Moving out of home? Here’s where you should live in Australia as a young professional

Article by Sinead Clarke Marketing Specialist 10 October 2023

As the year speeds by and Christmas is on the horizon, it’s only natural that we have our sights set on 2024 and everything it will bring. For some of us that includes graduating from tertiary education and beginning a career. With this comes purchasing a new work wardrobe, meeting new social circles and even moving out of home, to be closer to work. This prospect is exciting, to say the least, but with all of the extra admin that comes with it, it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed and apprehensive. 

When it comes to news regarding the property market, we’re often fed stories of doom and gloom which takes all of the fun out of moving, instead, replacing it with feelings of stress and overwhelm. With the national vacancy rate sitting at a mere 1.3% and rental prices skyrocketing it can make it difficult to understand where you should even be looking. That’s where we come in, as we’ve created a list of the best suburbs for young professionals to live in Australia. We’ve taken into consideration proximity to the CBD, atmosphere and cost so that you don’t have to fret. 

Randwick, NSW

We’re kicking it off with Randwick in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs! Located eight kilometres from the CBD, Randwick acts as the gateway to the East. This is because it’s a mecca of transport with multiple buses and the light rail all passing through its main street. With the beaches only minutes away and the city a short light rail ride away, Randwick allows you to be centrally located whilst gently removed from the hustle and bustle. 

With that being said, the suburb is home to many pubs and restaurants, with an up-and-coming culinary scene that features the suburb’s diverse cultures. Randwick is a true mix demographically, with its inhabitants ranging from young families to university students, whilst also becoming a hub for British and Irish expats. With the average one-bedroom apartment listed at $575 p/w, Randwick is cheaper than its trendy neighbours such as Coogee ($620 p/w). This being said, it’s still in Sydney which will set you back!

Marrickville, NSW

Don’t think we forgot about Sydney’s inner-west. While some of you may be acquainted with Newtown and Glebe, which are popular spots among students, we don’t have to tell you twice that you won’t get much bang for your buck in these suburbs. Instead, we present you Marrickville, a favourite of those working in Mascot’s business centre, as opposed to the CBD. Located 10 kilometres from the CBD, and a mere four from Mascot, Marrickville is the perfect ‘in-between’ spot to call home. 

All things considered, this up-and-coming suburb has a distinctive culture of its own. As a former Greek enclave, the suburb has some of the best and most authentic Greek food you’ll find in Sydney, as well as some delectable Vietnamese eats and late-night boogie spots. Finally, the suburb is also host to several breweries, a regular organic farmer’s market and access to Sydney Park. There truly is something for everyone! The median price for a 1 bedroom rental is set a $470 p/w.

Carlton, VIC

Carlton has been a trendy suburb for quite some time, known for its well-established culinary scene, proximity to Melbourne’s CBD and their notorious AFL team, The Blues. Whilst being a popular spot for young professionals and students alike, the suburb has maintained some affordability. With a one-bedroom rental setting you back $360 p/w, Carlton is a great option for young professionals making the transition from university to the corporate world. 

So what makes Carlton a hidden gem located in plain sight? Well for starters the suburb is located only two kilometres or four blocks from the CBD. If the proximity to the city hasn’t sold you, we could gush over the culinary scene all day long. With a magnitude of stellar Italian restaurants, bars and trendy cafes, Carlton is a food blogger’s galore.

Elwood, VIC

For those who prefer the serenity of sea breezes over the sounds of the city we recommend Elwood. The suburb can be best described as St Kilda’s more relaxed little sister. If you’re a young professional who likes to be close to the hustle and bustle, but removed enough to be able to escape into nature and enjoy a quiet night in then Elwood is for you. Featuring bespoke wine bars and artisan cafes, the suburb is best for those who want to feel like part of a community. 

Elwood is located nine kilometres from the CBD, however, is easily accessible by bus, train and tram. As you’d come to imagine, the treelined suburb is mainly home to young families as well as professionals commuting to the city. The median rental price for a one-bedroom place is set at $350 p/w.

Nundah, QLD

Are you located in the Sunshine State? Well lucky for you, we’ve got you covered. Nundah is located 13 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, but don’t let that deter you as the train zips you there in under 15 minutes. The once-industrial suburb located close to the airport is the definition of up-and-coming, as it’s gotten a major facelift in the past five years. With the addition of the new Nundah Village, you can access everything from groceries, to beauty treatments and over 15 restaurants and cafes within a block. 
The suburb is a base for young professionals with an abundance of apartment buildings. However, the suburb is a true mix with the streets sprawling away from the Village becoming leafy, quiet and full of families, making the perfect backdrop for an afternoon walk or run after a busy day. Nundah’s versatility makes it one of the most interesting suburbs in Brisbane. With a one-bedroom rental coming in at a median of $350 p/w, it’s a steal!

Southport, QLD

If you’re one of the lucky ones who have scored a job on the aptly named Gold Coast, we’re jealous. The Gold Coast is known for its skyscrapers and its waterfront mansions, and while they’re aspirational for many they’re not necessarily attainable. Thankfully, the central suburb of Southport is! Located four kilometres north of Surfer’s Paradise, Southport is full of things to do and see, whilst also being home to some of the Gold Coast’s quieter stretches of waterfront. 

The suburb is a true melting pot of activity, with its inhabitants ranging from the older surf-soaked crowd to families and everything in between. The suburb is known as the home of SeaWorld and the Commonwealth Games Swimming facilities, and as a result, has an array of eateries and nightlife options to choose from. The average one-bedroom rental will set you back $490 p/w.

Scarborough, WA

Don’t think we forgot our friends on the West Coast! Scarborough is located 15 kilometres from Perth’s CBD and feels like a holiday destination, despite being a quick 20-minute drive from the city. The suburb butts onto one of WA’s crystal clear beaches and is reminiscent of an island in The Whitsundays with healthy brunch spots and quaint bars aplenty. 

With this being said Scarborough’s demographic is mainly comprised of young professionals, with families flocking in on the weekend to soak up the sunshine. This ensures that as a local you’ll get a quiet week, complemented by plenty of buzz and excitement on the weekends. With this being said the median price for a one-bedroom rental is set at $420 p/w.

We wish you all the best with your journey as you look to make a move, whether that coincides with a post-grad job or not. We understand that the rental market is daunting at the moment, so we’ve answered some of your top questions. Check it out here!

To learn about the PropertyMe mobile app for tenants and what it can do to help you, head on over to the PropertyMe website for more information.