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Suburbs and Locations

Overview of Canberra's neighborhoods and areas to help choose where to live based on preferences.

Sections

Overview of Canberraโ€™s Layout

Canberra is divided into seven main districts, each with its own character and appeal. These districts are:

  1. North Canberra (Inner North)
  2. South Canberra (Inner South)
  3. Belconnen
  4. Gungahlin
  5. Tuggeranong
  6. Woden Valley
  7. Weston Creek
  8. Molonglo Valley (a newer district)

Each district has a mix of housing options, from apartments to standalone houses, and caters to different lifestyles and budgets.


1. Inner North (North Canberra)

  • Suburbs: Braddon, Dickson, Ainslie, Oโ€™Connor, Lyneham, Turner.
  • Housing Options: A mix of modern apartments, townhouses, and older standalone homes.
  • Rental Costs: Apartments range from AUD 450โ€“700 per week for 1-2 bedrooms. Houses can cost AUD 700โ€“1,200 per week.
  • Purchasing Costs: Median house price is around AUD 1.2 million; apartments are around AUD 600,000.
  • Living Environment: Vibrant, close to the city center (Civic), with a mix of young professionals, students, and families. Braddon is known for its trendy cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops.
  • Amenities: Excellent dining, shopping, and nightlife options. Proximity to Australian National University (ANU) and government offices.
  • Transportation: Well-connected by buses and light rail. Walking and cycling are popular due to proximity to Civic.
  • Cultural Considerations: Diverse and cosmopolitan, with a mix of cultures and lifestyles.

2. Inner South (South Canberra)

  • Suburbs: Kingston, Manuka, Griffith, Narrabundah, Forrest, Barton.
  • Housing Options: Upscale apartments, townhouses, and luxury homes.
  • Rental Costs: Apartments range from AUD 500โ€“800 per week. Houses can cost AUD 800โ€“1,500 per week.
  • Purchasing Costs: Median house price is around AUD 1.5 million; apartments are around AUD 700,000.
  • Living Environment: Affluent and sophisticated, with a focus on lifestyle and convenience. Kingston Foreshore is a popular waterfront area with restaurants and bars.
  • Amenities: High-end dining, boutique shopping, and cultural attractions like the National Gallery of Australia and Lake Burley Griffin.
  • Transportation: Well-served by buses. Close to Civic and Parliamentary Triangle.
  • Cultural Considerations: Popular with diplomats, professionals, and families. A quieter, more refined atmosphere.

3. Belconnen

  • Suburbs: Belconnen, Bruce, Aranda, Florey, Hawker, Macquarie.
  • Housing Options: Affordable apartments, townhouses, and family homes.
  • Rental Costs: Apartments range from AUD 400โ€“600 per week. Houses can cost AUD 600โ€“900 per week.
  • Purchasing Costs: Median house price is around AUD 850,000; apartments are around AUD 500,000.
  • Living Environment: Family-friendly, with a mix of students and professionals. Bruce is home to the University of Canberra.
  • Amenities: Westfield Belconnen shopping center, parks, and Lake Ginninderra for outdoor activities.
  • Transportation: Well-connected by buses. Easy access to Civic and other districts.
  • Cultural Considerations: A mix of suburban and urban lifestyles, with a focus on education and family living.

4. Gungahlin

  • Suburbs: Gungahlin, Franklin, Harrison, Amaroo, Ngunnawal.
  • Housing Options: Modern apartments, townhouses, and new family homes.
  • Rental Costs: Apartments range from AUD 400โ€“600 per week. Houses can cost AUD 600โ€“900 per week.
  • Purchasing Costs: Median house price is around AUD 850,000; apartments are around AUD 500,000.
  • Living Environment: One of Canberraโ€™s fastest-growing areas, popular with young families and professionals.
  • Amenities: Gungahlin Town Centre offers shopping, dining, and recreational facilities.
  • Transportation: Connected to Civic via light rail and buses.
  • Cultural Considerations: Multicultural and family-oriented, with a focus on new developments.

5. Tuggeranong

  • Suburbs: Greenway, Wanniassa, Kambah, Calwell, Gordon.
  • Housing Options: Affordable family homes and townhouses.
  • Rental Costs: Houses range from AUD 500โ€“800 per week.
  • Purchasing Costs: Median house price is around AUD 750,000.
  • Living Environment: Quiet and suburban, with a strong community feel. Popular with families.
  • Amenities: Tuggeranong Town Centre, parks, and Lake Tuggeranong for outdoor activities.
  • Transportation: Well-connected by buses, but further from Civic (30โ€“40 minutes by car).
  • Cultural Considerations: A relaxed, suburban lifestyle with a focus on affordability.

6. Woden Valley

  • Suburbs: Curtin, Mawson, Phillip, Garran.
  • Housing Options: Family homes, townhouses, and apartments.
  • Rental Costs: Houses range from AUD 600โ€“1,000 per week.
  • Purchasing Costs: Median house price is around AUD 1 million.
  • Living Environment: Family-friendly, with a mix of older and newer homes. Phillip is a commercial hub.
  • Amenities: Westfield Woden shopping center, schools, and healthcare facilities.
  • Transportation: Well-connected by buses. Close to Civic and Parliamentary Triangle.
  • Cultural Considerations: Popular with families and professionals.

7. Weston Creek

  • Suburbs: Weston, Duffy, Holder, Rivett.
  • Housing Options: Family homes and townhouses.
  • Rental Costs: Houses range from AUD 600โ€“900 per week.
  • Purchasing Costs: Median house price is around AUD 850,000.
  • Living Environment: Quiet and suburban, with a strong community feel.
  • Amenities: Local shops, schools, and parks.
  • Transportation: Well-connected by buses.
  • Cultural Considerations: A relaxed, family-oriented area.

8. Molonglo Valley

  • Suburbs: Wright, Coombs, Denman Prospect.
  • Housing Options: New apartments, townhouses, and family homes.
  • Rental Costs: Apartments range from AUD 400โ€“600 per week. Houses can cost AUD 600โ€“900 per week.
  • Purchasing Costs: Median house price is around AUD 900,000.
  • Living Environment: A new and rapidly developing area, popular with young families and professionals.
  • Amenities: Limited but growing, with plans for more schools, shops, and parks.
  • Transportation: Limited public transport; car ownership is common.
  • Cultural Considerations: Modern and family-friendly, with a focus on new developments.

General Housing and Living Costs in Canberra

  • Rental Costs: Canberra is one of Australiaโ€™s more expensive cities for renting, with weekly rents averaging AUD 600 for houses and AUD 500 for apartments.
  • Purchasing Costs: Median house prices are around AUD 900,000โ€“1.2 million, while apartments average AUD 500,000โ€“700,000.
  • Utilities: Expect to pay AUD 200โ€“300 per month for electricity, gas, and water.
  • Internet: High-speed internet costs around AUD 70โ€“100 per month.

Transportation in Canberra

  • Public Transport: Canberra has an efficient bus network and a light rail line connecting Gungahlin to Civic. Fares are around AUD 3โ€“5 per trip, with discounts for students and seniors.
  • Cycling and Walking: Canberra is bike-friendly, with extensive cycling paths.
  • Driving: Most residents own cars, especially in outer suburbs. Parking is generally available but can be expensive in Civic.

Cultural and Local Considerations

  • Community: Canberra is multicultural, with a mix of Australians and international residents. It is family-friendly and safe.
  • Lifestyle: Outdoor activities are popular, with many parks, lakes, and nature reserves.
  • Weather: Canberra experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters and hot summers.

This guide should help you navigate Canberraโ€™s suburbs and housing options. Let me know if you need further assistance!