Melbourne’s 6 fittest suburbs revealed

A survey of 10,000 Melbourne households has revealed that residents living in six bayside suburbs are among the fittest and healthiest in Melbourne.

The results combined census data with Roy Morgan and Nielsen research indicate that living within close proximity to the bay may play a key part in leading a healthy and active lifestyle.

When you think about it these results make sense. Perhaps a vital part of keeping fit is living in a location that inspires you get active outdoors (let’s face it who doesn’t love walking along the beach with the roar of the waves and fresh sea breeze in your hair) and motivates you to maintain a ‘beach ready’ body.

We’re not saying that relocating to a bayside suburb will instantly change your life and you’ll be fit in next no time just by living there, but there are clear health benefits to these areas’ populations having easy access to the beach, water sports and picturesque cycling and walking trails around the bay.

Maybe a move to one of these bayside suburbs could be right for you. Here are some of the select highlights of living bayside in Melbourne’s 6 fittest suburbs according to some homely locals.

We’ve also included some practical info, like distances to Melbourne’s CBD and median house prices (MHP) and median weekly rents (MWR) (based on Your Investment Property data) to help inform your choice.

Top 6 fittest suburbs in Melbourne

1. Elwood

Distance to CBD: 9km.

Stats: $1.65 million MHP and $750 WMR.

Word on the street: 

‘Easy access to The Bay Trail is great. Some days I’ll walk along the beach down to the Brighton Baths and back, or other days I’ll walk up to the St Kilda pier for a change of scenery. Watching the sunset up on Point Ormond Hill is gorgeous too!’ – Karly Gleich

‘It’s close to the beach and has a canal running through it which is great for walks/runs/cycling… There are several farmers markets popping up and Elwood Village has a warm friendly vibe’ – pandabeer45

‘Elwood is perfect for families, singles, couples and retirees…Elwood Beach is absolutely beautiful with play equipment, bbq area, running tracks and The Bayside Trail bike track.’ – CapitalAdvisory

 2. St Kilda

Distance to CBD: 7km.

Stats: $1 million MHP and $510 WMR.

Word on the street: 

‘St Kilda is festive, fun, hectic and alive…Explore a Sunday market, walk the esplanade, dine at a beach front restaurant/bar, catch a live music act at the Espy Hotel or Palace Theatre and experience paddle boarding in the bay.’ – Monique Holgye

‘It is home to many artists, musicians, writers and actors. The crowd is edgy and quite cool. The pubs are somewhat grungy and many of the cafes serve organic food. The stunning Sea Baths on the waterfront have a fantastic gym and also one of Melbourne’s best vegetarian restaurants.’ –BVStar

3. Middle Park

Distance to CBD: 5km.

Stats: $1.975 million MHP and $780 WMR.

Word on the street: 

‘Middle Park is wonderful! It is a sleepy little hollow between Albert Park and St Kilda West. There is very little traffic – other than local. It is family friendly with the beach and lake within walking distance. There are a couple of great playgrounds for children with BBQ and toilet facilities.’ – Kez1

‘A great beachside suburb with bountiful places to eat, drink and be merry around. Then Albert Park is right there for that bit of greeery if you ever have enough of the beach.’ – rulesix

4. Brighton

Distance to CBD: 12km.

Stats: $2.265 million MHP and $978 WMR.

Word on the street: 

‘Nestled between Elwood, Port Phillip, Elsternwick and Hampton, Brighton plays host to a yacht club, golf course, two cinemas, many old churches and a number of secondary schools. Buses, trains and trams also service the area, which is home to over 20,000 people.’ – lauryn

‘Beautiful affluent beachside lifestyle- Ideal for families, couples, singles and retirees.’ – CapitalAdvisory

5. Mentone

Distance to CBD: 22km.

Stats: $920k MHP and $510 WMR.

Word on the street: 

‘Close to the beach without the extravagant price tag! I love Mentone it is a safe and beautiful suburb – close to the beach, all shops you would need and has a great sense of community.’ –RachaelJones

‘There are many sporting groups, parks, play grounds and of course the beach to spend precious family time with the kids.’ – WeLoveMentone

6. Mount Eliza

Distance to CBD: 60km.

Stats: $854,250 MHP and $560 WMR.

Word on the street: 

‘If you are from Mt Eliza you do not boast of how great it is to live there. ‘World’s Best Kept Secret’ is on the lips of all who live there. Good beaches, schools, cafe’s, restaurants…and good value real estate. Good transport and access roads to Melbourne CBD. Gateway to Mornington Peninsula and access to many wineries strawberry, raspberry and produce from farmers markets.’ – Marnie

‘Kunyung and Earimil beaches have beautiful sand and deep water. Ranelagh has great boating and two areas between the rocks with deep water and sandbanks great for snorkelling. Very private minus the crowds. Canadian Bay has great boating, sand banks and shallows which is good for young children. All have great views of Melbourne’s skyline and of fireworks on New Years Eve. All have great back drop of sandstone cliffs and Victorian boat houses.’ – Johnmteliza

If this article has inspired you to move closer to the beach or to simply get more active find out where Melbourne’s best beaches are located and where to seek out Melbourne’s best gyms.

Happy house hunting!