While Vienna, Austria is ranked as the world's most liveable city, Melbourne, Australia, comes in at number two. So, it should come as no surprise that Melbourne is so well regarded by experts, who point to the city's many positive attributes taken together.
Why wouldn't expats choose Australia, with its stereotypically warm weather and calm attitude? Consequently, there has been a rise in the number of people from all over the world, from young backpackers to older retirees, who have chosen to make Australia their new home.
Moving from across world to Australia is becoming less of a scary notion due to falling airfare prices and the proliferation of communication technology like Skype. Having that fresh start in the sun without losing touch with loved ones back home is now a real possibility.
Want to move to Australia and live the good life but don't idea where to begin looking? Don't fret. We've compiled a list of seven fantastic places for expats to settle down, taking into account things like cost of living, access to quality education, job prospects, and cultural offerings.
With its strong artistic ambience, fantastic museums, and seemingly infinite assortment of hip clubs, restaurants, and festivals, Melbourne has earned its reputation as Australia's cultural capital. It's also known as a city filled with sports fans. Residents from all over world have helped Melbourne develop a wide range of distinct communities, from the ultra-affluent to the more modest. While the hipster seaside district of St. Kilda draws a younger crowd, areas like Surrey Hills & Camberwell were popular with expats who have children.
Melbourne's notoriously unpredictable weather means that visitors frequently experience "4 seasons in one day." However, the cost of living is expensive, though it is lower than in Sydney, and the job market is robust, especially for those with backgrounds in aviation, building, automotive engineering, finance, and technology who are seeking to relocate from elsewhere.
Yes, winter weather can be chilly, just as summer heat can make the thermometer soar. People are drawn to Melbourne by the city's multicultural atmosphere, the city's seemingly infinite attractions, and the city's breathtaking surroundings.
Everything about the city, from its gorgeous shoreline to its humming skyscrapers and verdant neighbourhoods, is a reflection of Australia's optimism and vitality. The advantages of working and living in Australia are obvious, but deciding which area of Melbourne is best for you could be trickier. There is a wide range of residential options, from quiet, family-oriented enclaves to hip, bohemian outlying areas.
FAQs About Living in Melbourne
The CBD (Central Business District) is the 'beating heart' of the city and is well known for being one of the best places to live in Melbourne. The CBD is what Aussies call the main/major part of a city (not just in Melbourne), where you'll find museums, theatres, offices, libraries, and other major buildings.
When deciding where to live, Melbourne's ex-pats generally prefer the leafier outlying suburbs with their quiet streets and proximity to schools. Government schools in Melbourne are free for residents and citisens, and education is generally of excellent quality throughout Australia.
The Best Suburbs to Live in Melbourne in 2020
- South Yarra.
- St Kilda.
- Carlton.
- Brunswick.
- Footscray.
- Fitzroy.
- Richmond.
- South Melbourne.
Here are the top 10 safest suburbs in Melbourne
- Ferny Creek
- Selby
- Kallista
- Warrandyte
- Montmorency
- Donvale
- Sassafras
- Black Rock, Beaumaris
Melbourne is an excellent place to work, study, and live in. It is a liveable city that is safe and comfortable, with amenities within reach. The multicultural population in Melbourne has led to diversity in cuisines and attractions. This makes a living in Melbourne less dull since you will always have things to do.
Melbourne Accommodation
Coburg North
Coburg North's proximity to a city centre and its safe, verdant reputation make it a popular choice among professionals and families. All along Merri Creek Trail, you'll find some stunning parks and a wealth of fantastic family-friendly services, from major grocery stores to a drive-in theatre, a farmers market, and even a outdoor lounge. There are several two- to four-bedroom residences in the region, and the area's schools, including Coburg North Elementary School & Coburg Junior but also Senior High School, are highly regarded. This prime location isn't the cheapest in town, but as the area grows and develops, home prices are expected to follow suit.
