Nunawading

Lifestyle & dining

Nunawading's day-to-day rhythm centres on practical convenience rather than a single glamorous strip. Cafes, bakeries and casual eateries dot the suburb, catering to families and commuters rather than weekend crowds chasing the next big thing. The nearby Whitehorse Road corridor and neighbouring Mitcham and Forest Hill add further options for dining out or grabbing a quick coffee before the train.

The suburb's proximity to Blackburn North and Vermont also means residents can easily branch out to different retail and hospitality precincts without a long drive, making it a good base for those who like variety close to home.

Shopping

Local shopping in Nunawading is anchored by a mix of everyday retail and larger centres within a short drive, including Forest Hill Chase in neighbouring Forest Hill, which covers most weekly needs from groceries to fashion. Smaller strip shops around the suburb handle the basics — bakeries, pharmacies, takeaway and specialty stores — while bigger shopping trips are easily made to nearby Mitcham or Blackburn North.

Getting around

Nunawading railway station, on the Belgrave/Lilydale line, is one of the suburb's biggest drawcards, offering a direct run into the city for commuters who'd rather not drive. The Eastern Freeway and Maroondah Highway are both within easy reach, connecting residents to the CBD, outer east and beyond.

Bus routes link Nunawading to surrounding suburbs including Vermont, Donvale and Forest Hill, rounding out the transport options for those without a car or needing to get to schools and shops locally.

Schools & families

Families are well catered for, with Mount Pleasant Road Nunawading Primary School serving as a solid local option, alongside Nunawading Christian College, which offers both primary and secondary campuses for families wanting continuity through a child's schooling. The presence of these schools, combined with the suburb's quiet residential streets, makes Nunawading a popular choice for young families and those looking to put down roots for the long term.

The property market

Nunawading's property market reflects its position as a solid, mid-range option in Melbourne's east. The median house price sits at $1.08 million, having grown 2.2% recently, while units and apartments offer a more accessible entry point at a median of $647,000. Median rent across the suburb is $660 a week, reflecting steady demand from both owner-occupiers and tenants.

Current listings show a fairly even dwelling mix, with houses making up 39%, townhouses 38%, apartments and units 23%, and a small 1% share of vacant land. This spread gives buyers genuine choice, whether they're after a traditional house on a block, a low-maintenance townhouse, or an apartment — a rarer balance compared with suburbs dominated by a single housing type.

Parks & recreation

Green space is one of Nunawading's quieter strengths, with local reserves and sporting grounds giving residents room to walk, exercise or let kids play without travelling far. The surrounding leafy character of neighbours like Donvale and Vermont spills into Nunawading's own streets, and the suburb's flat, accessible layout makes it easy to get around on foot or by bike for those wanting a more active, outdoor lifestyle.