How to Choose a Suburb in an Australian City

Which Suburb?

Australia is crawling with suburbs! If you think you’ve got it tough deciding which city to live in, wait until you have to drill down and choose a suburb in that city. Australian cities, between them, have well over 1,000 suburbs.

SuburbsSo, as you can imagine, it’s very difficult for me to answer questions about good and bad suburbs around Australia.

That’s why I encourage people to comment about their particular suburb or area on all of my pages about Australia’s cities and states. Be sure to read those comments as they are certainly helpful for people trying to choose somewhere to live in Australia.

I have broken all of the suburbs down for you for each of the big cities here on this website. From any page, simply hover over the “Australia’s Cities” link in the top navigation bar towards the left and the 10 major cities will drop down. Hover over your city of choice and to the right it will be broken down further into, usually, Inner, North, South, East and West.

Click on any one of those links, and at the foot of each page you will see a full list of every suburb for that particular part of that city. If you want to know more about that particular place, why not post a question in the comment box at the bottom. Someone who lives there might pop by and answer your question.

Hopefully that will help you choose a suburb. If you live in Australia, why not add a comment about what it’s like to live in your area?

Useful links for suburb research:

MyBoot

There are some other very useful websites with some great information about Australian suburbs. First up is a website that will give you the demographics for each suburb, like how far it is from the city centre (CBD), the population, size by square kilometres, average age, median house prices and more.

This website has been around for some time, but I’m not sure if it is constantly being maintained. I took a look recently, the search function didn’t work and neither did comparing crime stats. What does work quite well though is if you click on the map towards the top of the page on the left to select your state, and then choose your destination within that state from the alphabetical list to find out more about its demographics.

Visit: myboot.com.au

RealEstate

This next website is great for researching information about Australian suburbs. It’s also a portal for Australian real estate sales, so you can go househunting at the same time. To find out more about any Australian town, suburb or postcode, just search for it in the search box, then click on the “Search” button to the right. Next, click the “Suburb Profile” link on the right hand side and it will take you to a page full of useful information, mostly demographics, house prices and trends.

Here’s the link to the site…

Visit: realestate.com.au/

Or, if you want to skip the trends bit and just get reviews from people who live in these areas, take a look at…

Homely

Another useful tool to search for information about suburbs around Australia, but do be aware that sometimes some strange results will occur. I noticed this when checking out Brisbane, a couple of our not so hot suburbs were being touted as best places to live here; some people, it seems, do think it’s amusing to write completely false reviews.

So when using Homely, be aware that this might happen as it might happen on other review sites too. I would suggest doing initial research on this site, then coming back to ask for a second opinion, as a comment, in a relevant city page (links above) or on this page. Always get a second opinion and remember, if house prices seem extraordinary low in a certain suburb, there’s probably a reason. It’s usually a very good clue that the area isn’t that great.

Having got that out of the way, this is a well-organised site. You can pick your suburb from one of the lists or the search box works really well. Some suburbs don’t yet have any reviews, but others have plenty and you can join in on the conversation and ask questions if you want to.

Well worth a look, here is a link to the site.

Visit: homely.com.au/find-places

Country of birth

So, when other people who come from your country moved to Australia, where do they go? Which city do they go to? Which suburb in that city do they go to? Here’s how to find out…

Visit: Who Lives Where? Migrants Settling in Australian Cities

Socio-economically advantaged and disadvantaged areas

Safe suburbs

I am often asked ‘What are the safe suburbs?’ in various cities. Australia is a safe country, but some areas are safer than others and here’s how to find them…

Visit: Crime Statistics in Australia: Finding Safe Suburbs

Happy house hunting.

 

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{ 207 comments… add one }
  • Ashok December 13, 2021, 2:00 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    Thanks a ton for creating this website, as this has been a tremendous source of information for most of us who migrated to Oz. Now looking specifically at the suburbs, “How trustworthy are the suburb rankings published by Domain, Homely, Real estate or CityPulse. If one had to refer them, which one would you recommend among them?
    Thanks & regards,
    Ashok

    • BobinOz December 17, 2021, 6:37 pm |

      Hi Ashok, glad to hear you like my website. Good question, and I think the answer is that for the most part, their information is reasonably accurate. There are some clowns that like to post wildly inaccurate reviews, I remember looking up one suburb in Brisbane that has a reputation for being a bit of a dump, and somebody had put up a review saying it’s the best place in all of Brisbane to live.

      I think though if you consistently get similar positive reviews from multiple different reviewers, then you can be quite competent the information is good. I have never used CityPulse, but I think the other three are quite good.

      My favourite though is (or maybe was) the socio-economic ratings which you can try and access through the link towards the bottom of the above page about finding somewhere nice to live. I just looked at it though, you have to follow the instructions right at the bottom of my article and click through to the governments statistics website and use their interactive map.

      I just tried to have a go myself, the maps were not loading properly but it’s worth checking out in case it starts working again.

