ljstevens1979

Hi Folks

It looks like we are moving to Melbourne in December this year on a 457 visa and im looking for help and advice on where to live.

I will be working just off Junction 2 on the M1. I have a wife and 2 children aged 5 and 6.

We have been looking at the west side of Melbourne Altona through to Werribee area as a starting point. Any advice on these areas? just seem to get more house for your money, but for what reasons?

I will probably have to drive out there any advice on that?

Any help would be great!!

Alan Collett

Speaking as one who has lived in Geelong for 11+ years I don't recognise the term " ... just off Junction 2 on the M1."

In what suburb will you be working?

There's plenty of new building and subdivision going on in Wyndham/Point Cook/Hoppers Crossing, but the road infrastructure doesn't seem to be keeping pace => try to avoid the drive towards Melbourne from the west (ie over the West Gate Bridge) in the morning rush.

Good luck!

djerdap

The eastern suburbs are a bit cheaper as far as rent is concerned...

ljstevens1979

I will be working on Lorimer St, within Port Melbourne. Is the West Gate Bridge really that bad for traffic?

Alan Collett

Is the West Gate Bridge really that bad for traffic?

=> Increasingly so, I'm afraid. There's a political debate at the moment about the cost of building a new West-East link and who's going to pay for it.

If inner city apartment type living isn't for you, St Kilda and Albert Park would be good for Port Melbourne - but pricey compared with property in Point Cook and Wyndham.

Best regards.

AJCS

No they're not! We have a new 4 x 2 in Wyndham for $340 a week and you can get for less than that.

ljstevens1979

And whats the commute like into Melbourne from there? how long in rush hour?

Alan Collett

http://traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/viewer.htm

Maybe jump on this website late evening UK time to get a feel for travel times during the morning rush into Melbourne.

Best regards.

Mummy3

We were told to avoid west because of the transport to the CBD, we live east. Rent depends on what you want to pay for, what sort of accomodation you need etc.
Domain.com.au is a good place to start, marry it up with the better education website as schools will be an issue too.
Good luck!

asher

if you live in Altona you don't need to cross the bridge you can go under it!
also you could cycle and get the cycle punt over the river from williamstown by the science museum its not that far if you are fit!