Where Should I Live In Melbourne?

The first order of business when relocating to Melbourne is settling on a neighbourhood. Whichever neighbourhood you end up picking will have a major effect on how you experience this city. Suburbs like Carlton and Fitzroy in the city's Inner North are well-known for their cafés and hip bars, while Blackburn and Forest Hill in the city's Outer East provide reasonably priced homes and excellent public transportation connections to the city centre. We hope that the data we've compiled about each area will help you narrow down your options for a new suburb and find the best fit for your lifestyle.

It's great to call Melbourne home. There's a wide variety of places to call home, each with its own set of advantages. You have your pick of the Central Business District, inner-city districts like Richmond and Clifton Hill, and pleasant outer-ring suburbs like Camberwell. Taking into account your financial constraints and desired way of life can help you determine the perfect location for you.

Is Melbourne on your list of potential new homes? A lot of people have different opinions on where you should settle down. There are those who believe East Melbourne to be ideal, while others who argue that West Melbourne is superior. The reality is that there is no "correct" solution; rather, it all comes down to individual choice and the specifics of one's way of life. In order to make a well-informed decision, please read the following description of several Melbourne neighbourhoods.

Discover Which Melbourne Neighborhood Fits You The Best

Looking for a great area to settle down in Melbourne? A community that's both ideal for you and easy to go to? It's possible that you're on the lookout for a quiet suburb to raise a family in, or that you'd prefer a location with easy access to major cities.

Each year, thousands of Britons make the journey Down Under. Because of its pleasant climate, beautiful beaches, and promising job market, Melbourne is the most popular destination for British expats around the world. From its breathtaking coastline to its thriving skyscrapers and verdant neighbourhoods, the city is a microcosm of Australia's enthusiasm and vigour.

The advantages of working and living in Australia are obvious, but deciding which area of Melbourne is ideal for you may be trickier. There is a wide range of residential options, from quiet, family-oriented enclaves to hip, central suburbia with a constant hum of activity. Our top neighbourhoods in Melbourne are listed below.

Keeping Active

Is going for a run first thing in the morning and ending the day with a leisurely stroll along the beach tops on your list of ideal activities? If that's the case, you might feel at home in the St. Kilda or Albert Park areas of Melbourne. St. Kilda is a beachfront neighbourhood located six miles from the central business district, and Albert Park is even closer at only three kilometres.

St. Kilda is a popular destination for both locals and visitors thanks to attractions including Luna Park, the Palais Theatre, the St. Kilda Sea Baths, and the historic Esplanade Hotel, while Albert Park is where the Australian Grand Prix takes place.

Family Focused

Bentleigh and Sandringham are ideal places to raise a family because of their peaceful neighbourhoods, excellent public schools, and abundance of local businesses and amenities. Bentleigh features more than 250 stores and amenities along Centre Road and its tree-lined lanes, all just 13 kilometres from the Central Business District.

Bentleigh is home to some of Melbourne's finest educational institutions and a peaceful nightlife. Sandringham, a bayside area, is also a good option for families. This suburb is only 16 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne, yet it feels like a quaint rural community because to its abundance of open space, ancient buildings, and one of the oldest public education in Victoria.

Bohemian

Fitzroy is the place to go if you're looking for a nontraditional neighbourhood where nonconformists and outliers are celebrated. Built as Melbourne's first suburb in the 1850s, Fitzroy is only two kilometres from the centre of the city.

The Melbourne Fringe Festival takes place every year from September to October on the bustling Brunswick Street, where you'll also find cafes, pubs, vintage clothing stores, and secondhand bookshops. Thanks to Veggie Bar, this neighbourhood is now well-known among vegetarians and vegans. There is a wide range of housing options available in Fitzroy, from single-family detached houses to multi-unit buildings.

City Slicker

Do you long for the fast pace of city life? So, Southbank is where you need to be. Some of Melbourne's finest dining and lodging can be found in the riverside area of Southbank, which is located less than a kilometre from the city centre.

With the National Gallery of Victoria, Carnegie Hall, Melbourne Recital Museum, Malthouse Playhouse, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, and the Australian Centre for Painting And sculpture all located in Southbank, there is no shortage of cultural attractions in the area.

Every Sunday, locals and tourists alike flock to Southbank's Promenade for a stroll and the weekly arts and crafts market. Southbank is a city suburb, thus it features several high-rise buildings.

