The Sunshine Coast is a diverse region in Queensland, Australia, offering a variety of living options, from bustling beachside towns to quiet hinterland retreats. With its stunning coastline, vibrant communities, excellent schools, and laid-back lifestyle, it’s no wonder the Sunshine Coast is a popular choice for families, retirees, professionals, and investors alike. But which suburb is the best for you? Here’s a list of the top 10 best suburbs to live in on the Sunshine Coast, each offering something unique.

Image: Noosa Heads – Courtesy of Noosa Tourism & photographed by @Amy Higg

1. Noosa Heads: Coastal Luxury and Lifestyle

Why Live Here?
Noosa Heads is one of the most prestigious suburbs on the Sunshine Coast, renowned for its luxurious lifestyle, world-class dining, and beautiful natural surroundings. Nestled between pristine beaches and the Noosa National Park, this suburb offers an unmatched blend of nature and sophistication. The broader Noosa area includes popular spots like Noosa Waters, Noosaville, Noosa Junction, and Noosa Springs, each offering unique lifestyle options within close proximity.

Highlights:

• Hastings Street’s boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants.
• Famous Noosa Main Beach and access to Noosa National Park.
• Strong sense of community and active outdoor lifestyle.
• Nearby Noosaville offers a riverside lifestyle with parks, cafes, and shopping. Noosa Waters provides canal-front homes, while Noosa Springs boasts a luxury golf resort and spa. Noosa Junction is a vibrant commercial hub with a mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Property Market Insights: Premium prices reflect its high demand and limited supply, making it a top choice for luxury buyers.

Read our Noosa Heads suburb profile for more information and local insights.

 

2. Buderim: A Family-Friendly Hillside Haven

Why Live Here?
Buderim is a picturesque suburb perched on a hill overlooking the coast, offering a perfect blend of suburban tranquillity and access to modern amenities. It’s a favourite among families due to its safe, community-focused atmosphere, excellent schools, and lush surroundings.

Highlights:

• Great schools like Buderim Mountain State School, Matthew Flinders Anglican College, Immanuel Lutheran College and Sunshine Coast Grammar School.
• Close to Sunshine Coast University and major amenities.
• Lush greenery, parks, and walking trails, including Buderim Forest Park with its scenic waterfalls.

Property Market Insights: A range of properties, from historic Queenslanders to modern homes, with a stable market that offers good value for families.

Read our Buderim suburb profile for more information and local insights.

 

3. Mooloolaba: Vibrant Coastal Hub

Why Live Here?
Mooloolaba is known for its lively Esplanade, safe swimming beaches, and bustling nightlife. It’s ideal for those seeking a vibrant coastal lifestyle with plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. The nearby Alexandra Headland provides more beachside options, while Minyama Island offers some prestigious waterfront properties with deep canals, attracting boating enthusiasts.

Highlights:

• Mooloolaba Beach and The Esplanade.
• Popular dining spots and nightlife venues.
• Close proximity to Alexandra Headland and Minyama, with its luxurious waterfront homes.

Property Market Insight: Highly sought-after area with high property values, particularly for beachfront apartments and houses.

Read our Mooloolaba suburb profile for more information and local insights.

 

4. Maroochydore: The Emerging City Centre

Why Live Here?
Maroochydore is undergoing a major transformation, becoming the new urban heart of the Sunshine Coast. It’s perfect for young professionals, families, and investors looking for a dynamic area with future growth potential. Plans for a new CBD development promise even more amenities, business opportunities, and modern infrastructure.

Highlights:

• Sunshine Plaza for shopping and entertainment.
• New Maroochydore CBD development promises future growth.
• Proximity to Sunshine Coast Airport.

Property Market Insights: A mix of high-rise apartments and family homes, with ongoing infrastructure developments driving up demand.

Read our Maroochydore suburb profile for more information and local insights.

 

5. Peregian Beach: Quiet Beachside Living

Why Live Here?
Peregian Beach offers a peaceful coastal lifestyle with a strong community vibe. It’s perfect for families, retirees, or anyone looking for a relaxed beachside suburb with local charm. The suburb is located near Peregian Springs, which is known for its top private school and modern facilities, and Peregian Breeze, a newer community development. Additionally, Lake Weyba by the lake and Verrierdale, which is only 10 minutes away from Peregian Beach, provide more lifestyle choices.

Highlights:

• Beautiful, uncrowded beaches and proximity to Noosa.
• Quaint village atmosphere with local markets and events.
• Strong community engagement and family-friendly environment.
• Easy access to Peregian Springs with its schools and amenities, and Peregian Breeze, a growing residential area. The nearby Lake Weyba and Verrierdale offer a blend of hinterland and coastal living.

Property Market Insights: A variety of properties, including beachside homes and modern residences, at relatively more affordable prices compared to Noosa Heads.

Read our Peregian Beach suburb profile for more information and local insights.

