Top 5 Best Suburbs In Bendigo For Students In 2025
“Bendigo’s best suburbs, decoded!”
Table of Content
Planning to move to Bendigo but not sure where to start? Whether you’re a student heading to La Trobe University or a young professional chasing a balance between city life and calm suburbs, Bendigo has something for everyone. Known for its historic charm, leafy streets, and affordable living, Bendigo is one of regional Australia’s fastest-growing hubs. From the student-friendly Strathdale to the lively Golden Square, this guide breaks down the best suburbs in Bendigo, where safety, convenience, and community come together for the ultimate lifestyle upgrade.
Top 5 Best Suburbs In Bendigo
From leafy neighbourhoods perfect for students to amazing hubs close to the CBD, Bendigo’s suburbs each offer something special. Here are the top 5 best suburbs in Bendigo that score high on safety, affordability, and accessibility, ideal for students, families, and anyone looking to call Bendigo home. The average weekly rent in Bendigo is approximately A$475/week for houses and about A$440/week for units.
1. Strathdale
Average Rent: ~ AUD $500 /week
Population: 5,756
Safety Index: 8/10
Best For: Families & Professionals, leafy, quiet, close to amenities
Nearby University: La Trobe University (Bendigo Campus)
Strathdale stands out as one of the best suburbs in Bendigo for students. It’s super safe, ranking 11/100 in Australia with only 1 property crime per 63 residents. Its walk score of 40/100 makes strolling to cafes a breeze. The infrastructure here is top-notch, with bus number 61/70 running every 30 minutes to La Trobe University (Bendigo campus) and Bendigo CBD. You can hang out at True Brew for craft beers, The Zone Fun Park for fun, or Bendigo Art Gallery for artsy vibes. You’ll find popular spots like Kennington Reservoir and the Strathdale Shopping precinct just minutes away. Strathdale’s chill, green, student-friendly atmosphere makes it a top pick among the best Bendigo suburbs.
2. Golden Square
Average Rent: ~ AUD $480 /week
Population: 9,220
Safety Index: 7/10
Best For: Inner-city convenience, heritage homes & investors
Nearby University: La Trobe University (Bendigo Campus)
Golden Square shines as one of the best neighbourhoods in Bendigo for students craving affordability and convenience. It's among the safest suburbs in Bendigo, with low crime rates, just 1 incident per 75 residents. It has a walk score of 55/100, ideal for campus strolls to La Trobe University (just 5km away). The infrastructure is on point with upgraded roads, healthcare hubs, and parks. Buses 5 and 10 zip to the CBD every 15 mins, plus there are easy V/Line trains to Melbourne. Popular spots include the Golden Square Recreation Reserve for footy vibes, local cafes like Maple Street's hidden gems for study brews, and Bendigo Creek trails for chill runs. Its community-driven vibe makes it a student hotspot among the safest suburbs in Bendigo.
3. Kennington
Average Rent: ~ AUD $480 /week
Population: 5,880
Safety Index: 7/10
Best For: Close-in living, small families, professionals wanting easy CBD access
Nearby University: La Trobe University (Bendigo Campus)
Kennington stands tall among the best suburbs in Bendigo, Australia, offering students a perfect mix of safety, connectivity, and modern amenities. With a crime rate of roughly one crime per 53 residents, it ranks as one of the safest neighbourhoods in Bendigo. The walk score of 52/100 makes daily commutes easy, especially with La Trobe University just 4 km away. The suburb’s infrastructure includes upgraded roads and supermarkets. Regular buses (Routes 5 & 10) run every 15 minutes to the CBD. Enjoy Kennington Reservoir for serene walks, The Coffee House for study vibes, or Strath Village for quick bites. Its lively, student-centric vibe makes it a top pick!
4. Kangaroo Flat
Average Rent: ~ AUD $460 /week
Population: 11,328
Safety Index: 6/10
Best For: Families & commuters, good balance of amenities & value
Nearby University: La Trobe University (Bendigo Campus)
Kangaroo Flat stands out as one of the best suburbs in Bendigo, ideal for students seeking affordability and space. It’s among the safest Bendigo suburbs, with a low crime rate of 1 incident per 70 residents. Its walk score of 45/100 suits strolls to nearby shops or La Trobe University (7km away). Infrastructure rocks with upgraded roads and medical clinics. Buses 50/51 zip to the CBD every 20 mins, plus V/Line trains connect to Melbourne. Hit Kangaroo Flat Sports Club for entertainment, Lansell Square for meals, or Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre for fitness. Its relaxed, student-friendly charm makes it a top choice among the best suburbs in Bendigo.
