The sprawling city of Brisbane is a beautiful place that anyone would be happy to live in; but it’s comprised of nearly 200 suburbs, which makes it hard to decide exactly where in Brisbane you want to live.
5 suburbs within 5km of the CBD
5 suburbs on the North Side
5 suburbs on the West Side
5 suburbs on the South Side
5 suburbs on the East Side
5 suburbs forecast to increase in value
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There’s a huge number of factors to take into consideration when you’re trying to decide where you want to buy a home, and it’s hard to keep track of them all when you’re looking at a number of completely different suburbs.
The considerate folks at CANSTAR have recognised this issue, and so we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best suburbs to buy in Brisbane for home buyers and property investors. We’ve mainly broken down the city’s best suburbs for homebuyers by location; however, we’ve also spotlighted a handful of suburbs based on potential rather than position.
If you’re unsure about where to buy in Brisbane – whether for your next home or as an investment property – welcome to your one-stop shop for all the information you need!
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5 suburbs within 5km of the CBD
1. Red Hill
Where: Only 3km from the CBD and named for the steep hills that it’s built on, this suburb is home to both the Brisbane Broncos and a large number of heritage-listed sites. It became part of Brisbane in 1925 when the town of Ithica was amalgamated into the City of Brisbane.
Public Transport: Red Hill has no train station, but is well-serviced by a number of bus routes.
Schools: Red Hill has only one school, Red Hill Special School. It has a number of nearby schools in neighbouring suburbs, including Petrie Terrace State School in Paddington, Kelvin Grove State College in Kelvin Grove, and Ithaca Creek State School in Bardon.
Shopping and Dining: While Red Hill is predominantly residential and has little in the way of retail shopping, the suburb has a rather strong food and drink culture, possessing numerous cafes, restaurants, and one of the best craft bottle shops in Brisbane.
Population: Data from the 2011 census showed that Red Hill had a population of 5,016, of which 48.6% were female and 51.4% were male. The median age of the suburb clocks in at 43 years old, which is 6 years above the national median age.
Median House Price: $825,000
Median Rent: $550/week
The Red Hill gourmet takeaway store that caters for everyone. https://t.co/Z1bJwFFR7q pic.twitter.com/TAESxCMYkG
— Broadsheet Brisbane (@broadsheet_bris) 22 November 2016
2. Wilston
Where: This northern suburb is situated roughly 3km from the CBD, and has been a bit of a late bloomer as far as Brisbane suburbs go. The recent upgrading of Kedron Brook Road has led to the area becoming increasingly popular (and increasingly expensive), along with developing a notable al-fresco dining scene. The suburb is also close to sporting grounds such as Downey Park and Ballymore Stadium.
Schools: The suburb has two schools, Wilston State School and St Columba’s Primary School. It has a small retail area named Wilston Village, and a train station which services the area in terms of public transport.
Population: The suburb is home to a large number of medical professionals due to its proximity to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. Wilston is on the smaller side, with the 2011 census reporting a population of 3,872, almost completely evenly split between the sexes. It’s also a relatively young suburb, having a median age of 35 years old, 2 years below the national median age.
Median House Price: $1,100,000
Median Rent: $595/week
3. East Brisbane
Where: This rather aptly named suburb is about 2.5km east of Brisbane’s heart. With the Brisbane River on its north side and the Gabba on its west side, it’s definitely not bad as far as location goes.
Public Transport: The suburb is well-serviced by a number of bus routes and the CityCat, which leaves from Mowbray Park. East Brisbanites can also choose to walk a short distance to the Wooloongabba bus station.
Shopping and Dining: The suburb is heavily residential, but has pockets of small businesses, and plenty in the way of food and drink (especially of the sweet variety).
Population: Data from the 2011 census indicates that East Brisbane attracts youth – the median age of the suburb clocked in 6 years under the median age at 31. It is also more multicultural than the average suburb; only 61.3% of East Brisbane residents were born in Australia, compared to the national average of 69.8%.
Median House Price: $850,000
Median Rent: $560/week
BRISBANE /// Yet another gelato joint has opened in East Brisbane. https://t.co/tGUnm5WB9Q pic.twitter.com/GPBwNVxyF0
— Concrete Playground (@concreteplay) 26 July 2016
4. New Farm
Where: Possibly one of the hippest suburbs in Brisbane at the moment, New Farm is also one of the city’s oldest suburbs, and its most densely populated, with approximately 5,862 people per square kilometre. Of course, “hip” does not come cheaply.
