Families have many priorities when it comes raising children. Families place a high value on education for their children, while others are more concerned about providing a safe environment for their children. Many suburbs offer families many options.
Rental property website Rent.com.au previously conducted a survey of more than 6,000 of Australia’s suburbs, and ranked these locations based on overall livability. These are the best places to raise families.
We have provided additional information to help you understand the data. The population is calculated using the 2016 census. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides the most recent data. Median house and unit prices, meanwhile, are based on CoreLogic’s November 2020 update, which reported property data gathered up to the period ending in August 2020.
New South Wales
Wahroonga
Population: 17,371
There are many family members. 4,586
Median house price: $2,025,000
Median unit price: $890,000
Wahroonga is aptly named after an Aboriginal word meaning “our home,” as its tree-lined streets and beautiful parks make the suburb one of the country’s best places to settle. Wahroonga is approximately 30 to 45 minutes away by train from Sydney. Residents of the suburb don’t need to travel far to reach the capital, as there are many shops and commercial establishments nearby. For families with children, the suburb is home to several well-regarded schools, including Knox Grammar, Abbotsleigh School for Girls, St Leo’s Catholic College, Wahroonga Adventist School, Wahroonga Public School, and a number of schools of students with disabilities, including St Lucy’s School and St Edmund’s School. The Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park National Park is also located in this area. It is the second-oldest national park in the country.
Katoomba
Population: 7,964
There are many family members. 1,901
Median house price: $598,500
Median unit price: $410,000
Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains’ heart is a great spot to settle for nature-loving family members. From the town’s rich cultural heritage, you can enjoy a beautiful view at Three Sisters Hanging Rock. The suburb is a 90-minute drive from Sydney, and is home to several restaurants, leisure centres, and great schools – including St Canices Primary School, Korowal School, Katoomba Public School, and Katoomba High School.
Bella Vista
Population: 7,837
There are many family members. 2,134
Median house price: $1,533,000
Median unit price: $902,000
Bella Vista is considered another great suburb to raise a family with its many parks – including Bella Vista Farm, Hilltop Park, and Fairway Drive Reserve – as well as several K-12 and pre-uni schools. The suburb is home to several business and shopping centers. Bella Vista is also only 33km from Sydney’s central business district.
Blayney
Population: 7,257
There are many family members. 1,926
Median house price: $337,000
Blayney is a great place for families looking to live in a rural area. It is located 237km away from Sydney and was recently voted as one Australia’s best small towns. Blayney offers boutique shopping, fresh produce, scenic countryside, and farmers’ markets. Blayney offers excellent opportunities for fishing and camping.
Glen Alpine
Population: 4,559
There are many family members. 1,323
Median house price: $855,000
Glen Alpine’s large houses stand out. Many of these houses are owner-occupied. Residents of the suburb earn on average $1,000 more than the national median. This is a sign that they are financially stable. Although originally built as a golf course estate it has seen an increase of real estate development. Glen Alpine is about 56km away from Sydney’s central business district.
Victoria
Aberfeldie
Population: 3,897
There are many family members. 1,034
Median house price: $1,575,000
Located 9km from Melbourne is Aberfeldie. It’s home to many schools, including Aberfeldie Primary School, Our Lady of Nativity Primary School, Resurrection School, Ave Maria College, and Our Lady of Nativity Secondary School. There are many bus routes that run through this suburb. This makes it a good location for public transportation. Aberfeldie’s vibrant sport scene is another highlight. It encourages gymnastics, basketball, tennis, football, and lawn bowls.
Clifton Hill
Population: 6,341
There are many family members. 1,539
Median house price: $1,375,000
Median unit price: $700,000
Clifton Hill is situated about 4km from Melbourne’s business district and is connected to the CBD via a series of major road arteries and highways. It is located close to the capital and has easy access to all amenities including schools, shopping malls, hospitals, recreation and leisure centers, and schools. It’s home to parks and sporting amenities such as Darling Gardens which includes a cricket pitch, a skatepark and playground and a hiking track that runs along Merri Creek.
