Cairns City, located in Far North Queensland, is a vibrant coastal city renowned for its tropical climate, stunning reef landscapes, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. As a gateway to natural wonders and a thriving tourism sector, Cairns offers a dynamic lifestyle with various residential options to suit different preferences. This article discusses some of the best suburbs in Cairns, showcasing their unique characteristics, housing options, and average property prices.
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Palm Cove
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Palm Cove is an idyllic beachfront suburb known for its luxury resorts, palm-lined beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's perfect for those who cherish coastal living and a holiday vibe.
Characteristics of the Palm Cove
* Culture: Strong tourism sector, cultural festivals, and outdoor events
* Transportation: Public transport available, and car use is common
* Services: Proximity to shops, cafes, restaurants, and health facilities
* Environment: Tranquil and resort-like
Housing Options in the Palm Cove
Luxury apartments, beachfront houses, townhouses
Average Home Prices in the Palm Cove
* Buying: $600,000 – $1,200,000
* Renting: $450 – $800/month
Edge Hill
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Edge Hill is a leafy suburb located on the eastern foothills of the city, known for its close-knit community, parks, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s popular with families and professionals.
Characteristics of the Edge Hill
* Culture: Family-oriented, community events, and local markets
* Transportation: Public transport available, easy access to main roads
* Services: Schools, cafes, shops, and community centres readily available
* Environment: Family-friendly and suburban
Housing Options in the Edge Hill
Queenslander homes, modern houses, townhouses
Average Home Prices in the Edge Hill
* Buying: $550,000 – $900,000
* Renting: $400 – $700/month
Cairns North
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Cairns North is a vibrant suburb with a mix of residential and commercial areas. It is close to the city centre, offering convenient access to amenities and services.
Characteristics of the Cairns North
* Culture: Diverse community with various dining and shopping options
* Transportation: Excellent public transport links, including buses and taxis
* Services: Proximity to hospitals, entertainment venues, and shopping centres
* Environment: Busy, urban lifestyle
Housing Options in the Cairns North
Units, apartments, and houses
Average Home Prices in the Cairns North
* Buying: $400,000 – $700,000
* Renting: $350 – $650/month
Kewarra Beach
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Kewarra Beach offers a laid-back lifestyle that combines beach living with the convenience of suburban amenities. With beautiful beaches and a friendly community, it’s perfect for families and retirees.
Characteristics of the Kewarra Beach
* Culture: Strong community spirit with local events and beach activities
* Transportation: Public transport access and easy drive to the city
* Services: Local shops, schools, and parks within reach
* Environment: Relaxed, coastal suburb
Housing Options in the Kewarra Beach
Single-family homes, beach huts, and apartments
Average Home Prices in the Kewarra Beach
* Buying: $500,000 – $850,000
* Renting: $450 – $750/month
Smithfield
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Smithfield is a growing suburb located near the northern beaches. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and ample parklands, it is a thriving community with well-regarded schools.
Characteristics of the Smithfield
* Culture: Family-oriented community with a focus on outdoor activities
* Transportation: Public transport links available, close to major roads
* Services: Shopping centres, schools, and recreational facilities nearby
* Environment: Suburban and community-focused
Housing Options in the Smithfield
New developments, family homes, townhouses
Average Home Prices in the Smithfield
* Buying: $450,000 – $750,000
* Renting: $400 – $700/month
Manoora
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Manoora is a diverse suburb characterised by its accessibility and variety of housing options. It caters to a mixed demographic, from young professionals to families and retirees.
Characteristics of the Manoora
* Culture: Café culture, community events, and local activities
* Transportation: Good public transport and quick access to the city centre
* Services: Access to schools, shops, and community amenities
* Environment: Dynamic and inclusive
Housing Options in the Manoora
Units, apartments, detached houses
Average Home Prices in the Manoora
* Buying: $350,000 – $600,000
* Renting: $300 – $600/month
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Residential Areas in Cairns City:
The best suburbs in Cairns include Palm Cove, Edge Hill, Cairns North, Kewarra Beach, Smithfield, and Manoora.
Edge Hill and Smithfield are particularly family-friendly, offering parks and schools.
Average property prices in Cairns vary but generally range from $350,000 to $1,200,000 depending on the suburb and property type.
Yes, Cairns has a reliable public transport network with bus services connecting most suburbs.
Yes, Cairns offers a variety of rental options, including apartments, units, and houses.
Palm Cove offers a relaxed, resort-like lifestyle with easy access to beaches and a vibrant dining scene.
Cairns North and Edge Hill have a wide range of amenities and services, including shops and schools.
Yes, Cairns has many suburbs like Kewarra Beach that cater well to retirees, offering a relaxed atmosphere and community activities.
Cairns tends to have more affordable property prices compared to cities like Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Consider the climate, cost of living, lifestyle preferences, and proximity to work or family when moving to Cairns.
Conclusion on the Best Residential Areas in Cairns City:
Cairns City presents a diverse range of residential options in suburbs that reflect the vibrant lifestyle and breathtaking natural beauty of Far North Queensland. Whether you enjoy the tranquil coastal living of Palm Cove, the family-friendly atmosphere of Edge Hill and Smithfield, or the urban conveniences found in Cairns North and Manoora, you are sure to find a suburb that fits your lifestyle. Factors like community spirit, access to services, and property types vary across each area, making Cairns a truly unique destination for homebuyers and tenants alike. With ongoing development and growth, it is an exciting time to consider moving to this tropical paradise.
About the Author
Published by:Eribert De Oliveira
Mechatronics Engineer and founder of Mi Inmueble Online, with a background in real estate. I combine technology and analysis to help you find the best areas to live.