Fitzroy
Fitzroy is a popular residential area for creative, open-minded thirties who value proximity to trendy restaurants, boutiques, and health food stores. Fitzroy features a wide range of housing options, from Victorian-era terraces to contemporary high-rises, some of which date back to the 1850s. Many main highways crisscross the neighbourhood, including Brunswick Street, Johnstone Street, Victoria Parade, Norton Street, Smith Street, and Alexandra Parade, and trams routes 86, 96, and 11 pass through the suburb in their way to and from the city.
St Kilda
St. Kilda is among Melbourne's most desirable neighbourhoods because it has everything a family could want—beach, parks, dining, nightlife, and excellent schools. It's well situated five kilometres from of the central business district, making it suitable for both families and young professionals who appreciate proximity to restaurants, bars, and other entertainment options. However, St. Kilda is not cheap, with the typical home price in St. Kilda West costing over $2 million Australian dollars.
It's no surprise that St. Kilda West topped the list of Melbourne's greatest lifestyle suburbs, given its proximity to the ocean and the short commute to Melbourne's the Central Business District (CBD) (29 minutes via public transport or 18 minutes via vehicle).
It is surrounded by the lively St. Kilda neighbourhood, the charming Middle Park, and the tranquil Albert Park Lake, and all of its residents have easy access to parks and schools, as well as to public transportation and bike lanes. St. Kilda West is an expensive place to buy a home, with a median listing price of $2,177,500. The median price of an apartment, on the other hand, is only $575,000.
Elwood
Elwood is a suburb of Melbourne that has everything you might want, but it has the relaxed atmosphere of a little town. Elwood is located eight kilometres south of Melbourne and has an average home price around AUD 1.7 million. You get a beachy atmosphere and a short commute.
Albert Park
Just three kilometres south from Melbourne's central business district, Albert Park may be reached in seventeen minutes via car or twenty-four minutes using public transportation. St Vincent Place Precinct, the premier'square' development in Victoria modeled after similar models in London, is located here and features Victorian terraces from of the 1860s and 1870s clustered around a communal park.
73% of Victoria Park citizens live near a school, while 87% of residents can quickly reach a park. The average cost of a home here is $2,150,000.
Albert Park is indeed a posh neighbourhood with a median home value of over AUD 2 million and a convenient location (it's only 3 km from the city centre). Albert Park, site of the Australian Grand Prix of Formula One, is a family-friendly community with top-notch educational opportunities. A variety of architectural styles coexist, from Victorian homes with a London feel to shiny contemporary high-rises.
Port Melbourne
New apartments in modern multi-story buildings and repurposed warehouses have brought Port Melbourne a long way out of its working-class past; the median property price for units in the area is $755,000. Victorian terraces & worker cottages still line the older streets of the suburbs, adding to their heritage appeal despite the median home price of $1,510,000.
Located only 5 kilometres from Melbourne's central business district, you can reach the CBD in 17 minutes by car or 25 minutes by public transit. Each and every one of Port Melbourne's residents has easy access to a park, and even more (51%) live within walking distance of a school.
Port Melbourne, once a working class neighbourhood, has been revitalised with the conversion of warehouses into apartments. Thus, it possesses a unique allure because to its blend of historic elements and modern conveniences. Typically, single-family homes cost about AUD 1.5 million, while apartments cost AUD 750,000. Within commuting distance of the central business district, it is an ideal residential area.
Seaholme
Seaholme, a bayside suburb of Melbourne, lies 13 kilometres south-west of the city centre and can be reached in 28 minutes via car or 37 minutes using public transportation. As a compact section of the larger neighbourhood of Altona, Seaholme provides convenient access to parks and schools for its residents.
The vast majority of residents in this suburb live in single-family homes, which range from those built in traditional styles to those built in the 1950s to brand-new constructions. Houses in Seaholme average $1,105,000.
