Do you find yourself in the midst of a lifestyle change? Perhaps a new baby is on the way or the children are growing and need more space to call their own. For many of us, finding a bigger home to accommodate a growing family is something we’ll encounter during life’s journey and may involve deciding which suburb will suit our growing family best.
Fortunately, there is an abundance of suburbs in Melbourne’s east that are suitable for growing families, here’s just a few.
Surrey Hills
Surrey Hills, located 11kms of the CBD is a beautiful suburb boasting large historic homes with lush, well-maintained gardens. Situated within walking distance to trams, trains and buses, Surrey Hills boasts close proximity to several kindergartens and schools including Camberwell High, Canterbury Girls Secondary College, Chatham, Surrey Hills and Canterbury Primary Schools, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour and Our Holy Redeemer Canterbury. Shopping and dining needs are well catered for with the Union Road Shopping precinct nearby, and Camberwell, Box Hill Central and Maling Road only a short commute away. Surrey Hills is home to several parks and recreational facilities including Surrey Gardens, South Surrey Park and Canterbury Sports Ground.
Doncaster
With its direct access to Eastlink and home to the second largest shopping centre in Melbourne, Doncaster (and Doncaster East) are fast becoming much sought after suburbs for families. East Doncaster Secondary College – one of the highest ranking government schools in Victoria – along with Beverley Hills Primary School and St Peter and Pauls Primary make this the perfect suburb to educate the younger member s of the family. When it comes to finding a place to shop or a bite to eat, Shoppingtown provides everything a family could need. For quicker supermarket runs or dining options, there’s Jackson Court, Doncaster East Village, Tunstall Square and The Pines shopping centre.
Families who want space to relax and play in can enjoy the ever-popular Ruffey Lake Park, a 68 hectare space which includes playgrounds, a bike/walking track, and cafe and barbeque area. Doncaster East is well serviced by a bus network and is only moments from Doncaster Park and Ride designed to encourage city commuters to leave their cars behind when they head to work.
Ringwood
For those on a tighter budget, or who want a lifestyle more akin to living in the ‘bush’, Ringwood is a perfect choice. Situated 23km from the CBD, Ringwood offers plenty of public transport options for parents commuting (Eastlink) or children catching the bus or train to school with the newly expanded Ringwood Train station and bus interchange. When it comes to education, Ringwood residents have the choice of the highly sought after Ringwood Secondary College as well as Yarra Valley Grammar, Aquinas, Tintern Grammar, Melbourne Rudolf Steiner and Norwood Secondary College.
Sporting and recreation facilities are plentiful in Ringwood and include Ringwood Lake, Jubilee and Proclamation Park, Aquanation, Action Indoor and Maroondah Indoor Sports Centre. Shopping and dining options are plentiful when it comes to Eastland and the vibrant Town Square precinct which will soon boast all weather dining.
Other family-friendly suburbs to consider
Melbourne’s east has no shortage of fabulous suburbs that are perfect for growing or large families. Take a look at Balwyn, Blackburn, Croydon, Mitcham and Wantirna; all offer family-friendly living in Melbourne’s thriving eastern corridor.