Carlton/Fitzroy

These inner suburbs showcase Melbourne's thriving culture and active lifestyle. The best coffee in town can be found in Carlton, a neighbourhood with a strong Italian influence that is apparent in its many cafés, pubs, and restaurants. Fitzroy, just across the river, is where the city's artists and creative types congregate, thanks to Brunswick Street's abundance of fascinating stores and bars.

Since these suburbs are close to the University and have a cool ambience, they are quite popular with young, creative professionals and students. Fabulous warehouse conversions and trendy penthouses are only two of the many excellent options for lodging. In addition, the convenience of being so near to the heart of the city makes this an excellent choice for those who value a short commute.

Coburg North

Coburg North's proximity to a city centre and its safe, green character make it a popular choice among professionals and families. The area around the Merri Creek Trail is filled with gorgeous parks and good family-friendly services, including everything from major grocery stores to a drive-in theatre, a farmers market, and even an indoor lounge.

There are a lot of two- to four-bedroom homes in the region, making it ideal for expat families. Additionally, the area is home to highly regarded educational institutions including Coburg North Primary School and Cabg Junior and Senior High School. Despite the fact that housing in this prime area is not the least in town, values are expected to rise in tandem with the rest of the suburb as the latter undergoes more development and expansion.

Bentleigh

Bentleigh is a fantastic choice for expats who wish to combine city and beach life, as it is located only inland from Melbourne's stunning south-eastern shore. It's a tranquil, green, and laid-back neighbourhood that's yet less than half an hour from the heart of Melbourne. When planning a trip to the beach, go no further than the neighbouring coastal communities of Brighton and St. Kilda. Both boast gorgeous beaches, delicious fish and chips, and a huge amusement park.

Bentleigh itself is filled with a wide variety of recreational opportunities, from bowling alleys and yoga studios to athletic complexes and swimming clubs. Housing is surprisingly cheap, especially in eastern Bentleigh, and there is a wide variety of stores, from supermarkets to international delis. The Bentleigh Secondary College and McKinnon High School are two of the most prestigious educational institutions in all of Melbourne.

Brunswick

Young people on temporary visas to Australia are attracted to the open-minded, creative, unpretentious, and effortlessly cool vibes of Brunswick. It's a great place for expats to settle because it's a cosmopolitan area with lots of different kinds of people living there. There is a distinct lack of glamour and glamour, but an abundance of unusual stores, cafes, and bars that you won't find any other place in Melbourne.

The central section of Brunswick is filled with charming Victorian cottages just right for singles and couples, while the western section of the suburb features larger homes more suited to raising a family. In less than twenty minutes, you may drive to the heart of the city, but the tram is the prefered mode of transportation for Brunswick locals because it is just as quick and far more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Essendon

Essendon, located to the north of the highly desirable Moonee Valley, is a beautiful, wealthy neighbourhood that is ideal for expat parents and practitioners. It is home to excellent educational institutions including Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School, and has a wealth of beautiful Victorian and Edwardian homes lining its tree-lined avenues. There are many beautiful parks and a river to explore, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

It's convenient to get to and from Essendon because of its proximity toward the town center and the abundance of available public transportation options. Essendon has a wide variety of places to eat and buy, while neighbouring Moonee Ponds has even more speciality stores and cafes.

Richmond

To the east of Melbourne's central business district is the large suburb of Richmond, a welcoming community with a rich cultural and ethnic diversity. Here, people of all backgrounds and faiths are welcomed and treated with dignity and respect. A new expat who hopes to quickly become a part of a welcoming community would do well to move there because of the area's multicultural, welcoming atmosphere.

Apartments and Victorian bungalows sit side by side in this bustling suburb, providing options for a wide range of price points. However, the suburb's parking woes are mitigated by some of the city's finest public transportation options, so it's worth it to make sure you have room for a car in your chosen location.

This neighbourhood is usually buzzing with activity, from late-night bands and markets to local Aussie Rules games. And if you're looking for some peace and quiet, you can find it by walking or riding your bike along the Yarra River, where runs through the southern part of the area.

Where To Live In Melbourne By A Local

You Should Not Hurry Into A Melbourne Rental

Relocating to a new city is stressful under any circumstances, but it can be more overwhelming when it's on the other side of the globe. When you first relocated to Melbourne in January 2019, If you didn't take the time to learn about the city's neighbourhoods before signing a lease on a house. Unfortunately, despite my initial enthusiasm, I eventually found myself in an unsuitable dwelling, and now I'm here to share what I learned so that you don't make the same error I did.

