Best Place to Stay in Melbourne: Latest Ranking of Melbourne’s Top 100 Neighbourhoods

As a multicultural metropolis, Melbourne has many great places to live in, each with its unique charm and advantages. Here are some of the best places to stay in Melbourne.

Melbourne’s Top 100 Neighbourhoods Ranking: General Overview

The Melbourne 100 Best Neighbourhoods ranking comprehensively showcases this remarkable city’s vibrant and diverse areas. Each neighbourhood has been meticulously evaluated based on community atmosphere, amenities, public transport and overall liveability. From the trendy cafes and arts centres of Fitzroy and Collingwood to the peaceful parks and family-friendly streets of Camberwell and Balwyn, find the best place to stay in Melbourne.

Rankings	Neighborhood
1	East Melbourne
2	Parkville
3	Collingwood
4	Abbotsford
5	Cremorne
6	Melbourne CBD
7	Travancore
8	Richmond
9	Clifton Hill
10	Fitzroy
11	Burnley
12	Carlton
13	Flemington
14	Carlton North
15	North Melbourne
16	Fairfield
17	Docklands
18	Princes Hill
19	South Yarra
20	Kensington
21	Fitzroy North
22	Kooyong
23	Southbank
24	Hawthorn
25	South Melbourne
26	Brunswick
27	West Melbourne
28	Albert Park
29	Caulfield East
30	Deepdene
31	Brunswick East
32	Armadale
33	Alphington
34	Notting Hill
35	Kew
36	Kingsbury
37	Prahran
38	Malvern
39	Northcote
40	Clayton
41	Box Hill
42	Windsor
43	Middle Park
44	Camberwell
45	Toorak
46	Glen Huntly
47	Brunswick West
48	Caulfield
49	Essendon
50	Chadstone
51	Hawthorn East
52	Moonee Ponds
53	Oakleigh
54	Coburg
55	Port Melbourne
56	Footscray
57	Carnegie
58	Campbellfield
59	Ascot Vale
60	Coburg North
61	Caulfield North
62	St Kilda West
63	Kew East
64	Ivanhoe
65	Ripponlea
66	Aberfeldie
67	Dandenong
68	Ivanhoe East
69	Burwood
70	Glen Iris
71	Canterbury
72	Bentleigh
73	Blackburn South
74	Ormond
75	Balaclava
76	St Kilda
77	Spotswood
78	Macleod
79	Macclesfield
80	Ashwood
81	Frankston
82	Brooklyn
83	Mulgrave
84	Hampton East
85	Mount Waverley
86	Gardenvale
87	Croydon South
88	Maribyrnong
89	St Kilda East
90	Ringwood
91	Malvern East
92	Essendon West
93	Noble Park
94	Bentleigh East
95	Elsternwick
96	Ardeer
97	Albion
98	Maidstone
99	Glen Waverley
100	Bulleen

We’ll detail our ranking of the top 50 best places to live in Melbourne.

Best Place to Stay in Melbourne: Top 20 Neighbourhoods

East Melbourne

Ranked 1th

Universities: The University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
Tourist Attractions: Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne Naval Memorial
Average Monthly Cost: $2,000-$4,000

It is marked by stately Victorian terraces, art deco buildings and parks. Just a step away from the MCG, the median price of a home is A$3.17 million. The expansive Fitzroy Gardens are a popular meeting place. It is the best place to live in Melbourne for young peoples.

Parkville

Ranked 2th

University: University of Melbourne
Tourist Attractions: Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Zoo, Royal Exhibition Buildings and Carlton Parks
Average Monthly Cost: AU$1800 – AU$2000.

Parkville is a major education and healthcare centre. It is the best places to stay in Melbourne for couples It is home to the University of Melbourne, the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Royal Women’s Hospital, the Royal Children’s Hospital, and the Zoo.

Collingwood

Ranked 3th

University: Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University)
Tourist Attractions: Werribee Gorge State Park, Melbourne Museum
Average Monthly Cost: between AUD$2,000 and AUD$3,000.

Formerly an industrial suburb, Collingwood is one of Melbourne‘s oldest suburbs and is known for its historic buildings. Its main street, Smith St, is one of Melbourne’s main nightlife areas.

Abbotsford

Ranked 4th

Universities: Close to the University of Melbourne and RMIT University
Tourist Attractions: Abbotsford Abbey
Average Monthly Cost: Between AUD$1,700 and AUD$2,500.

It is known for its diverse neighbourhoods, thriving food and drink scene, and Victoria St, famous for its Vietnamese food and the ‘Skipping Girl Vinegar’ sign. The median house price is A$1.22 million. It is one of the one of the best suburbs to live in Melbourne.