      Good luck, Bob

      • Ashok December 18, 2021, 1:28 pm |

        Hi Bob,
        Thanks for the swift response. That’s a good strategy to shortlist suburbs based on the approval ratings from different websites, and then use socio-economic indicator map to probably reconfirm that.
        My only worry is regarding Homely website. I could hardly count the suburbs listed there in top 20, scoring it big in other rankings (I tried it for Brisbane, Melbourne & Sydney). Alternatively, any cut off figure (lets say top 20, 30 or 40) you recommend from these websites (Domain, Homely, Real estate) which can be used for shortlisting?
        Thanks once again. Have a good weekend.
        Warm Regards,
        Ashok

        • BobinOz December 21, 2021, 9:47 pm |

          Personally I think it’s impossible to do research online and come up with the perfect destination for you. You can’t beat being here and driving through the streets and suburbs to get a real feel of any place. I think the best thing to do, if possible, is to come here and get temporary accommodation, and then get out and about to get a real feel for the suburbs and then settle on one where the vibe feels good to you.

          If you can’t do that, then put the socio economic ratings as your most important influence, and then have a good look at the various reviews and take a punt from there.

  • Nikhil June 11, 2018, 1:25 pm |

    Hi friends,
    I’m an Indian from newzealand. I would like to migrate to Australia soon. But confused about the region. I’m a nurse, so I’m not worried about getting a job. I would like to live neither in a city nor in a village. But something in middle. A safe place, with low cost of living. It is good ,if it is closer to my place. I mean south india. Could you help me please… thank you

  • Ansha Joy June 11, 2018, 1:24 pm |

    Hi friends,
    I’m an Indian from newzealand. I would like to migrate to Australia soon. But confused about the region. I’m a nurse, so I’m not worried about getting a job. I would like to live neither in a city nor in a village. But something in middle. A safe place, with low cost of living. It is good ,if it is closer to my place. I mean south india. Could you help me please… thank you

  • Nihaal January 6, 2018, 1:28 am |

    Hi Bob,

    I have read most of the comments but I’m still a little confused . I’ll be moving to Melbourne in a months time and would like to know the suburbs I should be looking at , I am looking for something lively with access to cafes restaurants and shops . I also would like to have access to public transportation. A safe suburb with low crime rate is ideal. I don’t mind paying the extra buck when choosing the suburb.

    Thanks
    Nihal

    • BobinOz January 8, 2018, 4:44 pm |

      Have a look at the comments on my main page about Melbourne, there’s loads of talk about the various suburbs and what they are like according to people who actually live there.

      I’m sure you will find it very helpful.

  • Lizzie Grillard August 7, 2017, 7:31 pm |

    Hi Bob and everyone,

    I have tried my best to read most comments on the topic I am interested in but it’s a lot of comments, therefore I apologised if my question has been asked before !!!!
    We would like to move to Queensland (roughly Gold Coast/Brisbane areas, not too up north…) , I will pass on the details regarding visa application and so o as we are good on that ! But my problem is : when I look online for “good suburbs” for families with young kids (we have 3 under 6), some names come back rather often as being family friendly etc…but also, I came across the name of those same towns on other website, and people are saying total different things about them ! I understand a town is never 100% good ! life isnt black and white. But the moment we can avoid rough areas, or ” party ” areas (we know the coast itself wouldn’t be recommended with it’s nightlife etc…). We simply want to know, from people that live/lived there, which suburbs in Queensland are nice for families. Thank you very much ! Looking forward to hear from you all.

    Lizzie and Family.

    • BobinOz August 8, 2017, 8:41 pm |

      Well, it would be quite an enormous task to list all the nice suburbs and all the nasty suburbs in Queensland, and even harder to get that list absolutely right.

      This article will help you a bit though…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/17938/what-are-the-bad-areas-to-avoid-in-australia/

      What you should really do is decide which suburbs you are interested in and then ask on my page about Brisbane or Gold Coast, to see what the locals think of them. The vast majority of our suburbs are all family friendly and safe, there are very few that are rough.

      Just let us know which suburbs you are interested in, and either me or someone else will try and help you out.

      • Lizzie Grillard August 8, 2017, 9:22 pm |

        thank you very much Bob ! I will ! Since yesterday, I have found a really good website called Homely ! it’s lush, full of good info about suburbs !
        I recommend it !
        But I will no doubt still tune into your website/blog for more info ! thanks for quick reply !

        Lizzie

        • BobinOz August 9, 2017, 8:57 pm |

          Yes, I like Homely, it’s a good website, and there are a few others like it as well. You can read about them on my page called Which Suburb?

          In reality though, nothing beats visiting a suburb to check it out personally and I always think it’s a good idea to rent for six months first before deciding where you really want to settle.

  • Kate June 30, 2017, 11:04 pm |

    Hi Bob
    I am a single parent planning on moving to the gold coast in December 2018 with my 5 children (2 adult working, 2 school age, 1 preschool) from NZ, my children are very good hockey players (regional representative level), and attend catholic schools (though not essential), can you recommend some good suburbs for me to look at – but not overpriced rent wise, i will be wanting a 4 or 5 bedroom house, prefer the bigger option, we have decided on gold coast because my children are very much beach kids with several of them being surf lifeguards though open to any coastal area, however unsure which ones would suit with a milder climate year round and good job opportunities – the upcoming commonwealth games has clearly increased rents leading up to it, how do you think rent prices will be say 6-9 months after the commonwealth games?

