If you’re thinking about buying in Geelong’s north, you’ve probably asked yourself whether Corio is a good place to live. As the team behind Somerley, a new community in Corio, we’ve spent a lot of time getting to know this suburb. We know its streets, its parks and the people who call it home.
This guide covers what everyday life in Corio looks like. It explains how the suburb is connected to Geelong and Melbourne, and it gives an honest answer to a question many buyers ask: is Corio safe?
Corio is a suburb in Geelong’s north, less than 10 km from the Geelong CBD. Positioned near Corio Bay, between the Princes Freeway and the Geelong Ring Road. That location puts residents within easy reach of central Geelong, Melbourne, the Surf Coast and Avalon Airport.
For a deeper look at the area, see our Corio suburb profile.
Corio is one of the more affordable places to buy in Greater Geelong. For first home buyers priced out of other suburbs, it’s a realistic way into the market without giving up access to the city, the coast or Melbourne. Our home buyer resources explains the grants and schemes that may help you get there sooner.
Getting around is one of Corio’s strongest selling points:
For commuters, that mix of rail and road access is hard to beat at this price point.
Families in Corio have plenty of options for early learning, primary and secondary education. Local and nearby schools include:
Having government, Catholic and independent schools close by means families can choose what suits their children best. Our amenities guide lists more local schools and childcare options.
Corio has more green space than many people expect. Somerley sits next to Sutcliffe Reserve, and Goldsworthy Reserve and the Corio Bay foreshore are close by. For bigger weekend adventures, the You Yangs Regional Park offers walking trails, mountain biking and wide views over the region.
Inside Somerley, a central park, walking trails and tree-lined streets give residents space to get outside close to home. You can see how it all fits together on the Somerley masterplan.
Corio Village Shopping Centre covers the essentials, with major supermarkets, specialty stores, banks and dining. Larger homemaker and retail options are nearby, and central Geelong’s shops, restaurants and waterfront are a short drive or train ride away. Learn more about what’s close by on our community facilities page.
Geelong’s north is changing. Greater Geelong has averaged around 4.5% job growth per year over the past five years, and new communities are bringing fresh homes, open space and younger families into the area. Buying in a suburb while it grows lets you be part of that change.
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and it deserves a straight answer.
Corio is a well-established suburb with a strong sense of community and many long-term residents who have called the area home for generations. Like any growing community, the area experiences some crime, with property-related offences, such as theft, among those recorded. Corio also benefits from an active local police presence and an established residential community.
Many residents feel the suburb has a stronger community spirit than its older reputation suggests. Ongoing investment in Geelong’s north is also improving the look and feel of local streets and parks.
If safety is a priority for you, these steps can help:
At Somerley, the masterplan incorporates streets and residential lots positioned around shared green spaces, with opportunities for homes to overlook streets and parks. This layout is intended to support natural surveillance and encourage activity throughout the neighbourhood as the community develops.
Somerley is a new masterplanned community of around 400 homes on an 18.6-hectare site on Plantation Road. It was designed as a place where residents can “build long, fulfilling lives,” says James Bovell, Victorian State Manager at Cedar Woods.
At Somerley, you can choose from:
Demand has been strong. Stages 1 and 2 sold out soon after launch, so we recommend registering early for future releases.
If you’re comparing options, our nearby suburbs guide shows how Corio stacks up against its neighbours.
Is Corio a good place to live?
Yes, Corio is a good place to live for many buyers, especially those wanting affordable housing with strong transport links. Residents have train and freeway access to Geelong and Melbourne, a wide range of schools, and plenty of parks and reserves.
Is Corio safe?
Corio is a well-established suburb with a longstanding local community. As with many areas across Geelong, crime does occur, including property-related offences such as theft. Reviewing data from the Crime Statistics Agency and visiting the area at different times of day can help you get a better understanding of the neighbourhood.
At Somerley, the masterplan incorporates streets and residential lots positioned around shared green spaces, with opportunities for homes to overlook streets and parks. This layout is intended to support natural surveillance and encourage activity throughout the neighbourhood as the community develops.
How far is Corio from Geelong?
Corio is less than 10 km from the Geelong CBD, a short drive or train trip from Corio Station.
Can you commute from Corio to Melbourne?
Yes. Corio Station is on the Geelong line, with direct services to Melbourne, and the Princes Freeway offers a direct route by car.
What schools are near Corio?
Schools in and around Corio include Northern Bay P-12 College, St Francis Xavier School, Geelong Grammar School, Covenant College and Kardinia International College.
What is Somerley?
Somerley is a new Cedar Woods community of around 400 homes on Plantation Road, Corio. It offers land, house and land packages and townhomes, set around a central park and walking trails beside Sutcliffe Reserve.
The best way to see whether Corio suits you is to come and see it for yourself. Visit our sales office at 270 Plantation Road, Corio, or register your interest to hear about upcoming releases.