Cremorne

Ranked 5th

Universities: University of Melbourne and Swinburne University of Technology
Tourist Attractions: Yarra River, art galleries
Average Monthly Cost: AUD$2,000 to AUD$2,500

Once a small enclave on the outskirts of Richmond, Cremorne is the best place to stay in Melbourne for couples. It is best known as the home of the Nylex Clock, with a median house price of A$1.36 million.

Melbourne CBD

Ranked 6th

Universities: University of Melbourne and RMIT University
Tourist Attractions: Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, Queen Victoria Market
Average Monthly Cost: AU$2,000 to AU$3,000

Melbourne is ranked as the world’s third most liveable city and the second most populous city in Australia. The CBD is home to office and apartment buildings and has a bustling dining and shopping scene. It is the best place to stay in Melbourne for shopping. 

Travancore

Ranked 7th

Universities: Victoria University and RMIT University
Tourist Attractions: Melbourne Museum, Queen Victoria Market
Average Monthly Cost: $2,000 to $3,000

Travancore is located between the Tullamarine Fwy and Mount Alexander Rd. The area has undergone radical changes recently, with the former Lombardy paper mill site now home to residential buildings.

Richmond

Ranked 8th

Universities: University of Melbourne and Swinburne University of Technology
Tourist Attractions: Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre and Bridge Road Shopping Street
Average Monthly Cost: AU$2,500 to AU$3,500

According to the 2021 Census, Richmond’s average age is 34, making it the best place to live in Melbourne for young professionals. It’s also home to three of Melbourne’s 82 designated Major Activity Centres: Victoria St, Bridge Rd, and Swan St.

Clifton Hill

Ranked 9th

Universities: Close to the University of Melbourne and RMIT University
Tourist Attractions: Merri Creek Trail, Yarra Bend, local pubs and cafes
Average Monthly Cost: AU$1,800 – AU$2,500

Once the centre of Melbourne’s bohemianism, Clifton Hill has experienced rapid middle-classification in recent years due to its location and well-preserved Edwardian and Victorian housing.

Fitzroy

Ranked 10th

Universities: Close to the University of Melbourne and RMIT University
Tourist Attractions: Brunswick Street, Rose Street Artists’ Market
Average Monthly Cost: AUD$2,000 to AUD$3,000

Planned in 1839 as Melbourne’s first suburb, it is now the smallest and most densely populated area outside the CBD. Considered a cultural centre, it has a lively live music scene and boasts many pubs and bars. Young people think it is the best place to stay in Melbourne.

Burnley

Ranked 11th

University: University of Melbourne Burnley Campus
Tourist Attractions: Yarra River
Average monthly cost: $1,500 to $2,000

Burnley was historically considered part of the larger Richmond area. It is known for the Burnley Tunnel, part of the CityLink network, and several trendy cafes.

Carlton

Ranked 12th

University: University of Melbourne
Tourist Attractions: Melbourne Museum, Carlton Gardens
Average Monthly Cost: AUD$2,500 to AUD$3,000

Carlton is known nationally for its Little Italy neighbourhood along Lygon St and the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building. It also has one of the highest concentrations of university students, making it the best place to stay in Melbourne for students.

Flemington

Ranked 13th

University: Victoria University
Tourist Attractions: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne Aquarium
Average Monthly Cost: AU$1,700-AU$3,000

Located along the Maribyrnong River, Flemington is home to the Melbourne Cup. It has a variety of housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and public housing towers. It is the best place to stay in Melbourne with family.

Carlton North

Ranked 14th

Universities: Close to RMIT University and the University of Melbourne
Tourist Attractions: Melbourne Museum, Carlton Gardens
Average Monthly Cost: $1,500 – $2,500

Home to the Melbourne Generals Cemetery and Princes Park, including Icon Park (home of the Carlton Football Club), there are many cafes, bookshops and boutiques along Rathdowne St. The city is also home to the Melbourne Generals Cemetery and Princes Park, which includes Icon Park (home of the Carlton Football Club).

North Melbourne

Ranked 15th

Universities: Victoria University and University of Melbourne
Tourist Attractions: Queen Victoria Market, Albert Park, Flagstaff Park
Average Monthly Cost: $1,500-$2,500

Public transport serves The suburb well, with three tram routes and two train stations nearby. A third station is planned for Arden St as part of the Metro project. The main retail area is Errol St.

