- Many have turned to the Sunshine State capital amid lack of housing affordability in Sydney and Melbourne
- Asking house prices have increased dramatically over the past two years in Brisbane
- There are many family-friendly suburbs that offer safety and a large range of recreational spaces
With more and more Australians being priced out of the Sydney and Melbourne markets during the pandemic, many have turned to Brisbane.
Brisbane has a far more affordable housing market, combined with warm weather, with the amenities of a relatively large and diverse city.
Unsurprisingly, weekly house asking prices in Brisbane have risen significantly since the pandemic began, although they are below the peak level recorded earlier in the year, as shown in the below SQM Research chart.
Greater Brisbane
But, what about families?
The lifestyle of the Queensland capital is highly appealing to those with young children. Choosing an area to live in with children can be complicated. What suburbs have quality schools or childcare centres? Which ones have parks and recreation facilities nearby? Which ones have relatively low crime?
Using a range of data and input from real estate agents, we have coupled together 20 of the best and liveable suburbs for families in Brisbane, an upcoming Olympic City, in no particular order.
Top 20 Best & Most Liveable Suburbs In Brisbane for Families
1. South Brisbane, 4101
Home to 11,000, South Brisbane recorded strong population growth of 6.8% between 2016 and 2021. Despite being an inner suburb of the third largest Australian city, the suburb is near a range of medical facilities, schools parks and recreation – including pools along Southbank. This makes it popular with families. However, the median house price for houses is over $1.28 million, with units up $520,000.
2. Holland Park, 4121
Located nine kilometres south of the Brisbane CBD, Holland Park has a population of over 9,000 as of 2021. A quiet and leafy suburb, Holland Park is between Carindale and Mount Gravatt Shopping Centres and borders with White Hills Reserve. The suburb features many large blocks hosting Queenslander and post war style homes.
3. Coorparoo, 4151
Coorparoo, located 15 minutes south of the CBD, has been cited by Jason Savage, Principal at Stone Real Estate Logan, as one of the best suburbs for Brisbane families.
“An abundance of schooling options and a vibrant atmosphere make Coorparoo an excellent place to raise a family,” he said.
“Cavendish Road State High School attracts people into the catchment area with private schools being Villa Nova College (private boys) and Loreto College (private girls).
“The proposed redevelopment of Coorparoo junction which includes Coorparoo Square will transform the area into one of the best inner city restaurant/shopping/entertainment precincts that will challenge Bulimba for the premier inner city area.
Jason Savage, Stone Real Estate Logan
“The proposed $30 million upgrade of the Eastern Busway plus the upcoming cross river rail project will help with transport into the city.”
Coorparoo borders Camp Hill, Holland Park, Stones Corner, Greenslopes, East Brisbane and Norman Park.
4. Sandgate, 4017
Located 17 kilometres north east of the Brisbane CBD, Sandgate is located along the bay, and is home to almost 7,000 people. Known for its character homes, it also has a vibrant range of cafes and shops. Unsurprisingly, properties are expensive – the median house price is currently over $1 million, with units at $562,000.
5. Kelvin Grove, 4059
Just 3.6 kilometres north west of the Brisbane CBD, Kelvin Grove is a small yet popular inner suburb. It is home to many leafy parks and cycling tracks, making it popular with families. It is conveniently near the CBD, and houses a QUT campus and the local high school is known for having one of the largest arts faculties in the state. The median house price is $1.28 million, however, units are cheaper than in other inner suburbs, at $450,000 for units.
6. Wilston, 4051
Home to over 4,000 residents, Wilston is located just five kilometres north of the Brisbane CBD. It is home to many character Queensland houses, and is filled with working families. There are great schools in the area, and good bus and train connections. The median price for houses is above $1.23 million, with $496,500 for units.
7. Graceville, 4075
Eight kilometres from the Brisbane CBD is the quiet, leafy residential suburb of Graceville, which borders the Brisbane River. It consists of a range of old Colonial, Queenslander, port-war and modern homes, as one of the oldest suburbs in the city. It has its own train station, quickly linking up residents with the CBD.
8. Bulimba, 4171
Bulimba, four kilometres northeast of the Brisbane CBD, is a riverside suburb with a quick commute via the CityCat. Houses are very expensive, with the median price for house above $1.8 million, and $746,000 for units.
9. Tarragindi, 4121
Located 7 kilometres south of the CBD, or around a 20-minute drive, Mr Savage said Tarragindi is a trendy and stylish suburb with a young and vibrant demographic. The median age is just 36, and is one of the safest suburbs in Brisbane.
