Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Hi

Have been in Mt Eliza today inspecting rental properties. Love the look and feel of the place. The locals I met were really, really nice people. Lunch at Cafe Verde was great. But I have some questions. Please help.

I realise that by Aussie standards the commute to the CBD is long (I timed my commute by car at 1h 7m during an out-of-rush-hour period this afternoon). Do residents of this of Mt Eliza area actually work in or near the CBD or does just everyone think you'd be mad to do so? And if you do work central, do most people park up at Frankston station and get the train?

Second, the estate agent tells me that the kinder schools around there are good. Is that estate agent sales pitch or is there some substance.

Lastly, and perhaps most sensitively, my wife is Chinese and my daughter mixed race, and on this afternoon's tour of the village I saw no non-white people. This quite plausibly is no big deal at all, but I feel I have to check that this is so for sake of my wife and daughter's welfare - is there any history of racism (or more than you would normally expect anywhere in a western country)? Sorry, if I wasn't PC enough in phrasing this, but I have my family's welfare to think of, and I might as well get to the point.

Neil

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

:D It seems there are quite a few of us hoping to head down that way... looks lovely from where I'm sitting (in front of computer in UK) so I'm thrilled to hear what you've said about it...
I'm particularly interested to hear about primary schools, although (again only via the web) the High Schools in the area all look good... also the commute...
Good questions!
I'd also be interested to hear any other impressions of the area... I've heard Frankston has problems, or is that a thing of the past?
Thanks and good luck!

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

[I'd also be interested to hear any other impressions of the area... I've heard Frankston has problems, or is that a thing of the past?
Thanks and good luck![/QUOTE]

Hi my Sister lives in Mount Eliza and we stayed with her for a month last year. It is a really nice area and somewhere that we will consider when we finally make the move later this year. I believe that Frankstone did have its problems but the Council have pumped $$$$$$ into it and she reckons that we should also look at Frankston South as she believes that this is the up and coming area and we should buy there before the prices go up. As for the schools we don't have any children, but my Sisters Stepson goes to the Peninsula School, he has just moved out from the UK at Christmas and he has settled in really well there appears to be all nationalties there.

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Hi there

My sis lives in Mount Eliza and loves it. She has an investment property that I think is coming vacant cos it's on the estate agent's website
Couldn't paste the full link but if you go to the Stockdale & Leggo website - www.stockdaleleggo.com.au and then look for property 18 - 20 Station Street, MOUNT ELIZA Property ID:178-9000311

Mount Eliza is really beautiful. Jen's neighbour works in Melbourne and usually takes the train from Frankston. She has been very happy with the local schools. Here are some of her comments addressed generally to people on this forum:

On average Frankston you can rent 3 bed from $180ish, Mt Eliza cheapest $285
(that I saw a while ago and this will be a very old property, renting out
prior to demolition as the land is worth more than the house) and goes up to
nearly $500 per week for a 4 bed town house; Studios cheaper but if you are
renting for more than 6 months, that will drive you bonkers. If you are
settling in a new country, you need to feel comfortable. Mornington,
sometimes the same sometimes a little cheaper depending again on size,
location and age.

Our house is now coming up to 6 years old, which is quite unusual on the
rental market. It has a double car port, large garden for kids and would get
the catchment area for Mt Eliza Infant & Primary North, Mt Eliza Infant &
Primary, St Pauls? Catholic infant & primary, Kunyung Infant & Primary.
Secondary Schools in the area are Mt Eliza High School, Padua Christian
Collage, there is a third one but I can't remember and these last two have
fees semi private, and the private schools are Toorak Girls Infant to VCE &
The Peninsula School which is now unisex and takes from Preschoolers to VCE.
Frankston High school has a reasonable reputation, and has a laptop lesson
scheme, but I really wouldn't recommend Frankston to live, especially being
green to the area. Unfortunately you have to live in Zone for there as the
school is very popular. If your friends need advice on Frankston, let me
know and I will look at where they are thinking of. Mornington High school
gets a mixed feedback and it is very difficult to get into Mt Eliza High if
you are in zone for Mornington. We have a few students that even come from
Mt Martha but its a bit dicy on the bus as it gets full pretty quickly and
they may be late for school on occasion. Mt Martha is another 5-10 mins
drive from Mornington so its more or less counryside. It has schools but
I'm not sure about them.