Bentleigh
Bentleigh is an excellent choice for expats who wish to combine city and beach life, as it is situated only inland from Melbourne's gorgeous south-eastern shore. It's a tranquil, green, and laid-back neighbourhood, while being less than half an hour from the heart of Melbourne. The beachside suburbs like Brighton and St. Kilda, both located in close proximity to one another, have everything one might want for a day at the beach.
Bentleigh is home to 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. Bentleigh Secondary School and the adjacent McKinnon High School are two of the most prestigious educational institutions in all of Melbourne.
Essendon
Essendon, located to the north of the highly desirable Moonee Valley, is a beautiful, wealthy neighbourhood that is ideal for international families and professionals. Gorgeous Victorian and Edwardian homes dot its tree-lined lanes, and the area is home to prestigious institutions like Penleigh the Essendon Grammar School. It exudes an air of neighbourliness and friendliness, and there are many beautiful parks as well as a river to discover. Since Essendon is conveniently located near the heart of the city, getting there is a breeze. Essendon has a plethora of retail and dining alternatives, while neighbouring Moonee Ponds has even more speciality stores and cafes.
Eltham
Eltham is a popular Melbourne suburb because of the excellent school options available to its residents, and because its green hills & open spaces make it feel like a world away from the metropolis. When it comes to educating their children, many expat families choose Eltham College due to its stellar reputation and popularity.
There is a wide range of housing options, from modest mud-brick cottages to extravagant mansions, and prices are far lower than in the more central suburbs. There is much to do on the weekend without having to travel into the city. In addition to its many parks and excellent stores, Montsalvat Artists Colony is a joy thanks to its stunning architecture and fascinating galleries.
Richmond
A large, welcoming, and culturally diverse neighbourhood, Richmond can be found to the east of Melbourne's CBD. Every culture and faith is warmly welcomed and well-represented here. Its welcoming atmosphere and diverse population make it an excellent place for any expat to settle in. Housing in this bustling neighbourhood ranges from chic apartments to quaint Victorian homes, meeting the needs of a wide range of budgets.
Even though the suburb offers some of the finest public transportation connections in the city, it is still a good idea to make sure you have room for a car. This neighbourhood is always buzzing with activity, from its bustling markets and delayed gigs to its local Aussie Rules matches. South of the area, following the course of a Yarra River makes for a peaceful stroll or bike ride.
Richmond, a multicultural suburb of Melbourne known for its proximity to the city's shopping and entertainment districts, is particularly popular with young professionals searching for an up-and-coming neighbourhood. The housing possibilities in Richmond range from converted factories to Edwardian terrace houses, each with its own unique personality. Trains stop at Virginia, East Richmond, North Richmond, Western Richmond, and Burnley stations, and trams 12, 109, 78, 48, 75, and 70 run through the area.
Richmond, along with Carlton and Fitzroy, is one of many suburbs in the centre of a city that may have made the cut but didn't. Richmond is a neighbourhood in Greater Melbourne, Australia, that mixes terraced streets , converted factories and new apartments. The Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Park, AAMI Park, and Holden Park are all located in Melbourne's central entertainment district. The median home cost is at $1.3 million AUD.
Carlton
Carlton is a key area sometimes referred to as "Little Italy" due to its large concentration of college and high school young professionals and students. Carlton is a great place to live because of its Victorian architecture and lively restaurant, bar, and cultural scene. Carlton Gardens, melbourne Royal Exhibition Building, and the Melbourne Museum can all be found in this neighbourhood, as can Lygon Street, which is lined with excellent Italian eateries.
Yarraville
Yarraville is only eight kilometres from Melbourne's central business district, but its village atmosphere and plenty of cafes give it the impression that it is much farther out. Many artists and professionals who value space choose to live in Yarraville because of its proximity to trendy boutiques and restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines. There is a train station plus nine bus routes that serve the predominantly Greek neighbourhood.
