The best place depends on what you want from daily life. Mount Martha and Mornington suit families and professionals, Rosebud and Rye suit retirees and quiet coastal living, and Blairgowrie and Sorrento suit buyers with a bigger budget who want village life near the water. This guide sorts the main towns by lifestyle, with price markers where a source exists.
Mornington for families and an established town centre
Real estate profiles describe Mornington as a draw for both families and retirees, with primary and secondary schools. The 2021 Census shows a population of 65,261 in the Mornington area, a median age of 47 and a median weekly household income of $1,900. Most homes are owned, either outright (42.7 per cent) or with a mortgage (38.2 per cent).
Mount Martha and Mount Eliza for coastal living near the city
Profiles describe Mount Martha as suited to families, professionals and retirees, with a village of cafes and South Beach nearby. Mount Eliza is described as sitting on the coast between the large centres of Frankston and Mornington. One resident review calls it the Peninsula suburb closest to the CBD. Treat that as a view, not a measured fact.
Rosebud and Rye for retirees and relaxed beach days
Rosebud is described as popular with retirees and young families, with strong healthcare access. Rye is described as best suited to retirees, though families also live there. Jellis Craig's August 2026 report lists Rye's median house price at $960,000, the lowest of the four suburbs it covers on the Peninsula.
Blairgowrie and Sorrento for village life at a higher price
Blairgowrie is described as a community with good schools, with a median house price of $1,470,000 in the August 2026 Jellis Craig report. Sorrento sits at $1,842,500 in the same report. Portsea is the Peninsula's most expensive suburb at about $2.85 million.
Check these before you decide
- Bushfire risk: search your address on the Vic Planning map for a Bushfire Prone Area or Bushfire Management Overlay.
- Commute: check train and bus times on the Public Transport Victoria journey planner. This guide did not verify Frankston line times.
- Schools: check the My School website for the schools you are considering.
- Prices: compare at least two recent suburb reports.
Questions people ask next
What is the median age on the Peninsula?
The Shire's own facts page gives a median age of 48, with no year stated.
Which suburb is cheapest?
Of the suburbs covered here, Rye at $960,000 is lowest.
Related questions
Planning a visit?
Start from the travel guide, then pick the question that matches your plan.
Browse all guides