A new survey has revealed what Canberrans have known for a long time; the quality of life in the national capital's suburbs is among the best in the country.
According to the inaugural BankWest Quality of Life Index issued today, 21 of Australia's 25 most liveable communities are in the urban suburbs of Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide.
The index challenges the idea that the best living is in seaside towns, away from city stresses.
Melbourne is the most liveable city, with four of the top 10 local government areas.
However, wealthier suburbs in Sydney's north, Melbourne's east and Perth's west were deemed the most liveable.
Top five local government authorities, according to the index, are: Ku-ring-gai and Hunter's Hill in Sydney; Nillumbik in Melbourne; Peppermint Grove in Perth; and Mosman in Sydney.
Nine of the top 25 authorities with the best quality of life have an average house price of more than $1million.
BankWest retail chief Ian Corfield says the index dispels the sea-change and tree-change ''myths'' that the best quality of life is found in coastal towns, away from big-city living.
''Although many Australians dream of living on the coast or in the country, in reality the best quality of life in Australia is found in the suburbs,'' Mr Corfield said.
''In the suburbs, residents often have the best of all worlds with access to good schools, modern hospitals and reliable jobs but also large houses, fast internet connections and low crime rates.'' The index drew on data that included income, employment levels, crime rates, internet access, health, education levels, home ownership and house size.
Although Melbourne was deemed the most liveable city Sydney was the country's best paid.