5. Huntly
Average Rent: ~ AUD $510 /week
Population: 2,381Safety Index: 8.5/10
Best For: Growth seekers, investors, people wanting more space & future upside
Nearby University: La Trobe University (Bendigo Campus)
Huntly is one of the best neighbourhoods in Bendigo, ideal for students seeking affordability and tranquillity. It’s among the safest suburbs in Bendigo, with a low crime rate of 1 incident per 85 residents. Its walk score of 35/100 suits relaxed walks, with La Trobe University just 10km away. Infrastructure impresses with new roads, a medical centre, and three parks covering 1% of its 15.3 square kilometres. Buses 54/55 connect to the CBD every 30 mins, with V/Line trains nearby. Enjoy Huntly Streamside Reserve for nature, local cafes like Huntly Milk Bar for study breaks, or Epsom Village for quick shops. Its peaceful, student-friendly vibe makes it a top pick.
Looking for Student Accommodation In The Best Suburbs of Bendigo?
If you’re planning to study at La Trobe University and searching for the best student accommodation in Bendigo, amber has you covered! With amber, you can easily find affordable homes, located in the city’s safest and most student-friendly suburbs like Strathdale, Kennington, and Golden Square. From private studios to shared apartments, every listing is verified, affordable, and close to campus and key amenities, like wifi, pool and more. Here are the top options for cheap and affordable student accommodation in Bendigo:
1. La Trobe University - Villas, Bendigo
2. La Trobe University - Units, Bendigo
3. Trobe University - Hillside Apartments, Bendigo
4. La Trobe University - Terraces, Bendigo
Best Suburbs In Bendigo: Quick Comparison
Choosing where to live in Bendigo depends on what you value most: affordability, lifestyle, or peaceful surroundings. Here’s a quick look at how the best suburbs in Bendigo compare in terms of rent, neighbourhood vibe, and local highlights.
| Suburb | Average Rent /week | Neighbourhood Vibe | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strathdale | ~$500 | Leafy, quiet, student-friendly | Safe, green, close to shops & cafes, great public transport |
| Golden Square | ~$480 | Central, lively, heritage feel | Affordable, near CBD, great cafés, quick access to trains |
| Kennington | ~$480 | Modern, convenient, upbeat | Close to supermarkets, parks & study spots |
| Kangaroo Flat | ~$460 | Family-focused, relaxed | Great value, shopping centres, sports & fitness hubs |
| Huntly | ~$510 | Peaceful, semi-rural | Spacious housing, green parks, calm community vibe |
If you’re exploring the best suburbs in Bendigo, areas like Strathdale, Kennington, Golden Square, and Huntly tick all the right boxes for safety, affordability, and accessibility to La Trobe University. These are truly the best Bendigo suburbs for students who value comfort and convenience. With amber, finding verified, affordable, and fully furnished homes in these top-rated suburbs is easier than ever. This helps you live smart, stay safe, and enjoy everything Bendigo has to offer while studying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the richest suburb in Bendigo?
The richest suburb in Bendigo is Strathfieldsaye, known for its large modern homes, high property values, and family-friendly lifestyle. It’s closely followed by Spring Gully and Strathdale, both offering premium housing, green surroundings, and great access to schools and amenities.
What are the best suburbs in Bendigo?
Some of the best suburbs in Bendigo include Strathdale, Kennington, Golden Square, Spring Gully, and Huntly. These areas score well for safety, affordability, and accessibility to La Trobe University and city amenities, making them top picks for students and families alike.
What are the dodgy parts of Bendigo?
Locals often describe Long Gully and California Gully as the more “dodgy” parts of Bendigo due to higher crime and lower socioeconomic scores. While both areas are improving through redevelopment, they still rank below average in terms of safety and property value compared to other Bendigo suburbs.
Is Bendigo a good place to live?
Yes! Bendigo is a great place to live, offering a relaxed regional lifestyle with city-level facilities. It offers affordable housing, good public transport, strong job opportunities, and a welcoming community. For students, it’s home to La Trobe University’s Bendigo Campus, and for families, it provides top schools and safe neighbourhoods.
Why is Bendigo so expensive?
Bendigo’s rising costs come from high demand, low vacancy rates, and strong migration from Melbourne. With its blend of city convenience and country calm, many professionals and students move here, pushing prices up.