Is Pakenham a good suburb? Find out in our suburb review for Pakenham, VIC 3810, including the latest median house price, suburb population and more.
Pakenham is a vibrant suburb in Melbourne’s south-east, where the Aussie dream of easy living and space to breathe is alive and well. With a rich history, modern amenities, easy connections, and a promising future, Pakenham is a great suburb to set down roots.
A few years of remarkable growth transformed Pakenham from a relatively small community into a thriving hub. And there’s still room to grow, with developments like Maple Grove in the newly established Pakenham East neighbourhood making it one of Greater Melbourne’s strongest growth suburbs. Think top-notch community living, thoughtfully designed green spaces, and easy access to everything your family needs – that’s life in Pakenham and Maple Grove.
Key Statistics:
| Pakenham | Greater Melbourne | |
| Median Age | 33 | 37 |
| Median weekly household income | $1,664 | $1,901 |
| Households with mortgage | 46.3% | 37.1% |
| Households renting | 30.8% | 30.2% |
| Family households | 75.6% | 70.9% |
| Couples with children | 48.0% | 47.8% |
| Persons born overseas | 32.7% | 40.1% |
| Diploma or University qualification | 28.9% | 32.8% |
| Trade qualification (Certificate III or IV) | 20.6% | 12.4% |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 5.3% |
Demographic Data Source - ABS Census 2021 Median house and rental prices current as of January 2025
Pakenham is south-east of Melbourne CBD in the Shire of Cardinia. It’s the gateway to Gippsland – as it has been for almost 200 years – with all the mod-cons of the Melbourne metro area.
Pakenham is approximately 56 kilometres south-east of Melbourne CBD.Â
It’s part of the bustling south-eastern corridor, bordered by Officer, and just beyond the historic towns of Berwick and Beaconsfield. To the north, you can explore history and nature at Nar Nar Goon and Maryknoll
The postcode for Pakenham, including Pakenham East and Maple Grove Estate, is 3810.
Pakenham is an established community and a real melting pot of folks. It has become a haven for young couples, professionals, and established families looking for a bit more room to grow. It’s definitely a family-centric area, with plenty of parks, schools, and community spirit, although the spread of ages is much more even than in other new communities. That’s great news for growing families who want space, safety, and a healthy social life.
The suburb’s proximity to Princes Freeway and Highway places it within a reasonable commuting distance, with travel times approximately 45 minutes by car, subject to traffic
A regular train service runs from Pakenham to Melbourne in a little over an hour.
Maple Grove residents benefit from the new East Pakenham station, situated just 550 meters away from your front door. Opened in 2024, East Pakenham provides convenient access for commuting and weekend trips to Melbourne.
Fun fact: The first trains reached Pakenham from Melbourne in 1877!
Pakenham is part of Greater Melbourne, placing it within the metropolitan area.
The Pakenham East Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) will create a new community on 630 hectares of land. The PSP is expected to deliver over 7,000 homes and nearly 1,500 jobs, reinforcing Pakenham’s status as a burgeoning hub. source: Victoria Planning Authority
Pakenham really does offer families a fully rounded lifestyle with room to grow:
Pakenham offers a variety of housing options, from medium-density modern townhouses to low-density family homes, catering to a diverse community.Â
Maple Grove will add over 1,000 new lots to the Pakenham East Precinct, including affordable house and land packages, townhomes, and a range of land for sale so you can build your dream home.
Pakenham’s perfect blend of urban convenience and natural charm makes it a compelling choice for families and investors alike. With ongoing developments adding to the area, and a strong community spirit ready to welcome you, Pakenham is a great place to call home. Maple Grove, in the developing Pakenham East Precinct is a fresh new neighbourhood that is designed to give you the best of everything.
Looking for the perfect block of land? Our land for sale offers a unique opportunity to live in a stunning natural environment, with peaceful surroundings, and east access to all the amenities of Pakenham. Explore a range of lot sizes and locations to build your dream home today.
With house and land packages and townhomes now available in Pakenham East, you'll be able to choose from a range of modern new home designs.
Learn why so many people are choosing to call Maple Grove their future home.
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825 Princes Hwy, Pakenham VIC 3810
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