Housing Types: New Farm is notable for having a rather unusual blend of housing types, with a mix of 19th Century colonial homes, 20th Century traditional Queenslanders, and modern architectural hybrids. A recent boom in apartment and unit housing has boosted the number of apartments and units to over 70% of New Farm’s dwellings, which has in turn led to increased demand for detached housing.
Shopping and Dining: It is chock full of heritage-listed sites, dining experiences of both the high and trendy varieties, and the popular spot that is the eponymous New Farm Park. The park has been used as a setting for scenes from several films, including Fool’s Gold, All My Friends Are Leaving Brisbane, and Jucy.
Jacarandas at New Farm Park provide one of Brisbane’s favourite spots for @GeorginaMLewis What do you love about Brisbane? #snapbrisbane pic.twitter.com/CIRKVNXQl8
— Quest Newspapers (@QuestNewspapers) 15 November 2016
Population: With a population of 11,330 as of the 2011 census, New Farm is definitely not a small place.
Median House Price: $1,737,500
Median Rent: $750/week
5. Kelvin Grove
Where: Red Hill’s younger (and more academic) neighbour, Kelvin Grove is named after Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow, Scotland. It is home to one of QUT’s campuses (the others being in the CBD at the Botanic Gardens and out at Caboolture), and Queensland’s second-largest theatre company, La Boite Theatre Company.
Shopping and Dining: The Kelvin Grove Urban Village is the heart of the suburb, housing several cafes along with restaurants and a handful of apartment buildings. The Village also plays host to the Kelvin Grove markets every Saturday morning, which are attended both by locals and residents of further-flung suburbs. Due to the Kelvin Grove campus being the home of QUT’s creative faculties, Kelvin Grove residents are frequently treated to free arts exhibitions, and music or theatre performances!
Median House Price: $801,500
Median Rent: $500/week
cute set-up at QUT kelvin grove for brisbane festival’s theatre republic https://t.co/4qSWs53CuZ pic.twitter.com/SLg4u502YE
— Rosanna Ryan (@rosieryan) 6 September 2016
5 suburbs on the North Side
6. Everton Park
Where: Home to the original Charlie’s Fruit Market (before its viral expansion to every other corner of Brisbane), this northern suburb has become quite popular lately. This due largely to the presence of Charlie’s Fruit Market, Charlie’s Raw Squeeze, and Veganyumm, but also due to Everton’s proximity to other popular inner-north suburbs such as Ashgrove. Everton Park is coming into its own as a more affordable option for inner-north living, one that offers just as much in the way of variety and vibrancy as its pricier siblings.
Schools: Everton Park is becoming an attractive suburb for families who want peaceful suburban living without being too far out. The suburb is home to a number of schools (both public and private), and child-friendly cafés such as The Alley are the stuff of dreams for socially active parents.
Population: As of 2011, the suburb had a population of 8,325, of which 51.2% and 48.8% were female and male respectively. The suburb’s median age was 37, the same as the national median age. The suburb has a higher proportion of Australian-born residents than most, with 77.5% Australian-born residents versus the national average of 69.8%.
Median House Price: $585,000
Median Rent: $450/week
BRISBANE /// Doughnut Time’s new Everton Park store is open and giving out free doughnuts. https://t.co/4D4w79hCpt pic.twitter.com/wDbnh8Dvj2
— Concrete Playground (@concreteplay) 27 August 2016
7. Banyo
Where: While it’s one of the more industrial suburbs on Brisbane’s north side, Banyo is still a solid option for those looking to buy a Brisbane home. It neighbours Nudgee, which means that Nudgee Beach is within spitting distance.
Public Transport: You won’t be hard-pressed making your way from Banyo to most places in Brisbane, as Banyo connects to the Gateway Motorway among other main roads, making driving to any destination a breeze. If you don’t have a car, on the other hand, Banyo may be more of a stretch.
