CBD + inner-ring Melbourne — the dense grid.
Moreland + Darebin + Banyule + northern growth.
Boroondara + Whitehorse + Manningham.
Stonnington + Glen Eira + Bayside + Kingston.
Maribyrnong + Hobsons Bay + Brimbank + Wyndham.
Yarra Ranges, Knox, Casey, Cardinia, Mornington Peninsula.
High-growth corridors — new builds, new schools, moving families.
Verdict Box Best for: Young families and first-home buyers chasing a new 4-bed with a yard at a price that still stacks up if you’re OK driving for most things. Skip if: You need reliable, frequent …
Raising kids in Craigieburn, 2026: commute trade-offs, real rents, best parks, and where locals actually eat—minus the …