The Honest Guide to Blackburn (2026)
No suburb is perfect. Here is what the data says about Blackburn — the good and the not-so-good.
The Pros
- Excellent dining scene — 28 restaurants and 26 cafes
- Excellent green space — 19 parks
- Strong school options — 10 schools in the area
- Multiple supermarket options for daily shopping
The Cons
- Can feel quiet on weekday evenings
By the Numbers
Blackburn has 122 verified businesses and amenities. Here is how that breaks down:
| Category | Blackburn | Melbourne Average* |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 28 | ~25 |
| Cafes | 26 | ~12 |
| Bars & Pubs | 9 | ~8 |
| Schools | 10 | ~5 |
| Parks | 19 | ~7 |
| Medical | 4 | ~4 |
Melbourne average is an estimate across all 300+ suburbs.
Who Should Live in Blackburn?
Families who prioritise schools, parks and quiet streets.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
If you need more school options, check neighbouring suburbs.
Related Guides
- Best Restaurants in Blackburn
- Best Cafes in Blackburn
- Best Bars in Blackburn
- Cost of Living in Blackburn
- Blackburn Neighbourhood Guide
- Family Guide to Blackburn
- Is Blackburn Safe?
- Blackburn Transport Guide
Last updated: March 2026. This guide is refreshed when OpenStreetMap data changes — new openings, closures and corrections are reflected automatically. Found something wrong? Let us know.
Sources
- OpenStreetMap Contributors — openstreetmap.org — accessed March 2026
- ABS Census 2021 — abs.gov.au/census
- REIV Quarterly Median Prices — reiv.com.au
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