Shopping and Dining: Its industrial nature means that Banyo has a little less in the way of exciting café/restaurant culture than other parts of Brisbane, but having Nudgee Beach nearby, coupled with rather low median prices, definitely makes it appealing in its own way. After all, not every prospective buyer is after trendy cafes and inner city living!
Population: The suburb is on the smaller side in terms of population, with the 2011 census reporting a total of 5,607 Banyo residents. This may be due to Banyo’s increasingly industrial nature, spurred by the suburb’s proximity to both Brisbane Airport and the Port of Brisbane.
Median House Price: $533,750
Median Rent: $430/week
New medium-density housing development proposed for #Banyo. More #housing diversity is a plus. https://t.co/avNjXTBU9j #Brisbane #bnepol
— Jacob Anson (@jakeanson) 26 September 2016
8. Bald Hills
Where: Have you ever fancied living in the northernmost point of somewhere? If so, than Bald Hills might be for you, being the northernmost suburb in the city of Brisbane.
Bald Hill is home to a number of heritage-listed sites, the Guide Dogs breeding and training centre for the Blind Association of Queensland, and the Bald Hills Radiator, a 198m-tall radio transmission tower owned by the ABC.
Public Transport: The area is serviced by both a train station and a number of bus routes, is crossed by both Gympie Road and the northern end of the Gateway Motorway, and is situated near the southern end of the Bruce Highway. The long and short of it all is Bald Hill residents don’t have a hard time getting out and about.
Schools: The suburb has two schools: a public primary school, and a private school that covers Prep to Year 12. The public school opened its doors in 1866, which makes it the fourth-oldest school in Queensland.
Population: It’s a rather small place, with a population of only 5,965 as of 2011. Combined with the fact that the suburb is almost entirely residential, you’ve got yourself a small, quiet place to settle down in.
Median House Price: $415,000
Median Rent: $395/week
Source: The Weekend Edition
Bold Coffee is one of Bald Hill’s few cafes; the suburb goes for quality over quantity.
9. Gordon Park
This suburb’s claim to fame is the fact that it’s currently the smallest suburb within Brisbane City Council.
Housing Types: The properties of Gordon Park are predominantly standalone houses (65%), and units account for a further 28%. Many of Gordon Park’s standalone houses are the high-set Queenslanders that the suburb is known for.
Shopping and Dining: Gordon Park is sadly one of the few suburbs in Brisbane to be completely bereft of a shopping centre or major businesses.
Population: A slightly unusual fact about Gordon Park, according to www.realestate.com.au, is that the suburb’s largest demographic is independent youth, who make up 18.5% of the suburb’s population. The 2011 census clocked the population at 4,015, of which 50.7% were female and 49.3% were male. The median age of the population was 33 years old, 4 years below the Australian median of 37.
Median House Price: $737,500
Median Rent: $528/week
10. Hendra
Where: Originally a farming district, now a culturally vibrant and family-oriented community… Despite the fact that it may be the only suburb in Australia to have a virus named after it, Hendra seems like a truly lovely place to live, especially for families. It’s roughly 6km out from the CBD, which is just far out enough to provide suburban peace and quiet, but close enough for convenience.
Shopping and Dining: Hendra is home to the Doomben Racecourse, a number of heritage-listed sites, and a huge number of restaurants, cafes, and pubs, making it perfect for foodies who are after suburban living.
It’s also home to a certain Brisbane hero you might’ve seen on the news lately!
Median House Price: $910,000
Median Rent: $600/week
Man in nothing but his jocks helps police track down a runaway driver at Hendra. @ABernhardt9 #9News https://t.co/zFDUZQASZz
— Nine News Brisbane (@9NewsBrisbane) 24 November 2016
5 suburbs on the West Side
11. Toowong
Where: Perhaps best known for the Toowong Village shopping centre at the suburb’s centre, Toowong lies at the beginning of Coronation Drive, and is the main gateway to the city for those who reside in the western suburbs. If you’re a west-sider who ventures into the city often, you’ll be well acquainted with High Street, the main road that runs through the urban centre of Toowong and leads onto “Coro Drive” (as it’s called by Brisbanites).
Housing Types: Once you get beyond its urban centre, Toowong offers a huge amount of leafy, suburban living – surprising for an area so close to the city. The residential parts of the suburb are dominated by hills, with little flat land in sight. Situated upon those hills is a mix of medium-density flats and detached houses, with many of the houses being traditional Queenslanders. However, the suburb’s accommodation blend is set for a revamp, with plans well underway to build three 25-storey towers in Toowong.
