Family-friendly suburbs can be found throughout Melbourne, offering access to parks, schools, and shopping. It is essential to thoroughly research areas and create a shortlist based on your criteria before purchasing. This overview provides information on the best family suburbs in Melbourne, categorised by suburb and catering to various budgets, to assist in your search for your next family home.
Doncaster and Doncaster East are becoming popular suburbs for families due to their convenient location near Eastlink and the second-largest shopping centre in Melbourne. The area is home to East Doncaster Secondary College, one of the top government schools in Victoria, as well as Beverley Hills Primary School and St Peter and Paul’s Primary.
Families have access to Westfield Doncaster for all their shopping and dining needs, and there are also other options like Jackson Court, Doncaster East Village, Tunstall Square, and The Pines shopping centre for quick supermarket runs or dining options. Families seeking a place to relax and play can visit Ruffey Lake Park in Doncaster East. This 68-hectare space offers playgrounds, a bike/walking track, a cafe, and barbeque.
Doncaster East is easily accessible via a bus network and is conveniently located near Doncaster Park and Ride, which aims to promote public transportation for city commuters.
Median house price: $1,500,000
Median unit price: $606,500
Average house rent: $555 per week
Average unit rent: $430 per week
Heatherton, a suburb of Melbourne, offers open spaces, a low population, larger blocks, schools, and a convenient location near the beach, making it a family-friendly option. The median house price in Heatherton has increased by 14.38% over the past year, reaching $1.1 million. This trend has persisted into 2022, so individuals interested in the Heatherton market should monitor it closely.
Median house price: $1.1 million
Average house rent: $620 per week
Median unit price: $470,000
Average unit rent: $338 per week
Cranbourne, a family-friendly suburb of Melbourne, offers convenient shopping, great schools, new housing options, and the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens. The increase in Cranbourne house prices from November 2020 to November 2021 was recorded at 24.4%. There is an ongoing upward trend in prices, with certain 4-bedroom houses now being listed at over $1 million. However, 3-bedroom houses are still currently available for purchase at prices below $600,000.
Median house price: $620,000
Average house rent: $380 per week
Median unit price: $450,000
Average unit rent: $350 per week
Elsternwick is a suburb near the beach known for its livability. It is also close to well-regarded public schools and is conveniently only a 10-minute train ride from the MCG. Elsternwick is located within the catchment area for highly reputable public schools. Apartments are the most prevalent type of housing in the market. The median unit price is $665,000, but there has been a recent increase in the selling price of 2-bedroom apartments, reaching $800,000 or more.
Median house price: $2.1 million
Average house rent: $790 per week
Median unit price: $665,000
Average unit rent: $400 per week
Glen Waverley provides a traditional suburban lifestyle just thirty minutes from the CBD. It is considered one of the safest suburbs in Melbourne, offering family-friendly homes, excellent schools, and plenty of shopping and recreational opportunities. Glen Waverley has a higher median house price of $1.6 million compared to Melbourne’s median of $998,356. Families searching for a 4-bedroom house can anticipate paying slightly under $2 million.
Median house price: $1.6 million
Average house rent: $520 per week
Median unit price: $903,000
Average unit rent: $465 per week
Ringwood is a great suburb in Melbourne for those looking for a budget-friendly lifestyle with both open spaces and suburban amenities. It is located 23km from the CBD and offers various public transport options, such as Eastlink for commuting parents and buses or trains for school children, thanks for the expanded Ringwood Train station and bus interchange. Families in Ringwood have several education options, including Ringwood Secondary College, Yarra Valley Grammar, Aquinas, Tintern Grammar, Melbourne Rudolf Steiner, and Norwood Secondary College. The suburb also provides numerous sporting and recreation facilities, like Ringwood Lake, Jubilee and Proclamation Park, Aquanation, Action Indoor, and Maroondah Indoor Sports Centre. Shopping and dining options are abundant with Eastland and the upcoming all-weather dining area in the vibrant Town Square precinct.
