Every year, Time Out drops its highly anticipated ranking of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods – and in 2025, the hotlist saw two Aussie suburbs crack the top 25. But if you’re looking for the best places to live closer to home, a new national study has just revealed Australia’s most liveable neighbourhoods. They might not have the same hip vibe, but they tick all the boxes – safe streets, clean surroundings, convenient locations and all the amenities you need for a seriously good life.
More than 27,000 Australians from 15,000 areas shared their views in the 2025 Australian Liveability Census, which determined the country’s top ten most liveable spots. Residents rated their neighbourhoods against 50 human-focused markers, including safety, nature, access to shops, cafés and medical services, and overall visual appeal. The ranking is based on lived experience and perception rather than objective data like crime rates, healthcare metrics or economic indicators, making it a truly human-centred measure of liveability.
Tucked away on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, Lane Cove claimed the crown as the best spot to live in Australia right now. Locals praise the area’s strong sense of community, leafy green spaces, expansive national park, newly renovated swimming pool, kid-friendly parks and easy access to shops and cafés.
Growing up in Lane Cove gave me a front-row seat to all its charm. From my morning commute to Lane Cove Public School and Friday afternoon library trips with my grandpa, to weekend hangouts with my dog at Blackman Park’s pup-friendly café, I totally get why Lane Cove is celebrated as one of Australia’s most liveable neighbourhoods.
The suburb has only gotten cooler over the years. Back in the day, Via Napoli was my favourite for one-metre-long pizzas and Pottery Green Bakers was a go-to for brunch and pastries. Fast forward to 2020 and the opening of The Canopy precinct turned Lane Cove into a full-on foodie and hangout hub. Locals now have Barrel One for their local coffee fix, scored the first Gelato Messina on Sydney’s North Shore (inside Harris Farm) and can enjoy live concerts at the massive village green with a huge playground.
And let’s not forget the massive Lane Cove National Park – perfect for riverside walks or a kayak adventure. All this, plus you’re just 15 minutes from the CBD by car or 25 on public transport. Honestly, what more could you want?
NSW neighbourhoods dominated the top ten, with Sydney’s Inner West placing third, North Sydney sixth, Willoughby seventh and Camden ninth. The inner-city suburb of Vincent in Western Australia was the runner-up for Australia’s most liveable area. You can check out the full top ten below.
These are Australia's 10 most liveable suburbs for 2025
- Lane Cove (NSW)
- Vincent (WA)
- Inner West (NSW)
- Surf Coast (VIC)
- Hobart (TAS)
- North Sydney (NSW)
- Willoughby (NSW)
- Bayside (VIC)
- Camden (NSW)
- Joondalup (WA)