Shopping and Dining: Toowong is home to some of Brisbane’s most famous and recognisable attractions and institutions. Toowong Village shopping centre is one of the preeminent shopping complexes on the western side of Brisbane, and Toowong also boasts two of Brisbane’s most famous (or maybe infamous) pubs: the Regatta Hotel and the Royal Exchange Hotel. As long as you don’t live close enough to hear the ruckus on student nights, you’ll love living near such historic pieces of Brisbane culture! The suburb is also home to Queensland’s largest cemetery.
Median House Price: $786,000
Median Rent: $540/week
.@Stockland plans major revamp for Brisbane inner-city precinct. #development #urban #Toowong https://t.co/7yAXzzbA74
— Charlie Peel (@charliepeeled) 24 October 2016
12. Indooroopilly
Where: One of the most city-like suburbs to exist 7km out from the CBD, Indooroopilly boasts both the largest shopping centre on the western side of Brisbane and some of Brisbane’s quietest, leafiest suburban living. It’s the ultimate 2-in-1 when it comes to suburban living, really!
Housing Types: Housing in Indooroopilly was originally a mix of detached houses and medium density apartments. However, the recent $450 million revamp of the shopping centre has gone hand in hand with an increase in pricier, high-density developments in the vicinity of the shopping centre.
Population: The suburb definitely has a population to match the size of their shopping centre; the 2011 census clocked the size of the population at 11,670. And it’s a particularly young one at that, falling 8 years below the Australian median age of 37. According to www.realestate.com.au, the suburb’s largest demographic is independent youth, who comprise 29.8% of Indooroopilly’s population. This may be due to Indooroopilly’s proximity to the University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus (which is the largest UQ campus).
Median House Price: $862,500
Median Rent: $500/week
#Stratacell provides welcoming green entrance at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre in Queensland https://t.co/WYM4gGTQJy pic.twitter.com/0W5WF97sXb
— Citygreen (@citygreensystem) 13 August 2016
13. Kenmore
Where: If you fancy living spitting distance from Indooroopilly shops but don’t want the hustle and bustle (and expense) that living in a more urbanised suburb brings, then Kenmore might be a good option for you.
Schools: This suburb is well-serviced in terms of schools, having two public primary schools, a public high school, and a number of private schools.
Shopping and Dining: Kenmore has a strong food presence in its restaurants and cafes, along with two medium-sized shopping complexes, Kenmore Village and Kenmore Plaza, only a kilometre or so apart on Moggill Road. While the suburb has traditionally been slightly lacking when it comes to the trendy cafes and shops that its neighbour Indooroopilly has in spades, it appears to be trying to redress the imbalance somewhat. A number of new restaurants, cafes, and retail stores have been popping up in and around its various shopping complexes.
Population: Kenmore’s population of 8,483 (as of the 2011 census) is slightly older, being 2 years above the national median age of 37. According to www.realestate.com.au, Kenmore’s largest demographic is established couples and families (20.8%), followed by older couples and families (17.2%).
Median House Price: $655,203
Median Rent: $500/week
If you’re coming from the western suburbs this morning, The Single Guys is your go to for exceptional coffee. pic.twitter.com/RiwpbdEniD
— Broadsheet Brisbane (@broadsheet_bris) 14 February 2016
14. Bardon
Where: A leafy suburb in the inner west of Brisbane, Bardon has Paddington on its east side and Mount Coot-Tha on its west side. Residents don’t have to choose between nature and trendy urban living; they’ve got easy access to both!
Bardon was known as Upper Paddington up until 1925, at which point the Ithaca Town Council redefined and renamed it as a separate suburb. The suburb was named after a villa built by Joshua Jeays (a former mayor of Brisbane) in 1863, which was in turn named for his hometown of Bardon Hill in Leicestershire, England.
Housing Types: 89% of the housing in Bardon is stand-alone dwellings, adding to the suburb’s vintage Queensland feel, despite its inner-city location.
Shopping and Dining: The suburb boasts a small but handy set of shops on MacGregor Terrace, along with one of the oldest football clubs in Brisbane, and a number of heritage-listed buildings.
