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Best suburbs to live in Brisbane 2022

May 29, 2023
by
Craig Gibson

With an idyllic climate, proximity to some of the country's finest beaches, and a laid back lifestyle to enjoy, it's little wonder that you're searching for the best suburbs in Brisbane to lay down some roots.

But, what exactly makes a suburb the "best"? And, where can we find these golden gems - the best places to live in Brisbane? Read on to find out!

What is the criteria for the best suburbs to live in Brisbane?

View of Brisbane river and bridge

According to a report formulated by CityPulse SEQ, the top suburbs in Brisbane are deciphered by three key metrics:

  1. Live metric: Determined by the proximity to Brisbane’s CBD, access to amenities, proximity to high-quality education institutions, high community health scores, crime rates, affordable housing, and health access, etc.
  2. Work metric: Determined by the level of transport connectivity between residential homes and places of employment, quality of infrastructure, and access to local jobs, etc.
  3. Play metric: Determined by access to cultural experiences, dining, entertainment, sporting events, parks and gardens, and other amenities, etc.

When searching for the best suburbs to live in Brisbane, you should also look at:

  • Access to childcare
  • Public transport connections, particularly train lines
  • Surrounding natural, cultural and entertainment precincts
  • Local shopping centres and dining options
  • Tree coverage
  • Traffic congestion
  • The quality of mobile phone and internet coverage
  • Aesthetics like views and nearby beaches

Liveability is one of the greatest attributes of a suburb. People are willing to pay more to live in good areas that are well-connected and have ample amenities. This, of course, can be a matter of opinion depending on the demographic of individuals looking for a home.

For instance, families will favour areas with good school zones and lower crime rates, whereas young professionals will gravitate towards proximity to the city for work and leisure activities. Keeping this in mind, let's take a look at the best areas to live in Brisbane. You'll also find the median sale price of properties as well as the median price of rent in each suburb, based on data from realestate.com.au.

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Best suburbs to live in Brisbane: City and Fortitude Valley

Brisbane City and Fortitude Valley

People walking around Fortitude Valley shops in Brisbane
Fortitude Valley is perfect for people who like to "work hard and play hard".

For those that work hard and play hard, the suburbs of Brisbane City and Fortitude Valley, with their special mix of old-world and new-world architecture and upbeat vibes, will appeal to young professionals.

Brisbane City property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a unit: $519,000
  • Median price to rent a house: $525 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $480 per week

Fortitude Valley property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a unit: $460,000
  • Median price to rent a house: $450 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $430 per week

Newstead

Want a more suburban aspect with leafier streets and less traffic and highrises? Newstead offers a great lifestyle experience, while still remaining in the thick of things. With the river practically on your doorstep and an Urban Renewal Project that has transformed these suburbs into thriving hubs, you can't go wrong!

For those that work hard and play hard, the suburbs of Brisbane City and Fortitude Valley will appeal to young professionals.

Newstead property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a unit: $625,000
  • Median price to rent a unit: $520 per week

Other suburbs in the area worth considering are New Farm and Bowen Hills.

Best suburbs to live in Brisbane: Inner South

West End

West Village Park located in Brisbane's West End
Both parents and kids alike will appreciate the beautiful parks in Brisbane's West End.

There's an abundance of nice suburbs in Brisbane in the inner south. Many of which have streets lined with jacarandas blooming dreamily throughout the months of spring. For proximity to the city and a trendy, eclectic vibe, West End does not disappoint. It's one of the city's most multicultural areas, located just short of a kilometer from the city center. The only downside is the price to own a piece of it yourself.

West End property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a house: $1.418 million
  • Median sale price of a unit: $561,000
  • Median price to rent a house: $640 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $485 per week

Other highly-rated suburbs a walk away from the city centre are Woolloongabba, South Brisbane and Kangaroo Point.

South Brisbane ranks first in the 'play' category according to the CityPulse SEQ findings. However, each of these areas has their own little slice of culture and foodie paradise, while remaining close to top healthcare and educational institutions.

Coorparoo, Tarragindi, and Greenslopes

Not too much further out, you'll find the well-connected and picturesque suburbs of Coorparoo, Tarragindi, and Greenslopes - all ranking very highly on the report, with the suburbs coming second, third, and fifth respectively. These really are some of the best suburbs in south Brisbane. They're excellent for families looking for good schools, access to great parks, shopping, and more.

