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The Best and Worst Suburbs in Brisbane (2025 Update)

Brisbane isn’t just the capital of Queensland — it’s a city with many faces. From riverside nightlife to calm, green family suburbs, it’s a place where lifestyle can change dramatically depending on your postcode. If you’re planning to move, buy property, or just stay for a while, here’s an honest and detailed guide to Brisbane’s neighborhoods — from the least desirable to the most prestigious.


Tier 1: The Rougher Edges — Areas to Approach with Caution


Fortitude Valley, Bowen Hills, Newstead, Brisbane CBD
These central areas attract thousands of people every night — and with them come noise, crime, and occasional chaos. While Newstead is modern and flashy, parts of Fortitude Valley and the CBD record the city’s highest rates of theft, assaults, and drug-related incidents. Perfect if you love nightlife and don’t mind urban grit, but not for families.

Inala, Acacia Ridge, Moorooka, Archerfield, Richlands
Brisbane’s southwest is often mentioned for the wrong reasons — higher crime, lower socioeconomic levels, and plenty of industrial land. Inala, in particular, struggles with break-ins and public disturbances. It’s cheap and diverse but not the best fit for newcomers seeking peace and comfort.

Chermside, Zillmere, Geebung, Boondall
Northside working-class zones with dated housing and mixed safety levels. Chermside has a great shopping centre and transport links, but step a few streets away and the atmosphere changes. You’ll find better options for the same price elsewhere.

Tier 2: Average and Up-and-Coming — Affordable and Reasonably Safe


Everton Park, Mitchelton, Stafford, McDowall
Northwest Brisbane offers decent family living without sky-high prices. These areas have solid schools, public transport, and local cafes. Everton Park is getting trendier every year, but occasional break-ins still happen.

Sunnybank, Robertson, MacGregor, Sunnybank Hills
This multicultural hub is famous for its Asian restaurants, grocery stores, and community feel. It’s busy, vibrant, and full of life — but traffic and noise can be a downside. A great choice for newcomers, students, and small families.

Carina, Coorparoo, Greenslopes
Conveniently located near the city with excellent schools and a growing café scene. These eastern suburbs strike a balance between affordability, safety, and livability — a smart middle-ground for professionals and families alike.

Tier 3: Trendy and Creative — Where Life Happens

West End, South Brisbane, Highgate Hill, South Bank
This is where culture meets chaos — a hub of art, music, and food. West End’s weekend markets and South Bank’s riverside life make it ideal for students and young creatives. It’s not quiet or cheap, but it’s full of personality.

New Farm and Teneriffe
Trendy, walkable, and riverside — Brisbane’s answer to inner-city luxury. Beautiful apartments, cafes on every corner, and an unmistakable creative vibe. Expensive, yes, but unmatched in lifestyle quality.

Paddington
Think charming Queenslander homes, boutique stores, and weekend brunches. It’s stylish without being pretentious — a favorite for young professionals and digital nomads.

Tier 4: The Family Favorites — Safe, Green, and Comfortable

Kenmore, Brookfield, The Gap, Bardon
West Brisbane is where families thrive. These suburbs are leafy, quiet, and full of community spirit. You’ll find excellent schools, parks, and some of the city’s safest streets. Prices are high, but so is the quality of life.

Camp Hill, Holland Park, Carindale
Southeast Brisbane is a sweet spot for mid-to-upper-income families. Modern homes, reputable schools, and a real sense of safety make these areas hard to beat.

Ashgrove, Wilston, Ferny Grove
These suburbs combine charm and practicality — close enough to the city, yet surrounded by nature. Great for raising kids or simply enjoying a calm, suburban rhythm.

Tier 5: The Elite Circle — Brisbane’s Most Prestigious Suburbs

Ascot, Hamilton, Chelmer, Indooroopilly, St Lucia, Bardon, Brookfield
Old money meets riverside elegance. Wide streets, stunning heritage homes, elite schools, and perfect safety — these areas represent Brisbane’s luxury standard. St Lucia also attracts academics and professionals thanks to its proximity to the University of Queensland.

New Farm and Teneriffe
Back again at the top — because these suburbs bridge two worlds: cosmopolitan lifestyle and high-end living. Think rooftop bars, riverside walks, and some of the most expensive real estate in Queensland.

Final Thoughts

Living in Brisbane can mean very different things — from the buzzing energy of Fortitude Valley to the calm, tree-filled streets of Bardon. The key is finding a neighborhood that fits your rhythm and goals. Every suburb has its own story, its quirks, and its appeal. But if you take the time to explore and understand the city, Brisbane will always give you something in return — sunshine, community, and an unmistakable sense of home.

Location: Brisbane QLD, Australia

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