melbourne that rank better for commuting around the CBD.
Southbank 3006
Southbank is on the edge of Melbourne CBD, so you can walk to work, restaurants and entertainment in under 10 minutes. The area is mostly modern apartments, with trams, river walks and dining right outside your door.
Median unit price: $560,000
Docklands 3008
At Docklands, you can literally be at work’s doorstep. There are modern apartments, riverside views, and close access to offices. Cafés, gyms, and restaurants cater to a young, urban crowd.
Median unit price: $600,000
The safest suburbs in Melbourne to live in 2026
Warrandyte 3113
Warrandyte is known for its low crime rates and a strong, village-like community. Surrounded by the Yarra River and Warrandyte State Park, it’s perfect if you want safety, nature, and a slower pace of life. While semi-rural, bus connections make the city accessible.
Median house price: $1.3 million
Wattle Glen 3096
Wattle Glen is a bit further out from the city, but it is the safest suburb in Melbourne. It’s praised for its quiet, semi-rural streets with low crime rates and strong sense of community.
Median house price: $1 million
Note: Median prices in this article reflect the most common property type in each suburb: houses in most areas, and units in inner-city suburbs.
FAQs on Melbourne Suburbs
How many suburbs are in Melbourne?
Melbourne has around 321 official suburbs, each with its own postcode and unique character. They can be categorised by inner-city suburbs like Fitzroy, middle-ring areas like Glen Waverley, and outer suburbs like Cranbourne.
Choosing the right one depends on lifestyle, commute, schools, and affordability.
Is it better to buy in West Melbourne or East Melbourne?
It depends what you’re after. East Melbourne is for premium, long-term stability. It’s more established and expensive, with heritage homes and closeness to hospitals, universities and the CBD.
West Melbourne has better value and growth potential so it’s smart for first home buyers or investors. It has great transport links and ongoing infrastructure upgrades.
Which suburb to invest in Melbourne?
Cranbourne North and Moonee Ponds are great for investors as it’s expected to go through rapid development and population growth in the next few years. Otherwise, Pascoe Vale and Strathmore are good for families. Coburg and Preston are in high demand for renters.
What are the most expensive suburbs in Melbourne?
Toorak remains the most expensive suburb (median house prices at $5.3 million), followed by East Melbourne and Brighton (over $3 million). They’re highly sought after for their historic streets, city access, and bayside lifestyle.