    • BobinOz July 2, 2017, 7:22 pm |

      Well, my knowledge of Gold Coast is a little limited, but I do know that there are some areas where rents are quite reasonable and you can research them through my page called Cost of Buying or Renting a House in Australia.

      You can do a lot of interesting things with the search engine there is a link to on that page, for example you can select all of Gold Coast as where you want to live, then you can select a minimum of five bedrooms and then you can select lowest rental to highest to see where the cheaper rentals are.

      Once you’ve narrowed down where you want to live, or made a short list, I would suggest you go to my page about Gold Coast and have a look at the comments there about the various suburbs or even ask a new question about suburbs you are considering.

      After the Commonwealth games, who knows, but I would have thought rents would fall, particularly for apartments (they’ve built loads of large new apartments to house the athletes which will obviously become vacant after the games). Whether it will affect five bedroom houses or not, it’s hard to say.

      Hope that helps, Bob

  • Sarah Speechley April 27, 2017, 10:24 am |

    Hi Bob,
    I’m a young uni student looking for 6 months to a year off to work and live in another state (I’m currently in Sydney). I was wondering if you could narrow all of the possibilities down for me? I was thinking of Adelaide just for the cheap housing market and am looking for a good, relaxed time with opportunities to meet new, interesting people.
    Thanks!
    Sarah

    • BobinOz April 28, 2017, 6:09 pm |

      If you look at the comments on my page about Adelaide, you will see there has been some recent discussion about the universities there and places to live that are close to them. You might find that interesting.

      If you want warmer weather though, Brisbane does also offer low rents, not as low as Adelaide, but certainly a lot cheaper than Sydney and Melbourne. Both cities are very relaxed and laid-back, nothing like Sydney at all.

  • Anna December 6, 2016, 6:41 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    I’m a young sole parent of two children aged 7 and 11, and am planning on moving to Brisbane in January 2017.
    I currently live in a small town in northern NSW with a population of 3000.
    The main reason i’m moving to brisbane is for better access to mental health services for my 11 yr old daughter and myself.
    I’ll be sharing with a friend who will be studying 3 days a week in Milton, and myself 2 days in southbank.
    I do have a drivers licence, however my housemate doesn’t, so I’m looking for a suburb that is a maximum of 40 minutes to the city by train, somewhere with good state schools, a good soccer club and not to far from dance/aerial circus schools.
    Being in our late 20’s we don’t want to live too far from nightlife but don’t want it at our doorstep either.
    Our rental budget is a max of $600 weekly, what suburbs do you recommend?
    Kind regards,
    Anna

    • BobinOz December 7, 2016, 7:03 pm |

      Well, I think we have a couple of circus dance schools in Brisbane, but I think there is a bigger one on Gold Coast. We also have a reasonably good sprinkling of soccer clubs around the city.

      What I would do, if I were you, is look into those circus dance places to see if they are what you really want, Goole knows where they are, and then maybe choose a suburb that gives you good access to where you will be studying as well as getting to those dance classes.

      Once you have done that, have a look at my main page about Brisbane and maybe also the sub pages, all are easily accessible from the Australian Cities menu across the top of every page. Look at the comments, there are lots of people talking about the pros and cons of the various suburbs around Brisbane and I think you will find the information very helpful.

      From the sounds of it, you will probably only need a three-bedroom house so with the budget you have, you should be able to get close to the nightlife without being in it, which is just what you want. Good luck, Bob

  • kj September 1, 2016, 10:25 am |

    Hi:

    We just accepted an offer of a job in Brisbane and so are moving to Aus in the next 6 months! When we were there, we looked around neighbourhoods — Moggill was one attractive suburb. But I notice from a Telegraph article that you live in Bellbowrie, which is close to Moggill. Job is in the CBD — would you recommend Bellbowrie in terms of housing value for money and commute distance to CBD?

    • BobinOz September 1, 2016, 9:13 pm |

      Well spotted KJ, yes, I do live in Bellbowrie. I think it’s a great suburb, but specifically if you are coming here with young children. It really is a family friendly area, so great for kids up to the age of around 14, with lots of greenery and parks and some quite good schools.

      It’s not a great area for adults though, there is simply not much to do here and the local pub isn’t great. I can’t tell you too much about the commute into the city because I don’t do it. There are no trains, so it’s bus or car only, probably bus unless you have a parking space waiting for you.

      That’s going to take you about an hour during rush-hour I would think, but it’s a pleasant enough ride and the buses are very regular.

      If you haven’t got young kids though, I’d probably look elsewhere. I’ve been here for nine years, my daughter was three when we arrived and we are extremely happy here. We’ve never been tempted to move elsewhere, not yet anyway.

      Hope that helps, Bob

    • Graham mcgonigal September 25, 2016, 9:04 am |

      Hi kj

      Each suburb has a uniqueness about it and therefore what suits one person may not suit another. Moggill has a lot of acreage and therefore people who like to be near the countryside might like it. It is also commutable to the city and reasonably priced. If you are unsure of your suburb and want a selection that is tailored to you then speak to a relocation agent. Opal relocations are based in moggill so would have specialist knowledge of the area you are looking in.