Can't really comment on the race issue only to say that everyone is a mix there, but usually, as you say, from European countries.

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Big thanks to everyone that has contributed to this thread.

For the record I did the opposite journey (CBD to Mt Eliza) starting at 6pm so hoping to test the rush hour traffic. The journey, bizarrley, took less time than getting there!! Dunno why, traffic was dense until the juntion with Glenhuntley (?) Road. Maybe it was becasue I had almost no red lights after then. :)

I feel better about the racial thing, thanks. My wife integrated well into the UK for our eight shared years there, and I guessed that maybe the outer SE was very white and that I ought to read nothing into it, but I had to check.

And thanks for the comments on Kinder etc...

The point about Frankston South and investment was interesting. Actually, we were originally aiming to rent there (and if you are going there folks, it is better to go to the rental agents in Mt Eliza as opposed to Frankston to find them listed.), but I was so taken by Mt Eliza (has flitted by there before), and the fact it had such a friendly more village-like feel. As my wife still needs one or two more driving lessons, walking proximity to shops and kinder places is key, and because she is Chinese a jolly good eaterie is required (Cafe Verde and the Thai place opposite are good). Personally, I think that made Mt Eliza slightly better than bits Frankston South that I've seen.

Neil :D

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Please keep us posted Wongstonn - be very interested to hear if you do make the decision to go to Mount Eliza & if so, how it all works out.. school, commute, beach (?), etc. Good luck :D

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Hi
good to hear you are there and finding out where you want to live.
I hope you find a lovely place to rent. Keep us posted. :)
good luck from helinuk and the Surrey meet up folks :)

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Interesting thread. I'd agree that Mt Eliza seems better than Frankston South and certainly Frankston itself; Frankston HS has a better than 'reasonable' reputation and as pointed out their laptop program is one of the best you will find in a State school in the state (2 daughters-in-law doing really well on the program). Good luck with the move!

OzTennis :)

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Hi
We (Me hubby and 2 girls) have been in Mount Eliza for 2 months and the place is really lovely. We are renting a 4 bed house (traditional weatherboard ) for $320 a week which is really close to Kunyung Primary school and Moondah beach.

It has a nice relaxed atmosphere and enough shops, if you need more variety, Frankston and Mornington are only 10 minutes away.

I travel to the CBD regularly on the train - takes about and hour, same in the car if not rush hour (if it is it can be double that time). Ticket is $12 return a day (also covers trams if you need it to)

There are a few restaraunts, indian, vietnamese, chinese and french I think, but only one pub / bar as far as I can tell, so we have been to Mornington to meet friends a couple of times and this is a more lively area with far more cafes and shops.

We considered Mornington but chose Mt Eliza to be that little bit closer to the train station.

Frankston south has some nice areas but Frankston going on to Seaford not so nice although the High school there has a good reputation.

Mt Eliza High school has quite a good repuation but if you want private education Toorak College and Mornington Penninsula schools are both excellent.

Wouldn't worry about the race mix, melbourne on the whole is the most cosmopoliton city in Oz.

Good luck with the search

Paula

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Hiya Neil :D

Glad to see your well and that you have settled :)

All the very best

Sue & Chris x

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Interesting to hear this abuot Frankston HS - I've spent the best part of a year scouring Oz school websites and have seen some really impressive stuff, but I was stunned by what they seemed to offer. I spent some of my schooling (aeons ago!) at Millfield in Somerset which charges an arm, a leg and most in-between (no, not rich - I had a scholarship!!!!!), and Frankston HS seemed be on a par!! Feet are getting itchier by the second.... Presumably your daughters-in-law are living in school zone...

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Yep, they live near the Moorooduc Hwy just off the start of Heatherhill Rd (a nice area - for Frankston) and FHS is walking distance. Children and parents have the option to choose the laptop program or the traditional program. If you choose the laptop program then you are obliged to purchase a laptop but at a favourable rate. The school has links with Toshiba who provide the laptops and have technicians permanently on site to do repairs, add software etc. (As a teacher myself) I am most impressed with the program and the school.

