The 10 Best Suburbs to Live in Canberra

Canberra continues to grow as an underestimated hub for students, young families and professionals. With a swathe of suburbs all offering something a little different and (slightly) more reasonable house prices, there's a perfect fit for every demographic, too. 

Whether you’re looking to settle in bustling Braddon for easy access to the CBD or somewhere a smidge quieter, you're bound to find just the spot close to Canberra's city centre or a little further afield. With a burgeoning cafe scene, culture galore and amenities in spades, the nation's capital is having a moment.

To claim your stake in the ACT real estate scene, these are our picks for the 10 best suburbs to live in Canberra in 2024.

Griffith

In the prestigious inner south, Griffith is known for its tree-lined streets, charming cafe culture and handful of boutique shops. It’s within walking distance of the Kingston foreshore and Fyshwick markets and surrounded by some of the top schools in Canberra.

Home to some of the oldest shopping precincts in the city, Griffith is also referred to as Manuka, complete with the popular Manuka public pool for those warm, summer days. The Manuka Oval has a rotating fixture of football and cricket to keep sports fans entertained year-round.

Barton

Located on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin, Barton is often considered Canberra’s most lifestyle-rich neighbourhood. Minutes from the city centre, its historic homes and government buildings sit along brand-new apartments.

The suburb hums with activity both during the week and at weekends when locals flock to foodie markets, rooftop bars and fine-dining institutions. Barton is also home to picturesque Telopea Park, one of the oldest parks in Canberra, with picnic spots and a playground for kids.

Kingston

Crossing the park from Barton, trendy Kingston remains one of the city’s most coveted postcodes. Known for its leafy streets and bustling foreshore, the suburb combines political and industrial history.

As one of the oldest suburbs in Canberra, Kingston is a hotpot of cultural delights, with boutique shopping spots, arts precincts and a plethora of restaurants and bars.

Mornings are spent walking or cycling along the lake, then refuelling at one of its coffee roasters or artisanal bakeries. The famed Old Bus Depot Markets are held here each Sunday and are a local favourite.

Braddon 

Dubbed Canberra’s hipster capital, Braddon remains a strong pick among young professionals, inner-city families and the fashionable set.

Walking distance to the CBD, it’s well known as a hotspot for food and wine, and hosts a line-up of independent fashion, homeware and design stores that have popped up along Lonsdale Street.

There are weekly village farmers’ markets each Sunday at Haig Park and easy public transport links Braddon via two light rail stops. The property scene is comprised of in-demand apartments, with much commercial and residential development underway.

Yarralumla

Adjacent to Capital Hill, the sought-after suburb of Yarralumla is characterised by its beautiful, leafy streetscapes punctuated by classic art deco homes.

This premium suburb has a price tag to match, tightly held thanks to its proximity to the city, quality schools, shopping and cafes.

It’s recognised for its plentiful green spaces and pretty parks, flanked by Lake Burley Griffin, giving locals endless opportunities for boating, paddling and picnicking by the water’s edge.

Kambah

As the largest and northernmost suburb in Canberra, Kambah offers a diverse mix of properties spanning everything from mid-century, large, family homes to modern and compact new builds.

South of Mount Taylor in the Canberra Nature Park, homes in Kambah are surrounded by bushland. Families make the most of the natural Kambah Pool and an abundance of amenities including playgrounds, grocery stores and cafes. 

Forrest

Located in Canberra’s inner-south, the prestigious neighbourhood of Forrest is home to the Diplomatic Precinct and Canberra’s “Golden Mile” on Mugga Way.

This is a suburb of record-breaking property (the median house price here is noticeably higher), where character-filled homes comprise large blocks and grand proportions. Residents can enjoy a dress-circle lifestyle with access to esteemed schools, the walking trails of Red Hill and everyday essentials at Manuka Village.

Given its influence and proximity to the centre of the CBD, the streets of Forrest are named after governors and explorers. 

Dickson

The leafy streets of Dickson offer a little bit of everything for those looking to settle into a suburb that's not just close to the city centre, but within easy distance to wetlands, dog-friendly ovals and bike trails too.

As well as being home to a shopping precinct, dining destinations and cafe hub, Dickson is well connected by both light rail and bus services. It's also a suburb well-equipped with amenities including the aquatic centre and the local library. 

With dining for all tastes, those who love Asian cuisine will be pleased by the selection of Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean and Thai eateries on Wooley Street. 

Coombs

Conveniently positioned just a short 15- minute drive from the city centre and nestled alongside the picturesque Molonglo River Reserve, Coombs allows residents to enjoy a breath of fresh air.

Complete with beautiful nature reserves, play areas and parklands, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, making this a popular area for young families.

For those looking to buy, Coombs is a newer suburb in Canberra, making it an ideal spot to call home for a slightly more achievable price point.

Amaroo

Considered one of the top spots to raise a family, Amaroo offers a vibrant neighbourly atmosphere, about 25 minutes from the city centre. It has myriad green spaces, quiet and safe streets and a convenient shopping village with supermarkets, coffee shops and eateries.

It's primarily a residential suburb characterised by a mix of detached houses, townhouses, and apartments. The area offers a range of housing options suitable for different family sizes and lifestyles.

Amaroo offers a comfortable and convenient lifestyle for its residents, with a range of amenities, recreational opportunities, and a strong feeling of community. It's a popular choice for families and individuals looking for a suburban lifestyle within close proximity to Canberra's city centre.

Doing your research on the best suburbs to live in Canberra and looking for more helpful property advice? Check out our explainer on what you should look out for when buying a house. Then, have a read of our guide on what to look for in a suburb before buying there.