Median house price: $1,028,000
Median unit price: $630,000
Average house rent: $470 per week
Average unit rent: $390 per week
Ascot Vale is an inner suburb in Melbourne that offers a combination of urban life and natural attractions, with parks, trails, and recreation facilities. It was historically known for horse racing but has now become a popular residential area for families seeking both city amenities and access to nature. A 2-bedroom apartment is considered an entry-level choice, and it is possible to find some available for under $500,000.
Median house price: $1.3 million
Average house rent: $570 per week
Median unit price: $570,000
Average unit rent: $370 per week
The Epping Central Project aims to transform Epping into a regional hub with upgraded infrastructure and new housing. Currently, the suburb of Epping offers ample schools, shopping options, green space, and public transport at a more affordable price.
Median house price: $675,000
Average house rent: $400 per week
Median unit price: $450,000
Average unit rent: $350 per week
Surrey Hills is a suburb located 11 km from the CBD. It has large historic homes with well-maintained gardens. Trams, trains, and buses are within walking distance. There are several kindergartens and schools nearby. Shopping and dining options are available at the Union Road Shopping precinct. Parks and recreational facilities, such as Surrey Gardens and South Surrey Park, are also in the area.
Median house price: $2,340,000
Median unit price: $860,250
Average house rent: $745 per week
Average unit rent: $460 per week
Balwyn is a great suburb in Melbourne for families seeking an elegant and relaxing lifestyle. It is located just 10km east of the CBD and offers beautiful tree-lined streets, period homes, townhouses, and modern apartments. The area also provides access, within budget, for top-notch amenities and prestigious schools like Balwyn High & Primary Schools, Fintona Girls’ School, and Greythorn Primary School. Additionally, Balwyn has convenient tram and bus routes, making it easy for residents and visitors alike.
Median house price: $2,800,000
Median unit price: $908,500
Average house rent: $795 per week
Average unit rent: $425 per week
Caroline Springs is a planned community designed for families. It offers beautiful artificial lakes, parks, and walking tracks in a natural setting. The suburb is conveniently located 22km from Melbourne CBD and provides schools, shopping, and transportation options. In Caroline Springs, spacious houses are available, including 4-bedders priced under $800,000.
Median house price: $725,000
Average house rent: $420 per week
Median unit price: $462,500
Average unit rent: $390 per week
According to PropertyValue, Roxburgh Park has recently become more popular among families due to its affordability, scenic reserves, good schools, shops, and convenient location. The population of 0-19 year olds in the area is approximately 25%.
Median house price: $616,000
Average house rent: $400 per week
Median unit price: $421,000
Average unit rent: $365 per week
Mitcham is located 20km east of Melbourne. It is a quieter, family-friendly suburb. Nunawading and Ringwood surround Mitcham. The Maroondah Highway and railway line bisect the suburb. Mitcham has excellent schools, shops, and facilities like Mitcham Private Hospital. Families can easily find what they need in this suburb. Additionally, the Yarra Valley is just a 30-minute drive away. There, you can enjoy famous wineries and beautiful landscapes.
Median house price: $1,206,000
Median unit price: $810,000
Average house rent: $460 per week
Average unit rent: $420 per week
Coburg, located just 8km from the CBD, offers a village atmosphere that is perfect for families looking for a vibrant city lifestyle. With a variety of street shopping and restaurants, families can also find peaceful suburban areas away from the main center. It is possible to find a 3-bedroom house for under $1 million, but it may be worth considering a Melbourne buyer’s agent with local knowledge if you need assistance in finding the best deal.
Median house price: $1.2 million
Average house rent: $550 per week
Median unit price: $577,760
Average unit rent: $390 per week
Blackburn is a suburb in Melbourne, only 17km east of the city. It offers a mix of bush living and suburban style. The area has seen renovations on older homes and the local council focuses on preserving indigenous plant species. There are plenty of streets and hiking trails, with Blackburn Lake Sanctuary being a popular spot. Amenities like Blackburn Station, DFO & Forest Hill Chase Mall, and sports fields are nearby. There are also good primary and secondary schools. The Eastern Freeway and Burwood Highway provide easy access to the rest of Melbourne.