Balwyn
Population: 13,312
There are many family members. 3,571
Median house price: $2,330,000
Median unit price: $989,000
This hilly suburb is located about 10 km east of Melbourne. This area is ideal for families looking for private schools. Balwyn is known for its period-style homes and historical mansions. Balwyn is a quiet suburb that has easy access to all the public services. Balwyn residents have easy access to the capital, as well as an efficient tram system. Balwyn is also home to several shops, cafés, and cinemas.
Canadian
Population: 3,609
There are many family members. 894
Median house price: $403,000
Median unit price: $290,000
Canadian is an area located east of Ballarat in the rural/urban fringe. It is mostly residential with a small shopping centre and a school. Sparrow Ground is one of the many parks and reserves found in this area. This area also contains Lake Esmond which is a former quarry and is used as a recreation spot by residents and rotary club members.
Mansfield
Population: 4,787
There are many family members. 1,188
Median house price: $485,000
Median unit price: $385,000
Mansfield is consistently ranked at the top VicHealth Indicators Survey list of Victorian Towns for health and wellbeing. It makes it an ideal place to bring up children. It is located in the northeastern region of Melbourne. There are many schools and recreational amenities in the area. This area is well-known for its outdoor activities.
Queensland
Mansfield
Population: 8,695
There are many family members. 2,368
Median house price: $720,000
Median unit price: $452,500
Mansfield is a suburb of Brisbane, located 14km from the capital city’s central business district. This suburb is home of several schools and natural spaces that make it a great choice for families. Because of its outstanding infrastructure, Mansfield is one of the most sought-after suburbs in South Eastern Brisbane.
Upper Caboolture
Population: 4,214
There are many family members. 1,172
Median house price: $422,500
Upper Caboolture is a rural area of the Moreton Bay. It is quiet and involves a lot in the community. It is also close to many amenities, including schools, shopping centres and transport. This suburb is perfect for families who want a more rural lifestyle with easy access to all modern conveniences.
Bucasia
Population: 4,771
There are many family members. 1,265
Median house price: $385,000
Bucasia is a Mackay suburb and the largest. This charming suburb is famous for its friendly inhabitants and beautiful beach houses. This village is located on Shoal Point’s main road. There are also a few shops and schools located in Bucasia such as Bucasia State School or Bucasia Kindergarten.
Lammermoor
Population: 2,167
There are many family members. 596
Median house price: $472,500
Lammermoor is another great location for families who want to live on the beaches. This suburb is on Tarranganba’s Capricorn Coast. This is a rapidly growing community, influenced by many large land developments. Lammermoor is the home to the Sacred Heart School Yeppoon (Catholic school).
Avoca
Population: 1,193
There are many family members. 311
Median house price: $293,500
Bundaberg’s most populated residential area is Avoca. Sugarland Shoppingtown, which is one of the most popular shopping areas in the area, is also located here. There are many shops and cinemas within the vicinity. Avoca has a primary school and a girl’s school with special education programs.
Western Australia
Madeley
Population: 6,084
There are many family members. 1,673
Median house price: $560,000
Madeley is a suburb located 20km north of Perth’s central business district. It is one of the most rapidly growing suburbs in the capital. This makes it a desirable market for property. Residents in Madeley benefit from easy access to public amenities and modern conveniences because of the suburb’s geographical location.
Maida Vale
Population: 4,499
There are many family members. 1,295
Median house price: $470,000
Maida Vale is home to natural bushland that can be appealing to those looking for a rural lifestyle. The suburb is also just 16km away from Perth’s central business district, giving residents easy access to amenities of city living. Maida Vale is home to a primary school, a golf course and several parks. It’s a prime spot for growth, with a growing housing market.
Two Rocks
Population: 2,990
There are many family members. 788
Median house price: $370,000
Two Rocks is located at the northern edge of Perth, 61km from the capital city’s central business district. It has both rail and bus stations, as well as a developed transport system. Two Rocks has seen a substantial increase in housing construction over the past few years. The area’s natural attractions and marine parks are appealing to families looking for a place close to nature.