Population: Bardon is a medium-sized suburb, with a population of 9,256 as of the 2011 census. According to www.realestate.com.au, it’s an area mainly occupied by established couples and families, who make up 20.2% of Bardon’s population. A further 18.7% are accounted for by older couples, and families make up another 15.6%.
Median House Price: $875,500
Median Rent: $550/week
Awesome – you’ve got to love this!! A 24 hour bookshed, bookshop, and art gallery in Bardon, Brisbane, Australia https://t.co/WRgKmSelMP pic.twitter.com/NbuEqhitNM
— Bits about Books (@CarolineBookBit) 3 November 2016
15. Taringa
Where: The bulk of Taringa is on a ridge bisected by Swann Road, with houses along the length of the road and on the steep slopes that fall either side of the ridge. It’s almost entirely residential, with the exception of a handful of commercial buildings clustered along Moggill Road.
Public Transport: Taringa is rather well-serviced as far as public transport goes, having several bus routes and a train station.
Schools: Taringa’s proximity to Indooroopilly and Toowong means that it doesn’t have many dedicated facilities of its own, with residents relying on nearby schools and supermarkets.
Shopping and Dining: Taringa is a neighbour to Indooroopilly, Toowong, and St Lucia, so if you’re a UQ student who loves shopping, Taringa is the place for you!
Population: Perhaps due to the suburb’s closeness to the University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus, Taringa’s population of 7,716 is rather young, having a median age 8 years below the Australian median age of 37.
Median House Price: $910,000
Median Rent: $520/week
5 suburbs on the South Side
16. Mount Gravatt
Where: One of three suburbs in Brisbane named for the notable hill in the area (the other two being Mount Gravatt East and Upper Mount Gravatt), Mount Gravatt is actually the smallest of the three by population. The hill in question and by extension, the suburb, was named after Lieutenant George Gravatt in 1840.
Public Transport: Mt Gravatt was one of the few Brisbane suburbs to be serviced by trams, which ran into the CBD along Logan Road. However the trams were discontinued in 1969 and since then, the area has had its public transport needs met by buses and the South East Busway.
Population: With 3,238 as of the 2011 census, Mount Gravatt is smaller than the 10,891 in Mount Gravatt East and 8,851 in Upper Mount Gravatt respectively. The area has a strong migrant community, originally comprised mainly of German, Irish, and English immigrants, and the population has since seen a growing number of Southern European immigrants, mainly from Greece and Italy. Griffith University’s main campus is situated in Mt Gravatt.
Median House Price: $625,000
Median Rent: $420/week
Sunday morning markets in Mount Gravatt, Brisbane. Lots of farm grown fresh fruit and veggies. pic.twitter.com/nWdlbQKDwW
— Paul Webster (@p_webs) 23 November 2014
17. Corinda
Where: A suburb that sits on the imagined line between south and west of the CBD, Corinda is a smallish suburb that sits on the Brisbane River, neighboured by Sherwood and Oxley. The suburb started out as a small farming community in the 1860s, and many of the Queenslanders found in Corinda date back to these times.
Public Transport: It sits on the Ipswich train line and the southwestern mini-highway Oxley Road runs right through the suburb, which means that despite its relative lack of bus services, it’s still easy to get places from Corinda.
Schools: Corinda boasts four schools: public primary and high schools, and private primary and high schools.
Shopping and Dining: Despite its smaller size, Corinda has plenty to offer: the suburb boasts several heritage-listed sites, three different churches, and two large parks. The Corinda RSL set up shop in 1964, and despite the fact that it now trades as the Sherwood Services Club, it’s still located in Corinda.
Population: 4,695 as of 2011.
Median House Price: $643,000
Median Rent: $465/week
Carrington Boating Club in #Corinda #Brisbane from $50/half-day #CreativeSpaces http://t.co/FGScpEahMu pic.twitter.com/8rNrX6x2pH
— Creative Spaces (@creativespaces) 9 July 2015
18. Durack
Where: Located on the southern outskirts of the city, Durack has that “small suburb” appeal, which is compounded by being rather far away from the urban clutter of the inner city. At 15km south of the CBD, it’s quite a bit more than a stone’s throw away from all the hubbub! The suburb was named after Michael Durack in 1976, one of the original landholders in the area, when he won a naming competition run by the local newspaper.
