The Honest Guide to Cheltenham (2026)
No suburb is perfect. Here is what the data says about Cheltenham — the good and the not-so-good.
The Pros
- Excellent dining scene — 26 restaurants and 43 cafes
- Excellent green space — 40 parks
- Strong school options — 9 schools in the area
- Good healthcare access — 11 medical facilities
- Multiple supermarket options for daily shopping
- One of Melbourne’s most amenity-rich suburbs
The Cons
- Can feel quiet on weekday evenings
By the Numbers
Cheltenham has 180 verified businesses and amenities. Here is how that breaks down:
| Category | Cheltenham | Melbourne Average* |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 26 | ~25 |
| Cafes | 43 | ~12 |
| Bars & Pubs | 5 | ~8 |
| Schools | 9 | ~5 |
| Parks | 40 | ~7 |
| Medical | 11 | ~4 |
Melbourne average is an estimate across all 300+ suburbs.
Who Should Live in Cheltenham?
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 Cheltenham
- Best Cafes in Cheltenham
- Best Bars in Cheltenham
- Cost of Living in Cheltenham
- Cheltenham Neighbourhood Guide
- Family Guide to Cheltenham
- Is Cheltenham Safe?
- Cheltenham 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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