If it's space you're looking for, the peaceful and leafy suburb of Kenmore is the place to be. One of the best Brisbane suburbs for larger blocks and spacious homes, Kenmore and neighbouring Kenmore Hills are some of the capital city's most tightly held suburbs, thanks to their suburban atmosphere with city conveniences.
Situated 13km from the city centre between Moggill Creek, the Brisbane River and the Centenary Highway, Kenmore is one of the most family-friendly suburbs in Brisbane. However, this lifestyle location isn't for everyone, so read on to find out if it's right for you.
The Pros of Living in Kenmore
Excellent Schools and Education
There are several public and private school options to choose from in Kenmore, as well as early education centres for young families. The Kenmore and Kenmore South primary schools offer a strong sense of community spirit, and there is also a Catholic primary school on Kenmore Road.
Kenmore State High School is situated slightly further out from the main strip, and the University of Queensland campus at St Lucia is just a 10-minute drive. Families are also close to Brisbane Montessori School at Fig Tree Pocket, which offers both primary and high school, as well as Mancel College, also located in Fig Tree Pocket.
The suburb is well serviced with a range of kindergartens and childcare centres, along with regular bus services to a wide variety of private schools stretching from Ipswich through to Brisbane.
Family-Friendly Environment
This friendly community offers plenty of social connections, thanks in part to its tree-lined streets and easy access to parks where children and pets can play and explore. Despite offering bigger blocks of land, Kenmore is a wonderful community where you will get to know your neighbours.
Lifestyle & Amenities
Kenmore has two local shopping centres and local shopping strips, including Kersley Road, which are both conveniently accessible from Moggill Road. It also boasts more than a dozen cafes and restaurants, and a wide range of gyms and health and wellness services, many of which have served their community for decades. It's also just a short drive to Indooroopilly & Mount Ommaney Shopping Centres, Home Co. Jindalee and the DFO.
Access to Nature
No matter where you are in Kenmore, you're never further than a stone's throw from parks and green space. As Kenmore is right on the river, residents can also take advantage of fishing or kayaking. If you're willing to venture further afield, you can visit the many bike and hiking tracks at Chapel Hill and Mt Coot-tha, or see native wildlife at the world-class Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary at Fig Tree Pocket.
There are also several options for sporting fields, including Akuna Oval and Gem Road parklands. Whether your child is interested in soccer, rugby, basketball, futsal or taekwondo, there’s something for every budding athlete.
Property Value and Investment Potential
The REIQ says that "Brisbane’s recent growth reflects an extraordinary, upward trajectory,” which could surpass Sydney’s median dwelling value within the next 5 years. The median price of houses in Kenmore at $1,350,000, up 12% in the past 12 months, which represents great value for interstate buyers in particular.
Household Income and Affluence
Kenmore is one of Brisbane’s more affluent suburbs. A median household income of around $2,491 per week places the area in the top 7% of Brisbane suburbs for household income. This explains the strong appeal to families and professionals seeking a comfortable lifestyle.
Higher household incomes are often associated with larger homes, higher quality schools, and well-maintained amenities, reinforcing Kenmore’s reputation as a desirable suburb for buyers and investors alike.
The Cons of Living in Kenmore
Traffic & Commute
It's no secret that, like many Brisbane suburbs, the western suburbs are prone to some traffic congestion. As the major arterial route, Moggill Road can be congested during peak hours. While there is a regular bus service the nearest train line is at Indooroopilly. In saying that, the legacy way tunnel though makes it easy to get to the northside and the airport is less than 30 minutes.
Limited Nightlife & Entertainment
While it has some excellent restaurants and cafes, Kenmore has very limited nightlife, but the CBD is only a short drive away. This makes it better suited for families than party-goers.
Rising Property Prices
Because Kenmore is such a great suburb located close to Queensland's capital, it has shown robust growth in recent years in line with real estate trends for most of the Sunshine State. Larger blocks and home sizes also mean that Kenmore is less affordable than even some inner-city suburbs, particularly for first-home buyers.
Flood Risk in Some Areas
Being on the Brisbane River has its advantages, but it also means that some homes face greater flood risks. It's important to check flood maps before taking the plunge with a purchase in Kenmore, as blocks that flood can be harder to get finance and insurance for.
Distance from CBD
Having a car is often essential in Kenmore because the majority of homes are not situated within walking distance of shopping options or cafes, most of which are situated close to busy Moggill Road.
Who is Kenmore Best Suited For?
If you rely heavily on public transport and enjoy the nightlife, an inner-city suburb is a better fit for your lifestyle than Kenmore. But as it's one of the few Brisbane suburbs where you can still find quarter-acre blocks, it's well-suited to those with young families. If you're looking for a dream home with good proximity to the city but where your kids can run free in spacious gardens, this community is for you.
A Smart Choice for Buyers and Investors
Over the past decade, Kenmore has seen steady growth, reflecting its strong demand among families seeking space, community, and access to quality schools. This, combined with the limited housing supply, makes Kenmore an attractive option for buyers and investors alike, offering both a desirable lifestyle and solid long-term property value.
Looking for further advice on which Brisbane suburbs will suit your requirements? Penrose Real Estate can help you with your search. Or, to see homes for sale in Kenmore, visit our website.