They chose to live in Frankston because my brother is from Williamstown and my sister-in-law from Wonthaggi plus my bro works at Monash Clayton campus and sometimes Frankston campus.

OzTennis :)

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

A friend of mine used to live in Mt Eliza, and he travelled into Perth each day. Drove his car to a slightly closer station (probably Frankston - cant remember) I think and caught the train. It was a bit of a trek, but the train was air-conditioned etc. I guess it will depend on what sort of commute you are used to now. If you travel into London for example it will be a doddle. If you walk to work then maybe it will seem a bit of a trek.

As for Mt Eliza - the bit I saw was very nice!

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Perth???!!!!

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Now that IS a long day at work. :p

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

:D Glad it wasn't just me who thought "...eh!". But I thought I was just being thick and wasn't game to ask!?

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

:D

Bugger! I have Perth on the Brain.

Apologies, what I clearly meant to say was Melbourne!!

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Is that like 'water on the brain' only warmer??? :D

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

haha, yeah water on the brain is right at the moment.

There is plenty of water in Perth right now

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Hi All (and hello to Sue and Chris, and to Helinuk (was it you that sent us that wonderful email on daycare?))

Thanks again for the great responses. Spent a second day in the environs. Looked at two houses, one on Colston Cl (a bit grotty), one near Sweetwater Creek (utterly gorgeous, and would have taken it on the spot if my wife had passed her driving test!!). Hopefully will be looking on Rutland Ave tomorrow, and am very hopeful.

Am enjoying all the time around there, and dread getting into the CBD where my hotel is 'cos then I have to do the Melbourne right turns!

Neil

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Good luck with the house hunting and all that Neil.

The hook turns aren't a problem once you get used to them after a few goes (imagine having driving lessons in the city which I did!). If you don't know which intersections have them look above for the hook turn sign, get in left, wait for the light to go red in front then make your turn but if there are quite a few cars turning be prepared to have to wait 2 cycles of the lights. The thing that I watch carefully for are the lights at pedestrian crossings in the middle of a block - you can be driving along looking at the lights at the intersection ahead and not notice them change. Watch the taxi drivers too!

One thing to add to my earlier post - my brother and his family did move house so they could be in the FHS catchment area. They were further up over the hill near Kingsley Park PS but when the first daughter got to secondary age they moved down into FHS area. The popularity of the school actually pushes up the property prices in the catchment area.

OzTennis :)

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Thanks for that. Boy did I need that advice! :)

Neil

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

[QUOTE=wongstonn]Hi All (and hello to Sue and Chris, and to Helinuk (was it you that sent us that wonderful email on daycare?))


Hi Neil yes that was me - Helinuk :)

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Interesting thread. We are actually planning to rent a house in Mt Eliza and have lodged an application already. Hoping it will pass tomorrow, if all goes well. If that is ok, we will lodge an application to get the kids into the Peninsula School (or Mt Eliza house as that "kindie" is called). Been told nothing but positive things about theat school.

.. we are a family of 4: 2 adults (32 and 30), 2 children (~3 years and 8 months) that are flying out on the 11th of June ...

.. will work in CBD, but have the option to work from home when there are no client engagements or internal/external meetings going on....

Would love to meet up with people there .. with the similar backgrounds and all!

Cheers,
Jørgen

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

[QUOTE=jskogsta]Interesting thread. We are actually planning to rent a house in Mt Eliza and have lodged an application already. Hoping it will pass tomorrow, if all goes well. If that is ok, we will lodge an application to get the kids into the Peninsula School (or Mt Eliza house as that "kindie" is called). Been told nothing but positive things about theat school.

Hi my Sisters stepson has just moved from the UK and goes to the Peninsula School, he loves it there. If you need any further info let me know and I will contact her.

John

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Okay. Am happy that Mt Eliza is the place. Been on the past gfour days and still love it. I am not a connosieur of beaches, but while small, Mt Eliza's was good enough for me.