Fairfield

Ranked 16th

Universities: University of Melbourne and La Trobe University
Tourist Attractions: Merri Creek Trail, Fairfield Park Boathouse, Tea Gardens
Average Monthly Cost: $1500 to $2500 AUD

Bordered by Thornbury, Alphington, Northcote and the Yarra River, Fairfield is characterised by the 260-hectare Yarra Bend Park with its boathouse and golf course.

Docklands

Ranked 17th

Universities: Close to RMIT University and the University of Melbourne
Tourist Attractions: Southern Cross Station, Harbour Town, Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
Average Monthly Cost: AU$1,500 – AU$2,000

Originally a swamp, Docklands became a busy marina as part of the Port of Melbourne and is now home to towering flat blocks, offices, Southern Cross Station and Comic-Con Stadium.

Princes Hill

Ranked 18th

Universities: Close to the University of Melbourne and RMIT University
Tourist Attractions: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Lygon Street
Average Monthly Cost: $200-$3000

Princes Hill is known for its tree-lined streets, parks and heritage-listed houses. The suburb is close to Royal Pde, Princes Park, Nicholson St and Park St. The median house price is $1.62 million.

South Yarra

Ranked 19th

Universities: Close to the University of Melbourne and Monash University
Tourist Attractions: Royal Botanic Gardens, Villa Torak, Chapel Street
Average Monthly Cost: AU$3,000 to AU$3,500

South Yarra is one of Melbourne’s oldest and most affluent suburbs. It is a destination for shopping, leisure, and entertainment and is the best place to stay in Melbourne for a weekend. It is also close to top schools, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and a bustling church neighbourhood.

Kensington

Ranked 20th

Universities: Close to the University of Melbourne and Victoria University
Tourist Attractions: Royal Exhibition Buildings, Melbourne Zoo
Average Monthly Cost: AU$2,500 to AU$3,500

Kensington is known for its rural atmosphere, cafes and mix of buildings, including terraces, cottages and townhouses. It is one of the best places to live in Melbourne.

Best Place to Stay in Melbourne: Neighbourhoods 21-50th

Fitzroy North

Ranked 21th

Fitzroy North is known for its wide streets lined with Victorian and Edwardian terraces. The suburb is also home to Edinburgh Gardens, a large inner-city park once home to the Fitzroy Football Club. It is the best place to visit in melbourne.

Kooyong

Ranked 22th

This is a tiny suburb but one of the most expensive. It is well served by public transport and is a stone’s throw from some of Melbourne’s top schools. It is a good suburb in Melbourne to live in. It also boasts the unique Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.

Southbank

Ranked 23th

Once an industrial area, Southbank is now one of Melbourne’s most densely populated suburbs, dominated by high-rise flat blocks, a nice suburb in Melbourne to live. It is also home to the Crown Casino and the Eureka Lookout.

Hawthorn

Ranked 24th

This suburb is home to Swinburne University and the prestigious Scotch College. Thanks to good public transport, other top schools (including Xavier, MLC, Carey, and Genezzano) are all within easy reach. Many students think it is the best suburb in Melbourne.

South Melbourne

Ranked 25th

The South Melbourne market is arguably the heart and soul of the suburb. Good transport links and a wide range of residential options suit everyone – all within walking distance of the beach. It is the best place to stay in Melbourne for a holiday and an excellent place to visit in melbourne.

Brunswick

Ranked 26th

Once known for its large Italian and Greek community, Brunswick is now known for its live music and nightlife scene. Due to its proximity to the university, it has a large student population. There are many student accommodations in Melbourne.

West Melbourne

Ranked 27th

Formerly an industrial area, it now boasts many residential properties, including terraces and converted warehouses – all within easy reach of the CBD and Queen Victoria Market.

Albert Park

Ranked 28th

Albert Park boasts wide streets and historic buildings; Bridport St and Victoria Ave are known for their open-air cafes and boutiques. The suburb is the best place to visit in melbourne.

Caulfield East

Ranked 29th

Located about 10 kilometres south-east of Melbourne’s CBD, Caulfield East is home to the Monash University campus and Caulfield Racecourse. The tree-lined streets are lined with cafes. It is the best place to stay in Melbourne for students.

Deepdene

Ranked 30th

Formerly a suburb of Balwyn, Deepdene was officially recognised as a bounded area in 2010. Situated between Canterbury and Bawlyn, Deepdene has a median house price of A$3 million.

Brunswick East

Ranked 31th

Brunswick East’s cobblestone lanes once housed a thriving textile and clothing industry. Over time, the suburb has been marketed and redeveloped for medium—to high-density housing.

