Finding the perfect suburb to raise a family isn’t just about checking house prices or seeing how far you’ll need to drive to work. It’s about setting up a foundation for your children’s future, creating a sense of belonging, and enjoying a lifestyle that feels safe and connected.
In Melbourne—a city celebrated for its diversity and sprawling neighborhoods—the suburb you choose becomes more than a postcode. It becomes the backdrop for your family’s memories: morning coffee after school drop-off, lazy park strolls, weekend sports, and neighbors who turn into lifelong friends.
This guide goes beyond property trends and digs into what really matters for families. From education and community spirit to safety and green spaces, let’s explore the top five family-friendly suburbs in Melbourne for 2025.
Before we dive into the suburbs themselves, let’s pause for a moment. Why does the suburb you pick hold so much weight for family life?
Children grow best when surrounded by stability, community, and safe places to play. A suburb with friendly neighbors, playgrounds, and strong community engagement creates the kind of environment where kids feel secure and parents feel supported.
From quality schools and reliable healthcare to parks and local shops—these aren’t luxuries. They’re daily necessities. Living close to essentials reduces stress, saves time, and ensures your family’s needs are always within reach.
Family-friendly suburbs tend to hold their value well because demand stays consistent. That means your suburb of choice not only supports your lifestyle today but also your financial security tomorrow.
Short commutes and convenient public transport matter more than ever. Every minute saved on the road is a minute you can spend with your kids—reading bedtime stories, cooking together, or taking evening walks.
When people hear “family suburb,” they often think of backyards and schools. But it’s more layered than that. Here are the benchmarks we used to rank Melbourne’s suburbs:
With those criteria in mind, let’s look at the standouts.
If education is at the top of your list, Glen Waverley is hard to beat. Home to Glen Waverley Secondary College—often ranked among the best public schools in Victoria—the suburb has long been a magnet for families.
But schools are just the beginning. The Glen shopping center, cultural festivals, and a buzzing dining scene bring energy to the area. Kids have plenty of green space to run around, and the suburb’s safe, walkable streets add peace of mind.
For commuters, the Glen Waverley train line and Monash Freeway keep the CBD accessible. With Monash Hospital nearby, healthcare is never far away.
Best for: Families prioritizing education, multicultural living, and convenience.
Located in Melbourne’s south-east growth corridor, Berwick is perfect for families wanting larger homes and leafy streets without sacrificing modern amenities. Think backyards big enough for cricket matches, cul-de-sacs safe for bike rides, and plenty of local parks.
Schools are another highlight, with options like Berwick Secondary and Haileybury College’s campus. Parents love the family-focused weekend farmers’ markets and sporting clubs that build real community ties.
For work, Berwick’s V/Line station keeps the CBD within reach, though many residents enjoy the self-sufficient feel of the suburb.
Best for: Families wanting room to grow, affordability, and a supportive local community.
In Melbourne’s northwest, Essendon blends old-world character with modern family convenience. Wide, leafy streets, period homes, and a strong sense of community make it a suburb that feels timeless.
It’s also home to some of Melbourne’s top schools, including Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar (no-follow) and St Columba’s College (no-follow). Combined with childcare and early learning centres, families have excellent options at every stage.
Queens Park and local sports clubs add recreation opportunities, while trams and trains keep the city within 20 minutes. For parents who travel often, Melbourne Airport’s proximity is a bonus.
Best for: Families wanting spacious homes, strong schooling options, and a well-connected location.
Dreaming of coastal living but can’t justify Brighton’s price tags? Bentleigh offers a happy middle ground. Families here enjoy proximity to beaches, a thriving café culture, and kid-friendly community events.
Education is another drawcard. McKinnon Secondary College, one of Victoria’s top public schools, makes Bentleigh highly sought after for families prioritising academics.
From Bentleigh station on the Frankston line, families can reach Melbourne’s CBD in around half an hour—making it convenient without losing the suburb’s relaxed, community feel.
While house prices have risen, they remain more achievable than those in the inner bayside suburbs.
Best for: Families chasing lifestyle, schooling, and a lively community vibe.
For families who love the outdoors, Eltham offers something special. Surrounded by bushland, the suburb delivers a slower pace of life with endless opportunities for nature play and exploration.
Schools like Eltham College (no-follow) support holistic education, while the suburb’s arts scene, galleries, and markets bring a creative edge. Families also enjoy the many walking trails, wildlife reserves, and strong sense of community independence.
Although slightly further from the CBD, Eltham has solid transport links and its own thriving local hubs, meaning you don’t have to travel far for essentials.
Best for: Families who value greenery, creativity, and a close-knit community.
| Suburb | Median House Price | Median Rent | School Rating | Transport Access | Safety Level |
| Glen Waverley | $1.65M | $560/week | 9.2/10 | Excellent | Low crime |
| Berwick | $850K | $460/week | 8.5/10 | Good | Low crime |
| Essendon | $1.35M | $590/week | 9.0/10 | Excellent | Low crime |
| Bentleigh | $1.45M | $580/week | 9.1/10 | Excellent | Low crime |
| Eltham | $1.2M | $550/week | 8.7/10 | Moderate | Very low |
Every family’s priorities are unique. Here are some practical steps to help narrow it down:
Spend a weekend exploring. Visit the local café, stroll through the parks, and chat with parents at the playground. These small glimpses give you a true feel for day-to-day life.
A: Glen Waverley, Berwick, Essendon, Bentleigh, and Eltham top the list for education, safety, and community spirit.
A: Glen Waverley, Camberwell, and McKinnon (near Bentleigh) consistently perform highly in education rankings.
A: Eltham and Glen Waverley report very low crime rates, making them standouts for safety.
A: Berwick and Point Cook offer larger homes and family-oriented estates at lower prices compared to inner suburbs.
Moving house is more than a logistics exercise—it’s the start of a new chapter. The suburb you choose can shape your family’s happiness, your children’s development, and even your financial future.
Melbourne’s diverse suburbs cater to every kind of family, whether you want leafy tranquility, school excellence, or community energy. By considering what matters most—education, safety, lifestyle, and affordability—you’ll find the suburb that feels like home.
When you’re ready to make that move, choosing the right suburb is step one. The rest—packing, planning, and settling in—flows much smoother when you know your family’s future is rooted in the right place.
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