Schools: Durack has two schools, a primary and a high school.
Population: It had a population of only 6,177 as of the 2011 census. The suburb’s population in 2011 was just a tad on the older side, being 1 year above the median age of 37.
Median House Price: $420,000
Median Rent: $380/week
Durack and Inala top the REIQ Brisbane’s 12 highest yielding suburbs for housing investment http://t.co/7dDcilGrIs
— Property Observer (@propertyobs) 25 April 2013
19. Coopers Plains
Where: Home to the lengthily named Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital, Coopers Plains is about 11km directly south of the CBD. The area was originally known as Cowper’s Plains, named for Dr Henry Cowper, a surgeon at the Moreton Bay Settlement in the 1820s. The name changed with time and by the mid to late 1870s, the area was known as Coopers Plains.
What’s There: The suburb is home to the Health and Food Sciences Precinct of Queensland Health’s Forensic and Scientific Services department. The precinct also includes the Queensland Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases (QCEID).
Population: It’s definitely not Brisbane’s largest suburb; the population was only 4,208 as of the 2011 census, and a not-insignificant amount of the area is industrial.
Median House Price: $551,000
Median Rent: $400/week
Our #Brisbane Branch visits Simon Cole’s amazing sustainable home in Coopers Plains on Nov 26. Come along https://t.co/CCSalW5wq1 pic.twitter.com/X71F5UiA7B
— Alt Technology Asso. (@ata_aus) 10 November 2016
20. Darra
Where: A suburb known for its vibrant and multicultural population, Darra is situated roughly 14km southwest of the CBD, neighbouring other suburbs such as Oxley and Inala. The suburb developed a sizeable Vietnamese population when Vietnamese refugees settled in the area in 1975 at the end of the Vietnam War.
Public Transport: Darra may be a little far out, but it’s not hard to get to somewhere more central from the humble suburb. Trains run express from Darra Station, stopping only at Indooroopilly before reaching the city. The suburb is also serviced by the Centenary Freeway and the Ipswich Motorway, so drivers won’t have many major issues getting to work, either.
Schools: Darra has two primary schools (one public and one Catholic private), making the area increasingly popular with families.
Shopping and Dining: The Vietnamese community has turned Darra into a wonderful suburb for foodies, full of Vietnamese restaurants and green grocers. Anyone in the loop knows that the best ph? and bánh mìs on the southside are in Darra!
Population: Darra’s a reasonably small place; the 2011 census reported the population as 3,838, which is positively tiny compared to some of the other suburbs on our list!
Median House Price: $410,000
Median Rent: $340/week
Previously: Swamp crabs for dinner at Maxim Restaurant, Darra, Brisbane http://t.co/vflOdXvu
— Melissa Loh (@melissa_loh) 13 July 2012
5 suburbs on the East Side
21. Murrarie
Where: This riverside suburb in the east of Brisbane is split fairly evenly between residential and industrial sections, being home to the News Corporations printing facility, which prints The Courier-Mail and The Sunday Mail.
Population: Murarrie’s population is on the smaller side, with 3,958 as of the 2011 census, and also on the younger side, being 3 years below the Australian median age of 37.
Median House Price: $599,500
Median Rent: $480/week
22. Carina
Where: Just south of Murarrie is Carina, a mainly residential suburb. Carina was the name of the daughter of the owner of Carina Estate, which was built on Creek Road in the 1850s.
Public Transport: The suburb’s only train station was closed in 1926; however, the area is currently serviced by three bus corridors, with several bus routes running along each. These connect Carina to the CBD, as well as to Carindale Shopping Centre and Cannon Hill Shopping Centre.
Schools: Carina has a number of schools including Carina State School and St Martin’s Catholic Primary School, which may explain why the suburb is popular with families. Carina is also home to the Clem Jones Centre, a notable sporting complex.
Population: According to www.realestate.com.au, couples and families of varying ages make up just under half (45.1%) of Carina’s population.
