5 Family-Friendly Suburbs
There’s a well-known saying that real estate is all about ‘location, location, location’. That’s because when you buy a house, you’re also buying into the suburb it’s in. If you’re raising a family, the suburb has to be family-friendly. It will be your neighbourhood after all - the parks your children will play in, the schools they will attend, and the people they will grow up with. Whatever you prioritise for the family ends up influencing the decision on where to build or buy your house.
But what does a family-friendly suburb look like? The needs of families differ, but most people would look for schools, public transport, shopping centres, green spaces, parks, beaches, quiet streets, and recreational activities. You may be seeking one, two, or all of these in your dream suburb.
In recent years, people have been moving interstate to seek affordable housing in a family-friendly environment. 2019 saw Queensland’s annual net interstate migration at 23,269 - the highest interstate migration number amongst all states! So if you happen to be looking in the Sunshine State, here are some of the best picks.
The Best Brisbane Suburbs For Families
Heathwood
Heathwood was ranked the number one family suburb in Brisbane by property research firm CoreLogic. Situated in the outer southwest, it’s connected to the Brisbane CBD by major routes and rail lines. Its place at the top of the family-friendly list is due in no small part because of its many amenities. It’s close to reputable schools, parks, recreational spaces, and shopping facilities such as the Forest Lake Shopping Centre.
In 2019, Heathwood’s median house price was $607,000 and has been seeing continued above-average capital growth. The change in zoning and the development of land in the past few years has brought a lot of interest in Heathwood and its surrounding suburbs. Neighbouring suburbs like Greenbank also have the potential to enjoy the growth as Heathwood has.
Closest Display Centre: Springfield Rise World of Homes
Wakerley
Wakerley offers tranquil estate living with a bayside locationonly 15 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD. If you’re a family looking to strike the work/life balance this
suburb is for you. A match for parents who work in the city and wish to go home to a peaceful and friendly neighbourhood, Wakerley provides a scenic view, whether you drive, walk, or cycle. With great schools, and shopping centres close by it makes it especially hard not to see friendly faces!
Wakerley offers the best of both worlds - city and bayside living - with a median house price of $791,000. If you’re looking to buy in or around the area for more affordable prices, a drive around Wakerley and its neighbours is worth doing.
Closest Display Centre: Rochedale World of Homes
IMAGE: Rochedale features nine single and double storey family homes
Upper Kedron
Upper Kedron is a nature paradise within proximity to the city. Sitting 12 kilometres northwest of the Brisbane CBD, it’s known to be a quiet family-friendly suburb. Living in Upper Kedron your weekend strolls will be amongst lush greenery and a hilly landscape. Nearby schools, parks, cafes, shops, and sporting facilities, offer plentiful activities around for adults and kids alike.
The Upper Kedron community has a tight-knit, village-like atmosphere, with over 90% of the population being family households. A median house price of $648,500, complemented by adequately-sized blocks makes the area appealing to families. Knowing where to look can get you a good deal for a four-bedroom house.
Closest Display Centre: Ellendale and Bridgeman Downs display centre
Springfield
Springfield is an outer suburb about 33 kilometres south of the Brisbane CBD. It was built as part of Greater Springfield and was Australia’s largest master-planned community at the time of construction. It’s home to 1734 family households which forms 85.5% of the Springfield population.
IMAGE: Orion Lagoon at the Robelle Domain Parklands (source: greaterspringfield.com.au)
Springfield ticks many boxes on the family-friendly list. There are public transport links that connect Springfield to the Brisbane CBD, and there are 11 different schools around the Greater Springfield area for parents to choose from. When it comes to recreation, Springfield has plenty of open green spaces and areas dedicated to outdoor and sporting activities - it even has its inland water park!
With scenic views, parklands, waterways, and family-friendly amenities, Springfield is an attractive suburb for families. Greater Springfield comprises six suburbs (Springfield one of them), so there’s plenty of area to explore!
Closest Display Centre: Springfield Rise World of Homes
Victoria Point
If you’re one of the many people that has dreamt of living near the coast, you might fancy Victoria Point. Approximately 33 kilometres southeast of Brisbane, Victoria Point provides bayside living with the CBD just a commute away.
This largely residential area continues to develop along with its neighbouring suburbs. Victoria Park has all the amenities most families look for: schools, parklands, a library, shops, medical centres, cinemas, and great cafes. On weekends, families can enjoy activities by the waterside such as boating, fishing and cycling.
Victoria Point and its surrounds offer a much sought-after coastal location. If you take a drive around the area be sure to look at other hidden gems, such as Birkdale!
Closest Plantation Homes community: Tides at Birkdale
No matter which suburb you lean towards, always keep your priorities in mind. Your family’s needs are the top concern, and everything else shall follow suit.