  • El martisano August 30, 2016, 7:35 pm |

    Hi. I’m currently living in Kalgoorlie and we have heaps of jobs here but the problem is the houses are too expensive for a young adult like me. Moving on a suburb with lots of job opportunities and affordable houses with at least two or three rooms will be a good start for me. I’d also appreciate it if the place is just as quite as kalgoorlie. Thanks so much

    • BobinOz August 30, 2016, 8:39 pm |

      The problem is, the rule of supply and demand dictates that cheap housing = fewer job opportunities, and expensive housing = plenty of work about. I don’t think that will ever change, only the ratios will vary.

  • zoe August 1, 2016, 8:16 am |

    We are planning a permanent move from the uk to Queensland in the next couple of years and am starting to gather info about where to live. I see lots of comments about good and bad suburbs and I have to ask, how bad can they really be? I live in Oldham near Manchester and its rough and grim. Crime is rife here and the weather is shocking. If you leave anything out and not nailed down or heavily locked you can be sure it will get lifted. Drug abusers walk the streets with their methodone and toddlers tell you to f off if you look their way! So compared with this what kind of level of bad are we talking? My reason for emigrating is to provide my children with a safer society that isn’t rapidly becoming lawless. What are the chances of us achieving this. Pound for pound is it better overall or are there areas over there equally bad or worse?

    • BobinOz August 2, 2016, 12:53 am |

      Everything is relative Zoe.

      I know exactly what you mean and what your concern is. I have walked through some extremely dodgy estates in the UK, you know the type of place, blocks of flats, graffitied walls and gangs wanting to know what you’re doing on their ‘patch’.

      When people complain of bad suburbs here, I honestly think they don’t know when they’ve got it so good. As I say, everything is relative. I don’t think I’ve found anywhere in all of Australia that comes anything close to some of the bad areas in the UK.

      Our bad areas simply aren’t half as bad, it’s as simple as that. Without doubt, by moving to Australia you will be providing your children with a safer environment in which to live. Pound for pound, or even dollar for dollar as we would say here, you will be better off, you won’t be disappointed.

      Good luck with your plans, I hope it all works out for you and your family.

    • Stacey Clegg January 13, 2017, 10:26 pm |

      I too with my family are looking to move to Queensland. I am from Salford, have travelled around the UK, husband is from Rochdale and we now live in Bacup as the primary schools are much better! And ive worked in Oldham so can completely sympathise with you. After some research with lots more to be add, Were thinking of an hours drive from Brisbane as suburbs close by the beaches are a little out of our price range.
      How’s your research going? Stacey

  • Kealey Thomas July 13, 2016, 8:53 am |

    Hi Bob,
    I am new to your website and I am just finding my way around!
    I have recently been granted my Australian Permanent Residency and have been travelling Oz for six months now to try to pin down where I would like to live and I am currently drawn to NSW and WA.
    I am a young professional wishing to be near the beach but commutable to the city or a large town, but also somewhere with a good singles vibe and social network.
    Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Thank you, Kealey

    • BobinOz July 13, 2016, 9:36 pm |

      Well, if I can be blunt, I wouldn’t go to Perth. It’s a great city for bringing up kids, the beaches and some wonderful nearby countryside, but it’s a little behind when it comes to the nightlife for singles.

      So that just leaves New South Wales from your two preferences, so if I were you I’d have a look at my page about Sydney to check out some of the comments on the best places to live there. Good luck, Bob

  • Max June 2, 2016, 7:36 am |

    Hi bob .
    your website is so fantastic and highly informative.i am applying to northern territory under skilled regional nominated (provisional) subclass489 and one of the requirements is Evidence that you have undertaken detailed research into living and working in the NT that demonstrates you have a realistic knowledge of the environment you are planning on migrating to including climate, relocation costs, living expenses (for example, food, utilities, rent), and accommodation costs to settle in the NT .can you help me with that? probably someone’s contact that lives in any part of NT for first hand information.Thanks a bunch.

    • BobinOz June 2, 2016, 8:34 pm |

      No, I don’t know anybody who lives in Darwin that can help, I think you will just have to to do this research using everybody’s best friend, Google. I really don’t think they expect you to have personally spoken to anyone, they just want to know that you have a good understanding of where you’re going.

      I suspect their concern is that when you arrive you say “gosh, I didn’t know it would you like this, I’m going home!”

  • Kyra-Jayne May 27, 2016, 10:05 pm |

    Hi Ive lived in perth my whole life, my partner, daughter and I want to move to QLD in between brisbane and the gold coast to have a fresh start because a lot has happened bad for us in perth. We’ve never been over there so we have no idea what suburb is gonna be good for us. We want somewhere quiet close to shops, parks, schools, trains and buses just the basics and not too far of a drive to either brisbsne or gold coast. We will only be getting a rental until were over there and explored it all ourselves but we need a starting point?

    • BobinOz May 30, 2016, 2:27 pm |

      It might be a good idea if you read the comments on my page about Brisbane, specifically the conversation between someone called Sam and myself very recently, you can read that by clicking this link.

