Moving To Cheltenham — Complete 2026 Guide
| Rank | Suburb | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Epping | Rex |
| 2 | Bayswater | Northern Place |
| 3 | Narre Warren | Ivy Cellar |
| 4 | Mooroolbark | The Old Post |
| 5 | Wantirna | Sol Place |
| 6 | Narre Warren North | Blue Local |
Melbourne’s outer and middle-ring suburbs have more to offer than most people realise. This guide covers the best options for moving to cheltenham — 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 22km to 43km 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.
Epping
Home to Northern Hospital, one of Melbourne’s busiest public hospitals. The moving scene in Epping reflects the suburb’s character — surprisingly diverse. Top picks include Ash’s and White Bench, with Finn Commons as the budget option. Expect to pay $4.00-4.50 for coffee and $18-32 for dinner. The suburb is 22km from the CBD.
Bayswater
Sits along Mountain Highway with emerging cafe scene. The moving scene in Bayswater reflects the suburb’s character — unpretentious and genuine. Top picks include Rosa’s and Zara’s, with Society 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.
Narre Warren
Westfield Fountain Gate is one of Victoria’s largest shopping centres. The moving scene in Narre Warren reflects the suburb’s character — unpretentious and genuine. Top picks include Remy’s and Blue Standard, with Ruby Room 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.
Mooroolbark
Named from a word believed to mean ‘red earth’. The moving scene in Mooroolbark reflects the suburb’s character — growing rapidly. Top picks include Lane and Pearl Corner, with Rosa Cellar 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.
Wantirna
Studfield Shopping Centre and Knox City provide retail. The moving scene in Wantirna reflects the suburb’s character — better than you expect. Top picks include Ash and Vera Union, with Nell’s 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
- Epping Guide — complete local guide
- Epping Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Bayswater Guide — complete local guide
- Bayswater Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Narre Warren Guide — complete local guide
- Narre Warren Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Mooroolbark Guide — complete local guide
- Mooroolbark Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Wantirna Guide — complete local guide
- Wantirna Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Narre Warren North Guide — complete local guide
- Narre Warren North Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Hallam Guide — complete local guide
- Hallam Best Cafes — cafe recommendations
- Berwick Guide — complete local guide
- Berwick 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 cheltenham?
Our top picks include venues in Epping, Bayswater, and Narre Warren. 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. Epping is 22km 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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