Finding the right Melbourne suburb for your new rental home
Location is one of the most important aspects when you're looking for a new home. But where do you start when you’re interstate or overseas and moving to a city you don’t know?
You may know that Melbourne was voted the world’s ‘most liveable city’ several times so that sounds promising. Finding your new place of work or study on an online map is easy. You can also work out which suburbs are close enough for a quick commute.
Getting information isn’t the problem.
What you won’t learn online is what it’s like to live in those Melbourne suburbs.
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Whether the local residents are like you: professionals, families, students, couples.
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Whether the rental homes in an area have what you need:
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smaller living spaces but close to public transport or in walking distance to cafes and bars; or
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spacious houses with gardens and close to schools but with a longer commute.
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How do you find out which suburbs really suit you?
Introducing Melbourne
We’ve compiled some information about some of Melbourne suburbs we like to help you get started. Talk to us about what you need, and we’ll help you narrow down your options to a few preferred suburbs.
Let’s have a look at some of our favourite Melbourne suburbs:
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This information will help you get a feel for life in Melbourne:
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Victorian school system
Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD)
Live
Melbourne's CBD has some of Australia’s finest architecture. Historic buildings stand next to modern, secure high-rise apartments with spectacular views of the city and the bay. Living here means that all the conveniences of a city lifestyle - busy cafes and trendy restaurants, funky boutiques and department stores - are just outside your front door.
Work
Hundreds of businesses are located in the CBD, from small agencies to major brands. Getting to work is a breeze: trams run along most major streets and stop frequently, taking you close to your destination. The City Loop is a convenient train option. Melbourne’s laneways, gardens and amazing architecture make walking perhaps your most interesting option.
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Melbourne is renowned as the "home of sport and entertainment"; major events like the Australian Open, Formula One Grand Prix and Melbourne Cup will be on your doorstep. Add to that world-class theatre productions and art exhibitions, great shopping and dozens of tourist attractions, and you really are spoiled for choice.
Useful Links
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Council
Surrounding Suburbs
Recommended for
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Professionals
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Couples
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Singles
Caulfield
Live
Living further out of the city means larger properties and apartments in an affordable area. Caulfield is a popular suburb for both families and students because of its easy access to good public and independent schools and Monash University’s Caulfield campus.
Work
12km southeast of the CBD, Caulfield is the perfect location to enjoy everything Melbourne has to offer without the traffic and fast pace. Trams, busses and trains connect you to the CBD as well as south-eastern and beach suburbs. A short drive takes you to St Kilda Rd and the city.
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Enjoy a laid-back lifestyle in the suburbs and be close to the beach and the busy retail hubs of Chadstone Shopping Centre and Chapel Street. Take your family to the playgrounds and sports facilities in parks and reserves. Horseracing enthusiasts will enjoy events at Caulfield Racecourse.
Useful Links
Council
Surrounding Suburbs
Recommended for
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Families
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Couples
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Singles
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Students
Fitzroy
Live
Fitzroy is a lively suburb with a bohemian flair. Street art covers the narrow backstreets, where small galleries sit alongside corner pubs and terrace houses. Its proximity to some of Melbourne’s best universities makes Fitzroy popular with students
Work
Located just north of the CBD, Fitzroy is so close to offices and campuses, you can walk to work or uni! Several tramlines make your commute quick. Driving to other parts of Melbourne is also easy, with major arterials like CityLink and Eastlink close by.
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Fitzroy’s cafes and restaurants are popular with students, young professionals and weekenders. Brunswick Street is a trendy retail and nightlife strip, while Gertrude Street is a hub for design and art supply stores, wine bars and buzzy eateries.
Useful Links
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Council
Surrounding Suburbs
Recommended for
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Students
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Professionals
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Sharers
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Singles
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Couples
St Kilda
Live
A popular Melbourne beach suburb boasting several major tourist attractions, St Kilda has an artistic, modern vibe. Properties here range from apartments to terrace houses and mansions. Shopping is convenient at independent stores, boutiques and the Sunday market.
Work
Only 6km south of the CBD, St Kilda is a great choice for anyone who wants to live near the beach but still have a short commute to work. Public transport is fantastic with trams and busses taking you directly to the CBD and office complexes in St Kilda Rd and South Melbourne.
Play
Cycle or skate on the foreshore, enjoy water sports or stroll on the pier: St Kilda is ideal for an active lifestyle. Enjoy a latte, a pub meal or fine dining in Acland and Fitzroy Streets with their bakeries, cafes and bars. At night, St Kilda shines with live music events, theatres and festivals.
Useful Links
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Council
Surrounding Suburbs
Recommended for
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Couples
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Families
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Singles
Toorak
Live
Toorak, with its leafy streets, beautiful mansions with large gardens and prestigious schools, is one of Melbourne's most affluent suburbs. It has some of the highest average property values in Australia. If you’re looking for a luxury lifestyle, Toorak is the perfect location for you.
Work
On the banks of the Yarra River, just 5km east of the city, Toorak is a short drive from all central locations. Trains and trams run frequently and connect you to all surrounding suburbs. The office towers of St Kilda Rd, many consulates and several major hospitals are close by.
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Browse the high-end boutiques in Toorak Village and nearby Chapel Street before lunch at one of the superb restaurants. Visit historic Como House for a trip back to the 1850s. Have a picnic in one of the parks in the area or get active at the aquatic and recreation centres.
Useful Links
Council
Surrounding Suburbs
Recommended for
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Couples
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Families
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Singles
Williamstown
Live
Situated on a peninsula with breathtaking views of Melbourne’s skyline across Hobsons Bay, this western beach suburb is growing in popularity due to its proximity to the city, its affordability and its relaxed coastal vibe. Families looking for a slightly larger yet still central property will feel right at home here.
Work
Williamstown is located 9km southwest of Melbourne’s CBD, across the Yarra river, and well connected by public transport. Trains provide quick access to both Melbourne and Geelong, busses connect Williamstown to surrounding suburbs, and the CBD is a 15-minute drive across the West Gate Bridge.
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Melbourne’s first port settlement proudly shows its maritime past. Yachts and tall ships line Gem Pier while historic Nelson Place now houses craft shops, museums and restaurants. Tranquil parks and wetlands surround Williamstown beach and make the foreshore a popular destination.
Useful Links
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Council
Surrounding Suburbs
Recommended for
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Families
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Professionals
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Couples