Brisbane is made up of nearly 200 suburbs, making it very hard to decide exactly where you want to live. There are a huge number of factors to consider when you are making the decision of where you want to buy a home. The secret is to find a location with a whole range of positive factors such as high population growth, major infrastructure projects, a diverse and resilient local economy, and a rising rental yield. If your location ticks all these boxes, then you have an increased chance of capital growth.
Read on if you want to find out which suburbs are the best to buy in Brisbane for home buyers and property investors. Here is a breakdown of the city’s best suburbs based and their location:
Suburbs within 5km of CBD
- Red Hill
Red Hill is only 3km from the CBD and is home to the Brisbane Broncos. With a population of 5,016, of which 48.6% were female and 51.4% were male, the median age of the suburb is 43 years old, which is 6 years above the national median age. The only school in Red Hill is Red Hill Special School, but there are several 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. Red hill does not have a train station but has a number of bus routes instead. The suburb is predominantly residential and doesn’t have many retail shops. However, Red Hill has a rather strong food and drink culture, possessing numerous cafes, restaurants, and one of the best craft bottle shops in Brisbane. It’s median house price is $825,000 and median rent is $550 per week.
- Wilston
Wilston is situated roughly 3km from the CBD. The recent upgrade of Kedron Brook Road has led to the area becoming increasingly popular and increasingly expensive. Due to its proximity to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Wilston is home to a large number of medical professionals. Wilston’s population is 3,872 and almost completely split between the sexes. It is also a relatively young suburb, having a median age of 35 years old. The suburb has two schools, Wilston State School and St Columba’s Primary School and a small retail area named Wilston Village. Wilston also has a train station which services the area in terms of public transport. It’s median house price is $1,100,00 and median rent is $595 per week.
- East Brisbane
This suburb is about 2.5km east of Brisbane’s heart, hence the name. 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. The suburb is well serviced by a number of bus routes and also the CityCat. East Brisbane is known to attract youth, so the median age is 31, being 6 years under the national average. 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%. East Brisbane. Although this suburb is heavily residential, there are many small business and plenty in the way of food and drink. It’s median house price is $850,000 and median rent is $560 per week.
- New Farm
New farm is one of Brisbane city’s oldest suburbs but is also classified as one of Brisbane’s more ‘hip’ suburbs right now. This suburb is also one of Brisbane’s most densely populated, with approximately 5,862 people per square metre. With a population of 11,330, New Farm is definitely not a small place. A recent boom in apartment and unit housing has boosted the number of apartments and units to over 70% of New Farm’s dwelling, which has led to increased demand for detached housing. New Farm has plenty of popular dining spots for both the high and trendy varieties. It is also home to Brisbane’s famous New Farm Park. Its median house price is $1,737,500 and median rent is $750 per week.
- Kelvin Grove
Kelvin Grove is home to one of QUT’s campuses and Queensland’s second largest theatre company, La Boite Theatre Company. The Kelvin Grove Urban Village is the heart of the suburb, home to many cafes and restaurants and a handful of apartment buildings. The suburb also hosts the Kelvin Grove markets every Saturday morning, which is a popular happening, attended by both locals and residents from neighbouring suburbs. Kelvin Grove locals are also frequently treated to free art exhibitions and theatre performances due to its close proximity to QUT’s creative faculties. Its median house price is $801,500 and median rent is $500 per week.
North Side Suburbs
- Everton Park
Due to its close proximity to other popular inner-suburbs and its affordability, Everton Park is increasing in demand as an option for inner-north living. The suburb is becoming more and more popular for families who are after peaceful suburban living, being home to a number of schools (both public and private) and an array of vibrant cafes. Its population is 8,325 of which 51.2% are female and 48.8% are female. The suburbs median age is 37, the same as the national median age. Its median house price is $585,000 and median rent is $450 per week.
- Banyo
Banyo is one of the more industrial suburbs on Brisbane’s north side but is still a smart choice to buy a property for those looking. The suburb’s neighbour is Nudgee, which means Nudgee beach isn’t too far away for you to enjoy your weekend. Banyo connects to the Gateway Motorway among other main roads, making it easy to drive to any destination in Brisbane. However, if you don’t own a car, travelling may be a little more difficult from Banyo. Because Banyo is more of an industrial suburb, there aren’t many options for trendy cafes or restaurants. However it’s affordable prices and other aspects such as its close proximity to the Brisbane Airport and Nudgee Beach definitely makes it appealing in its own way. The suburbs population is only 5,607, but this small population may be due to Banyo’s increasingly industrial nature. Its median house price is $533,750 and median rent is $430 per week.
- Bald Hills
Bald Hills is the northernmost suburb in Brisbane city, and is well serviced by both a train and a number of bus stations. It is also crossed by both Gympie Road and the northern end of the Gateway Motorway, and is situated near the southern end of the Bruce Highway. To put simply, resident of Bald Hills don’t have a hard time getting in and out of the suburb. Bald Hills is home to both a public primary school (also the fourth oldest school in Queensland) and a private school that covers Prep to Year 12. Its population is again quite small, being only 5,965. Bald Hills is a small, quiet suburb, being almost entirely residential. Its median house price is $415,000 and median rent is $395 per week.