Kununurra
Population: 4,341
There are many family members. 971
Median house price: $312,500
Kununurra in northern Western Australia, is located 45 km from the Northern Territory border. Kununurra is known for its rustic landscape and picturesque ranges. Kununurra was once a large agricultural settlement that had plenty of freshwater. There are many schools in this suburb, as well as medical facilities.
Rossmoyne
Population: 3,321
There are many family members. 879
Median house price: $1,150,000
Rossmoyne is considered one of Perth’s premium suburbs, with the median house price coming in at over $1m. It is located 14km south of Perth and provides residents easy access all the amenities that city life has to offer. Rossmoyne also hosts various amenities, including a shopping centre that houses a supermarket, café, and restaurants. The suburb’s local sports facilities include tennis courts and a bowling club. Rossmoyne offers many schools that cater to students of all ages. It is easy to reach the capital via bus.
South Australia
Hectorville
Population: 3,738
There are many family members. 1,028
Median house price: $520,000
Median unit price: $321,500
Hectorville can be found in Campbelltown, Adelaide. The suburb’s several schools and parks make it good place to raise young children. Hectorville is known for its peaceful, quiet location and many options for shopping and dining. Public transport is also available.
Burnside
Population: 2,930
There are many family members. 820
Median house price: $850,000
Burnside is located approximately 7.5km east of Adelaide’s centre. Many families and mature couples call this suburb home. It is well-known for its large brick estates, which have three- to five-rooms. Burnside hosts one of Adelaide’s biggest shopping malls the Burnside Village, and several pools, saunas, and tennis courts. This suburb is home to a number of primary and secondary schools.
Hahndorf
Population: 2,670
There are many family members. 692
Median house price: $600,000
Hahndorf is a small town in the Adelaide Hills, about 28km away from Adelaide’s central business district. The South Eastern Freeway connects Hahndorf to the capital. This charming German heritage town is home to many shops, pubs, and restaurants. Students of all ages can attend both primary and secondary schools.
Rostrevor
Population: 7,743
There are many family members. 2,171
Median house price: $615,000
Rostrevor is a suburb of Campbelltown that’s ideal for families wanting to raise children. The suburb is just 10km away from Adelaide’s central business district, and is home of several schools, including Norwood Morialta High School, Stradbroke School, Foodland, Rostrevor Baptist Church. The parks and recreation areas are a great place for children to flourish.
Holden Hill
Population: 3,296
There are many family members. 871
Median house price: $392,500
Various local parks, playgrounds, and schools make this suburb 10km away from Adelaide’s city centre a good neighbourhood to raise children. The suburb is also a stone’s throw away from the Tree Tea Plaza and the Valley View Golf Course. Holden Hill has many large brick houses.
Tasmania
Rokeby
Population: 3,375
There are many family members. 862
Median house price: $347,000
Median unit price: $346,000
In recent years, homeownership has increased in the suburb of Hobart. Rokeby is surrounded with vast greenery which could draw families away from the city centre.
Blackmans Bay
Population: 7,145
There are many family members. 2,038
Median house price: $607,500
Median unit price: $419,000
There are several primary schools in the suburb of Hobart, which is located on the beach. Nearby is a shopping center that has a grocery store, pharmacy, and medical facilities. Blackmans Bay offers beautiful views of the ocean and a trail that takes you to Flowerpot Point. Blackmans Bay also has this popular fishing spot.
Warrane
Population: 2,431
There are many family members. 587
Median house price: $383,000
Median unit price: $363,000
Warrane is a largely residential area but families living there have easy access to city amenities as the suburb is just 5km from Hobart’s city centre. The Tasman highway makes it easy to reach the capital in less than 10 minutes. Buyers looking for affordable homes are finding this suburb increasingly popular.
Legana
Population: 4,029
There are many family members. 1,111
Median house price: $460,000
Median unit price: $350,000
Legana is a small rural community and residential area located approximately 10 minutes from Launceston. Riverside Primary School and Riverside High School can both be reached from the suburb. Legana also hosts a shopping centre, supermarkets, cafés, and restaurants. Social activities are centered around sports like cricket and dirt biking. Legana is also a stone’s throw away from the Tamar Valley wineries.
