Do you find yourself amid 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 families best.
Fortunately, there is an abundance of family-friendly suburbs in Melbourne’s east that are suitable for growing households, and our team at Noel Jones have put together some of the best:
7 of the Best Suburbs in Melbourne for Families
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 members of the family. When it comes to finding a family-friendly place to shop or a bite to eat, Westfield Doncaster 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 can enjoy the ever-popular Ruffey Lake Park, a 68-hectare space that 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.
Median house price: $1,500,000
Median unit price: $606,500
Average house rent: $555 per week
Average unit rent: $430 per week
Ringwood
“For those wanting to their budget to go further or after a lifestyle that offers both open spaces and the amenities of suburban life, Ringwood is one of the best suburbs in Melbourne. 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 families 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.
Median house price: $1,028,000
Median unit price: $630,000
Average house rent: $470 per week
Average unit rent: $390 per week
Surrey Hills
Surrey Hills, located 11kms from the CBD, is a beautiful, family-friendly 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 for families of all sizes to enjoy including Surrey Gardens, South Surrey Park and Canterbury Sports Ground.
Median house price: $2,340,000
Median unit price: $860,250
Average house rent: $745 per week
Average unit rent: $460 per week
Balwyn
One of the best suburbs in Melbourne for families looking for an elegant and relaxing lifestyle, Balwyn is everything you could ever need and more. Situated only 10km east of the CBD, this prestigious locale is replete with rolling hills of tree-lined streets and stunning period homes, a selection of quaint townhouses, and many modern apartment complexes. Should these properties fit within your budget, you will have access to some of the finest, family-friendly amenities and prestigious schools in the state, including Balwyn High & Primary Schools, Fintona Girls’ School and Greythorn Primary School.
Balwyn also has a constant network of tram lines and bus routes, making it ideal when visiting surrounding suburbs or day trips to the city.
Median house price: $2,800,000
Median unit price: $908,500
Average house rent: $795 per week
Average unit rent: $425 per week
Mitcham
Nestled 20km east of the heart of Melbourne, Mitcham is a perfect spot for those who prefer quieter, more family-friendly suburbs. This peaceful part of the world is tucked between Nunawading and Ringwood, with the Maroondah Highway and railway line from Box Hill to Ringwood bisecting east-west. With a wonderful collection of schools, shops and renowned facilities like Mitcham Private Hospital, families of all sizes can easily find the best Melbourne suburbs can offer, right on their doorstep. What’s more, after just a short 30-minute drive, you will find yourself in the heart of the magnificent Yarra Valley, ready to enjoy the variety of famous wineries and tranquil landscapes.
Median house price: $1,206,000
Median unit price: $810,000
Average house rent: $460 per week
Average unit rent: $420 per week
Blackburn
Another of the best suburbs in Melbourne for families, Blackburn is only 17km east of Melbourne and is often described as bush living meeting quintessential suburban style. There has been a sweep of renovations on older, 1950s styled weatherboard homes, and the local council is dedicated to maintaining the beautiful indigenous plant species found throughout. Residents are also lucky to be surrounded by an abundance of flourishing streets and hiking trails, circling towards the much-loved Blackburn Lake Sanctuary, making you feel as though you have stepped into the middle of a whole new world. All amenities are conveniently located at your fingertips, including the Blackburn Station, the DFO & Forest Hill Chase Mall, cricket and football fields with associated clubs, as well as a selection of prominent primary and secondary schools. And with the Eastern Freeway and Burwood Highway located nearby, this is a family-friendly suburb that links you to adventures waiting in the rest of Melbourne and beyond.
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 only 30 minutes away from the Melbourne CBD (19km), Glen Waverley is the ideal location for growing families who are searching for traditional suburban living, while still having close access to some of the state’s leading attractions. This is one of the more sizeable suburbs on our list, spanning from Blackburn Road to Dandenong Creek, as well as Highbury Road, East Burwood and further along to Ferntree Gully Road.
Within this area, families can find everything they could ever need in a home. The schools are some of the best in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, such as Glen Waverley Secondary College, which consistently outperforms many other state schools and always has families clambering for access. The Glen Shopping Centre is a premier establishment filled with an excellent range of shops. Nearby, the Kingsway and Century City Walk entertainment centre ensure you are never short of multi-cultural restaurant options, while also enjoying family-friendly activities like bowling, karaoke or a night at the movies. And when you want to enjoy a day out, the Glen Waverley train station is only just a short walk further.
Median house price: $1,637,525
Median unit price: $907,500
How to Find the Best Property for Your Family in the Suburbs of Melbourne
Now that we have covered some of the best, family-friendly suburbs in Melbourne, it is important to keep a few things in mind when searching for your perfect property:
Location
You will want to consider the location of your home carefully. Think about things like the commute to work, the proximity to schools and other amenities, and whether you want to be in a more rural or urban area.
Room to Grow
For families with young children, you will want to make sure that your home has enough room to accommodate them. Look for homes with extra bedrooms, spacious & family-friendly living areas, and the necessary amount of bathrooms.
Garden
If you love spending time outdoors, you will want to make sure that your home has a garden. This can be a great place for your children to play and learn about growing plants and vegetables, family-friendly spots to entertain, or even just a beautiful spot to relax after a long day.
Family-Friendly Layout
Another thing to consider when searching for your family home is the layout of the rooms. You will want to make sure that the layout is convenient and easy to navigate, especially if you have young children.
Convenient & Secure Parking
For families with a car or two, you will want to make sure that your home has convenient and secure parking. This is especially important if you live in an urban area where parking can be limited.
More of the Best, Family-Friendly Suburbs to Consider with Noel Jones
Melbourne’s east has no shortage of fabulous suburbs that are perfect for growing or large families. Take a look at Croydon, Wantirna, Bayswater and beyond; all offer family-friendly living in Melbourne’s thriving eastern corridor. For more information and assistance, please speak with our specialists at Noel Jones today.
