Looking to build, buy or rent in Canberra? Then you better do your research on the right suburb for you. Canberra’s suburbs have a short history, even it’s eldest suburbs are barely 100 years old, as the first construction began in 1913. Canberra is in fact among the youngest capital cities in the world. But since its construction, Canberra has grown rapidly. In fact, the city was originally planned for 25,000 people but is now home to nearly 400,000 people. This means Canberra houses are from a mixture of eras, architectural trends and quality, depending on the suburbs age and location. Ultimately some suburbs will suit your needs over others. So here is some information to help you build in Canberra and find your Canberra home which works for you
Canberra was first designed by American Architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Griffin. They were announced as winners of Federal Capital Design Competition, launched by King O’Malley, Minister for Home Affairs, in May 1911. The original design featured The War Memorial, The National Arboretum, The Parliamentary Triangle, and Lake Burley Griffin, but the design also featured a number of suburbs to house the recently moved Government officials. These suburbs were Parkes, Barton and Kingston in South Canberra in 1927, and then Braddon and Reid in North Canberra 1928. From then on these regions grew, and were then followed by Woden, Belconnen, Weston Creek, Tuggeranong, and finally Gungahlin.
Here is a timeline for the construction of these regions, as well as a description of what a typical house in each area looks like:
- Inner south is the eldest area and is closest to Parliamentary triangle and is close to a number of Commonwealth Government department buildings. Suburbs like Barton and Kingston enjoy lakeside views as well as quaint town centres. Both suburbs hold a variety of houses from across the decades as well as more contemporary apartments. All together the Inner South is a mixture of families, industrial and business areas, but still has beautiful lush green areas and bushland.
- Inner north is right next to the city and is filled with workers and students alike. There are some great trendy inner suburbs like Braddon and New Acton, defined by cafe culture, galleries and fine dining. While other suburbs like Ainslie or O’Connor mostly hold the 30s and 40s era townhouses with their own village-esque shopping centres.
- Woden or the Woden Valley was created in 1963, It is home to an expansive town centre in Philip, which holds a variety of shops, amenities and office blocks. It also has a number of local and legal graffiti areas which feature colourful and everchanging designs and art.
- Belconnen is in the deep north of Canberra and is filled with families, University of Canberra students and first home buyers who have snapped up a townhouse or apartment in the suburb of Bruce. Although first built in 1967 it is home to a lot of new development in Canberra. Belconnen is also a number of public service departments as well as a Westfield and 24-hour Kmart.
- Weston Creek can be characterised by some lovely mountain views, solid house price growth and an ageing population, with young families beginning to swoop in. It was first settled in 1969 and the area includes shopping centres and is right next to Stromlo National Park.
- Tuggeranong is another major suburban hub of Canberra built just over 30 years ago in 1987. The area is picturesque thanks to the Brindabellas and their own lake. The region is so close to Weston Creek and Woden that the more northern suburbs blend into each other.
- Gungahlin is the newest town centre in Canberra and was built in 1991 and is one of the fastest-growing regions. It is the northen-most town and is linked to the city by the new tram. All in all, Gungahlin is a very convenient space to build in Canberra, as you have the freedom to create the future of Canberra.