Hobart
Population: 2,296
There are many family members. 346
Median house price: $700,000
Median unit price: $655,000
The suburb of Hobart is one of the state’s most desirable locations and for good reason. It is centrally located and offers employment opportunities as well as modern amenities. It boasts some the most expensive houses and units in the entire state.
Northern Territory
Wagaman
Population: 2,163
There are many family members. 523
Median house price: $433,750
Wagaman is a well-established residential neighborhood located 14 km north of Darwin. There is a primary school, a park and a mall in the suburb. Casuarina has a large shopping mall that is close to Wagaman.
Humpty Duo
Population: 4,380
There are many family members. 1,103
Median house price: $507,500
Humpty Doo can also be found in a suburb located approximately 40km from Darwin. The modern park and ride bus interchange makes public transport easier from Darwin and Palmerston to rural areas. A variety of primary and secondary schools are available in the suburb for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Rosebery
Population: 4,218
There are many family members. 1,103
Median house price: $480,000
Median unit price: $235,000
Rosebery is tipped among the best places in the state to raise a family, given the presence of several educational institutions, including Rosebery Primary School and Palmerston College’s 7-9 campus. The suburb is only 3km away from Palmerston’s central business districts, giving residents easy access to city amenities such as supermarkets, the Palmerston Shopping Centre, and the Palmerston campus of Charles Darwin University.
Rapid Creek
Population: 3,282
There are many family members. 754
Median house price: $470,000
Median unit price: $315,000
Rapid Creek is a predominantly residential area located 11km from Darwin’s city centre. The suburb is only five minutes from the airport and schools. It also has Casuarina square and supermarkets. The suburb also houses the Rapid Creek Sunday Market. It is Darwin’s oldest market.
Woodroffe
Population: 3,233
There are many family members. 817
Median house price: $350,000
Woodroffe’s proximity to Palmerston gives its residents easy access to city amenities such as the Palmerston Shopping Centre and the Palmerston campus of Charles Darwin University. Families with young children will find many schools, childcare centers and parks in the area. The public transport system in Palmerston makes Woodroffe and the surrounding suburbs easy to access.
Australian Capital Territory
Giralang
Population: 3,316
There are many family members. 894
Median house price: $735,000
Giralang is situated in Canberra’s Bellconnen district, around 8km north of the central business district. The suburb’s average house price is lower than that of the city, which will appeal to families looking to purchase a home and settle down.
Macquarie
Population: 2,700
There are many family members. 683
Median house price: $725,000
Median unit price: $430,500
Macquarie is located just 7km from Canberra’s city centre, and around 2km from the Westfield Belconnen Mall and Jamison Shopping Centre. It is easily connected to nearby suburbs by major roads like Belconnen Way Extension and Tuggeranong Parkway Extension. Macquarie has a variety of primary and secondary schools as well as an efficient public transport system. Macquarie has many recreational opportunities, including the Big Splash Water Park.
Mawson
Population: 3,252
There are many family members. 867
Median house price: $770,000
Median unit price: $315,000
This suburb in Canberra’s Woden Valley district is home to the Southlands Centre, which houses a shopping centre, the Southlands Tennis Club, and a branch of the Canberra Raiders Leagues Club. Mawson has two schools – Mawson Primary School and Canberra Christian School – and is home to several churches.
Flynn
Population: 3,360
There are many family members. 950
Median house price: $623,000
Flynn provides residents with a lot open space. The large properties are located along tree-lined streets that could be attractive to families looking for quiet, green neighborhoods. It is located 12 kilometers northwest of Canberra, and has many parks and gardens. Flynn is lacking in amenities but Belconnen’s close proximity allows residents to easily access many schools and other sports options.
Amaroo
Population: 5,710
There are many family members. 1,558
Median house price: $732,500
Median unit price: $545,000
Amaroo is situated in Canberra’s Gungahlin district and is home to Amaroo School, one of the most prestigious schools in the territory. It is close to the Gungahlin Town Centre, which houses both the Calvary Hospital and Canberra Hospital. Amaroo boasts an active housing market.
