Families have varying priorities when it comes to raising their children. Some families place great value at giving their children a good education, while others put premium on providing their kids a peaceful environment to grow. Fortunately, the vast number of suburbs across the country gives families plenty of 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. The list below shows some of the top locations when it comes to raising a family based on that survey.

We have also added some supplementary information to put the data into context. The population figures are based on the 2016 census, which is the latest from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. 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.

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    New South Wales

    Wahroonga

    Population: 17,371
    Number of families: 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 about a 30-minute or 45-minute train ride from Sydney, but families living there may not even need to travel to the capital city as the suburb already has many shopping centres and commercial establishments. 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 second-oldest national park in the country, the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is also situated there.

    Katoomba

    Population: 7,964
    Number of families: 1,901
    Median house price: $598,500
    Median unit price: $410,000

    Located in the heart of the Blue Mountains, Katoomba is considered one of the best places to settle for nature-loving families. The town boasts a rich cultural heritage and scenic views of the 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
    Number of families: 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 also has its own business hubs, shopping centres, and health service facilities. Bella Vista is also only 33km from Sydney’s central business district.

    Blayney

    Population: 7,257
    Number of families: 1,926
    Median house price: $337,000

    Blayney is a good option for families wanting to live a rustic lifestyle. 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. It is also a great location for fishing and camping.

    Glen Alpine

    Population: 4,559
    Number of families: 1,323
    Median house price: $855,000

    One of the prominent features of Glen Alpine is its large houses, many of which are owner-occupied. Families living in the suburb also earn about $1,000 above the national average, indicating financial stability among residents. The suburb began as a golf course estate but has recently seen a rise in real estate developments. Glen Alpine is about 56km away from Sydney’s central business district.

    Victoria

    Aberfeldie

    Population: 3,897
    Number of families: 1,034
    Median house price: $1,575,000

    Aberfeldie is located just 9km outside of Melbourne and is home to several schools, including Aberfeldie Primary School, Our Lady of Nativity Primary School, Resurrection School, and Ave Maria College. The suburb also boasts an efficient public transport system, with several bus routes operating around the area. Another stand-out feature of Aberfeldie is its vibrant sports scene, which promotes football, cricket, tennis, lawn bowls, gymnastics, swimming, and basketball

    Clifton Hill

    Population: 6,341
    Number of families: 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. Its proximity to the capital city gives residents easy access to public amenities such as shopping malls, schools, hospitals, and recreational and leisure centres. The suburb is also home to parks and sports facilities, including the Darling Gardens, which features a football oval, cricket field, skatepark, playground, and a hiking trail that runs along Merri Creek.

    Balwyn

    Population: 13,312
    Number of families: 3,571
    Median house price: $2,330,000
    Median unit price: $989,000

    This hilly suburb is located about 10km east of Melbourne and best suited for families looking for private schools. Balwyn is regarded as an affluent area, boasting historic mansions and period homes. The suburb is relatively quiet and its proximity to the capital, along with an efficient tram system, gives residents easy access to public amenities. Balwyn is also home to several shops, cafés, and cinemas.

    Canadian

    Population: 3,609
    Number of families: 894
    Median house price: $403,000
    Median unit price: $290,000

    Canadian is a suburb east of the regional city of Ballarat situated in the rural-urban fringe. It is primarily a residential area, and has a school, a small shopping area, and several parks and reserves, including Sparrow Ground. The suburb is also home to Lake Esmond, which was converted from a quarry and now serves as a recreational spot for rotary clubs and residents.

    Mansfield

    Population: 4,787
    Number of families: 1,188
    Median house price: $485,000
    Median unit price: $385,000

    Mansfield has consistently ranked at the top of VicHealth Indicators Survey list of Victorian towns in terms of health and wellbeing, making it a suitable place to raise a family. The suburb is located 180km northeast of Melbourne. It is home to several schools and recreational facilities and is regarded as a popular location for outdoor activities.

    Queensland

    Mansfield

    Population: 8,695
    Number of families: 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. It boasts several schools and pockets of nature, which make the suburb popular for families. Good infrastructure has also contributed on turning Mansfield into among the most sought-after suburbs in south eastern Brisbane.