Have tried the car commute top the CBD several times already and it is always clocking in at 1hr - 1hr 10mins, though I have not done the key morning rush hour run which I suppose would be easily the worst.

Now then, I once read that there is some free parking near Frankston station that some people use before catching the train. Is this true? Where do the commuters park up, anywhere in particular?

Neil

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Glad it's falling into place for you - hope to see you there!

Free station parking would be fab.... hadn't thought of THAT issue!?

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

[QUOTE=jond]
We are planning to move to Mount Eliza in September and have 3 sons two of which will be in secondary education. The third is just about to start Uni, Scarey!! We have been in contact with the Penninsula school, watched the DVD and liked what we have seen, so we are waiting to see if they will have room for our two next year. Any info on the school would therefore be VERY gratefully received. Do you know if they have any info on the Mount Eliza Secondary college as well, just in case we can't get them in or decide its just to pricey for the two of them!! We have struggled to find out any real info on the state school which is why we are considering private.

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Have you checked their website?

http://www.mesc.vic.edu.au/home.html

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Hi My Sisters Stepson has just started at The Peninsula School and they rave about it, if you have any questions I can ask her for opinion.

John

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

This would be great thanks, :) our sons are 16 and 12, so the eldest would be starting his VCE next year and the youngest probably back in year 7, although he will have just finished this! Penninsula are looking at their reports at present as both are quite bright, to determine the best year options for them and of course places available. Both are at state schools here and are doing really well, we are very lucky to have great schools in our area here and want to make sure we get it right the other end!

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Yes, thanks for this though, we have looked at their web site, but some schools have better ones than others. It looks OK and haven't found anything negative posted anywhere, but the info is very basic. If anyone local to the school or with kids there has any more info we would be really interested. Local knowledge and reputation can count for such a lot where schools are concerned.

By the way thanks for replying Bordy, feel a little guilty, I have been surfing this site almost every day for the past year but have only now had the guts to join!! Think its absolutely fab, its really helped us on so many points. We finally got our visas in Feb. so will be heading south as soon as our two eldest get their exam results in August!

But with no jobs to come to and therefore no income the thought of school fees fills us with horror a bit.

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Yes, this is a dilemma I keep going over and over, too.

I have 3 children - 12, 9 & 4.... the two already at school are very bright and have got very frustrated in their state school here... I don't neccessarily believe private is always better than state, but the websites sure make them (specifically Peninsula and Toorak - eldest daughter like her current girls-only school) look pretty impressive. BUT, reading other threads on here which talk about the cost of living, the general consensus is that $80,000 a year gets you a comfortable if not extravegant family life. Add 3 lots of school fees to that and it gets REALLY scary :scared: I'd have to earn the fees through my job - and earning $30,000+ a year and fitting in with school hours/holidays etc....

I just keep muttering OMG and going back to look at the local State Schools -which incidentally look pretty good too.... provided you don't arrive at an awkward time in the school year and can find accommodation in the right place and they have spaces in the appropriate school years..... :eek:

Not that this is causing me sleepless nights or anything :D

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Floss,

You sound just like me, we would never have considered private education over here as we have really good state schools and all our boys have flown through the system, or are in the process of doing so. However, our middle son will be entering VCE's, a new system and we just want to make sure he will be able to do as well as if he'd gone on to do his A levels here. However, we would consider sending them private, although like you I will have to earn the difference :scared: he doesn't like the idea of going to a private school however, affraid they'll all be snobs as he puts it!! and will not fit in. I've been told there isn't such a thing in Australia! Don't know if this is true or not, but it certainly is more the norm.

It is a real dilemma, to get into a private school is hard enough and placing them in one you can't even view makes it even more difficult. The whole catchment area thing also is a worry though, we have that here of course, but it seems to me that if you are unlucky you can be in catchment over there and still not get them in, where do they go then?? some second rate state school probably that can't fill its places thats miles away so that they can't get there! :scared:

All we can do at the moment is to keep looking and seaching for info. We are trying to keep off the topic at home at the moment as the middle one is doing his GCSE's and the eldest one his A levels. Not that there'e any stress in our household at the moment or anything :eek:

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

OMG - thankfully we're not yet that far along...