Yarraville boasts a hip, international atmosphere and a relatively low average home price of around $1,000,000 AUD. Eight kilometres to a west of a Central Business District, the area is home to a sizable Greek community and makes for a convenient commute. Coffee shops, an eclectic selection of restaurants, plus Melbourne's professional and artistic types have made Yarraville a popular destination.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn contains both affluent and working-class neighbourhoods, thanks to the presence of both Swinburne University and a large number of inexpensive businesses and cafes catering to the university's student body. Real estate is still reasonably priced, but as city folks discover this suburban jewel, that won't be the case for much longer. The convenient tram and bus connections make it a good choice for families and working people alike. St. James & Yarra Park are just two of the many gorgeous parks in this neighbourhood.
Docklands
Docklands is indeed a relatively new neighbourhood only 2 kilometers from Melbourne, popular with young, successful professionals who want to be close to the action yet still have access to the city's modern conveniences. Docklands is connected to the city via the free City Ring Tram, as well as lines 70, 48, 30, & 86. The District Docklands is a popular tourist destination due to the abundance of restaurants, stores, and cafes found there.
You may be considering a move to Melbourne and, as part of your research, would like to learn more about the area. If so, you may find our guide to life in Melbourne useful.
Conclusion
Melbourne is widely recognised as the cultural heart of Australia. Melbourne's diverse population is largely due to its welcoming attitude towards immigrants. The city's job market is particularly strong for persons with experience in aviation, construction, automotive engineering, banking, and technology. Some of the most attractive areas in Melbourne include Coburg North, St. Kilda West, and Fitzroy. St. Kilda's median property value now exceeds AU $2 million.
The median listing price in St. Kilda West is $2,177,500, making it one of the most expensive areas in all of Melbourne. Parks, schools, and other amenities such as public transportation and bike lanes are all conveniently located for locals. The Australian Grand Prix of Formula One is held in Albert Park, which is known for being a welcoming place for families. Warehouses in Port Melbourne have been transformed into modern residential buildings, revitalising the neighbourhood. This is a great place to live because it is close to both the airport and the downtown area.
Those living in Seaholme have easy access to recreational areas and educational facilities. Affluent and picturesque, Essendon is a great place for expats and their families to settle. In part due to its high quality educational facilities, Eltham has become a highly sought after Melbourne neighbourhood. The beautiful buildings and art galleries make a visit to the Montsalvat Artists Colony a delight. Young professionals looking for a dynamic community often settle in Richmond.
The average price of a home in Australia is $1.3 million. The average home price in Yarraville is only approximately $1,000,000 AUD, and it has a cool, international vibe thanks to its diverse population. Only 2 kilometres from Melbourne's Central Business District is the newer neighbourhood of Docklands. Hawthorn is home to both middle-class and lower-income communities.
Content Summary
- When compared to other global metropolises, Melbourne, Australia ranks second only to Vienna, Austria as the best place to call home.
- As a result, a growing number of international residents, ranging from young travellers to senior citizens, have made Australia their permanent residence.
- Cheaper plane tickets and improved means of communication, such as Skype, make relocating halfway around the world to Australia a more realistic possibility.
- Melbourne is widely recognised as Australia's cultural capital due to the city's robust artistic atmosphere, magnificent museums, and apparently endless variety of trendy bars, eateries, and events.
- Melbourne's diverse population, which includes people from all over the world, has allowed it to foster many different types of neighbourhoods, from the very wealthy to the very poor.
- Travelers are drawn to Melbourne by its diverse population, abundance of exciting activities, and beautiful scenery.
- The benefits of working and living in Australia are without question, but picking the right neighbourhood in Melbourne may prove more challenging.
- From trendy, bohemian outskirts to bucolic, family-friendly centres, the living possibilities are varied.
- St. Kilda is one of the most popular areas in Melbourne because it has everything a family might want: proximity to the water, green space, restaurants, bars, and good schools.
- The typical St. Kilda West home, though, will set you back over 2 million Australian dollars.