    Upper Caboolture

    Population: 4,214
    Number of families: 1,172
    Median house price: $422,500

    Upper Caboolture is a rural town in the Moreton Bay region. It is a peaceful place with great community involvement, but is also close to public amenities, including a shopping centre, schools, public transport, and sports and recreational parks. The suburb is best suited for families looking for a rustic lifestyle with easy access to modern conveniences.

    Bucasia

    Population: 4,771
    Number of families: 1,265
    Median house price: $385,000

    The coastal town of Bucasia is one of the largest suburbs in Mackay. The suburb is known for its beautiful beach houses and friendly residents. The main traffic to Shoal Point passes behind the village area. Bucasia is also home to a few shops and schools, including Bucasia Kindergarten and Bucasia State School.

    Lammermoor

    Population: 2,167
    Number of families: 596
    Median house price: $472,500

    Lammermoor is another coastal locality for well-suited for families wanting to live a beach lifestyle. Situated in the Capricorn Coast, the suburb is a steadily growing community driven by several major land developments in Tarranganba. Lammermoor is home to a Catholic school, the Sacred Heart School Yeppoon.

    Avoca

    Population: 1,193
    Number of families: 311
    Median house price: $293,500

    Avoca is a primarily a residential area located in Bundaberg. It hosts one of the region's main shopping precincts, the Sugarland Shoppingtown, along with cinemas and other stores. Avoca has a primary school and a girl’s school with special education programs.

    Western Australia

    Madeley

    Population: 6,084
    Number of families: 1,673
    Median house price: $560,000

    Madeley is a suburb located 20km north of Perth’s central business district. It is among the fastest-growing suburbs in the capital city, making it a strong 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
    Number of families: 1,295
    Median house price: $470,000

    Maida Vale boasts areas of natural bushland, which may attract families wanting to live a country 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, golf course, and several parks. Its housing market is primed for growth, seeing an expansion in recent years.

    Two Rocks

    Population: 2,990
    Number of families: 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. The suburb boasts an efficient transport system, which includes bus routes and railway stations. Two Rocks has seen a rise in housing development in the past few years. Its marine parks and other natural attractions can be a major drawcard for families wanting to live close to nature.

    Kununurra

    Population: 4,341
    Number of families: 971
    Median house price: $312,500

    Kununurra is quiet and laid-back town situated in far northern Western Australia, 45km from the border with Northern Territory. Families may be drawn by its rustic landscape consisting of scenic hills and ranges. Kununurra was primarily an agricultural town, having an abundance of fresh water. The suburb has several schools and medical facilities.

    Rossmoyne

    Population: 3,321
    Number of families: 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 just 14km south of Perth, giving residents easy access to amenities of city living. 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 is also home to several schools for students of various ages. Bus services facilitate transportation to and from the capital city.

    South Australia

    Hectorville

    Population: 3,738
    Number of families: 1,028
    Median house price: $520,000
    Median unit price: $321,500

    Hectorville is a small suburb in the Adelaide city of Campbelltown. The suburb’s several schools and parks make it good place to raise young children. Hectorville is known for being a quiet and peaceful area with amenities for shopping and dining. Public transport is also not an issue.

    Burnside

    Population: 2,930
    Number of families: 820
    Median house price: $850,000

    Burnside is located 7.5km east of the Adelaide city centre. The suburb is home to many mature couples and established families and is known for its roomy (three- to five-room) brick estates. Burnside hosts one of Adelaide’s biggest shopping malls the Burnside Village, and several pools, saunas, and tennis courts. The suburb also has several primary and secondary schools.

    Hahndorf

    Population: 2,670
    Number of families: 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 capital city is accessible from Hahndorf via the South Eastern Freeway. This quaint German heritage town is home to several shops, pubs, restaurants, and wineries. It also hosts several primary and secondary schools, which accommodate students of all ages.

    Rostrevor

    Population: 7,743
    Number of families: 2,171
    Median house price: $615,000

    Rostrevor is another suburb in the city of Campbelltown that is well-suited for families looking for a place to raise young 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 surrounding area, with its parks and recreational facilities, presents a conducive environment for children to grow.

    Holden Hill

    Population: 3,296
    Number of families: 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 hosts a number of roomy brick houses.

