- Weekly asking prices for central Gold Coast is above $1 million for houses
- Demand for properties on the Gold Coast has been increasing for almost the past decade
- So, what suburbs are best for families?
Though not a capital city, the Gold Coast is by far the largest non-capital city in Australia – and in fact is larger than Hobart, Darwin and Canberra.
Additionally, the city is expected to reach a million people by the middle of the century.
Also, there is just 5.5 months of new apartment supply left.
The Gold Coast, like Queensland, has seen an explosion in demand, resulting in higher asking prices, especially in the central part of the Gold Coast, according to SQM Research data.
Gold Coast – Main
Although prices began increasing gradually from 2014 onwards, they rose sharply from 2021 to as recent as this August, especially for houses. At the time of publication, house asking prices rose by 39.6% during the past 12 months.
As part of an ongoing series at The Property Tribune, we have explored the best and most liveable suburbs across the capital cities for families, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra.
So, what about the Gold Coast?
We have selected 20 suburbs deemed to be the best on the Gold Coast, based on a range of factors such as greenery, access to sporting and other recreational facilities, and schooling options. We have included a broad range of suburbs; some right on the coast, some more inland and both sides of the median price for the Gold Coast.
We also have input from a real estate agent ‘on-the-ground’ on the Gold Coast.
Top 20 Best & Most Liveable Suburbs In Gold Coast for Families
- Palm Beach
- Currumbin Waters
- Labrador
- Mudgeeraba
- Biggera Waters
- Coombabah
- Broadbeach Waters
- Bundall
- Burleigh Heads
- Elanora
- Runaway Bay
- Coomera
- Coolangatta
- Ashmore
- Oxenford
- Carrara
- Nerang
- Bonogin
- Pacific Pines
- Upper Coomera
Palm Beach, 4221
Brendan Andrews, Director at Stone Real Estate Palm Beach, said Palm Beach is consistently one of the best-ranked and searched suburbs in not just Gold Coast, but the entire state for a range of reasons.
“To start with, the whole suburb is very flat, so it’s hugely popular among those who like to walk, run and bicycle around,” he said.
“The picturesque suburb sits between two of the Gold Coast’s most popular summer destinations in Tallebudgera and Currumbin Creek, and Palm Beach features Beautiful canal homes with blue water and sandy beaches, and beachfront homes at the front.
“There are more than ample amenities like surf clubs, cafes, restaurants and shops, while a light rail will soon be a new feature making getting around even easier.
Additionally, he noted that the airport is just 10 minutes away, and there are great schools nearby, including the famous sporting school Palm Beach Currumbin (PBC) State High School.
The median house price is $1,580,000 according to relaestate.com.au, up 16.5% over the past year.
Currumbin Waters, 4223
Next, Mr Andrews noted Currumbin Waters as a fantastic spot for families on the Gold Coast.
“Like many suburbs in the area, it’s located just five minutes from the beach, but represents great buying in comparison to sisterly beachfront suburbs like Palm Beach,” he said.
“It’s more of an up-and-comer, with many new cafes, restaurants, shops being opened recently.
Mr Andrews said the suburb is very family-oriented and has easy access to the motorway for travel. The airport is also just 10 minutes away.
“Brisbane is an hour’s drive, while the hub of Surfer’s Paradise is 20 minutes away, and there’s some great schools nearby including St Andrews Private School.
“Currumbin Waters is also a lovely and green suburb compared to some other spots in the vicinity, while on average blocks are larger.
“Nearby there are great parks and facilities, creek and canal waterways, along with stunning coastline views for the ridgetop homes at the rear of the suburb.”
The median house price is $1.23 million, up 29.5% over the past year.
Labrador, 4215
Once a quiet holiday suburb, Labrador has experienced major growth and is now of the most desirable suburbs on the Gold Coast. It offers a range of affordable housing, a strong commercial market and high-end infrastructure. Given its beachside location, the suburb attracts active people who enjoy running, walking and cycling – ideal for families. Next to Charis Seafood Market, there is a secure swimming area and playground area. The median house price is $877,500, up 33% during the past 12 months.
Mudgeeraba, 4213
Covered by a range of green spaces, Mudgeeraba offers strong schooling options, sporting facilities and other amenities. The suburb is also just five minutes away from major shopping centres and markets. It offers a perfect blend of a peaceful yet convenient suburb. The median price is $1,065,000, up 22.7%.
Biggera Waters, 4216
Located on the western side of the Broadwater, Biggera Waters is a popular coastal suburb of Gold Coast. It offers a range of housing options, high-quality schools, health centres and parks along with shopping and entertainment hubs. The median house price is $1,087,500, up 21.2% over the past year.