Median House Price: $640,000
Median Rent: $450/week
“8 Brisbane investment hotspots to watch” list includes Carina and Carina Heights https://t.co/mo/weekiwyMgw
— Carindale Connect (@carindale_local) 10 May 2016
23. Carina Heights
Where: This suburb was created in 1975 when it was separated from its neighbour, Carina, from which it takes its name. It used to form part of the rural Belmont shire, and is still home to the Belmont Private Psychiatric Hospital, which sits on a rise known as Carina Heights.
Schools: The suburb has no schools of its own, relying on the multiple schools in Carina to provide for its students.
Population: Carina Heights is essentially an offshoot suburb with a relatively small population (6,110 as of the 2011 census), which means that it looks to neighbouring suburbs for many of its facilities.
Median House Price: $700,000
Median Rent: $440/week
24. Coorparoo
Where: Located in the inner south-east of Brisbane (only about 4km from the CBD), the Shire of Coorparoo was formed in 1888, when residents made a petition asking to be separated from the Bulimba Divisional Board.
Housing Types: The suburb is mainly residential, with a property market comprised mainly of standalone housing and older unit blocks. However, 2015 saw the start of a major development for the suburb when the Myer Department store was demolished to make way for Coorparoo Square: three residential towers with commercial development planned for the lower floors, along with a Dendy Cinema, an Aldi, and specialty retailers and cafes. If you like sleeping in, don’t move here – the construction team has a permit from Brisbane City Council to make a lot of noise around the clock.
Population: The suburb has a rather large population, with the 2011 census reporting a grand total of 14,944 residents, evenly split between men and women. Coorparoo is slightly on the younger side, with a median age of 33, which is 4 years under the Australian average of 37.
Median House Price: $850,000
Median Rent: $485/week
What a beautiful Brisbane morning. Thanks @GenoveseCoffee from Little Genovese, Coorparoo to get me into the study grove. #examtonight pic.twitter.com/wSMj4JATXz
— Lisa Chomyn (@lisa_chocho) 5 October 2016
25. Carindale
Where: The suburb was created in 1980 when it separated from Belmont. It takes its name from the Carina housing estate constructed in 1976; the name “Carindale” is a combination of “Carina”, and “dale” meaning valley.
Housing Types: The area is regarded as being of a high socio-economic standing, with much of Carindale’s property market being comprised of large (and rather expensive) standalone buildings and “mini-mansions”. Recent years have seen many high-density apartment blocks approved for development in the vicinity of Carindale’s retail area, a majority of which are under construction at the time of writing.
Shopping and Dining: Home to one of the largest shopping complexes in Brisbane, it’s not unfair to say that Carindale is best known for its retail experience.
Population: It’s one of the larger suburbs in the area; the 2011 census reporting its population as 15,577 people, with a slightly older population, being 3 years above the Australian median age of 37.
Median House Price: $840,000
Median Rent: $565/week
BRISBANE /// Doughnut Time comes to Carindale, just keeps opening new Brisbane stores. https://t.co/BSkImd04jG pic.twitter.com/wAIJ9O75hz
— Concrete Playground (@concreteplay) 16 October 2016
5 beachside suburbs
26. Sandgate
Where: One of Brisbane’s most popular coastal suburbs, Sandgate began growing in popularity as a beachside escape in the early 20th century, but has since become a fully-fledged residential suburb.
Public Transport: Its connection to both the Queensland Rail City Network and Gateway Motorway means that one can live in Sandgate and still commute to the city with relative ease, which makes the suburb a viable choice for city workers and professionals who want a more peaceful home life.
Schools: Sandgate has two schools.
Shopping and Dining: The suburb is home to a number of facilities, including a handful of banks, a small shopping centre, and a number of sporting facilities.
Population: The area is home to a slightly older crowd, with the suburb’s median age as of the 2011 census being 43 years old, 6 years above the Australian median. Sandgate’s population is on the smaller side at 4,625 as of the 2011 census, and is mainly comprised of established couples and families (18.5%) and elderly singles (15.3%) according to www.realestate.com.au.
Median House Price: $600,000
Median Rent: $425/week
Jacarandas in full bloom at Sandgate. #jacaranda #jacarandas #brisbane #brisbaneanyday #sandgate #australia https://t.co/O7ypGDe9jW #discove pic.twitter.com/bBKddeQAKH
— Discover Sandgate (@discovesandgate) 18 October 2016
27. Redcliffe
Where: This suburb serves as the central business district for the entire Redcliffe Peninsula and its surrounding suburbs, and is part of Redcliffe City. Redcliffe City was in fact settled as Queensland’s first colony in 1824, before the settlers abandoned it in favour of being closer to the port at the Brisbane River.
