Best Places to Live in Victoria | Carolina

Best Places to Live in Victoria

Feeling captivated by the charm of Australia’s most dynamic state? Wondering whether Victoria is a good place to live?

Known for its eclectic mix of city allure and tranquil landscapes, Victoria has a vast richness of lifestyle options available, from the vibrant metropolis of Melbourne to the scenic vineyards of Yarra Valley, historic towns such as Bendigo and Ballarat and the stunning coastal stretches of the Great Ocean Road. The state’s diverse cultural heritage, world-class culinary scene, countless recreational activities, and thriving job market all combine to offer a superb quality of life.

But where exactly should you call home in this vibrant state? Let’s embark on a journey to discover the best places to live in Victoria.

Criteria for Choosing the Best Suburbs to Live in Victoria

Rewarding, community-style living is available in Victoria, but it helps to know a few tips to review available options.

As you’re searching for the best place to live in Victoria, be sure to consider the following:

Affordability

Your finances will always hold a primary influence on your decision to move. When you’re considering affordability, you can’t limit estimates to the cost of purchasing a house alone. It also extends to the general living expenses in the area, including your groceries, utilities, transport, and entertainment.

Fortunately, Victoria’s many suburbs offer a wide selection that caters to different financial capabilities, ensuring everyone can experience the state’s splendours.

Job Opportunities

Suburbs with thriving industries and promising employment prospects are naturally more appealing, and Victoria currently offers a diverse and thriving economy with a broad range of job opportunities available.

From IT and healthcare, to sports and entertainment, there is an array of career choices available to you, both on-site and with remote or hybrid working arrangements.

Amenities

Ready to embrace the community living in Victoria? You will need convenient access to a range of essential amenities. A suburb rich in grocery stores, restaurants, gyms, healthcare facilities, leisure spots and more within arm’s reach is more likely to offer a comfortable lifestyle.

Schools

If you have a family with school-age children, you will need to find an area with a robust educational infrastructure. There are several renowned schools and universities providing quality education across the state, and proximity to these institutions can significantly affect the desirability of a location.

Safety

From families, to seniors, to singles residing alone, living in a safe, secure environment is a priority for everyone. Be sure to review an area’s crime rates and the safety measures they have in place, as well as trends over time to see if matters are improving or worsening.

Sense of Community Living

A strong sense of community living is what turns a house into a home. Look for areas where neighbours regularly connect, and local events bring people together. These could be Easter functions, Christmas and school fairs – anything can help you feel a sense of belonging.

6 Best Suburbs to Live in Victoria

Deanside – 3336

A growing suburb in Melbourne’s northwest, Deanside is becoming increasingly popular amongst a wide array of homeowners. Although a relatively new area, Deanside is mere minutes away from Caroline Springs, allowing you to be part of a brand-new community, while still having direct access to established shopping venues, amenities, primary and secondary schools, and more.

Located close to the Melbourne Airport logistic hub, the area offers a wide range of employment opportunities. Should you need to travel into the city, easy access is possible to Melbourne CBD thanks to convenient public transport and roadways.

The area’s affordability and development potential also make it one of the best suburbs to live and invest in Victoria for first-time homeowners. With planned sporting grounds, regional parks, shopping precincts, and schools for the area, you can also rest easy knowing your property has an element of future-proofing, as well as providing a welcoming, comfortable home.

South Yarra

Just a short drive southeast of Melbourne’s CBD, South Yarra is a lively, bustling suburb known for its thriving retail, café, and nightlife scenes. Residents and visitors alike flock to the hub of activities around Chapel Street and Toorak Road, offering an array of entertainment and dining options. The well-organised public transport system also conveniently offsets traffic, making navigation a breeze.

South Yarra is built around a dynamic work environment, with an array of job opportunities, notably in the hospitality sector, but also with proximity to the CBD. With prestigious housing and top-tier grammar schools, this has long since been considered one of the best places to live in Victoria.

Carlton

Carlton shines as one of the state’s leading cultural hotspots. Often referred to as the cafe capital of Melbourne, Carlton also holds the famous Lygon Street offering a broad spectrum of enticing eateries, top-class healthcare amenities, and spots for intellectual advancement with the Royal Exhibition Building and Melbourne Museum.

The area is also perfect for tertiary education, holding a student population thanks to the proximity to RMIT University and University of Melbourne campuses.

With its vibrant mix of culture, convenient amenities, and thriving educational environment, Carlton stands out as an appealing suburb for dynamic city living.

Ballarat

Ballarat is a perfect destination for those looking for a country escape with various industry opportunities, reasonable living costs, and a rich local history. Home to a multicultural community, locals embrace diversity, creating an inclusive, welcoming environment. Enjoy a range of culinary experiences from modern Australian to Asian cuisine at local restaurants, and nature lovers will love to explore Grampians National Park, Ballarat Wildlife Park, and the biking trails around Lake Wendouree.

Another of the key draws is for students, with Ballarat offering top-tier education from Federation University and the ACU Ballarat campus. Melbourne is only 1.5 hours away, easily accessed by train or car should you need to commute for work.

Geelong

Neighbouring the expansive Southern Ocean and only a stone’s throw from the Great Ocean Road, Geelong delivers the perfect blend of education, lifestyle, culture, and career prospects, ideal for modern families seeking a balanced life experience.

Nearby is the world-class Gordon Institute of TAFE, offering hands-on training and university pathways for students across multiple disciplines. Food lovers will appreciate a vibrant dining scene, while art aficionados can immerse themselves in a rich cultural landscape. And if you’re a sports fanatic, you can cheer on the Cats at GMHBA Stadium  or reserve your spots at the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Popular industries filled with opportunities in the area include tourism, hospitality, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, construction, retail and much more. Top it off with an array of quality schools and excellent healthcare facilities amid a unique coastal charm, Geelong promises a fulfilling lifestyle for residents.

Bendigo

Nestled just two hours below Melbourne, Bendigo is a dynamic area combining city benefits with relaxed, regional community living in Victoria.

Despite its modest size, Bendigo boasts a robust, diverse economy with plentiful job opportunities across the healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail sectors. And with a selection of excellent primary and secondary schools, as well as quality tertiary education institutions like La Trobe University and Bendigo TAFE, it’s a fantastic place for both families and students.

The city’s rich cultural fabric is tangible in its festivals, arts scene, and historic venues like the Bendigo Art Gallery. The surrounding natural beauty, from national parks to vineyards, also helps to enhance Bendigo’s appeal.

Enquire Now

Choosing the best place to live in Victoria is never easy, forcing you to balance your specific preferences with your financial and logistical needs.

Fortunately, you can find everything you would ever need at Carolina, Deanside. With a selection of modern townhomes available, as well as house and land packages or singular plots of land for sale, you can easily find the perfect option to be part of this new, flourishing community in Victoria. If you would like to learn more, please feel welcome to contact us today by calling 1800 875 579 or registering your interest online.