- Gordon Park
Gordon Park is the smallest suburb in the Brisbane City Council. The suburb mainly consists of standalone houses (65%) and the rest units (28%). Many of Gordon Park’s standalone houses are high set Queenslanders, which the suburb is well-known for. Sadly, Gordon Park is also one of the few suburbs in Brisbane that does not have a shopping centre of any major businesses. According to realestate.com, the suburbs largest demographic is independent youth (18.5% of the suburb’s population). The population is 4,015 of which 50.7% are female and 49.3% are male, and the median age being 33. Its median house price is $737,500 and median rent is $528 per week.
- Hendra
Hendra is a vibrant, family-orientated community. It is also home to Doomben Racecourse and a number of restaurants, cafes and pubs. Hendra is a great place for families to live, being roughly only 6km from the CBD, making it perfect for quiet suburban living, but close enough for convenience. Its median house price is $910,000 and median rent is $600 per week.
West Side Suburbs
- Toowong
For those residing in the western suburbs of Brisbane, Toowong is the main gateway to the city. The suburb is well known for the Toowong Village shopping centre and is home to some of Brisbane’s most famous attractions such as the Regatta Hotel and the Royal Exchange Hotel. Once you get beyond its urban centre, Toowong offers a huge amount of suburban living. Its residential areas consist of hills, with not a lot of flat land in sight. There are a mix of medium-density flats and detached houses, many of those being traditional Queenslanders. Its median house price is $786,00 and median rent is $540 per week.
- Indooroopilly
Indooroopilly is home to both the largest shopping centre on the western side of Brisbane and some of Brisbane’s quietest suburban living. It can also be one of the most city-like suburbs in Brisbane and is only 7km out from the CBD, so can give you the best of both worlds. The recent $450 million revamp of the shopping centre has caused an increase in pricier, high-density developments in the vicinity of the shopping centre. The suburbs population is 11,670 and its median age is quite young, being only 29. Its median house price is $862,500 and median rent is $500 per week.
- Kenmore
Kenmore is a little less hustle and bustle than Indooroopilly but is still a close distance from the Indooroopilly shopping centre. The suburb is home to two public primary schools, a public high school and a number of private schools. Kenmore has two medium-sized shopping complexes, Kenmore Village and Kenmore Plaza and has a strong food presence with plenty of options for cafes and restaurants. Its population is 8,483, being slightly older (39) than the national average. Kenmore’s largest demographic is couples and families, along with older couples and families. Its median house price is $655,203 and median rent is $500 per week.
- Bardon
Residents of Bardon have easy access to both trendy urban living and peaceful suburban living, with Paddington on its east side and Mount Coot-Tha on its west side. 89% of housing in Bardon is stand-alone dwellings, despite its inner-city location. Bardon is home to a set of small shops, the oldest football club in Brisbane and several heritage-listed buildings. Its population is 9,256 and is mainly occupied by established couples and families. Its median house price is $875,500 and median rent is $550 per week.
- Taringa
Taringa is almost entirely residential, with the exceptional of some commercial buildings clustered along Moggill Road. Its houses are situated on the steep slopes that fall either side of the ridge, which is bisected by Swann Road. There are several bus routes and a train station for locals to commute by. With its close proximity to Indooroopilly and Toowong, Taring doesn’t have many dedicated facilities of its own. Due to the suburbs close proximity to the University of Lucia campus, Taringa’s population of 7,716 is very young, being 8 years below the national average, Its median house price is $910,00 and median rent is $520 per week.
South Side Suburbs
- Mount Gravatt
There are three suburbs in Brisbane named for the notable hill in that area-Mount Gravatt, Mount Gravatt East and Upper Mount Gravatt. Mount Gravatt was one of the few suburbs in Brisbane to be serviced by trams. Since the trams have been discontinued, the area has buses and the South East Busway in the way of public transport needs. With its population being 3,238, Mount Gravatt is smaller than the 10,891 in Mount Gravatt East and 8,851 in Upper Mount Gravatt respectively. Griffith University’s main campus is also situated in Mount Gravatt. Its median house price is $625,00 and median rent is $420 per week.
- Corinda
Corinda is a slightly smaller suburb that sits on the Brisbane River. Despite its lack of bus services, it is still easy to get to places from Corinda with the Ipswich train line and the southwestern mini-highway that runs right through the suburb. Corinda’s population is 4,695 and has plenty to offer its residents, including four schools, three different churches, two large parks and the local Sherwood Services Club. Its median house price is $643,00 and median rent is $465 per week.
- Durack
Durack is located 15km south of the CBD, on the southern outskirts of the city and away from the urban clutter of the inner city. This suburb is only a small suburb and has a tight-knit community. With a population of 6,177, the suburb’s demographics was just 1 year over the median age of 37. According to ‘Property Observer’, Durack topped the 12 the REIQ Brisbane’s 12 highest yielding suburbs for housing investments. Its median house price is $420,000 and median rent is $380 per week.