Just to complicate things for us, I originally decided Glen Waverley area would be good for us, found some really exciting looking primary and secondary school (all via the internet, of course...). I contacted them and after an exchange of emails, they agreed to hold places for my 3!!! The idea was that we'd go to have a look around when we went on our reccie in August... but of course NOW I think Mt Eliza may be right.... We're going on a whistlestop tour of both areas, but no time to go around schools as well.....

So if we do decide to head down the coast to live, I will lose the security of these other places...... ARGH!!! But it does sound good.... :confused:

Still, if I'm sensible ( :confused: ) I guess once they're in, and settled, they'll be fine wherever they end up..... right????

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

... and it also depends what you do & so what your chances are of earning the kind of $$$$$.

I used to work in TV but with the children in school it would probably be difficult to travel up to the city to freelance AND get back in time to pick them up :rolleyes: Lately I've been working as a childminder, but however much they seem to be in demand in Oz, the wages wouldn't even cover the uniforms :eek:

Could sell a kidney of course, but after 3 children and an occasional tipple (!) they're probably not too pretty!!!!

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

My sister's boys go to Mount Eliza state school and have done really well. Having said that she did have to send the eldest to a tutor for his maths as he was falling behind. I can only speak about my impressions as I had a tour of the Peninsula school 4 years ago so it's out of date as well but - I couldn't see what extra I would be getting for my money. I was comparing it with Manchester Grammar School, a fee paying very academic school, and I just got the wrong feeling. There didn't seem to be any artwork around anywhere. There has also been a previous poster on the forum whose kid was bullied at the Peninsula. Don't let this put you off, you have to make your own mind up and every school will have good and bad points and bullying happens everywhere. Sorry to confuse.

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

My eldest is at Mount Eliza Sec College, he was diagnosed as dyspraxic, so has always been slightly behind his peers, having said that he can be incredibly lazy especially with school work and has used the fact that he is dyspraxic as an excuse.

Anyway not to rattle on too much ( too late ) we on the whole have been impressed, he does seem to be pushed in certain subjects and he too is falling a bit behind in maths.

He became too comfortable in his old school in Engalnd ( which was a good school but concentrated on the league tables ) here I believe he has been made to work harder.

With 3 children we really cannot consider private school but from what we can see there isn't much value. Seems to be more of a status symbol.

Just my 2cent worth!!

Caz

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Caz,

Thanks for this info, what are your impressions of the school generally, do they have good facilities, especially for sport, mine are sports mad and the elder one wants to eventually go on and do a sports science degree at uni. Also what does the school feel like? I know this is a personal thing but is it a friendly place? Saying that though I have heard many stories where they are too laid back with discipline out the window and classrooms a riot, my two would hate that as they both like to do their best. If you could give any advice on issues like these or what other parents think of the place I would be very grateful, can't really see how we can afford to send both to Penninsula school. What is the local feeling about the two of them? Do the kids from one hate the other, (used to be the case here locally) or do they have friends at each?

Sorry to ask so many questions, its just brill to finally find someone with a child at the school.

Re: Mt Eliza question for people living thereabouts
 

Hi

Hi I will try to answer some of your questions by grilling my son, who is here now.

He is sports mad,and they have do a variety of sports, including all the usual like soccer, basketball, hockey, ozzie rules, cricket too many to mention really, he is a little uncoordinated still due to his dypraxia, but has never had any problems with the other kids and still remains extremely enthusiastic about this lesson.

He has always been shy but from the moment he started, the kids have welcomed him and he has settled in and leaves the house with a smile on his face and arrives back with one, ( he was bullied at primary school in england ).

As for discipline, he is a good lad never had too much trouble from him, and tells me it does depend on the teacher, some are stricter that others.

On the whole the school feels a good place to be, with lots of good trips for the kids. He is going up to a austrian rest in the dandenongs where they will have a meal practice their german and get entertained all for $28.00.

If you need any further info just pm me or let me know on here.

good luck Carolyn