Melbourne is widely recognised as one of the world’s most dynamic and liveable cities, offering a unique blend of arts, culture, and diverse neighbourhoods. Whether you are drawn to the city’s world-famous coffee culture, its sprawling green spaces, or the eclectic mix of Victorian architecture and modern street art, there is a corner of Melbourne for everyone. Known for its trendy suburbs and buzzing communities, this city caters to young professionals, students, creatives, and expats alike. From the bohemian laneways of Fitzroy to the breezy, beachside havens like St Kilda, each cool place in Melbourne offers its own distinct lifestyle. This guide is going to introduce 10 coolest places to live in Melbourne, Australia.
10 Coolest Places to Live in Melbourne
Fitzroy
If there is one place that epitomises Melbourne’s creative spirit, it is Fitzroy, the undisputed king of coolest suburns in Melbourne. As the city’s alternative heartbeat, it invites you to wander down Brunswick Street and Gertrude Street, immersing yourself in a world of colourful street art, rooftop bars like Naked for Satan, Lune Croissanterie, and the city’s best vintage clothing stores. Living here means breathing in art every day, with a legendary nightlife scene that makes it the ultimate cool place to live in Melbourne for creatives, coffee connoisseurs, and anyone who loves a gritty, artistic lifestyle.
Best For: Creatives, vintage lovers, and coffee connoisseurs.
Proximity to CBD: Very Close (~2km). A quick 10-15 minute tram ride or a pleasant 20-minute walk.
Brunswick
Just north of the city lies Brunswick, a bohemian and multicultural hub that feels like Fitzroy’s wilder cousin, which is one of the top suburbs in Melbourne as cool as Fitzroy. Famous for Sydney Road—one of the longest shopping strips in the Southern Hemisphere packed with Middle Eastern bakeries and live music venues—it attracts a huge population of students and artists. With its bike-friendly streets and sustainable community focus, Brunswick offers an authentic, gritty vibe with plenty of affordable housing options in Melbourne for students, musicians, and vegans.
Best For: Students, musicians, and vegans.
Proximity to CBD: Close (~5-6km). Approx. 20 minutes by tram or train (Upfield Line).
Collingwood
Located near Fitzroy, Collingwood has transformed from an industrial zone into one of the trendiest and coolest suburbs in Melbourne, boasting Smith Street, which was recently voted the “Coolest Street in the World.” This neighbourhood is a fascinating mix of converted red-brick warehouses, design studios, and an unbeatable food scene featuring icons. It offers a sophisticated yet edgy urban lifestyle, perfect for foodies and designers who want high-quality dining within walking distance of the CBD.
Best For: Foodies, designers, and young professionals.
Proximity to CBD: Very Close (~3km). About 15 minutes by tram or train.
St Kilda
For those who cannot imagine life without the ocean, St Kilda is the answer, acting as Melbourne’s seaside playground and one of the coolest places to live. This iconic suburb offers a unique combination of beachside relaxation and energetic nightlife, anchored by landmarks like Luna Park and the cake shops of Acland Street. Whether you are watching fairy penguins at sunset, jogging along the foreshore, or partying at the Espy, St Kilda feels like a permanent holiday town, making it the ideal spot for backpackers, beach lovers, and party-goers.
Best For: Beach lovers, backpackers, and party-goers.
Proximity to CBD: Moderate (~6km). Approx. 25-30 minutes by tram (Routes 96 or 16).
Richmond
The reason why Richmond is a nice place in Melbourne is that it is a high-energy suburb that dominates Melbourne’s reputation as the “Sporting Capital,” housing the famous MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground). It offers the best of both worlds: incredible convenience to the CBD and a bustling local scene, from the “Little Vietnam” dining on Victoria Street to the trendy pubs on Swan Street. With a diverse mix of Victorian cottages and modern apartments, it is an incredibly fast-paced and social environment, perfect for sports fans and young professionals who crave action.
Best For: Sports fans, social butterflies, and Asian food lovers.
Proximity to CBD: Very Close (~3km). Less than 10 minutes by train or tram.
Carlton
Walking through one of the most livable suburbs in Melbourne called Carlton feels like stepping into a European movie, serving as the intellectual hub of the city right next to the University of Melbourne. There are many student housing choices in this neighbourhood. Many students live in this neighbourhood in those student apartments near the University of Melbourne in order to save commuting time to attend class. Defined by Lygon Street, the birthplace of Melbourne’s coffee culture, the air here is filled with the scent of espresso and wood-fired pizza. With its leafy streets, historic terrace houses, and the beautiful Carlton Gardens nearby, it offers a refined, village-like atmosphere that is the top choice for students, bookworms, and pasta lovers.
Best For: UniMelb students, bookworms, and pasta lovers.
Proximity to CBD: Immediate (~2km). Walking distance to the city and Melbourne Uni.
South Yarra
If Fitzroy is for the hipsters, South Yarra, as a nice place to live in Melbourne, is for the glamazons, offering a prestigious and undeniably chic lifestyle and making it assessed one of the most livable neighbourhoods in Melbourne. Centred around Chapel Street, Melbourne’s most famous shopping strip, it is home to high-end designer boutiques, trendy brunch spots, and a residents list that values a “boujee” lifestyle. Despite its glamour, it also borders the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Yarra River, making it the ultimate address for fashionistas and professionals who want luxury living mixed with scenic nature.
Best For: Fashionistas, shopaholics, and those who love a luxury lifestyle.
Proximity to CBD: Close (~4km). Just 10 minutes by train (South Yarra Station).