“The suburb is full of young families making it a wonderful place to raise children,” he said.
“Public schools available in the area are numerous, and include Wellers Hill State School, St Elizabeth Primary, Holland Park State High & Yeronga State High School. For tertiary education, Griffith University has a campus nearby at Mt Gravatt.
Mr Savafe noted that there are multiple parks and playgrounds in the area, with Weller Road Park being the largest, while Tarragindi Recreation Reserve is perfect for Picnic and BBQs.
“Toohey Forest Park is the largest remnant bushland in Brisbane, it offers hiking, mountain biking and even bouldering. Tarragindi also has easy access to the major retail precinct at Westfield Garden City, with local cafes, restaurants and smaller retail shops gives it more of a village feel.
Jason Savage, Stone Real Estate Logan
“Tarragindi offers easy access onto the M3 ramp and into the city and being close proximity to South East Busway, taking you into the city.
“The new Metro will further enhance travel times via bus into the city. Tarragindi Bowls Club has had an $80 million makeover, while there is also a swimming club, rugby club and library all located in the suburb.”
10. Alderley, 4051
Located four kilometres north of the Brisbane CBD, Alderley is a diverse suburb with many senior citizens and young families. There are plentiful public transport options, parks and open spaces. The lack of nightlife also makes it a quiet suburb for families. The median house price for the suburb has increased by 43.3% over the past year to $1.29 million and $425,000 for units.
11. Windsor, 4030
Just 5.5 kilometres north of the Brisbane CBD, Windsor is home to more than 8,400 residents. It is often described as a hilly character suburb, and has the Enoggera Creek going through it. The bottom part of the suburb has the A3 and Airport Link toll road. The median house price in the suburb is $1.34 million.
12. Deagon, 4017
An outer northern suburb of Brisbane (18 kilometres north of the CBD), Deagon is often described as a hidden gem, being more affordable than its neighbouring coastal suburbs, such as Sandgate and predominately consisting of family homes. Deagon’s median house price is $790,000 with not enough units for an accurate median unit price.
13. Ferny Grove, 4055
Ferny Grove is another north western suburb in Brisbane. It has eight parks which cover around 13% of the total area. With just under 6,000 residents, Ferny Grove does have its own transport hub, making it easier to travel to the CBD. Prices have increased sharply since the pandemic began, with a median house price of $918,000.
14. Victoria Point, 4165
Located 35 kilometres southeast of the Brisbane CBD, Victoria Point is a popular bayside suburb in the Redlands. Touted as a compromise between city and semi-rural living, with a range of parks, beaches and shopping centres. Victoria Point is far more affordable than many suburbs on the list, with a median price of $830,000 for houses and $467,000 for units.
15. Carina Heights, 4152
10 kilometres south east of the Brisbane CBD is Carina Heights, home to over 7,200 residents. It is often described as nice, quet suburb for families while being near the Carindale Shopping Centre (link here!). The median house price is $1.12 million, up 33.6% over the past 12 months. Units have risen sharply too; a 19.8% growth rate to $531,000.
16. Lota, 4179
Lota, a small Brisbane bayside suburb, is home to almost 8,000 residents. Located 20 kilometres by road from the CBD, is is a quiet suburb with a range of parks and recreation areas. The median sale price is $947,500 for houses, with 62 houses sold during the past twelve months.
17. Ascot, 4007
Located nine kilometres north east of the CBD, Ascot is as expensive suburb bordering with the riverside suburb of Hamilton. The median house price is $2.23 million, up 35.9% over the past 12 months. The suburb is home to a range of schools, parks and recreation areas, along with strong medical facilities.
18. Grange, 4051
Just five kilometres from the CBD, Grange boasts quiet, safe streets and predominantly consists of large family homes. There is a range of nice parks and good schools in and near the suburb. The median house price is $1.64 million, up an eye-watering 40.9% during the past 12 months.
19. Heathwood, 4110
Located 25 kilometres south of the Brisbane CBD, Heathwood is a quiet and diverse suburb with strong connectivity to Brisbane and the Gold Coast. There are a range of parks and recreation facilities. The median house price is $830,000.
20. Keperra, 4054
Located 10 kilometres northwest of the Brisbane CBD, Keperra is home to a range of character and modern homes. There is a range of shops and services nearby, with an abundance of parkland and the Enoggera reservoir in and around the suburb. The median house price for the suburb is $851,749.
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For other Brisbane-related top suburbs articles, check out our best investment suburbs, property market prediction, most expensive and cheapest houses articles.
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