      There are also many other comments on that page about the various areas of Brisbane which you might find helpful. Good luck, Bob

  • Ligia April 29, 2016, 2:52 pm |

    Hi Bob
    I’m new to your website, and I’ve found the information is really good and relevant. My family and I are moving from Auckland to Brisbane in June, and currently looking for a suburb to buy a property, we have a little daughter age 4, I’ve been looking into Capalaba because of the new developments in the area, affordable prices, close to parks, big shopping mall, close to the Coast, and closer to the Gold Coast, there was also really good reviews on Homely. But one thing is bothering me now, I’ve been looking into this facebook page of kiwis in Brisbane and apparently everyone prefers North Brisbane rather than South, what do you think?

    • BobinOz April 29, 2016, 9:21 pm |

      Yes, I have also heard this said before, that north is better than south when it comes to Brisbane. I’m pretty sure it refers to which side of the river you’re on, rather than Brisbane city centre.

      That said, Capalaba is south of Brisbane and the river, but it is quite rural out that way, I think it’s far enough away from any potentially not so pleasant suburbs. I know, for example, that Cleveland and Victoria Point are really quite nice, and somebody else somewhere here on this website was praising Mount Cotton which is also very close to where you’re looking.

      They had moved there recently and really love it. I couldn’t tell you exactly what Capalaba would be like to live in, and as you say, they are building new developments so who knows how it will end up. But at the moment, I don’t think you need to worry about that north-south thing, it’s just a rule of thumb, it’s not accurate all the time.

      Hope that helps, Bob

  • Krithiga April 19, 2016, 1:42 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    I have gathered a lot of information from your website. Many thanks to you .
    My family is moving to Melbourne from Perth in June 2016 .We have 2 kids one in grade 7 and grade 4.We have shortlisted few areas for which I need some information about the high schools . We are looking only for public schools. The areas are Tarneit ,Werribee and Trugannia, in west. Also just in North ,Epping .Is there good rating public high schools in these areas?
    I am so confused about taking a decision with regards to these areas.I saw Werribee high schools are too good but the area review disappoints. I seek your advise and help .

    Thanks
    Krithiga

    • BobinOz April 19, 2016, 6:01 pm |

      Hi Krithiga

      Glad to hear my website has been helpful.

      May I suggest you check out my page about Melbourne, the link is underneath the main navigation menu for Australian Cities. Check out the comments, there’s lots of talk about the various suburbs, you will probably be able to find some information about the ones you’re interested in.

      Feel free to ask further questions over there, that way you’ll have a better chance of getting an answer from somebody who lives in Melbourne. Good luck, Bob

      • Krithiga April 22, 2016, 12:36 am |

        Thanks Bob.Will do as you advised.

  • Renee April 16, 2016, 10:17 am |

    HI All. I possibly may be moving to Melbs from Syd (yea!) soon and will have to do it potentially rather quickly. I would be working in Carlton (near Elisabeth and Victoria St’s). I dont have a car or plan on getting one so need to be near transport, preferably train/tram and dont want to be too far away (like 30 mins max each way). I also dont want to pay an arm and leg in rent. I liked Collingwood when I was there at the end of last year. How far do you think that would be on public transport and what do you think of that area? Also, what other areas would you recommend looking at and why? Thanks a ton in advance!

    • BobinOz April 16, 2016, 8:58 pm |

      You may be better off asking this question on my main page about Sydney, you’ll find it linked under the main navigation menu heading for Australian Cities. There is lots of chat in the comments there about where to live in Sydney.

  • Robyn hunt April 15, 2016, 6:38 am |

    Hi I’m. Wanting & looking into selling my. Home here in Victoria melb Lara suburb. . To. Then re -buying relocating in QLD around the gold coast itself. . I’m though not familiar on. Choice of suburbs. . I have. 1. Child aged 11. Who will be interstate moving with me my two older girls will. Be staying here in ther hous s in Victoria . I’m. Always. Taking the once per year trip over to QLD usually surfers and broadbeach. Suburbs wic h I & my daughter love. . only I want. Just a nniclwould like a quiet or reosanable etc area to. Buy & live. Not in the centre of surfers for child’s growing up future. To be a little not so. Busy hectic as surfers. I guess . I’m. The full owner of my home wich is lovely been. Renovated etv mc nice cathedral ceilings. And just a nice home it is ‘ but. I’m. Not happy to say I. Don’t really like the suburb. Or. Just want to move interstate as. Queensland. We really. Love. & enjoy life as yearly have lidaying peeps we’ve been there :). I. Want to sell my nice home here. & buy maybe similar home there in Queensland. & live comfortably . not large house. As I have noe is a little big for 2 -3 of us now ! But not a flat or unit etc . I like my own yard space etc. Hous ? I’m. Not. At all. Knoweksgeble on. Suburbs gold coast tho ‘ n not wanting to. Buy a mistake. Area . ? Also. Not sure on. All suburbs privings gold coast as yett ‘. I’m not wanting nothing above. Nice but around. A certain price bracket as I’m sure QLD gold vst is sumwat more dearer than Lara Victoria. Etc. For similar or very same hous I have here 😉 Wich I’m wanting all above thank you. If you could give me the. Suburb best for not out of surfers DTC beaches too far but not in the loud busy. City in surfers lifestyle. ‘. I’d thought maybe broadbeach but unsure ? Needing. Some smadvice on suburbs & not t. The riches. Suburbs or the high risk areas. Cheaper fr that reason. Something. In. Mid 3-350 range perhaps. . or any site. People in hold coast also that are. Wanting to. Move buy etc in Victoria I. Can. Also ‘ have a idea from others in the same. Interstate sell & but. As I’m wanting . thanku I hope you can direct me. Into. The right. Direction on. Dubs & buying areas. Please

