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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.