Australia’s Coolest (Yet Still Affordable) Suburbs for First Home Buyers

Taking into consideration its culinary credentials, easy access to the city and a progressive arts scene, these districts around Australia are standouts for their cool factor and (slightly better) affordability.  

South Geelong, VIC

With buzzing restaurants, a thriving arts scene and a convenient train line into the heart of Melbourne, the ex-industrial city of Geelong has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. That being said, the neighbourhood of South Geelong remains comparatively accessible to first-time buyers and offers some charming Victorian properties of your suburban dreams. It’s a leisurely stroll into the CBD and a five-minute drive to lovely Eastern Beach, with bi-monthly farmers’ markets, local wine bars and a booming coffee scene adding to its charm. Expect to pay around $800,000 for a good-sized home.

Long Jetty, NSW

The central coast hotspot of Long Jetty has garnered a reputation for its flourishing café scene, vintage thrift shops and creative culture enticing entrepreneurs away from Sydney and Newcastle. Its historic jetty (the longest in NSW) juts out more than 350 metres over Tuggerah Lake and has become a photographic icon. Life on the peninsula revolves around the outdoors, with picturesque cycling trails around the lake, swimming at pretty Toowoon Bay and plenty of parklands to explore. When it’s time to refuel, The Entrance Road has a great mix of eateries, restaurants and bars. Houses here have tipped the million-dollar mark, but a good-sized apartment can be nabbed for half that. A slowdown in the property market may provide greater opportunities for first-home buyers here.

Goodwood, SA

Inner-city Goodwood is known for its eclectic atmosphere with the vibrant village of Goodwood Road at its heart. Catch a flick at the heritage-listed Capri Theatre, eat and drink your way through its popular bars and eateries and immerse yourself in the booming creative landscape – which truly puts on show each August as part of South Australian Living Artists Festival (SALA). Nestled just south of the CBD, it’s an easy 15-minute commute on tram or a scenic cycle through the Adelaide Park Lands. While houses are likely out of reach for first-time buyers, the median price for units sits at an affordable $343,500, rare for a suburb so close to town.

West Launceston, TAS

With a median property price of $663,000, the riverfront suburb of West Launceston continues to pull house hunters for its affordability and relaxed style of living. In fact, more and more mainlanders are swapping their city pads for Tassie’s gorgeous character cottages and family-sized homes. Discover Australia’s largest regional museum – Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery – and the locally-made crafts at Design Tasmania - as well as having close accessibility to gorgeous Cataract Gorge. There are breweries and tap rooms, historic buildings now housing acclaimed restaurants and weekly farmers’ markets, while Launceston’s Elizabeth Street is an easy five-minute drive away.

Armadale, WA

A median house price of just over $300,000 makes Armadale, roughly 30 minutes southeast of the Perth CBD, one of our top picks for affordability. The regional hub is luring those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and makes our list for the very ‘on trend’ migration to the regions. Its blissful natural scenery encompasses sprawling parks and undulating hills, revealing bush trails and secret swimming spots. Cycle through wilderness and wildflowers, cool off beneath the Serpentine Falls and at Wungong Dam and discover the local arts community of painters, ceramicists and sculptors. This alluring spot is popular among families and professionals looking for greater space, a slower pace and a strong sense of community.  

Buderim, QLD

The colourful mountaintop village of Buderim is coveted for its laidback lifestyle, positioned between the rainforest and the sea. It has a real community vibe with health-conscious brunch spots and coffee hits centred along Burnett Street. Flanked by parkland, residents are reinvigorated among the waterfalls of Buderim Forest Park and walking trails through Mooloolah River National Park. Plus, it’s just 15 minutes from the Sunshine Coast’s glistening coastline, including firm favourites Mooloolaba Beach and Alexandra Headland. While prices here have jumped almost 30 per cent over the past year, it offers spacious and unique homes with plenty of room to breathe.  

Doing your research on the best suburbs to live in Australia and looking for more helpful property advice? Head straight to your friend in property, The Sitch. From Home Design advice and Home Tour inspo to property advice, we've got you covered.