    • BobinOz April 15, 2016, 7:17 pm |

      Gosh, that is an extraordinary writing style you have there Robyn, I hope you don’t mind me saying. I found it very difficult to read and understand. But I did catch your Mid 3– 350 range, which I assume means you don’t want to be paying more than $350,000, then you will probably be looking for something in Queensland that is quite rural, you certainly won’t get anything close to the beach for that.

      I suggest you go to my page Cost of Buying or Renting a House in Australia and search for properties within your price range in the areas you are interested in. Good luck with your search, Bob

  • MOHNISH SHARMA April 6, 2016, 11:42 pm |

    Hi

    I am an Accountant from India and me along with my wife and 8 years daughter planning to move to australia by Sep-oct this year. As i have been nominated by NSW so would love to live near sydney..

    Can you please suggest me some cheaper (in terms of accommodation) suburbs in Sydney, or surroundings, where i can find good schools for my daughter and a better job in my field as well.

    Hope you understand my query and will reply with a best suggestion.

    Thanks a ton in advance

    • BobinOz April 7, 2016, 8:04 pm |

      Have a look at my page about Sydney, you’ll find it linked from my main navigation menu header above for Australian Cities, and check out the many comments already made there. You will find lots of useful information about the suburbs and affordability, good luck, Bob

  • Melissa February 29, 2016, 9:41 pm |

    Hi,

    Please can someone offer some advice. My husband, my daughter and myself will be hopefully moving to Perth August 2017. We are looking for a suburb about a 20 minute walk from the beach, a 30-40 minute commute to Perth city with good local schools. My daughter will be just 11 when we come over. We would like a nice friendly, safe suburb with good parks and shops/cafe’s etc. We have done some research but there seems to be so many suburbs to choose from. I am hoping some advice will help us narrow down our search.

    Look forward to the comments.
    Many thanks

    • BobinOz March 1, 2016, 12:17 am |

      Melissa, if you don’t get any response here it might be worth you having a look at my pages about Perth which you will find underneath the main navigation menu heading of Australian Cities. There is quite a bit of chat in the comments about the suburbs that you mind find helpful.

      • Melissa March 1, 2016, 12:41 am |

        Thanks Bob, I will do that too.

    • Ula August 19, 2016, 6:44 pm |

      Hello Malisa,
      I live in Perth, I hardly travel to city as it is no need for me. Depending on your budget ..You can select City Beach for example. But if you like good schools, great Parks and fantastic people I would recommend Rockingahm ( I live here ) Port Kennedy/Warnbro for example. Beautiful clean houses around, lovely friendly people. And more affordable than City Beach for example up north. It depends where you going to work too. I love Rockingham and I am happy to leave here. Great place to be.

      • Leanne b August 19, 2016, 7:06 pm |

        Hi Ula, just jumping on the band wagon here. Perth isn’t somewhere my husband and I have looked into much yet, as have been looking at Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, but I just wanted to ask if you are aware if there is much going on re construction work in Perth? We have our own building company over here and by trade my husband is a bricklayer.
        Many thanks
        Leanne

  • Tally September 26, 2015, 9:25 pm |

    Hi there, great informative site you have here, I’m wondering what’s a great area to move to with an elderly parent with dementia, I’m dad’s full time care giver and I’m keen to move him to a warmer climate and liked Brisbane. Looking for a good area close to a hospital and mall. Never gonna put him in a home so any medical facility nearby would be good just in case. Maybe by a beach? Prefer a non flooding area lol any ideas?

    • BobinOz September 28, 2015, 5:28 pm |

      Tricky one, I think most of our hospitals are close to the city, so inner suburbs which wouldn’t be ideal and we are not really blessed with beaches here in Brisbane. Best beaches would be a little bit north in the Sunshine Coast.

      You might want to check out Sandgate and Brighton, north-east of the city. They are both on the coast for those lovely sea breeze walks and are very pleasant places to live. Good luck, Bob

      • Tally September 28, 2015, 9:53 pm |

        Hi Bob thanks for your response. I will definitely check those places out. Toodaloo.

      • Sian February 7, 2016, 11:47 pm |

        Hi Bob 🙂
        We’ve been looking into moving to Oz for a few years now but with the ever changing mining/renewable energy industry we’ve struggled to decide on where to settle.
        My husband is a welder/pressure welder (first class) and is on most if not all of the sol’s but with Perth on the decline in this area we’ve had to look at other areas… Regional NSW has cropped up but we just can’t decide which area.
        Having two young children, Ideally we would like to be within close proximity to beaches, schools and shops (not wanting too built up but not isolated) We are going to rent for the first couple of years so we can find a place to settle permenantly later on but for now we need somewhere that is booming for Sean’s trade. My husband is willing to do an hours drive to get to work.
        Any help on this would be greatly appreciated! Many thanks

        • BobinOz February 8, 2016, 5:56 pm |

          It’s really difficult for me to advise you on this, as you have pointed out yourself, the mining industry in this country appears to be in quite a rapid decline.