One silver lining to the global epidemic is the increased availability of rental housing in Melbourne as many residents flee the city. Because of this, costs have dropped, and more options should be available to you. As a matter of fact, I recently relocated to a larger apartment that cost exactly the same, but had an extra bedroom.

Prior to relocating to Melbourne, my number one point of counsel is to establish a system of organisation. You should be prepared for some healthy competition at your apartment viewings in Melbourne. and real estate agents are flooding your inbox.

Use tools like Real Estate and Registry to keep track of all inspections and find out more about the ideal Melbourne areas for you. Don't let yourself become too stressed out, and take your time making decisions, and you'll find a great location to call home in Melbourne.

How To Find A Rental In Melbourne

Download Real Estate or Domain if you're in the market for a rental home or apartment. In Australia, those are the two most popular real estate portals.

If you're in the market to buy a home, perusing local real estate listings online is a must. There are currently record numbers of people looking to buy homes, thus that is where you will find the most recent listings. Sign up with local property sales in the regions you're interested in, and they'll email you when properties matching your criteria become available for rent or sale in Melbourne, before they appear on national real estate websites.

Moving To Melbourne Tips

Here are some suggestions I have for you to consider as you look for a place to call home in Melbourne.

Before settling in, it's a good idea to do some exploring

It is crucial that you check out the neighbourhoods you are considering moving to. The only way to get a true sense of a place is to live there for a while. You won't get a true sense of a city until you've had brunch there, strolled its streets, and struck up conversations with its inhabitants.

Listen to your intuition; you'll know what to do once you do. If you have any concerns about your personal safety, you should give the location a resounding NO.

Connecting Points for the General Public's Transportation

Some Melbourne suburbs are conveniently located close to the central business district, however they are not always adequately served by public transportation, especially on the weekends. When deciding which Melbourne neighbourhood is right for you, this factor is crucial. You can research your alternatives and schedules if you don't have a car by going online. When it comes to figuring out how to get from one place to another via public transportation, CityMapper is the best tool.

In Melbourne, you must have your 1Form completed prior to any inspections.

Be careful to have your 1form ready in time for inspections. There is a lot of competition in the rental market, so if you aren't quick, someone else will rent the unit you want. The good news is that 1form simplifies everything significantly.

Complete your profile in your account before your initial viewing; the more information you provide, the better the landlord's ability to assess your suitability. The next time you come across a rental that suits your needs, you may easily apply by linking your profile. This implies the application procedure is rather brief and simple.

Anticipate Opposition

Viewings are accessible to the public, which is something you may not know if this is your first time renting. However, you won't be the only interested party at the inspection, and some of the other people there may even be your direct competitors.

You should make sure the real estate broker is aware if your purpose, ask pertinent questions, and make a positive impression so that they will keep in mind. It's a good idea to offer higher than the list price for a home if you're truly interested in purchasing it, but this isn't always essential.

Verify That It Is Watertight

Melbourne has a lot of old rental properties and it can get rather cold and wet there. Double-paned windows are a luxury not available in all homes, and central heating is virtually nonexistent throughout Australia.

Think about the property's weatherproofing measures as part of your inspection. Search for mould, make sure the windows open and close, and check the air quality. Inadequately insulated homes can reach dangerous temperatures in the summer. Make sure there is a split AC/heating system in the house so you can stay comfortable no matter the weather.

A Look At The Typical Monthly Rent In Melbourne

In Australia, weekly rental rates are used instead of monthly ones. A one-bedroom apartment, for instance, will set you back $447 a week or $1,937 per month on average across the country.

Although If you came from London, where rent is significantly lower, If you have found that the cost of living here is manageable. In any case, there will still be less expensive alternatives, and considering that public transportation is significantly less expensive than it is in the UK, it's possible to live a fair distance from the centre of the city without breaking the bank. Obviously, if you're ready to live with others, roommates can save you a lot of money.

Conclusion

For many British people, moving to Melbourne is an attractive option because of the city's mild temperature, gorgeous beaches, and robust job market. Carlton and Fitzroy are two popular neighbourhoods in the inner north, while Blackburn and Forest Hill are popular in the outer east, and Camberwell is a popular option in the outer suburbs. Considering your budget and desired standard of living might help you zero in on the best place for you to live. Read about different areas of Melbourne so you can choose wisely. The most crucial information is that Melbourne offers a diverse selection of places to live, from peaceful, family-oriented nooks to trendy, downtown suburbia with a buzz of activity all day and night.

