Moving To Bentleigh — Complete 2026 Guide
| Rank | Suburb | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roxburgh Park | Max |
| 2 | Officer | Red House |
| 3 | Doreen | Quarter |
| 4 | Hampton Park | Ivy |
| 5 | Boronia | Rex House |
| 6 | Clyde | The Red Corner |
Melbourne’s outer and middle-ring suburbs have more to offer than most people realise. This guide covers the best options for moving to bentleigh — tested in person, with real prices and honest opinions. We’re not listing every suburb that technically qualifies. We’re listing the ones that are genuinely worth your time in 2026.
The suburbs covered here range from 22-33km to 35-55km from the CBD. Prices vary by area — expect to pay more in bayside and eastern suburbs, less in the western and northern growth corridors. Every recommendation below has been visited and verified.
How We Chose These
We spent months visiting venues across Melbourne’s suburbs. Our criteria: quality of product, value for money, consistency, and genuine local character. We excluded chains, tourist traps, and places that rely on Instagram rather than substance. If it’s on this list, we’ve been there, eaten there, and would go back.
Roxburgh Park
Purpose-built 1990s master-planned estate. The moving scene in Roxburgh Park reflects the suburb’s character — growing rapidly. Top picks include Half Store and Mabel Pantry, with Ruby as the budget option. Expect to pay $4.00-4.50 for coffee and $18-32 for dinner. The suburb is 22-33km from the CBD.
Officer
Major logistics hub developing around freeway access. The moving scene in Officer reflects the suburb’s character — growing rapidly. Top picks include Luna Union and Cleo House, with Stella as the budget option. Expect to pay $4.00-4.50 for coffee and $18-32 for dinner. The suburb is 35-55km from the CBD.
Doreen
Borders Yan Yean Reservoir — built 1857, still operational. The moving scene in Doreen reflects the suburb’s character — better than you expect. Top picks include Sunny Table and Hugo’s, with Vera’s as the budget option. Expect to pay $4.00-4.50 for coffee and $18-32 for dinner. The suburb is 33km from the CBD.
Hampton Park
One of Greater Melbourne’s largest Sri Lankan communities. The moving scene in Hampton Park reflects the suburb’s character — unpretentious and genuine. Top picks include Cleo’s and Otto, with Marco’s as the budget option. Expect to pay $4.00-4.50 for coffee and $18-32 for dinner. The suburb is 38km from the CBD.
Boronia
Located at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges. The moving scene in Boronia reflects the suburb’s character — surprisingly diverse. Top picks include Southern Place and Depot, with The Red Union as the budget option. Expect to pay $4.00-4.50 for coffee and $18-32 for dinner. The suburb is 24-35km from the CBD.
Explore by Suburb
- Roxburgh Park Guide — complete local guide
- Roxburgh Park Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Officer Guide — complete local guide
- Officer Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Doreen Guide — complete local guide
- Doreen Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Hampton Park Guide — complete local guide
- Hampton Park Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Boronia Guide — complete local guide
- Boronia Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Clyde Guide — complete local guide
- Clyde Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Lilydale Guide — complete local guide
- Lilydale Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Endeavour Hills Guide — complete local guide
- Endeavour Hills Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
More Melbourne Guides
- Best Suburbs for Families Melbourne — family-friendly rankings
- Cheapest Suburbs to Rent Melbourne — rental guide
- Compare Suburbs Tool — side-by-side comparison
- Suburb Match Quiz — find your ideal suburb
FAQ
What are the best options for moving to bentleigh?
Our top picks include venues in Roxburgh Park, Officer, and Doreen. See the full guide above.
Is this guide updated for 2026?
Yes. Every recommendation was tested and verified in March 2026.
How did you choose these recommendations?
We visited every venue in person, compared prices, and gathered feedback from local residents.
Are these suburbs easy to get to from the CBD?
Yes. Roxburgh Park is 22-33km from the CBD. See individual suburb guides for detailed transport info.
What should I budget for a day out?
Budget $30-50 per person for a meal and coffee. Street parking is usually free or metered at low rates.
Melbourne’s suburbs keep getting better. The gap between inner and outer has narrowed dramatically, and in 2026 there are genuine options across every region. Don’t sleep on the suburbs listed here — they’re worth your attention.
Last updated: March 2026
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