The Sunshine Coast is spoilt with so many beautiful places to live, each with its own unique charm. While the concept of the “best” place to live is subjective and depends on your own unique preferences, family priorities and budget, there are a few areas on the Sunshine Coast that are particularly popular for families relocating to the Sunshine Coast.
Opinions vary on the “best” suburbs to live on the Sunshine Coast, here are ten suburbs that are often regarded highly for their desirable qualities and quality of life:
Its stunning beaches, national parks, and renowned Hastings Street with its stylish shops and restaurants make Noosa a highly desirable location. Noosa offers a blend of natural beauty, luxury living, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle. It has great amenities for families and a small number of excellent public and private schools.
Noosa Heads property market snapshot (Cotality, October 2025)
This vibrant suburb boasts beautiful beaches, a lively esplanade, and a range of dining options. It is also regarded as a safe area, making it a popular choice for families.
Mooloolaba property market snapshot (Cotality, October 2025):
Nestled in the hinterland, Buderim offers a peaceful and leafy atmosphere with panoramic views, a strong sense of community, and easy access to both coastal and hinterland attractions. It often appeals to those seeking a quieter and more family-friendly atmosphere, and its access to excellent private schools, hospitals, etc can add to its appeal.
As the central business district of the Sunshine Coast, combines the convenience of city living with a coastal lifestyle. With its shopping centres, dining options, and proximity to beautiful beaches, Maroochydore attracts families looking for a balance between urban amenities and those wanting to live beachside.
This family-friendly suburb is known for its relaxed coastal lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and a range of recreational activities, including water sports and nature trails. It has also been a more affordable area to buy in, compared with other parts of the Coast such as Noosa Heads and Peregian Beach.
With its laid-back atmosphere, stunning surf beaches, central location, along with a range of trendy cafes and boutiques, Coolum Beach offers a quintessential beachside living experience.
This charming coastal suburb features pristine beaches, a vibrant village square, and a strong sense of community, attracting residents seeking a relaxed and friendly environment. The proximity of this suburb to good public and private schools (such as St. Andrews Anglican College) make it a popular choice for families relocating.
Known for its picturesque canal living and the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Kawana Waters offers modern amenities, waterfront properties, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. It is close to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital and other key amenities.
Situated between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland has a stunning beachfront, popular surf breaks, and a range of dining options, making it an appealing choice for beach lovers.
Located in the hinterland, Nambour offers a more affordable living option for families while still providing easy access to coastal attractions. It has a growing arts and cultural scene, along with essential amenities and services.
Ultimately, the best place to live on the Sunshine Coast will depend on your personal family preferences, lifestyle, budget and priorities. It’s worth exploring different areas, considering factors such as proximity to amenities, natural beauty, community atmosphere, and the overall lifestyle that aligns with you. If you need advice on what areas may best suit you if you are considering looking to relocate, please reach out to us.