- Cooper Plains
Cooper Plains is about 11km directly south of CBD and is home to Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital. The suburb is also home to the Health and Food Sciences Precinct of Queensland. Cooper Plains has a fairly small population of 4,208m making it not the biggest suburb. Its median house price is $551,00 and median rent is $400 per week.
- Darra
Darra is located roughly 14km southwest of the CBD and is known for its multicultural population. After the Vietnam War in 1975, Vietnamese refugees settled in the area and has thus cause Darra to develop a sizeable Vietnamese population. Although Darra is a little further out from the CBD, its not difficult to get somewhere. There are express trains that run from Darra Station and stop only at Indooroopilly before reaching the city. It is also serviced by the Centenary Freeway and the Ipswich Motorway. The suburb has become a great hub for foodies, with plenty of Vietnamese restaurants and green grocers. Its population is positively tiny being only 3,838. Its median house price is $410,00 and median rent is $340 per week.
East Side Suburbs
- Murarrie
Murarrie is a riverside suburb in the east of Brisbane and is home to the News Corporations printing facility, which prints The Courier-Mail and the Sunday Mail. It consists of pretty much both even parts of residential and industrial sections. Murarrie’s population is also on the younger side, being a total of 3,958 and 3 years below the national average. Its median house price is $599,500 and median rent is $480 per week.
- Carina
Carina is mainly a residential suburb just south of Murarrie. The area is currently serviced by three bus corridors, with several bus routes running along each, and no train station. These all connect Carina to the CBD, Carindale Shopping Centre and Cannon Hill Shopping Centre. There are a number of popular schools including Carina State School and St Martin’s Catholic Primary School. Couple and families seem to enjoy living in Carina because of it’s excellent schools and location. Its median house price is $640,000 and median rent is $450 per week.
- Carina Heights
Carina Heights was created in 1975 after being separated from Carina. This suburb basically looks to other neighbouring suburbs like Carina, for many facilities, such as schools and shops as there are none within itself. Carina Heights has a relatively small population due to this reason. Its median house price is $700,000 and median rent is $440 per week.
- Coorparoo
Coorparoo is located only 4km from the CBD, in the inner south-east of Brisbane. The suburb is very residential, consisting of mainly standalone housing and older unit blocks. The suburb took on a major development in 2015, when the Myer Department store was demolished to make way for the Coorparoo Square. This suburb’s population has a grand total of 14,944 residents of which are evenly split by males and females, and with a median age of 33. Its median house price is $850,000 and median rent is $485 per week.
- Carindale
Carindale is regarded as being of a high socio-economic standing. Most of Carindale’s property market consists of large and expensive standalone buildings. Many high-density buildings and apartment blocks have been approved for development in the vicinity of Carindale’s retail area, many of which are still under construction. One of the largest shopping complexes in Brisbane is situated in Carindale, which is best known for its retail experience. Carindale has quite a large population, coming in at 15,577 people, with a slightly older population – 3 years above the Australian median age. Its median house price is $840,00 and median rent is $565 per week.
Beachside Suburbs
- Sandgate
Not only is Sandgate a popular beachside escape but is also a very residential suburb. This suburb is great for city workers who want peaceful living but can also easily commute into the city via the Queensland City Rail Network and the Gateway Motorway. This suburb is not short of facilities, including two schools, a handful of banks, a shopping centre and a number of sporting facilities. Sandgate’s population isn’t very large, being 4,625 and is mainly home to established couples and families and elderly singles. Its median house price is $600,000 and median rent is $425 per week.
- Redcliffe
Redcliffe serves as the central business district for the entire Redcliffe Peninsula and it’s surrounding suburbs, and is part of Redcliffe City. Most of the suburb’s housing consists of standalone dwellings. Redcliffe also has a height restriction of 12 storeys maximum along the main strip, but there are a number of high-rise apartment buildings along the beachfront. Redcliffe is a popular holiday suburb and residential area due to its close proximity to Brisbane and the seaside. Its median house price is $420,000 and median rent is $360 per week.
- Brighton
Brighton is well known for its wetland and esplanade that stretches along the coast between the Houghton Highway Bridge. The suburb has three primary schools and a rather large government-run nursing home. Brighton has a population of 9,012 people with a median age of 40. According to realeastate.com, just under half (48%) of Brighton’s population are ‘elderly’ or ‘older’. Its median house price is $482,500 and median rent is $398 per week.
- Wynnum
Wynnum isn’t your typical beachside suburb. Its shorelines are made up of mangroves and mudflats, instead of typical sandy beaches. The suburb is home to the popular Wynnum Wading Pool, offering residents a chance to go for a swim. Wynnum’s population is quite large, being a total of 12,229 people and has a median age of 40. Its median house price is $575,000 and median rent is $435 per week.
- Manly
Manly is home to the largest boat harbour facility in the Southern Hemisphere, along with several boating clubs. Manly is also home to the Brisbane Coast Guard which operates on weekends and public holidays. The suburb is serviced by the Queensland Rail City Network and several bus services that connect to its neighbouring suburbs. The area is made up of mainly standalone houses (67%) and a small amount of townhouses (10%). Manly’s population is on the smaller side, with 3,702 people, dominated by couples and families. Its median house price is $787,500 and median rent is $450 per week.