          In the current climate, I would seriously consider going where ever you think you’re husband will find suitable work, because, I would think, earning money when you get here is a major priority.

          I don’t know where that place might be at the moment, but you can use my page about Getting a Job or a Sponsorship to do your research. Good luck, Bob

          • Sian February 29, 2016, 10:54 pm |

            Hi Bob Thankyou for your reply!
            I wondered if you or other members could throw in a few young family friendly suburbs that are within 30 minutes of the beaches either in Victoria (not too far from the power stations if possible) or Perth. We’re doing loads of research obviously but it’s like finding a needle in a haystack lol
            ALSO Do you know if it’s possible to sign up to rent a home before we fly out rather than trying to find temporary accommodation

            Many thanks once again 🙂

            • BobinOz March 1, 2016, 12:31 am |

              You would be best off checking out my pages about Melbourne and Perth and reading the comments there for family friendly suburbs close to the beach or maybe asking a similar question there for help.

              As for getting a rental, it’s really difficult, most rental agencies insist that you personally inspect the property before they will let you rent it. All you can do is talk to rental companies direct to see what their policy is.

  • Julie September 25, 2015, 12:14 am |

    Looking at relocation from London to Sydney. Have read suburb advice with much interest. Lots of options to cut commute to less than hour but any thoughts on best location for senior school for my two daughters and primary for my son. Is it worth paying manly rentals to get the northern beaches senior school?

    • BobinOz September 26, 2015, 12:02 am |

      This is probably a question best asked in the comments on my page about Sydney, I certainly have no idea. All I can suggest is you visit my page called Which school? Good luck, Bob

  • Yash August 25, 2015, 8:38 am |

    Many thanks for the response Bob !
    Have you been to place around Caboolture? Any suggestions about areas nearby from where I can commute daily into Caboolture. Which are around 30 mins drive away from Caboolture?
    Have gone through the other links in your website and found things very informative.
    Thanks to you !
    Cheers
    Yash

    • BobinOz August 25, 2015, 6:44 pm |

      Montville and Melaney are quite nice up in the hinterlands, but I don’t really know the area very well, not enough to make a recommendation.

      Maybe you should have a look at the comments on my page about the Sunshine Coast, you might get some help there. Good luck, Bob

  • Yash August 24, 2015, 12:43 am |

    Hi Bob !
    I am moving in to work at Caboolture hospital from middle next month. I am relocating from Singapore and looking for a 3 bedroom accomodation for my family.
    Are there any streets/place that you can recommend me to look out for an accomodation. I am looking for safety and a peaceful locale.
    Thanks !
    Kind Regards.
    Yash.

    • BobinOz August 24, 2015, 11:21 pm |

      I have never even been to Caboolture and I have no idea about the areas so I simply can’t help with this. I’ve heard of the place though, the best way I can describe it to you is that it is, apparently, a socio-demographically disadvantaged area.

      That’s all I know, but it sounds as though you may want to research quite thoroughly into whether you do want to live in Caboolture or maybe half an hour or so outside of it and travel in.

      Good luck, Bob

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  • Hasni July 10, 2015, 8:19 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    I would like to move to Australia from Tasmania, could you let me what the people of Australia are like?
    Thanks,
    Hasni

    • BobinOz July 10, 2015, 9:10 pm |

      I am confused, Tasmania is Australia. You already live with Australians. You tell me, what are they like?

  • richa May 27, 2015, 12:06 am |

    Hi Bob,

    We are planning to move to Australia by year end. We have two kids aged 6 and 4. Out of Brisbane and Sunshine coast which one would be more suited to us in terms of home rentals, security, kids activities, weather etc? Could u please suggest the names of some good suburbs.

    Thanks,
    Richa

    • BobinOz May 27, 2015, 9:31 pm |

      Both Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast are great places to live, but if you check out my page A Quick Guide to Choosing a City in Australia you will see my write-up for each, that might help you decide. The weather is very similar in both places.

      As for suburbs, it really depends what you are looking for. Once again, you can look at my main pages for both Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast and have a good read of the comments, there’s lots of talk there about the various suburbs for each.

      Good luck with your search, Bob

  • Fernanda May 7, 2015, 10:52 am |

    hello!
    So, I am moving to Melbourne on February to start my university at university of Melbourne. But I just don’t know which is the best suburb to live in as an international student. Any suggestions??
    love your website by the way!

    • BobinOz May 7, 2015, 6:17 pm |

      Have a look at my page about Melbourne and in particular the comments, there is a good deal of talk about the suburbs. If you want, it might be a good idea to ask this same question there. Good luck, Bob

  • Kim Mansfield February 18, 2015, 12:13 am |

    Hi there does anyone have any idea what Griffin north of Brisbane is like for families?

    • BobinOz February 18, 2015, 9:26 pm |

      I don’t know Griffin specifically Kim, but it looks well located. Sandgate, below it, is a wonderful suburb as is all the area around it. You’ll be close to Margate and Brighton which is coastal and you’ll have a massive shopping centre not so far away in Chermside.