Coombabah, 4216
Ideal for families with kids and young couples, Coombabah is a vibrant suburb and is home to a range of renowned schools, childcare, restaurants, hospitals and other entertainment hubs for families. Coombabah is near Paradise Point too. Given its location, the median house price is $800,000, up 28% over the past year.
Broadbeach Waters, 4218
Given its central location, Broadbeach Waters is a hugely popular suburb on the Gold Coast. Some of the city’s best schools are located in the suburb, including Broadbeach State School and St Vincent’s Primary School. All of this comes with a very high price tag – $2,000,000 is the median house price.
Bundall, 4217
A central Gold Coast suburb, Bundall is ideal for those with families. It is more affordable than surrounding suburbs, with a median price of $1,720,000 for houses, and $500,000 for units. There are a range of renowned schools, hospitals, business markets, sporting clubs and shopping centres.
Burleigh Heads, 4220
Possibly the most sought-after suburb on the Gold Coast, Burleigh Heads is south of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, and is known for its laid-back atmosphere. Along with its beaches, the suburb has a range of local markets, BBQ and picnic areas, a national park, walking trails and the beachfront promenade. While the median house price is $1,350,000, up 1.27% over the past year, apartments are very expensive at $907,500 – up 19.4%.
Elanora, 4221
Tucked away behind Pam Beach, Elanora is settled amid a range of nature reserves and parkland, making it especially popular with young families. Other amenities such as shops and sporting facilities are less than 10 minutes away from any house in the suburb. Elanora has a median price of $1.18 million.
Runaway Bay, 4216
Primarily a waterfront suburb, Runaway Bay is well-known for canal access for many of its homes. It offers close access to shops, restaurants and Broadwater – even the shops can be accessed by water. The house median price is $1.58 million, up 24.4% over the past 12 months.
Coomera, 4209
Located in the northern part of the Gold Coast, Coomera is fast becoming a major urban community. While mostly known as the home to Dreamworld, this is fast changing. It is 20 kilometres north of the Gold Coast CBD, making it only about 58 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD. The median house price is $736,000, up 17.8% over the past year.
Coolangatta, 4225
Home to the most famous surf break on the Gold Coast, Coolangatta is known globally for its ASP World Tour event, the Quiksilver Pro. It is also known for other surfing championships. Along with beaches, there is a range of picnic spots and diverse retail options. It offers a relatively laid-back lifestyle, without the Surfers Paradise glamour lifestyle, making it popular with families. The median house price is $1.54 million, up 8.4% over the past 12 months, but more than double the median price back in November 2019.
Ashmore, 4214
A popular, older and well-established suburb, Ashmore sits in an elevated location, offering views of the beach and hinterland from the back. It is popular with families, thanks to being a bit removed from the bustle and hustle of the Gold Coast, while still near shopping centres, the M1, rail links and the CBD. The median house price is $998,000, up 25% over the past year.
Oxenford, 4210
A leafy suburb offering larger blocks, Oxenford is popular with families due to its great primary and high schools. The train station and Westfield shopping centres are less than 10 minutes away, with a 15-20 minute commute to Surfers Paradise. The median house price is $800,000, up 17.2% over the past year.
Carrara, 4211
Carrara is popular with families thanks to its relatively quiet lifestyle, and parks and recreation. There are some shops and restaurants but no major shopping centres in the area, nor major public transport connections. This makes the area relatively relaxing, compared to other Gold Coast suburbs. The median house price is $995,000, up 24.8% over the past year, and more than a third higher compared to the middle of the 2010s.
Nerang, 4211
Nerang, located west of Surfers Paradise, is popular with families thanks to relatively affordable housing, school options, retail centres, parks and access to transport, There are also large properties with large homes available in the area too. This makes it popular with first-home buyers and young families. The median house price is $775,000, up 22.8% over the year and much more affordable than most suburbs on this list.
Bonogin, 4213
Home to tropical-like greenery and a strong neighbourly spirit, Bonogin is one of the most popular suburbs on the Gold Coast with families. Robina Town Centre is nearby too, as is the local train station and M2. The median house price is $1,382,500, up 18.4% over the past 12 months.
Pacific Pines, 4211
Pacific Pines is known as a family-friendly suburb, thanks it its abundance of large houses with gardens, and strong-performing schools. The local community are also strong supporters of The Movies in the Park and Winterfest. The median house price is $870,000, up 26.1% during the past 12 months.
Upper Coomera, 4209
Popular with families who want to live on the Gold Coast, Upper Coomera offers a range of parks and recreation facilities, while close to the Westfield in Coomera and other retail precincts. There are also good schools in the area. The median house price is $780,000, up 28.2% over the past 12 months.