Housing Types: While much of the suburb’s housing is standalone dwellings, Redcliffe has a number of high-rise apartment buildings along its beachfront. The area has a height restriction of 12 storeys maximum along the area’s main strip. That being said, new development is in the pipeline to meet Redcliffe’s constantly growing population.
What’s there: Due to both its proximity to Brisbane and its seaside location, Redcliffe has long been a popular holiday destination for Brisbane residents, but over the decades it has established itself as a residential area with merit beyond its holiday aspects.
Median House Price: $420,000
Median Rent: $360/week
Redcliffe Line in Brisbane Could Give Property A Boom #property #realestate #realestateau https://t.co/iS76N31nHc pic.twitter.com/NTAIpBHHXz
— AU Property News (@aupropertynews) 28 October 2016
28. Brighton
Where: Notable for both its wetlands and its esplanade which stretches along the coast between the Houghton Highway Bridge and Sandgate, Brighton is the northernmost suburb of the City of Brisbane government area. (This is different to the northernmost suburb of the city of Brisbane itself, which as you now know from reading the above, is Bald Hills.)
Schools: Brighton has three primary schools but no high schools, relying on surrounding suburbs for its secondary education. It has no permanent library, but is serviced fortnightly by a visiting mobile library, courtesy of the Brisbane City Council.
Population: As of the 2011 census Brighton had a population of 9,012 people, the median age of which was 40 years old, 3 years above the Australian median of 37. This slightly higher median age could possibly be due to the fact that Brighton is home to Eventide, a rather large government-run nursing home. Statistics from www.realestate.com.au show just under half (48%) of Brighton’s population falls into the categories of either “elderly” or “older”.
Median House Price: $482,500
Median Rent: $398/week
Kite surfers at Brighton, Queensland. pic.twitter.com/XOzSfU9X7J
— Neil Ennis (@NeilEnnis) 2 November 2015
29. Wynnum
Where: Situated on the shores of Moreton Bay, Wynnum isn’t your typical beachside suburb. Rather than sandy beaches, Wynnum’s shorelines are dominated by mangroves and mudflats that offer little in terms of swimming but much for those with botanical interests.
What’s There: The Wynnum Wading Pool is of great significance to the area, having been built during the Great Depression and listed on the Queensland Heritage Register since 1998. This tidal pool and water park which offer residents a chance to go for a swim and a paddle.
Population: Wynnum is a rather large place in terms of population; the 2011 census reported the suburb’s population as 12,229. Similarly to many of its neighbouring suburbs, Wynnum has a slightly older population with a median age of 40, which is 3 years above the Australian median of 37.
Median House Price: $575,000
Median Rent: $435/week
Morning at the Wynnum Wading Pool, #Brisbane #thisisqueensland pic.twitter.com/BjfsFeSsHP
— Royce Wilson (@RoyceWilsonAU) 15 June 2016
30. Manly
Where: Not to be confused with the suburb of the same name in Sydney, Queensland’s Manly is an equally delightful beachside suburb. It boasts the largest boat harbour facility in the Southern Hemisphere, along with a large number of boating clubs.
Manly is also home to the Brisbane Coast Guard, which is notable for being the largest flotilla in Australia and for having the Lord Mayor of Brisbane as its patron. The Coast Guard operates on weekends and public holidays.
Housing Types: Standalone houses make up 67% of the area’s housing market, and townhouses account for a further 10%.
Public Transport: The suburb has a railway station for Queensland Rail City network services, and a number of bus services connect Manly to its neighbouring suburbs.
Population: Manly’s population of 3,702 (as of the 2011 census) is dominated by couples, with 43% of households in the area consisting of couples without children, and a further 37% being couples with children.
Median House Price: $787,500
Median Rent: $450/week
Tis the season for fresh seafood and Manly Farmers markets tomorrow morning are a great place to find it:https://t.co/T5SQqLSMUu pic.twitter.com/NnBvUJqT58
— Must Do Brisbane (@MustDoBrisbane) 2 December 2016
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