Melbourne is an ever-expanding city, and as its population grows, so does the demand for highly sought-after neighbourhoods. As property prices continue to skyrocket in the inner suburbs, homebuyers and property investors alike are starting to look towards Melbourne’s outer regions for up-and-coming neighbourhoods with great potential. These areas offer an increasing number of amenities, green spaces, and transport options, providing residents with the perfect balance of suburban living while staying relatively close to the city centre.
If you’re thinking of purchasing a property in Melbourne, you should consider exploring some of these emerging neighbourhoods that are quickly becoming popular among real estate investors and buyers. By investing in these suburbs now, you could benefit from high capital growth in the future and enjoy the lifestyle advantages of living in a bustling outer-suburban area.
1. Cranbourne
Location
Cranbourne is situated just under 50 kilometres southeast of Melbourne’s CBD and is close to the stunning Mornington Peninsula. Attracting young families as well as empty nesters, Cranbourne is a popular choice due to its affordability and family-friendly charm. The suburb is well-connected with public transport, making it easy to commute to the city or neighbouring suburbs.
Lifestyle
Cranbourne has plenty of green spaces, ensuring that residents have access to nature and outdoor activities. One of its most well-known attractions is the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, where visitors can explore a variety of landscapes, flora, and fauna. Other popular destinations include the Cranbourne Racecourse, Casey Aquatic and Recreation Centre, and the Cranbourne Shopping Centre.
2. Craigieburn
Location
Located in Melbourne’s north, Craigieburn is less than 30 kilometres from the CBD and offers affordable housing compared to its neighbouring suburbs. A range of properties, from modern townhouses to large family homes, can be found in Craigieburn to suit various budgets and needs.
Lifestyle
Craigieburn features many parks, reserves, and sporting facilities for residents to enjoy. A popular destination is the Craigieburn Central shopping centre, which includes over 190 specialty stores as well as cinemas, restaurants and cafes. Craigieburn has also undergone significant development in recent years, with an abundance of new resources and amenities, such as schools, health clinics, and public transport.
3. Werribee
Location
Werribee is located approximately 32 kilometres southwest of Melbourne’s CBD and is rapidly becoming a popular choice among families looking for a perfect suburb that offers a good quality of living. This historical suburb has finally received its long overdue upgrade – the Werribee Train Station. This makes commuting to the city more convenient for new residents.
Lifestyle
Werribee is a wonderful place to make a home for families with a wide range of facilities and amenities on offer. The Werribee Open Range Zoo, Werribee Mansion, Wyndham Cultural Centre, and shadowfax wineries are just a few of the attractions that locals have at their doorstep. With a diverse range of restaurants, cafes and shops, including the recently-revamped Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre, residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment.
4. Point Cook
Location
Point Cook is located approximately 22 kilometres southwest of Melbourne’s CBD and was once considered a rural haven. However, due to its proximity to the city, it has experienced rapid growth and expansion in recent years. With close proximity to the Princes Freeway, the neighbourhood is easily accessible by car or public transport.
Lifestyle
Point Cook offers residents plenty of facilities for living an active and healthy lifestyle, with an abundance of parks, sporting facilities, and walking or cycling tracks. The suburb features many shopping choices, including the expansive Point Cook Town Centre and nearby Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre. It is also home to the RAAF Base, which showcases annual airshows throughout the year.
5. Tarneit
Location
Located approximately 27 kilometres southwest of Melbourne’s CBD, Tarneit is another outer-suburban area making a name for itself as a popular living destination. This neighbourhood features a mix of new and established homes, which can cater to various lifestyle needs and budgets. Tarneit is well-connected to Melbourne’s city centre by public transport, making it an easy commute for residents.
Lifestyle
Tarneit has a lot to offer for its residents, from its safe yet engaging atmosphere to the facilities and friendly locals. Tarneit Central Shopping Centre has everything one’s lifestyle craves, from dining options to shopping stores. The suburb also boasts extensive green spaces and parks, including the large Skeleton Creek Reserve and the Davis Creek Regional Park.
6. Officer
Location
Officer is situated approximately 64 kilometres southeast of Melbourne’s CBD and is among the fastest-growing suburbs. Officer’s location offers residents the best of both worlds: quick access to the city and Ballarat via the Princes Freeway and the metropolitan expressway, while also residing near nature reserves, wetlands, and woodlands.
