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 trading a long commute for a backyard and affordable housing. Skip if: You want a dense, walkable area with a mature specialty cafe scene and …
2026 Pakenham guide: real parks, pubs and cafes locals use—plus commute truth, rent data, and the family pockets worth …