Coorparoo property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a house: $1.27 million
  • Median sale price of a unit: $455,000
  • Median price to rent a house: $595 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $400 per week

Tarragindi property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a house: $1.170 million
  • Median sale price of a unit: $602,500
  • Median price to rent a house: $590 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $350 per week

Greenslopes property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a house: $1.0125 million
  • Median sale price of a unit: $453,500
  • Median price to rent a house: $540 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $380 per week

Other suburbs that rank well in the inner south are Yeronga, East Brisbane, Fairfield and Camp Hill.

Best suburbs to live in Brisbane: Inner East

Norman Park, Morningside, and Seven Hills

Boat moored in the Brisbane River in the suburb of Norman Park, Brisbane
You can enjoy stunning views of the Brisbane River in the picturesque suburb of Norman Park.

In the inner east, Norman Park, Morningside, and Seven Hills all score well in the 'live' category, and it's easy to see why. This cluster of suburbs is nestled amongst the natural surroundings of either bushland or the Brisbane River, with access to the ferry service and other public transport options. There are great schools in the area and easy access to shopping hubs.

In the inner east, Norman Park, Morningside and Seven Hills all score well in the 'live' category of the CityPulse SEQ report.

Of course, being in the inner ring brings a heftier price tag.

Norman Park property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a house: $1.2585 million
  • Median sale price of a unit: $535,000
  • Median price to rent a house: $620 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $450 per week

Morningside property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a house: $1.0125 million
  • Median sale price of a unit: $531,000
  • Median price to rent a house: $580 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $460 per week

Seven Hills property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a house: $1.24 million
  • Median price to rent a house: $600 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $620 per week

Hamilton

Across the river, the prestigious suburb of Hamilton scores well in the 'work' category with residents having access to quality employment opportunities, while also enjoying an excellent lifestyle close to the water.

Hamilton property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a house: $1.5 million
  • Median sale price of a unit: $535,000
  • Median price to rent a house: $620 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $450 per week

Best suburbs to live in Brisbane: Inner West

Toowong

Toowong scores highly over all three categories of live, work and play. If you're looking for the best suburbs to rent in Brisbane, the inner west may be the ticket! These upmarket suburbs have their own individual hubs for shopping and dining.

Toowong property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a house: $1.5 million
  • Median sale price of a unit: $535,000
  • Median price to rent a house: $620 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $450 per week

Paddington

With its steep hills and stunning heritage properties, Paddington offers gorgeous vistas of the city and an excellent work-life balance. It's a high demand market, along with steep property prices to boot.

Paddington property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a house: $1.5575 million
  • Median sale price of a unit: $635,000
  • Median price to rent a house: $700 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $425 per week

Other top suburbs to live in Brisbane's Inner West include Red Hill and Auchenflower.

Best suburbs to live in Brisbane: Inner North

Ashgrove

Cosy but trendy with plenty of greenery, Ashgrove is another suburb that scores highly across the criteria. It's only four kilometres north-west of the city but has a suburban feel, making it a popular suburb for families.

Ashgrove property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a house: $1.3875 million
  • Median sale price of a unit: $507,000
  • Median price to rent a house: $650 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $420 per week

Kelvin Grove and Herston

Two of Brisbane's most historic suburbs Kelvin Grove and Herston are the cream of the crop. Close to the city-centre, with excellent educational institutions and heritage-listed architecture, they are highly sought-after areas.

Two of Brisbane's most historic suburbs, Kelvin Grove and Herston are the cream of the crop.

Kelvin Grove property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a house: $1.15 million
  • Median sale price of a unit: $472,500
  • Median price to rent a house: $420 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $400 per week

Herston property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a house: $1.085 million
  • Median sale price of a unit: $563,000
  • Median price to rent a house: $505 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $410 per week

Other top suburbs in Brisbane's Inner North include Wilston, Lutwyche, Wooloowin, and Newmarket.

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Best suburbs to live in Brisbane: Southside

Holland Park

If you're looking for a home not too far from the city with more affordability, Holland Park in the Southside is a good choice. The suburb is perfectly located for families, with access to good schools, shops, the library and busway.