Lifestyle
Officer provides plenty of walking trails, parks, and sporting facilities for its residents to stay active and healthy. Education options such as schools and tertiary institutions offer students world-class education. It is also home to Arena Shopping Centre, where one can find a range of shops, bars, and cafes for leisure.
7. Melton
Location
Melton, situated 35 kilometres northwest of Melbourne’s CBD, is quickly becoming an attractive destination for first-time buyers, particularly those looking for affordable housing. This suburb offers a range of property types, from established homes to new developments that match various budgets and lifestyles.
Lifestyle
Melton houses plenty of sporting and leisure activities, including the Westwinds Community Centre for a swimming pool, gymnasium, and skate park, and the famous Go Karts Melbourne for adrenaline-fueled activities. With the recently established Melton Botanic Garden that spans over 100 acres, residents are given access to various types of plant life and man-made lake.
8. Sunbury
Location
Sunbury is located in Melbourne’s northwest, approximately 40 kilometres from the city centre. In the past, Sunbury was a rural hub, but it has transformed into a thriving suburban location with many facilities and amenities.
Lifestyle
Sunbury comprises a stunning landscape with many walking trails and parks, such as the Rosenthal Project and Sunbury Linear Nature Reserve. Major shopping centers, schools, and public transport can be found in the town centre, including the trusted Sunbury Square Shopping Centre.
9. Mernda
Location
Mernda is located approximately 28 kilometres northeast of Melbourne’s CBD and is known for its affordable living costs and quality of life. More and more families are choosing Mernda because of its affordability and high quality of living.
Lifestyle
Mernda features a variety of recreational activities that cater specifically to families, including the Mernda Adventure Park, which is a popular attraction. The Mernda Village Shopping Centre offers residents with plenty of shops and services, while outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the Highland Estate Conservation Reserve area.
10. Wyndham Vale
Location
Wyndham Vale is located in Melbourne’s southwest, approximately 31 kilometres from the city centre. The locality is thriving, and it boasts plenty of contemporary amenities that create a homely atmosphere.
Lifestyle
Wyndham Vale stands out with a wide range of community facilities, including community centres, beautiful parks and gardens, and home-grown businesses. The Wyndham Vale Square Shopping Centre features some exciting dining experiences and renowned shops.
FAQs
If you’re a homebuyer interested in purchasing a house in Melbourne, you should check out Maz real estate’s guide to buying a house in Melbourne, which provides insights and tips on how to navigate the complex process. Here are some frequently asked questions about Melbourne’s outer-suburban areas:
What attracts buyers and investors to Melbourne’s outer-suburban areas?
Melbourne’s outer-suburban areas are becoming more appealing to buyers and investors due to their affordability, lifestyle, and growth potential. These neighbourhoods offer a perfect combination of urban and suburban living and provide residents with a quieter living experience while staying connected to the city centre, thanks to their excellent transport links.
How easy is it to commute from Melbourne’s outer-suburban areas to the city centre?
Melbourne’s outer-suburban areas are well-served by infrastructure, such as trains and buses, which makes travelling to and from the city centre relatively straightforward. While commuting times may be longer than living closer to the CBD, these neighbourhoods often offer a more relaxed and affordable lifestyle.
What is the property market like in Melbourne’s outer-suburban areas?
Melbourne’s outer-suburban areas have a growing property market, with high demand and growing population rates. The property prices offer plenty of competitive and affordable options for investors and buyers. Hence, experts believe that investing in these suburbs can become lucrative regarding future investments.
How do I find the right neighbourhood to suit my budget?
To find the right neighbourhood that suits your budget, you should consider consulting with a reputable real estate agent who is familiar with the various locations in Melbourne’s outer regions. Search portals like domain.com.au and realestate.com.au can offer insights into what neighbourhood offers what kind of properties and which neighbourhood would suit your budget.
What amenities can I expect in Melbourne’s outer-suburban areas?
Melbourne’s outer-suburban areas have many amenities that are vital and practical for comfortable living, such as schools, parks, sporting facilities, shopping centres, and public transport links. Depending on which suburb you’re interested in, you can research amenities like community centres, medical clinics, hospitals, and entertainment hubs.
