Moving to Canberra: A Guide to Top Suburbs

Are you considering a move to Canberra? You’ll need some help with your research, as there are 123 suburbs.

Once known as a ‘boring’ city, Canberra, Australia, has shed its reputation and now consistently ranks well in almost every category.

From a high quality of life to good incomes, jobs, affordable living, top-performing schools, and excellent healthcare, this is a city that’s outplaying its rivals.

Additionally, Canberra offers access to the great outdoors, including skiing and hiking, as well as high-quality sports facilities. Urban dwellers won’t be disappointed either with a thriving cafe culture, and more art galleries than you can shake a paintbrush at!

Canberra’s Top Suburbs

However, if you’re moving to Canberra, you might not know which suburb is the right fit for you. To assist you with your research, this article highlights a selection of the best suburbs and explains why choosing to relocate to any one of them would be a wise decision.

Braddon

Braddon is the Newtown of Canberra. It features cool op-shops, a variety of performing arts venues, and an LGBT roundabout. If you want your fam to be calm and cultured, you can’t do better than Lonsdale Street.

As of April 2025, the median house price of a two-bedroom unit in Braddon is $650,000, making it a more affordable option compared to many places in Sydney.

The median rent for two-bedroom units is $660 per week, based on 357 rental listings in the past 12 months.

Bruce

Bruce has a ton of great things going for it. If you like nature, it’s close to Lake Ginninderra’s scenic walks. But if you enjoy the bustle of the city, it’s close to Belconnen’s shopping district.

The community of Bruce also loves its local darling, Café Momo. Café Momo cooks brekkie wraps and blueberry pancakes to perfection.

Bruce is another suburb where the price of a property hasn’t ballooned out of reach. The median price of a two-bedroom unit is $530,000.

The median unit rent is $530 per week, based on 395 rental listings in the past 12 months.

Hughes

Wide, leafy streets. Gorgeous green spaces and pristine parks. A laidback lifestyle, one that’s not often found in a capital city. Welcome to Hughes: One of the most beloved suburbs in Canberra.

However, this peace and tranquillity come at a price. A three-bedroom house is approximately $1.36m.

The median rent for units is $415 per week, based on 14 rental listings in the past 12 months.

Ainslie

Ainslie is a stellar suburb that fosters a strong sense of community. With its pool, family-friendly restaurants, and numerous A+ schools, it’s a place where you can truly feel at home. And with the city centre just a five-minute drive away, you’re never far from the action.

Like Hughes, Ainslie’s three-bedroom houses are on the pricier side. The median is $1.44m.

The median house rent is $770 per week, based on 73 rental listings in the past 12 months. Specific data for two-bedroom units is not provided. However, here is a recent search.

Griffith

When it comes to Canberra suburbs, Griffith is one of the best places you can live. This suburb is packed to the brim with classic boutiques, bespoke cafes, and some of the best vibes that the city has to offer.

Griffith also features some excellent primary schools and high schools. These facilities include Forrest Primary School, Red Hill Primary School, Telopea Park School, and Narrabundah College.

The median price of a two-bedroom in Griffith is very affordable, at $630,000.

The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,200 USD per month. Please note that this data pertains to Griffin, Georgia, USA, and may not be relevant if you were referring to a different Griffin.

Kingston

Kingston is nestled between a bunch of stunning parks and gentle gardens, making it a serene place to live. But if that’s not enough nature for you, it’s a walk away from Lake Burley Griffin.

What’s more, Kingston is famous for its traditional shopfronts and classic pubs. This iconic decor gives the suburb a timeless feel.

Most apartments in Kingston are priced under $ 1 million. The median price of a two-bedroom unit is $715,000.

The median rent for two-bedroom units is $625 per week, based on 695 rental listings in the past 12 months.

Need Help Moving to Canberra?

Whether you’re moving to the bustle of Braddon or the coziness of Kingston, packing up your life can be draining. Boxing up memories, moving furniture, and driving to a new city aren’t known for being relaxing activities.

If you’re moving to Canberra from Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne, choose your moving team wisely. One option is Holloway Removal, which offers local expertise and operations in major cities, to pack and move everything you own with a level of professionalism that will put you at ease.

As part of your relocation research, create a move budget. Obtain quotes and consider what you can take in your own vehicles to improve the estimates. Additionally, consider moving insurance to cover your valuables and contents while they are in transit.