A new national study has found that Australia’s happiest places to live are not necessarily the most expensive or competitive suburbs, but those that offer strong liveability and community wellbeing.
The research by iSelect ranked 88 regions across the country based on factors such as employment, housing affordability, health, safety, environment, and social cohesion.
Surprisingly, the top spot went to Sutherland, a leafy suburb in southern Sydney located about 26 kilometres from the city centre, known for its strong community ties, low unemployment, and access to green spaces and the coast.
Despite its high liveability score, Sutherland remains relatively expensive, with median house prices reaching around $1.3 million and unit prices averaging $823,000.
Adelaide Central and Hills ranked second, with residents benefiting from shorter commutes, better access to healthcare, and a more balanced lifestyle.
Sydney’s Northern Beaches came in third, valued for its coastal environment, open spaces, and flexible working opportunities.
Other highly ranked areas included Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury in fourth place, followed by Inner Perth in fifth.
At the other end of the scale, North Moreton Bay in Queensland was identified as the least liveable region, with Ipswich and Logan-Beaudesert also scoring poorly due to higher unemployment, longer travel times, and weaker health outcomes.
iSelect General Manager of Health Andres Gutierrez noted that where people live can significantly influence both physical and mental wellbeing, especially through access to healthcare, green spaces, and manageable commutes.