Tourists and locals alike flock to St. Kilda and Albert Park, but families will find everything they need in the quieter, safer communities of Bentleigh and Sandringham's public schools and its close proximity to both. At only two kilometres from the downtown core, Fitzroy is an unconventional neighbourhood that celebrates individuality and nonconformity. It's no secret that Southbank and Carlton/Fitzroy are two of Melbourne's hippest inner neighbourhoods among the city's many young, artistic professionals and students. The Australian Centre for Painting and Sculpture, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, the Malthouse Theatre, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Melbourne Recital Centre can all be found on Southbank. While Fitzroy's Brunswick Street is home to many interesting shops and pubs, Carlton is a city suburb with several tall buildings.

Due to its proximity to the city and its peaceful, green atmosphere, Coburg North is a popular choice among young professionals and families. As the suburb as a whole expands and develops, so will the value of individual properties inside it. Since it is just inland from Melbourne's beautiful south-eastern shore, Bentleigh is a fantastic option for expats who want the best of both worlds: city and beach life. Located less than thirty minutes from the heart of Melbourne, this area is peaceful, green, and easygoing. Bowling lanes, yoga studios, sporting complexes, and swimming clubs may all be found here, in addition to a number of prestigious educational institutions.

Given its proximity to the downtown area and the wide variety of public transportation choices, Essendon is easy to reach from anywhere in the city. Richmond, a sizable suburb in California, is home to a wide range of peoples and cultures. This busy neighbourhood features a mix of housing types, from Victorian bungalows to modern apartments. While the area is often bustling with activity—from late-night bands and markets to local Aussie Rules games—the Yarra River provides a tranquil setting for strolls or bike rides. It is still a good idea to ensure sure your chosen site has parking space for your automobile, even though the city has some of the best public transportation alternatives.
Utilize resources like Real Estate and Registry to maintain tabs on all inspections and learn more about the best neighbourhoods in Melbourne when you're on the hunt for a permanent residence. To really acquire a feel for a city, you need to spend some time there and do some exploring. CityMapper is the finest resource for figuring out how to get from one area to another via public transportation, which is crucial when determining which Melbourne neighbourhood is suitable for you. In addition, your 1Form needs to be finished before any inspections may take place. Due to high levels of competition, it is essential that your 1form is complete and ready for inspections on time.

Be sure to fill out your profile in advance of your first viewing, and be ready for some competition. Be clear about your motivation, ask relevant questions, and make a good impression by talking to a real estate agent. Make an offer that exceeds the asking price and double-check that it is legally binding. Neither central heating nor double-paned windows are standard features in most houses. It's important to think about things like a split AC/heating system and weatherproofing measures like mould, open and close windows, and air quality. The median rental cost in Melbourne is $447 per week, or $1,937 per month.

Content Summary

• Choosing a Melbourne neighbourhood should be your first order of business.
• Figure out the best Melbourne neighbourhood for you.
• It's easy to see why so many people dream of working and living Down Under, but picking out the perfect neighbourhood in Melbourne could prove more challenging.
• There is a great variety of places to live, from secluded neighbourhoods perfect for raising a family to buzzing, trendy suburbs in the city's core.
• So perhaps St. Kilda or Albert Park are more your style in Melbourne.
• Southbank, a neighbourhood on Melbourne's riverside, is home to some of the city's best restaurants and hotels and is only a mile from the CBD.
• Richmond, a sizable suburb of Melbourne, is home to a warm and diverse population and can be found to the east of the city's core business centre.
• In the beginning of 2019, you moved to Melbourne. If you signed a lease on a home without first familiarising yourself with the area, you might be in for some unpleasant surprises.
• As a result of the worldwide pandemic, there is now more rental housing available in Melbourne than there was before.
• Searching online real estate listings in your area is a requirement if you're in the market to buy a house.
• Carefully prepare your 1form in advance of inspections.
• Before your first viewing, make sure to fill out your account profile completely so the landlord can get a good idea of who they're dealing with.
• As you do your inspection, keep the property's weatherproofing in mind.
• Install a split AC/heating system to ensure your home maintains a consistent temperature year-round.
• Although If you've discovered that the expense of living in this city is reasonable after moving here from London, where rent is much lower, you're not alone.
• If you're willing to share a home, it can be a great financial decision.