Top 6 Family-Friendly Suburbs Near Melbourne’s East
If you’re planning a family move from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, you’re not alone. Many households from areas like Croydon, Heathmont, Kilsyth, and Ringwood are making the leap to family-friendly neighbourhoods that offer more space, better schools, safer streets, and that coveted suburban lifestyle. Whether you're upsizing, looking for better schools, or simply craving greener pastures, this guide explores the best suburbs for families relocating from Melbourne’s east.
This article will walk you through:
- The top suburbs near Melbourne east perfect for families
- What makes each suburb ideal for raising children
- Recent property trends, school access, safety, and lifestyle perks
Why Families Are Relocating From Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs
Eastern suburbs like Croydon and Kilsyth offer fantastic living conditions—but as families grow, so do their needs. Whether it's a larger home, access to top-tier schools, proximity to grandparents or workplaces, or simply a lifestyle change, the motivations are many. This is why suburbs further out or slightly lateral to the eastern belt are drawing attention.
- Upsizing homes without massive mortgage jumps
- Access to leafy parks, bike trails, and nature reserves
- Desire for family lifestyle communities with shared values
- Proximity to quality childcare and education
- Escaping congestion without losing connection to Melbourne
Let’s break down the top 6 suburbs families are choosing for their next chapter.
1. Mooroolbark – Green, Growing, and Great for Kids
Just east of Croydon, Mooroolbark is a leafy, safe suburb with a strong community vibe. It’s particularly appealing to families upsizing from Ringwood or Heathmont due to its larger blocks and affordable homes.
- Excellent schools like Billanook College & Mooroolbark College
- Chirnside Park Shopping Centre is close by
- Ample parks and playgrounds (Red Earth Park is a favourite)
- Easy rail access to the city
Median house price: $845,000
Average 3-bed house rent: $510/week
Great for: house hunting in family suburbs, moving with kids eastern suburbs, affordable family suburbs Melbourne
2. Bayswater North – Budget-Friendly With Room to Grow
Often overlooked, Bayswater North offers terrific value for families relocating from inner-east pockets. You’ll get a backyard, family-friendly neighbours, and easy access to major roads.
- Lower price point than nearby Wantirna or Boronia
- Quick access to Eastlink for city commuters
- Strong childcare and early learning options
- Safe, quiet residential streets
Median house price: $755,000
Rental average: $495/week
Great for: safe suburbs in Melbourne east, relocating from eastern suburbs, family lifestyle Melbourne east
3. Montrose – Nature Meets Nurture
Nestled at the foothills of the Dandenongs, Montrose is ideal for families who want to blend nature and community. Parents moving from eastern suburbs love the semi-rural feel without losing suburban convenience.
- Surrounded by nature with great walking and cycling trails
- Montrose Primary School and Billanook College nearby
- Clean air, quiet roads, and a tight-knit community
- Great playgrounds and community events
Median house price: $910,000
Rental for 3-bed homes: $530/week
Great for: leafy suburbs for families near Melbourne, family-friendly neighbourhoods Victoria, moving from eastern to outer Melbourne suburbs
4. Donvale – Premium Schools and Prestige
For families who prioritise education and lifestyle, Donvale is a top pick. It’s a step up in price but offers excellent schooling options and proximity to the Eastern Freeway for working parents.
- Close to top-tier private schools
- Easy access to the CBD (30 min via car)
- Family parks, tennis clubs, and nature reserves
- Prestigious and secure environment
Median house price: $1.6 million
Rental range for 3-4 bed homes: $650–$850/week
Great for: suburbs with childcare and primary schools, top Melbourne suburbs for raising children
5. Warranwood – Hidden Gem for Upsizers
Warranwood sits quietly between Croydon and Ringwood North and is gaining attention from families ready to stretch out. Larger homes, plenty of green space, and minimal traffic make this an underrated treasure.
- Close to Yarra Valley Grammar and Luther College
- Big homes with big yards
- Very low crime rate
- Surrounded by bushland and parklands
Median house price: $1.2 million
Rental range: $600–$700/week
Great for: upsizing homes in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, family suburbs Melbourne with good schools, house hunting in family suburbs
6. Wantirna South – Established and Easy to Live In
If you’re moving from Kilsyth, Bayswater, or Boronia and want something a bit more polished, Wantirna South hits the mark. It’s well-connected, has a strong school zone, and lots of established infrastructure.
- The Knox School and Wantirna College
- Shopping at Westfield Knox
- Bus routes, bike paths, and excellent medical facilities
- Great mix of housing for all budgets
Median house price: $1.1 million
Rent for 3-bed home: $580/week
Great for: where to live in Melbourne with kids, moving with kids eastern suburbs, family-friendly Melbourne suburbs
Planning the Move: What to Consider
- Access to transport: Is it train, bus, freeway accessible?
- School zoning: Are your target schools accepting enrolments?