 

6. Caloundra: Family-Friendly Coastal Living

Why Live Here?
Caloundra offers a range of beaches, parks, and community amenities, making it a great choice for families and retirees. The laid-back vibe and affordability also attract first-time buyers and investors. Its proximity to Brisbane adds convenience, making it ideal for commuters. Nearby suburbs like Moffat Beach, Dicky Beach, and Currimundi offer more relaxed beachside living options. The planned new CBD in Maroochydore will further enhance the area’s appeal.

Highlights:

• Multiple beaches like Kings Beach, Moffat Beach, and Dicky Beach.
• Family-oriented with schools, parks, and community centres.
• Conveniently close to Brisbane and part of the Sunshine Coast’s growing urban development.

Property Market Insights: A more affordable market with steady growth, making it attractive for those seeking value and lifestyle.

Read our Caloundra suburb profile for more information and local insights.

 

7. Coolum Beach: Surf and Nature Lovers’ Paradise

Why Live Here?
Coolum Beach is a haven for surfers, nature lovers, and those seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle. It’s a quieter alternative to Noosa and Mooloolaba but still offers great amenities and a friendly community. Nearby Yaroomba provides additional residential options, and access to the Coolum Industrial Zone offers convenience for business owners and workers.

Highlights:

• Great surf beaches and coastal walks.
• Laid-back lifestyle with local cafes and shops.
• Close to Yaroomba and Coolum Industrial Zone, offering work and lifestyle balance.

Property Market Insight: Affordable beachfront properties compared to other coastal suburbs, with a mix of homes and units.

Read our Coolum Beach suburb profile for more information and local insights.

 

8. Mountain Creek: Convenient and Family-Friendly

Why Live Here?
Mountain Creek is known for its family-friendly environment, good schools, and easy access to beaches and amenities. It’s a great choice for families who want convenience without the hustle and bustle of more tourist-centric areas. It is also a popular choice for investors and those looking to enter the property market, offering more affordable options.

Highlights:

• Close to Mooloolaba and Maroochydore.
• Mountain Creek State School and high school are highly regarded.
• Good transport links and proximity to Sunshine Coast University.

Property Market Insights: Mid-range pricing with steady demand from families, first-time buyers, and investors due to its amenities and central location.

 

9. Eumundi: Charming Hinterland Village

Why Live Here?
Eumundi is a picturesque hinterland village known for its artistic community, markets, and relaxed lifestyle. It’s perfect for those looking to escape the coastal crowds while still being close enough to enjoy the Sunshine Coast’s beaches and amenities. It is also near other charming hinterland towns like Doonan, Kin Kin, Pomona, and Cooroy, which offer more rural living options.

Highlights:

• Famous for the Eumundi Markets, offering local arts, crafts, and fresh produce.
• A strong sense of community with a variety of local events and festivals.
• Beautiful natural surroundings with easy access to the Noosa Hinterland.
• Close to smaller hinterland towns like Doonan, Kin Kin, Pomona, and Cooroy, each with its unique charm and lifestyle.

Property Market Insights: A mix of charming Queenslanders, acreage properties, and modern homes at a range of prices. Eumundi offers great value for those seeking a peaceful hinterland lifestyle with proximity to coastal attractions.

Read our Eumundi suburb profile for more information and local insights.

 

10. Sunrise Beach: Coastal Living with a Quiet Charm

Why Live Here?
Sunrise Beach is a quieter beachside suburb located just south of Noosa Heads. It offers a laid-back coastal lifestyle without the hustle and bustle, making it perfect for families, retirees, and those looking for a peaceful place to call home. With nearby prestigious Sunshine Beach, Sunrise Beach is becoming a highly sought-after suburb offering a range of properties from absolute beachfront homes to large family homes in quiet cul-de-sacs. It’s an amazing family suburb with sports facilities and a wide range of options for both public and private schools, also being in the Sunshine Beach school catchment area.

Highlights:

• Beautiful, less crowded beaches perfect for swimming and surfing.
• Close proximity to Noosa and its amenities without the premium price tag.
• A strong local community with nearby schools, parks, and cafes.
• Near Sunshine Beach, offering more prestigious living options and access to excellent schools and sports facilities.

Property Market Insight: Sunrise Beach offers a range of properties, from modern beach houses to older homes ripe for renovation. It’s an excellent option for those wanting to enjoy a coastal lifestyle close to Noosa without paying Noosa prices.

 

Final Thoughts on the Sunshine Coast top suburbs

The Sunshine Coast offers a variety of suburbs, each with its unique appeal and lifestyle benefits. Whether you’re looking for luxury, a family-friendly environment, a bustling urban vibe, or a quiet retreat, there’s a suburb on the Sunshine Coast that suits your needs.

If you’re considering buying property on the Sunshine Coast or want more insights on the best suburbs to invest in, contact The Property Baron. Our team of experienced buyers agents is here to help you navigate the Sunshine Coast property market and find your ideal home or investment property.