Canberra's the second-best city in the world for quality of life, but where's the best spot to live?

Out of the thousands of cities in the world, Canberra is considered to be right up there as one of the best places on earth for quality of life. 

This “impressive feat” comes from the 2024 Oxford Economics Global Cities Index, published on May 22, which placed the capital just behind Grenoble in France for the top spot.

The category attempts to encapsulate the wellbeing and satisfaction of a city’s residents and looks at key indicators, from income levels to life expectancy or the number of recreational and cultural sites available.

Canberra’s ranking was influenced by several factors, including access to well-paid public service jobs, excellent healthcare facilities and higher-education opportunities.  

So, in a city that scores so highly for quality of life, which are the best spots to live in, according to the locals?

North Canberra “has it all”

Since moving to Casey in Gungahlin two years ago, Mathew Kocic of Canberry Properties has become a convert.

“We’ve got great cafes, restaurants, shops and gyms in Gungahlin Marketplace or Casey Market Town,” he says.

“You can’t beat the Palmerston shops for takeaway or Da Bronx in Forde for great pizza. I also love to go to the District in Crace or to Casey Jones for pub food after an open home on a Saturday.”

Kocic says quality schools in the area, such as Burgmann’s, are a drawcard for families, while some buyers are attracted to the area thanks to the newly built Hindu Temple in Taylor.

He lists the colourful Moncrieff Recreational Park, numerous nature trails, Yerrabi Pond and Mount Taylor Lookout as amenities that foster outdoor activities and community connection.

“The Gungahlin region is a very vibrant and dynamic area, it really has it all,” he says. 

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Affordability beckons in Belconnen

Josh Yewdall of Belle Property Canberra is partial to Belconnen after growing up in the region. For him, it “feels like home”, but he says the area’s value proposition is a major drawcard. Many older homes ripe for renovation are up for sale for much less than comparable options in Canberra’s Inner North or South.

“You get better value for money with blocks of 1100 square metres on average in Belconnen,” he says. “There are good schools [such as Radford College], and the set-up is improving every year with shopping and infrastructure. There’s a strong community feel here with more families choosing to buy in the area.” 

Lake Ginninderra is a magnet for runners and bike riders, while the centre includes a skate park, Westfield and a hub of smaller eateries. Ricardo’s in Macquarie, Cafe Momo in Bruce or the Cook shops are the spots Yewdall says he prefers.

Belconnen also benefits from having Canberra University in the neighbourhood and GIO stadium, which drew 25,000 sports fans in March when the Socceroos played Lebanon’s national team in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.

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Inner South offers “a wonderful lifestyle”

Boasting some of Canberra’s prettiest streets, the Inner South is a highly sought-after area in the capital. Mario Sanfrancesco of Blackshaw Manuka has been a resident for 14 years and believes it’s a beautiful place to live with a strong community feel.

“We’ve got close access to Red Hill Reserve and Lake Burley Griffin, which is pretty remarkable,” he says. “I explain to families planning to move here that when you live in the Inner South, it’s like you’re joining a village. Everything you require for a wonderful lifestyle is within this area.” 

Sanfrancesco reveals the buyer demographic for the area ranges from people relocating from interstate and downsizers to families seeking to upgrade their homes and live within reach of prestigious schools such as Canberra Grammar.

“If budget isn’t an issue, there are some impressive properties on substantial parcels of land [akin] to a private estate along Wickham Crescent and Mugga Way,” he says.

“I’m loving Griffith at the moment and its proximity to Kingston and Manuka. [But] there’s a lot of variety between the suburbs and great options for people.” 

Sanfrancesco adds locals are spoilt for choice with the Inner South’s dining scene.

A few of his favourites include Rubicon in Griffith, Agostinis in Kingston, Urban Pantry in Manuka, Cork and Glass in Yarralumla or Layla Bar in Barton.

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Tuggeranong: on nature’s doorstep

Eliana Rojas-Terry of Better Real Estate bought into the Tuggeranong region more than seven years ago and says she liked the area so much she decided to upsize to a second home.

“It’s such a good spot!” she says. “The larger block sizes are one of Tuggeranong’s biggest advantages because families love to have a decent backyard to enjoy. You also have stunning views of the Brindabellas from every suburb.”

For those who love the outdoors, there’s a plethora of options, from Lake Tuggeranong for water sports or walking the dog to exploring and hiking the Urambi Hills or the Rob Roy Summit.

When out and about in South Canberra, Rojas-Terry suggests visiting Greenway for cafes and eateries, such as Two Before Ten for “great coffee and views of the lake” or O Bach for “the best bahn mi and noodle soups”.

“Like Belconnen, we’ve also got Goodberry’s in Wanniassa for great desserts. It’s considered a Canberran icon,” she says.

Rojas-Terry finds Tuggeranong less congested than other parts of Canberra while offering more affordable house prices.

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But she says you can’t beat it for one particular aspect: “We have Tidbinbilla and Namadgi Nature Parks on our doorstep as well as being closest to the snow!”

However, something everyone can agree on: it’s not surprising Canberra rated so highly for quality of life.

According to Sanfrancesco, the city has always been a hidden gem.

“We have access to everything a family or individual would need … and add to that an airport or a short drive to the coast or Sydney. It appears the secret is out now!”