Electing where to raise a family is influenced by access to quality schools, healthcare, safety, affordability, and the broader social environment. This updated 2025 guide draws on official sources such as the Global Liveability Index and national child/family metrics to highlight the best regions for families in Australia.
1. South Canberra, ACT
Ranked Australia’s number one spot to raise children
A study by iSelect analysed government data across over 300 regions, evaluating childcare affordability and availability, healthcare access, fertility and child development rates and identified South Canberra as the top choice across the nation
Key statistics
Childcare availability: ~2.8 places per 100 children
Childcare cost: ~20.5% of household income
Healthcare access: Ranked 6.8/10, with over 90% of households within 5 km of a hospital
Fertility rate: ~1.74 births per woman, above the national average
- Quality of Life Index (Numbeo): ~200.5 (“Very High”) with high Safety (73.5) and Health Care (72.6) scores; low Pollution (22.7) and Traffic (~34.9) PurposeCBR+2Time Out Worldwide+2Nitschke Real Estate+2Numbeo
- Educational attainment (aged 15 +): 57.7% hold a bachelor degree or higher, compared with 42.9% for ACT and 26.3% nationally Australian Bureau of Statistics+2Australian Bureau of Statistics+2Australian Bureau of Statistics+2
- Wellbeing perception: 90.3% of ACT residents (Living Well in the ACT survey) rate their local area as liveableACT Government+4ACT Government+4canberra.edu.au+4
- Health care concern: In a Social Justice Stocktake, 47.7% in Canberra identified healthcare access as a community issue, 30.3% identified it personally ACT Government+4salvationarmy.org.au+4ACT Government+4
Family strengths
Convenient, walkable neighbourhoods and strong school zones
Abundant parks, bike paths, and community resources
Excellent access to public and private services
Median house price in Canberra
The median house price in Canberra is $972,699, while the median dwelling price (including houses and units) is $847,604, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. In the past year, house prices have increased by 2.8%, and dwelling prices by 2.1%, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
- Median House Price: $972,699
- Median Dwelling Price: $847,604
- Yearly Increase (Houses): 2.8%
- Yearly Increase (Dwellings): 2.1%
- Quarterly Increase (Houses & Dwellings): 1.0%
- Year to Date Increase (Houses & Dwellings): 0.8%
- Canberra is the third most expensive capital city for homes, after Sydney and Brisbane, according to Mortgage Choice.
- Canberra’s property values have risen by 36.2% since March 2020 (pre-pandemic), according to Mortgage Choice.
2.-Melbourne, VIC (Eastern Suburbs)
One of three Australian cities in the world’s top 10 most liveable in 2025
In the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2025 Global Liveability Index, Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide ranked within the global top 10—Melbourne at #4, Sydney #6, and Adelaide #9
Key statistics
Melbourne: 4th globally in liveability for 2025
Median house price (Glen Waverley): ~A$1.44 million (Q2 2025)
Exceptional education access and infrastructure
Family strengths
Access to elite public and private schools
Integrated public transport and community services
Multicultural and safe neighbourhoods
Median house price in Melbourne
The median house price in Melbourne, VIC, is $947,611, according to Your Mortgage. This figure reflects the median price for Greater Melbourne and includes both houses and units. The Herald Sun reports that Melbourne is on track to reach a $1 million median house price soon.
- Median house price: $947,611
- Median unit price: $617,395
- Combined median dwelling price: $796,952
- Overall market performance: While Melbourne’s property market is considered to be underperforming compared to other Australian capital cities, it has still seen a 40.6% increase in property values over the past decade, according to Your Mortgage.
- Recent price growth: Melbourne’s median house price increased by 0.5% between June and December 2025.
- Suburbs with fastest price growth: Frankston, Tullamarine-Broadmeadows, and Knox have seen the fastest price growth in the past 12 months, according to Your Mortgage
3.-Wollongong, NSW
A coastal city offering affordability and growing family appeal
Located about 90 minutes from Sydney, Wollongong has seen strong family-driven growth due to its relative affordability and coastal lifestyle, combined with quality schools and medical infrastructure.
Key statistics
Median house price: ~$880,000
Fertility rate in Illawarra region: ~1.85 births per woman (above national average)
- Crime ranking (RedSuburbs): LGA ranks 40/100 for crime severity nationally (“relatively unsafe”)redsuburbs.com.au+2redsuburbs.com.au+2redsuburbs.com.au+2
- School attendance (Census 2016): 38.1% of population attend an educational institution; ~9.3% primary, 7.7% secondary, 51.7% tertiary/training Australian Bureau of Statistics
- Educational attainment (aged 15 +): 24.5% hold a bachelor degree or above; 28.8% of population did; Year 12 completion 13.2% Australian Bureau of Statistics+3Australian Bureau of Statistics+3Australian Bureau of Statistics+3
- University presence: University of Wollongong contributes to local economy and cultural diversityuowtv.com+8explorecity.life+8redsuburbs.com.au+8
- Community development: Wollongong “State of the Children” report underlines alignment with NSW benchmarks on child development indicators uowtv.com+6wollongong.nsw.gov.au+6wollongong.nsw.gov.au+6
Family strengths
Beachside living with excellent schools and childcare access
Family-oriented community amenities and green spaces
Median house price in Wollongong
Last month Wollongong had 264 properties available for rent and 185 properties for sale. Median property prices over the last year range from $1,250,000 for houses to $705,000 for units. If you are looking for an investment property, consider houses in Wollongong rent out for $680 PW with an annual rental yield of 3.3% and units rent for $560 PW with a rental yield of 4.4%. Wollongong has seen an annual compound growth rate of 4.2% for houses and -0.7% for units.
