A cool apartment in the city may have been what you imagined when you first started working, but being close to the office isn’t the only thing you need to think about when buying a home.

As young professional may feel you only need to stay in the business district to get the best out of the commute, but you are likely missing out on opportunities for great properties in the suburbs if you keep your options limited to the saturated centre of the city. 

The most congested intersection in Melbourne as per the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning is Kings Way in Southbank, so choosing to live in the CBD could mean regularly dealing with the kind of standstill that this area sees every weekday at peak hours. With more companies sorting out their office situation in the CBD, things are likely to continue this way.

Luckily you aren’t confined to the centre, because getting to work from the suburbs is convenient with public transport. These areas are promising and well-connected to the CBD, saving you from dealing with traffic while being able to provide you with a vibrant lifestyle.  

Why live in a suburb?

Living in a suburb, especially a walkable one, offers residents health and economic benefits, particularly if these areas are served by crucial amenities like public transport, key public services and shopping options. 

Research from RMIT researchers shows there are considerable economic and health benefits to suburban living, especially if these are designed considering health objectives. 

This study found that shifting residents to an area with existing amenities like transport and shops would result in an average gain of living an additional month of full health, without chronic diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and colon cancer. This shows that a healthier environment improves people’s quality of life.

In addition to these recently studied benefits, suburbs offer a comfortable, relaxing environment for young professionals to come home to and unwind in. Generally, suburbs offer better access to high-performing schools, well-appointed hospitals and reliable jobs as well as more spacious houses, faster Internet connections and relatively low crime rates.

Living in the suburbs can also help young professionals plan for their future, easing the transition to long-term milestones like getting promoted, starting a family, purchasing a property and other achievements in one’s lifetime.

It’s tempting to put your energy entirely towards your work and finding ways to make it more comfortable to do like living close to the office, but it doesn’t mean the city is always going to be the best place to live as time moves along. 

Turning to the suburbs allows you to invest in your future while providing yourself with the accessibility and amenities that you need now.

3 suburbs young professionals need to consider

There are a few areas close to Melbourne CBD worth taking note of because they offer a variety of benefits and different reasons to live there.

Seddon

If you’ve ever seen posts talking about the vibrant but mellow lifestyle in a small town but don’t want to give up your access to the bustling city, then Seddon may be the suburb for you. This area is serviced by several bus lines, along with Middle Footscray station at the top of Seddon Village and Seddon station in the southeast. Seddon is seven kilometres away from the CBD.

Its small-town charm does not leave out Seddon from some of the most interesting activities and places to visit off the clock. It’s known for its social media-friendly brunch spots now, but its working-class roots persist and locals love how they maintain a close connection with their community. They’ve also kept their leafy streets and old-school shop spot, Seddon Village. 

What makes this area special is despite being a few minutes away from the CBD, it can easily feel like you’ve been transported to a low-key locale. There are few chain stores and large generic stores, so most of the establishments in this area are independent and locally owned businesses. You’re bound to be cared for when you know the person behind the counter.

There’s no shortage of places to eat and quiet corners to unwind, with many local restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, and you can even stop by Harris Reserve or Bristow Reserve when you want to settle down somewhere with a good book at a neat little park.

West Footscray

West Footscray has been on the up and up for some time, and for good reason. Only eight kilometres away from the CBD, it’s home to many unique experiences. 

A visit to one of the suburb’s restaurants on Barkly Street or gathering with members of the community at West Footscray Neighbourhood House shows a mix of vibrant, exciting atmospheres and laidback, relaxed living. You’re also not far away from Footscray Community Arts Centre, so there’s no shortage of things to do when you’ve gotten back from a workday.

This area is also a promising place to buy into as a future investment; the current medium house price is $910,000, with the potential to net investors rental returns at $535 per week. Consistent interest in the neighbourhood places it on the up and up and can prove to be a lucrative source of passive income later on, given how multicultural and engaging it is. 

Yarraville

Yarraville has an interesting culture and a great community, which make it a prime location for young professionals seeking to establish themselves and grow as they climb the ladder of success. It’s also accessible, only six kilometres away from the CBD.  If you’ve ever wanted to live somewhere with lots of history and culture, you’re likely to be drawn to this suburb, which is even home to a landmark.

One of the most popular landmarks is the Sun Theatre, which opened in 1938–with a storied history of closures, owner changes and expansions, this stunning Art Deco structure was refurbished in the 1990s and now comprises eight cinemas, each one named for a now-closed cinema from Melbourne’s history. 

The Sun Theatre is a focal point of Yarraville, surrounded by some of the most popular restaurants, cafés and occasional street festivals all within walking distance, touted as the perfect mix of recreational and residential. Aside from that, this suburb is home to Yarraville Gardens and a slew of other green spaces to enjoy. 

No matter what kind of lifestyle you’re aiming for, a suburb in Melbourne may be the solution you haven’t thought of just yet–-but it’s not too late to. 

The CBD is a nice place to be, but a young professional seeking to carve out a space for themselves as they build up their career can create a fulfilling life in a different area. 

Investing in a suburban home could prove to be just as big a boost to their portfolio as it is a great place to retire to at the end of a workday. Reach out to one of our experienced agents and we’ll help you secure a property in a thriving suburb for you.