Melbourne's Liveability Ranking and What It Means for Boroondara

Every year the global liveability rankings come out, and every year Melburnians check where our city has landed. For 2026, [insert ranking result and source, e.g. the publisher and Melbourne's position]. Whether we're at the top of the list or a few spots down, the conversation always gets people thinking about what makes a place genuinely good to live in.

I work with owners and buyers in Boroondara, and I find these rankings are a useful starting point. They also leave a lot out. A city-wide score measures things like healthcare, education, infrastructure, culture and stability. What it can't tell you is how a particular street feels on a Sunday morning, or whether a home suits the way your family actually lives.

What liveability looks like at a suburb level

When buyers talk to me about Boroondara, they rarely mention international indexes. They talk about the everyday things that make life easier and more enjoyable. In my conversations, these come up again and again:

• Green space and the river. Being close to the Yarra and the parks and trails along it is something many people value highly.
• Schools. Families often tell me that access to schools is near the top of their list.
• Getting around. Trams, buses and access to the Eastern Freeway matter to people commuting to the city or across Melbourne.
• Local shops and cafes. Kew Junction and the village strips give people somewhere to walk to for coffee, groceries or dinner. As someone who loves Melbourne's food scene, I understand the appeal.
• A settled, established feel. Tree-lined streets and a mix of period and contemporary homes give the suburb its own character.

These are the things that shape whether a place feels liveable to a particular person. That's why I always encourage buyers to spend time in the area at different times of the day and week before making a decision.

What it means if you're buying

City-wide rankings can lift general interest in Melbourne, from interstate and overseas buyers as well as locals. I'd be careful about reading too much into them for any single purchase, though. A few practical suggestions:

1. Write down your own liveability list. Think about commute, schools, outdoor space, walkability and noise. Rank what matters most to you.
2. Walk the streets you're considering. Two streets a few minutes apart can feel quite different.
3. Look beyond the property itself. Check zoning, nearby development and transport plans through the local council.
4. Ask questions early. I'm always happy to talk through what I'm seeing in the local market and what buyers are prioritising.

What it means if you're selling

For owners, the takeaway is that buyers are often paying attention to lifestyle as much as bricks and mortar. When I prepare a campaign, I think carefully about how to show the way a home fits into daily life in Boroondara, not just its floor plan.

That might mean highlighting:

• How close the home is to parks, shops, transport or schools
• Outdoor areas and how they can be used through the seasons
• Light, flow and the spaces where people actually spend their time

Every home and every seller's situation is different. Some owners need a quick, simple process; others want time to plan carefully around a next move. Listening to what matters to you comes first, and I keep you updated regularly so you always know where things stand.

The bigger picture

Rankings come and go, and Melbourne's position will move around over the years. What tends to last is what people value about where they live: community, convenience, green space and a home that works for them. In my experience, those are the things buyers notice in, and they're worth keeping front of mind whether you're buying or selling.

If you're thinking about a move in Boroondara or just want a relaxed chat about the local market, I'd be glad to hear from you. You can reach me through RT Edgar Boroondara any time.