- Lifestyle match: Are there parks, clubs, family events?
- Proximity to support: Grandparents, friends, or work?
Check out these helpful reads to prepare:
Need Help Moving Between Melbourne Suburbs?
We help families move across Melbourne every week—from Heathmont to Ringwood, Kilsyth to Donvale, and everywhere in between.
Ready to start your family move? Get in touch for a personalised quote and friendly service that understands your priorities.
FAQs Title
Which suburbs in Melbourne's eastern region are best suited for families?
Melbourne’s eastern suburbs offer a great mix of lifestyle, education, and community. Top family-friendly suburbs include Glen Waverley (renowned for its schools), Montrose (ideal for a semi-rural lifestyle), Mooroolbark (affordable with big blocks), Blackburn (leafy and peaceful), and Donvale (great access to the Eastern Freeway and private schools). These suburbs offer space to grow, quiet streets, and strong community vibes — all things families look for when upsizing. If you're planning a move from Croydon, Heathmont, or Kilsyth, our local removal team can make it smooth and stress-free.
What factors should families consider when choosing a suburb in Melbourne's east?
Choosing a family suburb is about more than price. Priorities include proximity to good schools, safe streets, transport links, access to parks and medical services, and overall lifestyle. For example, Warranwood and Donvale are great for larger homes and private schooling, while Bayswater North or Croydon South offer budget-friendly options with parkland and schools nearby. You’ll also want to consider where grandparents or support networks are located — being near family can make all the difference. If you need help matching your lifestyle to a location, check out our stress-free family move guide.
Are there affordable family-friendly suburbs in Melbourne's eastern region?
Yes. While some areas like Balwyn or Camberwell can be expensive, there are plenty of more affordable suburbs east of Melbourne that are still family-oriented. Kilsyth, Bayswater North, and Mooroolbark offer great value, especially for upsizers who want backyard space, multiple bedrooms, and access to schools and parks. These suburbs are still well-connected via public transport and major roads. Our eastern suburbs removalists regularly help families make this budget-smart transition without compromise.
How do schools in Melbourne's eastern suburbs compare?
Some of Melbourne’s best public and private schools are located in the east. Glen Waverley Secondary College and Balwyn High School consistently rank among the top public schools. Private options like Yarra Valley Grammar, Luther College, and Tintern Grammar attract families seeking strong academic and co-curricular programs. The presence of high-performing schools pushes up demand — which is why families often plan their moves around school zones. If you’re unsure how to navigate school enrolments or zones during a move, see our guide to moving with kids.
What recreational facilities are available for families in these suburbs?
The eastern suburbs are packed with parks, trails, and community centres. Jells Park, Lillydale Lake, and Dandenong Ranges National Park offer outdoor space for bike rides, bushwalks, and picnics. Many suburbs also have leisure centres with pools, gym classes, and kids' programs. Wantirna South has Westfield Knox for shopping and movies, while Ringwood offers Aquanation and a newly revitalised Eastland precinct. These amenities help create a well-rounded family lifestyle — and they’re a big reason families are drawn east when relocating.
How is the public transport connectivity in these suburbs?
Public transport is solid across most eastern suburbs. Glen Waverley and Ringwood have busy train stations and frequent buses. Croydon and Bayswater also have train stations along the Belgrave line. Doncaster and Donvale don’t have train stations but have Park+Ride access to the city via the Eastern Freeway and express bus services. When considering a move, it’s worth thinking about how close your new place will be to reliable transport — especially if you or the kids commute daily.
What is the community atmosphere like in these suburbs?
Community life in Melbourne’s east is one of its biggest draws. Most suburbs feature quiet streets, active local groups, weekend markets, and school-based events. In places like Montrose or Warranwood, you’ll find neighbours who say hello, host street barbecues, and help each other out. Ringwood and Heathmont offer more variety and access to larger community facilities. For many families relocating from busier or denser parts of Melbourne, this sense of community is what finally “sells” them on a suburb.
Are there employment opportunities within these suburbs?
Yes — while many still commute to the CBD, several eastern suburbs have growing employment hubs. Ringwood has healthcare, retail and education jobs through Eastland and nearby hospitals. Doncaster offers similar opportunities, particularly in retail and services. Box Hill is a large employment centre in the east with major healthcare and education facilities. With remote work growing and more people choosing local jobs, families are relocating to areas that support both home life and professional life — and we’re seeing the shift first-hand with our move requests.
How do property values in these suburbs trend over time?
Historically, eastern suburbs have shown steady and reliable growth — especially those with school catchments and lifestyle appeal. Suburbs like Glen Waverley and Doncaster East have seen long-term gains due to educational infrastructure and strong transport. Montrose and Mooroolbark are starting to see value rises as families move further out for space and affordability. If you’re thinking long-term, relocating to the east could offer both lifestyle and capital growth benefits. And we’re here to help you make that leap confidently.