When it comes to finding the perfect place for our family to live, it feels like there's so much to consider. My husband and I aren’t particularly picky when it comes to where we settle down, but as parents, we know we need a place that’s safe, affordable, and good for the kids. We also want a neighborhood that reflects our values—simple, close-knit, and, of course, welcoming to people from all walks of life. After all, we want our kids to grow up surrounded by diversity, to appreciate different cultures, and to feel at home.
So, how did we figure out which Melbourne suburb would be best for our family? It wasn't an easy choice, but in the end, it was about finding the balance between a good budget, the convenience of amenities, the quality of schools, and of course, safety.
Budget: Finding Balance
As a family of four, we have to be realistic about our budget. We aren’t wealthy, but we’ve managed to prioritize the things that matter most: a safe home, quality time with the kids, and simple pleasures like our weekly trips to eat out. The reality is that housing costs vary quite a bit between different suburbs, and while it can be tempting to look for something close to the CBD or more central, the truth is we had to focus on what we could afford.
The outer suburbs, like the northern or western parts of Melbourne, offer more affordable options for families like ours. They may not have the same “buzz” as the inner city, but we realized that our family’s happiness doesn’t depend on being right in the middle of all the action. Plus, we’ve found that with a bit of research, we can still get a lot of the things we need—like parks, schools, and shopping centers—without breaking the bank.
Schools: Quality Education on a Budget
Speaking of schools, that was another big consideration for us. We wanted our kids to have access to good quality education, and for us, that meant looking at public schools. While we could have opted for private schools, the reality is that they often come with hefty fees that are just beyond our reach. So, we focused on finding suburbs that had great public schools with good reviews. Melbourne is lucky to have a number of excellent public schools across its suburbs, so we found areas that offered a strong education without the extra financial burden.
Convenience: Is Everything Nearby?
We also wanted a place that made it easy to get things done. We’re not the type of family who likes to drive for hours just to go grocery shopping or run errands. For us, convenience is key. Suburbs with good access to public transport, major roads, and local shopping centers are a big plus. Areas like the western suburbs, such as Footscray and Werribee, ticked this box nicely, with good public transport links and plenty of shopping and community centers.
Diversity and Nationality: A Welcoming Environment
One of the things we love most about Melbourne is its diversity. For our family, it was important to find a suburb that reflected that. We wanted our kids to grow up in a place where they could meet people from different backgrounds and cultures. In suburbs like Springvale (known for its Vietnamese community) and Dandenong, we found not only affordable housing but also a wonderful mix of nationalities. Whether it's Indian, Chinese, Arabic, African, or Vietnamese communities, these areas offer a beautiful blend of cultures that make them feel vibrant and welcoming.
Safety and Crime: Prioritizing Peace of Mind
Safety was a huge priority for us. As much as we want a neighborhood that’s affordable and convenient, we also want to feel at ease when we step outside our front door. So, we researched crime rates across different suburbs. Thankfully, we were able to find neighborhoods that are safe and family-friendly. While no place is completely free of crime, areas in Melbourne like Glen Waverley and Bentleigh were well-known for their low crime rates, which made us feel more confident about raising our kids there.
Which Direction? North, South, East, or West?
So, should we focus on the north, south, east, or west of Melbourne? For us, it was about striking the right balance. The eastern suburbs, for instance, have a reputation for being more family-oriented with plenty of green space and parks. But when we looked at the western suburbs, we found even more affordable options with good public transport, which was essential for my husband and me since we both work from home but need to travel for certain commitments.
After careful thought, we decided that the western suburbs would be the best fit for our family. They offered affordable housing, good schools, and easy access to everything we needed. Plus, they’re a little more laid-back and not as bustling as the inner city, which suited our introverted lifestyle perfectly.
Finding Joy in the Simple Things
In the end, we realized that finding the right area wasn’t about chasing perfection—it was about creating a place where our family could thrive. We didn’t need to live in the heart of Melbourne to have everything we wanted. With a good budget, access to essential amenities, a strong school network, and a safe neighborhood, we found our little slice of Melbourne that offers peace, comfort, and joy.
And you know what? We’ve never looked back. Our weekly trips to the local restaurant on Saturdays, and our quiet Sundays at home enjoying a home-cooked meal, are everything we need. The little things in life really do make all the difference.