Holland Park property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a house: $1.095 million
  • Median sale price of a unit: $486,000
  • Median price to rent a house: $550 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $415 per week

Mount Gravatt

View of Brisbane city from Mount Gravatt
With a view like this, it's little wonder why Mount Gravatt is one of the best suburbs to live in Brisbane in 2022.

Nearby, Mount Gravatt is another of Brisbane's best suburbs to live in 2022. It has accessible public transport services, one of the city's biggest shopping centres, and plenty of trendy restaurants and cafes.

property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a house: $905,000
  • Median sale price of a unit: $470,000
  • Median price to rent a house: $480 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $410 per week

Springfield Lakes

Further afield, Springfield Lakes ranks highly on the live and work metrics even though it's 33 kilometres from the CBD. This is because it's in the satellite city of Springfield, offering affordable suburbs in Brisbane with its own opportunities for employment. With all of these qualities to offer, it's no wonder some people think it's the best place to live in Brisbane for young professionals.

Springfield Lakes property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a house: $540,000
  • Median sale price of a unit: $355,500
  • Median price to rent a house: $450 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $393 per week

Best suburbs to live in Brisbane: Northside

North Lakes

Another satellite city, North Lakes is coming into its own also scoring highly on the live and work metrics. With more growth on the horizon, it's a self-sufficient, master-planned community designed with families in mind.

With more growth on the horizon, North Lakes is a self-sufficient, master-planned community designed with families in mind.

North Lakes property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a house: $630,000
  • Median sale price of a unit: $400,500
  • Median price to rent a house: $480 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $400 per week

Kedron

Another northern suburb to consider is Kedron. Kedron has extensive parklands and is relatively close to the city, particularly with the use of the new Airport Link road. Lovingly restored Queenslanders are abundant in both areas.

Kedron property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a house: $1.204 million
  • Median sale price of a unit: $410,000
  • Median price to rent a house: $575 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $ 393 per week

Everton Park

Everton Park is another fantastic suburb to live in Brisbane. It's considered by many residents to be one of the best suburbs in Brisbane for families, thanks to its nice playgrounds and walking tracks. The commute to the city is also quick and easy.

Everton Park property sale and rental prices

  • Median sale price of a house: $860,000
  • Median sale price of a unit: $441,500
  • Median price to rent a house: $550 per week
  • Median price to rent a unit: $440 per week

As you can see from our list of the best suburbs to live in Brisbane 2022, a number of suburbs offer ideal "live, work, and play" conditions. If you're considering buying a property in Brisbane, taking a closer look at the suburbs above is a great place to start. Be sure to keep in mind the costs of buying a house in Queensland, and the need to start saving for a house deposit. If you're unfamiliar with the market or want to take advantage of expert advice, consider hiring a Brisbane buyer's agent to guide you through the process.

Happy house hunting!

Disclaimer: Blogs are written expressly for education purposes and content is based on the opinions of the authors or as otherwise cited.  All information is current as at publication release and we  take no responsibility for any factors that may change thereafter. Doorsteps Finance Pty Ltd and Doorsteps Solutions Pty Ltd do not accept any liability or responsibility whatsoever to any error or omission or any loss or damage of any kind sustained by a person or entity arising from the use of this information.  It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances.

Disclaimer: Property reports contain property estimate data and information provided by RP Data Pty Ltd trading as CoreLogic Asia Pacific ABN 57 087 759 171 (CoreLogic) and OpenAgent Pty Ltd, which is general in nature. It is not a professional property valuation or advice to be relied upon. The actual market value of the subject property may differ. We and CoreLogic do not warrant the accuracy, currency or completeness of the data and information to the full extent permitted by law, each excludes all loss or damage howsoever arising (including through negligence) in connection with the information. You rely on the property estimate at your own risk.

Disclaimer: Doorsteps Finance Pty Ltd ACN 648 541 879 (credit representative no.531036) is authorised under Doorsteps Solutions Pty Ltd ACN 654 334 246, Australian Credit Licence 537369. Any credit application made through Doorsteps Finance Pty Ltd is subject to approval, terms and conditions, fees and charges.

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