The Honest Guide to Carrum Downs (2026)
No suburb is perfect. Here is what the data says about Carrum Downs — the good and the not-so-good.
The Pros
- Solid food options — 9 restaurants and 7 cafes
- Excellent green space — 38 parks
- Strong school options — 11 schools in the area
- Good healthcare access — 8 medical facilities
- Multiple supermarket options for daily shopping
The Cons
- Minimal nightlife — only 2 drinking venues
By the Numbers
Carrum Downs has 105 verified businesses and amenities. Here is how that breaks down:
| Category | Carrum Downs | Melbourne Average* |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 9 | ~25 |
| Cafes | 7 | ~12 |
| Bars & Pubs | 2 | ~8 |
| Schools | 11 | ~5 |
| Parks | 38 | ~7 |
| Medical | 8 | ~4 |
Melbourne average is an estimate across all 300+ suburbs.
Who Should Live in Carrum Downs?
Families who prioritise schools, parks and quiet streets.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
If you need extensive nightlife options, look at Fitzroy, Collingwood or St Kilda.
Related Guides
- Best Restaurants in Carrum Downs
- Best Cafes in Carrum Downs
- Best Bars in Carrum Downs
- Cost of Living in Carrum Downs
- Carrum Downs Neighbourhood Guide
- Family Guide to Carrum Downs
- Is Carrum Downs Safe?
- Carrum Downs 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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