Prahran
As a nice suburbs in Melbourne just down the road from South Yarra, Prahran shares the excitement of Chapel Street but adds a grittier, more energetic layer perfect for night owls. The jewel in the crown is Prahran Market, Melbourne’s best fresh food destination, which draws gourmets every weekend. By night, the suburb transforms into a premier nightlife district with institutions like Revolver Upstairs, making it a vibrant, loud, and cool place in Melbourne for those who want to be in the thick of the action.
Best For: Night owls and home cooks who want the freshest ingredients.
Proximity to CBD: Close (~5km). Approx. 15 minutes by train or tram.
Northcote
As the inner-north became pricier, the creative crowd moved to Northcote, transforming High Street into one of the coolest strips globally. Perched on a hill with stunning views of the city skyline from Ruckers Hill, this suburb offers a community-focused vibe with incredible live music venues and independent cinemas. It strikes the perfect balance between trendy and liveable, making it a good place to live in Melbourne especially for young professionals for young professionals and indie music fans who want a slightly more “grown-up” version of the cool lifestyle.
Best For: Young professionals (30s), indie music fans, and young families.
Proximity to CBD: Moderate (~7km). Approx. 25-30 minutes by tram (Route 86) or train.
Footscray
Located in the inner-west, Footscray is the rising star of Melbourne’s property scene and, celebrated for its raw, authentic, and incredibly diverse atmosphere. It is a true melting pot where you can find the best Ethiopian curries and Vietnamese Banh Mi for a fraction of city prices, alongside a booming arts scene at the Footscray Community Arts Centre. Offering excellent value for money as a cool place to live in Melbourne just a few train stops from the CBD, it is widely considered the next big cool place to live in Melbourne for students and budget-conscious food adventurers.
Best For: Students on a budget and food adventurers.
Proximity to CBD: Close (~5-6km). Very fast access (10-15 minutes) via train.
Why Melbourne is A Cool City?
What makes Melbourne so special? Consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne is defined by a unique “cool” factor that is hard to find elsewhere.
The Laneway Culture: Unlike other grid-based cities, Melbourne’s magic lies in its hidden laneways. Wandering down Hosier Lane or Centre Place reveals a world of ever-changing street art, hole-in-the-wall espresso bars, and secret speakeasies.
Coffee is a Religion: You won’t find better coffee anywhere else on earth. Here, a flat white is not just a drink; it is a morning ritual, and the cafe culture creates a social buzz that permeates every suburb.
The Cultural Capital: From the Australian Open to the International Comedy Festival, there is always something happening. It is a city that celebrates art, music, and sport with equal passion.
Easy to Get Around: Melbourne boasts the world’s largest tram network. The iconic trams make it incredibly easy to hop from the beach in St Kilda to a lecture at Melbourne Uni, connecting the city’s diverse pockets seamlessly.
Conclusion
Melbourne is not just one city; it is a collection of unique and cool neighbourhoods. Whether you choose the beachy lifestyle of St Kilda, the hipster laneways of Fitzroy, or the student-friendly buzz of Carlton, you are sure to find a cool place to live in Melbourne that feels like home. Ready to find your dream student accommodation in one of these cool suburbs? uhomes.com offers the best listings across Melbourne. Start your search today!
FAQs
Carlton is the top choice for students attending the University of Melbourne due to its walking distance to campus. Brunswick is another favourite, especially for RMIT students, offering a student-friendly budget, great public transport, and a bohemian lifestyle.
Fitzroy is widely considered the coolest suburb due to its rich history of street art, vintage fashion, and thriving bar scene. However, if you prefer a beach vibe, St Kilda takes the top spot, while Northcote is the rising star for a trendy, community-focused atmosphere.
If you want a cool vibe without the high price tag, Footscray in the inner-west is your best bet. It offers excellent value for money, cheap authentic food, and quick train access to the CBD. Brunswick also offers a good range of affordable share-house options compared to the pricier inner-east.
It depends on your lifestyle. The CBD is perfect for convenience and being close to everything. However, moving just a few kilometres out to suburbs like Fitzroy, Richmond, or South Yarra gives you a much stronger sense of community, more green space, and a unique “village” feel that Melbourne is famous for.
For a big night out, Prahran (Chapel Street) and Richmond are legendary for their clubs and busy pubs. If you prefer speakeasies, cocktail bars, and live music gigs, Fitzroy and Collingwood offer a cooler, edgier nightlife experience.
Melbourne is not just one city; it is a collection of unique and cool neighbourhoods. Whether you choose the beachy lifestyle of St Kilda, the hipster laneways of Fitzroy, or the student-friendly buzz of Carlton, you are sure to find a cool place to live in Melbourne that feels like home. Ready to find your dream student accommodation in one of these cool suburbs? uhomes.com offers the best listings across Melbourne. Start your search today!
Northcote is the standout choice for families who don’t want to sacrifice their lifestyle for suburbia. It offers the perfect balance: you get the “cool” factor of High Street (cafes, live music, independent shops) combined with excellent primary schools, a strong sense of community, and plenty of green space like All Nations Park. Yarraville in the west is another top contender, famous for its charming “village” vibe and the historic Sun Theatre, making it incredibly popular with young families.
It varies significantly. Suburbs like Fitzroy, South Yarra, and Richmond command a premium due to their extreme popularity and proximity to the CBD, making them some of the pricier spots to rent. However, you can still find “cool” on a budget. Footscray and Brunswick offer a similar trendy lifestyle—art, great food, and culture—at a much more affordable price point, especially if you are open to living in a share house.