      I think it will be okay there, anyone else know any more? Do let us know.

      Cheers, Bob

  • Renuka January 20, 2015, 3:23 pm |

    Hi

    I along with my kid of 6 years migrating to Sydney in Northern suburb called Dee Why. can any body help me out good school and day care after school for her. and also can someone help me to get a cheap flat for my family

    • BobinOz January 21, 2015, 7:27 pm |

      That’s one for me to leave to the locals, if you don’t get an answer here Renuka, you may want to ask your question on my page about Sydney, you’ll find it under the main navigation menu above for “Australia’s Cities”.

  • shharokh January 3, 2015, 8:08 pm |

    Hi there, to be honest i don’t know nothing about you’re place but i really like to go there and stay for a long time……:))

  • Susan Zhang January 3, 2015, 12:34 pm |

    Hi Bob, i love your website its great help. My family is moving to Brisbane from Perth.I need some help with choseing the right surburb, i got 2 kids one 5 yrs, and 1 yrs. We want good school, good neighbors and community, middle to upper class. I did lot research, they say chapel hill , Kenmore, ashgove, ascot. Which one do you think suite us? Or you got other suggestion s. Thanks
    Susan

    • BobinOz January 5, 2015, 2:11 pm |

      Hi Susan

      All the suburbs you mention are good, but Ashgrove and Ascot would be more expensive than Chapel Hill or Kenmore. For even better value, consider looking in Moggill or Bellbowrie, being a little further out these suburbs do have a good community feel and, as a bonus, a good school as well.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Nyarai November 11, 2014, 4:17 am |

    Hello Bob
    My husband and I are planning to move to Australia, Brisbane to be specific and so far your website has been awesome and very helpful.We have 2 kids, a 3yr old and an 8 month old. Is there a law or guideline specifying how many people can occupy a rental unit?” Would it be illegal to rent a 1 bedroom apartment for my family lets say for a year?
    thank you.

    • BobinOz November 11, 2014, 5:35 pm |

      Hi Nyarai

      There is not a law that I am aware of, but I am pretty sure that each of our states and territories can have different laws. So please don’t take my answer as definitive, but I would be really surprised if you couldn’t rent a one-bedroom apartment for your family, especially given the ages of your children and them being so young.

      To be sure though, I would get in touch with a rental agency in the state you are hoping to move to and simply asked the question. I do know you have clearly stated you want to move to Brisbane and therefore Queensland, but I have added this information to make it clear for anyone else who might read it.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Aman October 7, 2014, 8:32 am |

    Hi BOB,
    I am new to Brisbane have recently relocated from Adelaide with two kids and husband. now planing to buy a house in Tana merah suburb. Is it safe to live in there as I am scared after reading some reviews on internet.
    Thanks,
    Aman

    • BobinOz October 7, 2014, 9:54 pm |

      Hi Aman

      I don’t know the area at all well, never been there. I have driven through the Logan area but never stopped. I’m sure the area would be ‘safe’, but I think it is generally understood that there are much better places to live. Technically it’s not even Brisbane, Logan has its own council.

      If you have the opportunity of choosing somewhere closer to Brisbane, I would.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Sena August 9, 2014, 8:20 pm |

    Thanks Bob.
    Appreciate your thoughts.

    Cheers,

    Sena

  • Sena August 8, 2014, 8:23 am |

    Hi Bob,

    Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate it.

    I searched property prices in the areas mentioned by Steve, and find they are beyond my budget..,I do not mind 10-12 kms from CBD but the main consideration is a suburb good for families, retirees with easy access to facilities such as hospitals, auxiliary health facilities, shopping centres, walking facilities,a good library and entertaining. Obviously, if close to a railway station or a bus route to the CBD that is also desirable. My budget is around $450,000.

    Sena

    • BobinOz August 9, 2014, 12:02 am |

      All property within 10 to 12 kilometres of the CBD is quite expensive and I think we only have three hospitals, all close to the city, so I think you’ll have to cross easy access to them off your list. It’s really hard to know what to suggest to you, but I think you may need to be going more like 15 to 20 kilometres (maybe more) away from the city, depending on the kind of property you want to buy.

      If you are retired, have you thought about the Sunshine Coast? It would probably be easier to live closer to a hospital up that way and it is where lots of people go when they retire.

      Hope that helps, Bob

  • Steve August 7, 2014, 6:45 pm |

    Sena

    Bulimba/Hawthorne/Balmoral – very nice and tick your boxes. We’re in Hawthorne and it’s like a quiet oasis – yet the CBD is a short city cat ride away + there’s Oxford Street for restaurants + 2 great and cheap cinemas.

    Cheers

    Steve

    • Sena August 7, 2014, 8:23 pm |

      Thanks very much for the leads Steve.
      Cheers,

      Sena

      • BobinOz August 7, 2014, 8:59 pm |

        Good choices from Steve (thanks Steve) there Sena, Bulimba is one of my wife’s favorites, although being so close to the city property prices would be at a premium. If you are prepared to move out further from the centre you’d get more for your money and there are plenty of suburbs that would fit for you. Can you narrow down your area a bit more?

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