    Tasmania

    Rokeby

    Population: 3,375
    Number of families: 862
    Median house price: $347,000
    Median unit price: $346,000

    This suburb in the capital city of Hobart has been seeing a rise in homeownership in recent years. Rokeby has a vast expanse of green land, which may attract families looking to live away from the bustling city centre.

    Blackmans Bay

    Population: 7,145
    Number of families: 2,038
    Median house price: $607,500
    Median unit price: $419,000

    This beachside suburb in Hobart boasts several primary schools. It is also home to a local shopping centre with a supermarket, medical facility, and pharmacy. The beaches in Blackmans Bay offer scenic views of the water, and a trail that leads to Flowerpot Point, a popular fishing spot.

    Warrane

    Population: 2,431
    Number of families: 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. Commute from Warrane to the capital city takes less than 10 minutes, thanks to the Tasman Highway. Over the years, the suburb has become increasingly popular for buyers looking for affordable houses.

    Legana

    Population: 4,029
    Number of families: 1,111
    Median house price: $460,000
    Median unit price: $350,000

    Legana is a rural and residential town about 10 minutes from Launceston. The suburb is situated just a short distance from Riverside, putting families in proximity to Riverside Primary School and Riverside High School. Legana also hosts a shopping centre, supermarkets, cafés, and restaurants. Social activities revolve mostly around sports such as cricket and dirt biking. Legana is also a stone’s throw away from the Tamar Valley wineries.

    Hobart

    Population: 2,296
    Number of families: 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. Located within the city centre, it offers employment opportunities and modern amenities. However, the suburb also has the most expensive houses and units in the state.

    Northern Territory

    Wagaman

    Population: 2,163
    Number of families: 523
    Median house price: $433,750

    Wagaman is an established residential area 14km north of Darwin. Residents in the suburb have access to a primary school, a local park, and a shopping centre. Wagaman is also near a large shopping complex in neighbouring Casuarina.

    Humpty Doo

    Population: 4,380
    Number of families: 1,103
    Median house price: $507,500

    Humpty Doo is a small suburb about 40km away from Darwin. It boasts a modern bus interchange park-and-ride facility, making public transport from Darwin and Palmerston to rural areas more efficient. Families planning to raise a family in the suburb will also have access to several primary and secondary schools catering to K-12 students.

    Rosebery

    Population: 4,218
    Number of families: 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
    Number of families: 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. Schools, the airport, the Casuarina Square, and supermarkets are roughly just a five-minute drive from the suburb. It also hosts the Rapid Creek Sunday Market, which is the oldest market in Darwin.

    Woodroffe

    Population: 3,233
    Number of families: 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 who are raising young children also benefit from the several schools, childcare centres, sports facilities, parks, and local library in the area. Palmerston has an efficient public transport system, where Woodroffe and neighbouring suburbs are bound.

    Australian Capital Territory

    Giralang

    Population: 3,316
    Number of families: 894
    Median house price: $735,000

    Giralang is situated in Canberra’s Bellconnen district, around 8km north of the central business district. Apart from access to city-living amenities, among of the biggest drawcards for families planning to buy home and settle in the suburb are house prices that fall below the citywide figure.

    Macquarie

    Population: 2,700
    Number of families: 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 linked to neighbouring suburbs via main arteries, including Belconnen Way, Tuggeranong Parkway, and the Gungahlin Drive Extension. Macquarie has an efficient public transport system and hosts several primary and secondary schools. It is also home of several recreational facilities, including the Big Splash Water Park.

    Mawson

    Population: 3,252
    Number of families: 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
    Number of families: 950
    Median house price: $623,000

    Flynn provides residents with a great deal of open space to enjoy, with large properties on tree-lined streets, which may attract families who want a green and quiet neighbourhood. It is located 12km northwest of Canberra and is home to many parks and gardens. Flynn alone does not have many amenities but its proximity to Belconnen gives residents access to several options for schooling and sports.

    Amaroo

    Population: 5,710
    Number of families: 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. The suburb is also near the Gungahlin Town Centre, a transport hub, which hosts the Calvary Hospital and Canberra Hospital. Amaroo has a thriving housing market.

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