Armadale

Ranked 32th

Armadale has long been regarded as one of Melbourne’s good suburbs in Melbourne to live with excellent train and tram services. High St boasts high-end fashion, vintage, and hair salons. The area has several prestigious schools, including Lauriston and King David School.

Alphington

Ranked 33th

Alphington has large green spaces, such as Darebin Parklands and Alphington Park, as well as Latrobe Golf Club. The area around the railway station has picturesque river red gum trees.

Notting Hill

Ranked 34th

Notting Hill is dominated by industrial buildings, including Monash Business Park, and is close to the motorway and Monash University, where a growing number of residential flats have sprung up.

Kew

Ranked 35th

Kew has some of Melbourne’s most iconic and historic mansions and some of the most prestigious private schools, making the suburb particularly attractive to families with children. It is one of the best suburbs in Melbourne for families.

Kingsbury

Ranked 36th

Kingsbury has several parks and playgrounds. It is close to Bundoora Park, which sits alongside Darebin Creek. It is one of the best places to visit in Melbourne city. The suburb also has two football and cricket pitches, basketball and tennis courts, and a cycle path. It can be considered best suburbs in Melbourne.

Prahran

Ranked 37th

Prahran is a trendy suburb with an edgy vibe. It is home to the infamous Chapel St, which is dotted with boutiques, bars, and restaurants. The suburb has a railway station and is served by several tram routes. It is one of the best places to stay in Melbourne for shopping.

Malvern

Ranked 38th

Malvern is popular with families for its parks and public transport options. The main shopping centre, Malvern Central, has over 40 shops (including David Jones), and Glenferrie Rd is lined with restaurants and boutiques.

Northcote

Ranked 39th

With its many schools, parks and public transport facilities, Northcote has a trendy, laid-back atmosphere. There are also several sports clubs. The area attracts families, downsizers and professional couples.

Clayton

Ranked 40th

Clayton is centred around the prestigious Monash University and its associated research centres. The area has many primary schools, a good bus service and a railway station nearby.

Box Hill

Ranked 41

Box Hill is a mix of skyscrapers and classic period homes. It boasts a transport hub, thriving business and dining districts, hospitals and several excellent schools, as well as sporting facilities and parks.

Windsor

Ranked 42th

Windsor boasts pubs, restaurants, bars, lounges, and cafes and has a wide range of housing, including medium-density flats, terraces, and high-rise public housing. There is a railway station and tram routes nearby.

Middle Park

Ranked 43th

Middle Park has some of Melbourne’s best-preserved townhouses and Victorian buildings. Two tram routes and a bus route provide easy access to cafes, boutiques, and beaches.

Camberwell

Ranked 44th

Camberwell is a great area for families, close to top schools such as Camberwell High and Camberwell Girls’ Grammar. It is the best place to stay in Melbourne for family. There is plenty of public transport, and it is also home to the Art Deco Rivoli cinema.

Toorak

Ranked 45th

This suburb is known as Melbourne’s most elite and affluent neighbourhood and one of the most prestigious suburbs in Australia. It is also known for its sprawling mansions and Toorak Village Tudor-era storefronts.

Glen Huntly

Ranked 46th

Glen Huntly is close to shops, restaurants, amenities, and Caulfield Racecourse. Booran Reserve has a railway station, tram route, and playground worth $10.8 million.

Brunswick West

Ranked 47th

Brunswick West is famous for its proximity to the CBD and good public transport. Plenty of bike paths connect it to neighbouring suburbs and the city. The median house price is A$1.24 million.

Caulfield

Ranked 48th

This pet-friendly suburb boasts three dog parks and a range of homes such as California bungalows, beautiful Edwardian-style flats and Art Deco flats. Trams, trains and buses make travelling easy.

Essendon

Ranked 49th

Located about 9 kilometres from the CBD, Essendon boasts boutiques and larger shopping destinations, which is the best place to stay in Melbourne for shopping, such as the nearby DFO. There are trains, trams, and buses, as well as several walking and cycling paths and an airport.

Chadstone

Ranked 50th

The large retail centre Chadstone Shopping Centre is probably the most visible part of Chadstone—although it’s actually located just across the border from Malvern East. There are also several parks and a couple of primary schools in the area.

Conclusion

The latest ranking of Melbourne’s Top 100 neighbourhoods provides valuable insight into choosing the ideal place to stay in this vibrant city. Each area has its own unique charm and a range of amenities to cater for different lifestyles and preferences. Whether you prefer the artsy vibe of Fitzroy, the family-friendly parks of Kew or the bustling cafes and shops of South Yarra, each of Melbourne’s neighbourhoods has something to offer to meet your vision of your ideal home.

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