Median house price: $1,700,000
Median unit price: $880,000
Average house rent: $520 per week
Average unit rent: $400 per week
Glen Waverley, located 30 minutes from Melbourne CBD, is ideal for growing families. It offers suburban living and easy access to top attractions. It is a sizable suburb, spanning from Blackburn Road to Dandenong Creek. The area includes Highbury Road, East Burwood, and Ferntree Gully Road. Families can find everything they need here, including excellent schools like Glen Waverley Secondary College. The Glen Shopping Centre offers a great range of shops. The Kingsway and Century City Walk provide various cultural restaurant options and family-friendly activities. The Glen Waverley train station is just a short walk away for easy transportation.
Median house price: $1,637,525
Median unit price: $907,500
Ringwood East is a suburban area with a thriving heart of local shops, restaurants, and good public transport connections. Families who want to upsize may want to consider adding Ringwood East to their watch list. The housing prices in Ringwood East are being influenced by families who want their children to attend high-performing public schools. Currently, you can find 3-bedroom houses listed for under $1 million in Ringwood East, so it is a good option for families looking to upsize.
Median house price: $1.5 million
Average house rent: $450 per week
Median unit price: $691,000
Average unit rent: $395 per week
After discussing some of the top family-friendly suburbs in Melbourne, it is crucial to consider a few factors when looking for the ideal property.
Families with young children should consider homes with adequate space, including extra bedrooms, spacious family-friendly living areas, and the appropriate number of bathrooms.
If you enjoy outdoor activities, having a garden at your home is advisable. It provides a suitable environment for your children to play and learn about gardening, offers family-friendly areas for recreation, and serves as a serene spot to unwind after a tiring day.
When looking for a family home, it is important to consider the layout of the rooms. Ensuring that the layout is convenient and easy to navigate, especially for those with young children.
If you have a car or two, it is important to ensure that your home has convenient and secure parking, especially in urban areas where parking can be limited.
After discussing some of the top family-friendly suburbs in Melbourne, it is crucial to consider a few factors when looking for the ideal property.
Considering these factors, you can now begin your search for a family home in Melbourne and identify a suburb that aligns with your family’s lifestyle.
Select Legal is a conveyancing-focused solicitor that has an experienced conveyancing team and an extended legal team. We deal with residential and commercial clients for residential and commercial premises. Every client is welcome as our client base is diverse, and our legal advice has been proven over time.
Select Legal also has property lawyers who handle all properties and property law.
When buying property, you must be aware of legal issues such as leasehold agreements, leases, mortgages, etc.
You should also consider many additional factors, for example, whether or not there are any environmental restrictions on the building site. We can help you with this.
Contact Select Legal today for all your conveyancing Melbourne needs or request a quote, which will only take a few minutes.
Regardless of whether you are planning to buy or sell a property, Select Legal is ready to assist with the conveyancing process.
The advantage of engaging Select Legal is that all your conveyancing needs are met, whether they be standard or extremely complex, where our solicitors can attend to additional legal work required which includes drafting special conditions, drafting agreements such as a licence agreement or lease, letters resolving disputes etc depending on the requirements of each matter.
Our knowledge of the process and attentive service (as shown in our Google Review history) is what sets us apart from others in this field. Depending on the needs you have, Select Legal is ideally qualified to handle your transaction and ensure your purchase or sale goes through all the required legal checkmarks.
We also have the expertise to perform electronic conveyancing using the Property Exchange Australia (PEXA) digital property network.
Contact Select Legal today for all your conveyancing needs or request a quote, which will only a few minutes.
Get A Free Quote
Fill out the form below to get your fixed fee quote within 24-hours.
Get A Free Quote
Fill out the form below to get your fixed fee quote within 24-hours.
Experience peace of mind with a personalised conveyancing service from a seasoned lawyer.
Select Legal
Level 1/13 Corporate Dr, Heatherton VIC 3202
Fill out this form to get a fixed-fee quote within 24 hours.
Conveyancing fees from $990*
***Prices Starting From $990 + GST + Disbursements***