- All of the residents enjoy convenient access to parks, schools, public transportation, and bike lanes, and it is surrounded by the vibrant St. Kilda neighbourhood, the lovely Middle Park, and the calm Albert Park Lake.
- The median property listing price in St. Kilda West is $2,177,500, making it an extremely pricey area in which to look for real estate.
- In contrast, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is just $575,000.
- Elwood
- Elwood is a Melbourne suburb with all the conveniences of a big city but with the laid-back vibe of a small town.
- It only takes seventeen minutes by vehicle or twenty-four minutes by public transportation to get to Albert Park from Melbourne's core business centre.
- There is a $2,150,000 median price for a home in this area.
- With a median property price of over AUD 2 million and a prime location (it's only 3 km from the heart of the city), Albert Park certainly fits the bill of a wealthy suburb.
- In addition to hosting the Formula One Australian Grand Prix, the town of Albert Park also boasts excellent facilities for raising a family.
- The median property price for a unit in Port Melbourne is $755,000, reflecting the neighborhood's transformation from a working-class to middle-class neighbourhood thanks to the construction of new flats in contemporary multi-story buildings and the adaptive reuse of warehouses.
- Everyone in Port Melbourne is within walking distance of a park, and even more (51% of the population) are in close proximity to a school.
- Warehouses in Port Melbourne have been converted into apartments, revitalising the area that was formerly home to Melbourne's working class.
- About $1.5 million is the average price for a single-family home, whereas $750,000 is the average price for an apartment.
- Located 13 kilometres south-west of Melbourne's central business district, the bayside suburb of Seaholme may be reached in 28 minutes by automobile or 37 minutes by public transit.
- The vast majority of this suburb's people live in single-family houses, which might be anything from brand-new to midcentury to conventional.
- The median price of a home in Seaholme is $1,105,000.
- Bentleigh
- Bentleigh is just inland from Melbourne's beautiful south-eastern shore, making it a great option for expats who want the best of both city and beach life.
- The lovely and wealthy neighbourhood of Essendon is just north of the highly desirable Moonee Valley, and it is perfect for foreign families and professionals.
- Eltham is a sought-after Melbourne neighbourhood due to its proximity to the city yet feeling like a world away thanks to its rolling hills and open spaces.
- Eltham College has such a good reputation and so many students attend there that many international families send their children there.
- Richmond, located to the east of Melbourne's central business district, is a sizable community known for its friendliness and ethnic diversity.
- It is a great spot to settle down for any expat due to its warm culture and diversified people.
- Stylish flats sit besides charming Victorians in this dynamic area, providing housing options for people of all income levels.
- Richmond, a multicultural Melbourne suburb, is popular with young professionals looking for a developing area due to its proximity to the city's shopping and entertainment sectors.
- Terraced streets, renovated industries, and brand new flats all coexist in the Greater Melbourne neighbourhood of Richmond, Australia.
- Little Italy" is a common nickname for Carlton because of the significant number of young professionals and students that live there.
- Carlton's Victorian architecture and thriving restaurant, bar, and cultural scene make it a desirable place to call home.
- Although it is only eight kilometres from Melbourne's CBD, Yarraville feels much further away because to its rural vibe and plenty of eateries.
- The area's proximity to hip stores and eateries offering a variety of cuisines attracts a diverse crowd of creative professionals and other people who value privacy to Yarraville.
- The average home price in Yarraville is only approximately $1,000,000 AUD, and it has a cool, international vibe thanks to its diverse population.
- Location: 8 km west of the CBD, where there is a big Greek community and an easy commute.
- Because to Swinburne University and the abundance of budget-friendly shops and cafes that cater to its student community, Hawthorn is home to a diverse mix of socioeconomic groups.
- Docklands, located just 2 kilometres from Melbourne, is a trendy new community that caters to young, affluent professionals who value proximity to the excitement and the city's modern amenities.
- Restaurants, shops, and cafes abound in the District Docklands, making it a popular spot for visitors.