$1,250,000
August 2024 – July 2025
Past 12 month growth
Up 4.2%
4. Adelaide Hills, SA
Combines high safety, elevated fertility, and community life
Suburbs such as Stirling and Aldgate deliver a quieter, nature-rich lifestyle, while still offering access to Adelaide’s services and infrastructure.
Key statistics
Fertility rate in the region: ~1.95 births per woman, the highest in South Australia
Crime rates in the Hills: ~40% lower than metro Adelaide average
- Crime rates per 100,000 (2022‑24): Break‑ins 132 (−35%), vehicle theft 264 (−4.8%), violent crime 765 (−11.5%); all ~70–82% lower than SA/state and national averages openstats.com.au
- Crime severity ranking (RedSuburbs): 13/100 nationally (very low crime) redsuburbs.com.au
- School participation (2016 Census, ATSI population): 5.2% attending preschool, 40% primary, 31.1% secondary, 11.1% university/higher Australian Bureau of Statistics
- Educational attainment (Indigenous population): 22.8% bachelor degree or higher, above SA average (6.6%) and national average (7.4%) Australian Bureau of Statistics
- Infrastructure investments: SA’s 2024–25 budget allocates $250M+ to build or expand schools in Mount Barker and wider Hills region by 2028 adelaidenow.com.au
Family strengths
Tight-knit, semi-rural communities
Well-regarded schooling and access to local markets and parks
Childcare and school options exceed state averages
Median house price in Adelaide Hills, SA
The Adelaide Hills region generally has a range of median house prices, with some suburbs being more affordable than others. For example, Meadows, Callington, and Kanmantoo are among the more affordable suburbs with median prices around $360,000 – $365,000. In contrast, suburbs like Stirling and Aldgate are known for their high-end properties and are considered highly desirable, with prices reflecting this.
Affordable Suburbs:
- Meadows: Median house price around $360,000.
- Callington: Median house price around $360,000.
- Kanmantoo: Median house price around $365,000.
- Macclesfield: Median house price around $376,500.
- Nairne: Median house price around $385,000.
- Lobethal: Median house price around $350,000.
Factors Affecting Prices:
- Location: Proximity to the city, access to amenities, and scenic views influence prices according to Nitschke Real Estate.
- Property Type: Larger blocks, heritage homes, and properties with unique features often command higher prices.
- Market Conditions: The overall Adelaide Hills property market can also influence prices.
5.-Brisbane’s Western Suburbs, QLD
Accessible, leafy, and strong in family infrastructure
Suburbs like Indooroopilly, Kenmore, and Fig Tree Pocket feature premium school catchments, easy access to city amenities, and family-friendly landscapes.
Key statistics
Median house price (Kenmore): ~A$1.15 million
Crime rates: ~30% lower than Brisbane average
Family strengths
Quality public and private education nearby
Green space, riverfront areas, and community sports facilities
Median house price in Western Suburbs, QLD
The median house price in Brisbane’s Western Suburbs is not explicitly stated in the search results. However, the median house price for Brisbane as a whole has recently surpassed $1 million. Real Estate data says the median house value in Brisbane hit $1,006,000 in May. Brisbane’s property market has seen significant growth, with a 15.2% increase in median house value over the past three years, according to Templeton Property. Further, a news article from March 31, 2025, saysBrisbane’s median dwelling value is projected to potentially surpass Sydney’s by 2029.
6. Hobart, TAS
Affordable, scenic, safe and increasingly appealing to families
Hobart offers one of the lowest median house prices among mainland capitals, paired with short commutes and strong schooling options.
Key statistics
Median house price: ~$715,000 (Q2 2025)
Low crime rates and an average commute of 15–20 minutes
Key statistics
Smaller, supportive community with quality public and independent schooling
Outdoor recreation and cultural experiences are easily accessed
Median house price in Wollongong
The median house price in Hobart, Tasmania is $718,406, while the median unit price is $542,399. The median dwelling price, combining both houses and units, is $677,390. These figures represent a slight softening in the property market compared to the previous month, with a 0.2% decrease.However, over the past decade, Hobart property values have seen a substantial rise of 86%.
- Median House Price: $718,406.
- Median Unit Price: $542,399.
- Median Dwelling Price: $677,390.
- Recent Change: A 0.2% decrease compared to the previous month.
- 10-Year Growth: 86% increase in property values, according to Your Mortgage.
- Suburbs with Fastest Growth (Past Year): Hobart – North East (+4.8%), Hobart – North West (+4.3%), and Brighton (+4.2%) according to Your Mortgage.
- Hobart Property Market (General): While prices have softened slightly recently, the overall market is considered stable with potential for future growth, says OpenAgent.