Best Suburbs to Live in Melbourne for Families (2026 Guide)

Choosing the right suburb is one of the most important decisions for families moving to Melbourne. Safety, schools, transport, green spaces, housing affordability, and lifestyle all play a role in finding the perfect location.

Whether you're relocating from interstate or moving within Victoria, this guide highlights the best family-friendly suburbs in Melbourne for 2026 and what makes each area special.

🏫 What Makes a Suburb Family-Friendly?

Before choosing where to live, consider these key factors:

• Access to quality schools and childcare
• Parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities
• Safe neighbourhoods and community feel
• Public transport and commute times
• Housing affordability and growth potential
• Shopping centres, healthcare, and amenities

🌳 1. Glen Waverley

Best for: Schools and established family living
Glen Waverley offers top-ranked public schools, leafy streets, excellent shopping centres, and strong transport connections. It's ideal for families seeking long-term stability and education-focused communities.

🌿 2. Point Cook

Best for: Affordable family homes and new estates
Point Cook provides modern housing estates, waterfront parks, playgrounds, and growing schools. It's popular with young families seeking space and affordability.

🌳 3. Balwyn North

Best for: Premium family lifestyle
Known for excellent schools, large homes, and quiet streets, Balwyn North attracts families wanting long-term investment value and top education access.

🌊 4. Altona North

Best for: Coastal living and value
Close to the beach, parks, and cycling trails, Altona North offers relaxed coastal living while remaining close to the CBD.

🌿 5. Reservoir

Best for: Growth potential and affordability
Reservoir continues to grow with new developments, upgraded transport, and affordable family housing compared to inner suburbs.

🚉 6. Blackburn South

Best for: Green spaces and train access
Surrounded by parklands and forests, Blackburn South combines nature with excellent train connectivity and strong school options.

🏡 7. Berwick

Best for: Large homes and community lifestyle
Berwick offers spacious homes, excellent healthcare facilities, strong schools, and family-oriented neighbourhoods.

🚚 Moving to Melbourne? We Can Help

Relocating to a new suburb can feel overwhelming. Our professional Melbourne removalists provide complete moving solutions — packing, furniture assembly, transport, and end-of-lease cleaning — all handled with care.

‍