Hi,

As I'm sure will agree, location causes huge variations in property prices wherever you go.

I'm struggling to sort out living costs for melbs as I have no idea which suburbs are quiet,rough,posh or indifferent!

Can I have some suggestions for middle of the road, popular suburbs/estates/developments for famillies (ie good schools/transport/park?) so that I can weigh up the house prices.

Thanks a lot

Kevin

Hi Kevin,

We are busy researching Melbourne too.
You will get some good advice on here but have you tried Britvics?
It's for Victoria only and has a section on suburbs.

Its handy to let us know where you plan to work, or do you have family, do you mind commuting ?

There are plenty out there already, and plenty who have been out there on reccy's, but a bit more info helps. (and britvics is handy as well)

Sorry I left out 2 key facts, looking to work in the CBD, and willing to travel 30-45 mins.

Thanks

Kevin

For us we're moving to the West side of Melbourne (point Cook) as most of the estates are new, ok the back gardens in general aren't huge but we don't want sprawling gardens just yet anyway, it can to some seem quite baron in that particular area but there are new seemingly well equipped schools, new shopping areas, nice large well equipped play areas dotted throughout the estates. An the houses, plots of land are very affordable. I suppose it depends on what sort of thing you are looking for, but we have spent the last 10 years living on this sort of estate in the UK. I think when the kids are older and we have more time to focus on taking care of the garden I think we'll look to move to a property that isn't within arms length of your neighbour and we'll want a bit more privacy. There are buses that run into Melbourne so i'm told, but not sure how regularly or where the nearest train station is.
My husband will be working in Sunshine which is I think mainly an industrial area but from Point Cook it's a 15 minute car journey which is lovely, as he travels an hour or more right now.
I do like Point Cook but I feel torn between there and the East side, Ferntree Gully, Berwick and Rowvilleas the areas seem really nice but the houses seem more expensive - maybe because it's greener, better infrastructure????
Trouble is it would be an hours commute at least for huby and as he'll work night shift it means an hour of worry for me and alot of tired driving for him so can almost rule it out.

Best thing really although it's good to ask for opinions is if you can take a trip out and go and see for yourselves??? You may hear an area is nice but fidn when you get there you personally don't like it.

Jen

I can only comment myself on house prices round the Dandenongs area. (belgrave, (upper)ferntree, upwey, olinda) This is about 45 minutes in the rush hour from CBD. For a 3 bed+ with a bit of land or new, expect to pay about $300/350. 5 beds & 1200m2 or more $400+ (but then you will find something decent.

The closer to the city, the dearer or smaller it gets.

I would suggest getting a map of Melbourne and looking at distances taking into account : do you want beaches close by, or nature reserves, or hustle & bustle.

Kev I wouldn't get too hung up on defining areas as "posh" or "rough".

Better to look at your budget and see what fits in line with your requirements.
As we dont know this its very hard to make suggestions - $450 per week for share of 2 bed apartment or $250 per week for 5 bed house?

Parks are generally good throughout all suburbs and same with schools - but I am sure posters would warn you before hand of any "suspect" schools areas.

The "real" posh areas ie Toorak are - just dont even go there (you are talking tens of millions). The "rough" areas like Frankston, Dandenlong (distinct from "The dandenlongs") or Sunshine depends on your experiences - I personally think Frankston has alot to offer and is very underrated. North and West I have limited knowledge of but would not like to live in legoland. (Point Cook - Williamstown (personal favourite) are again near the coast refer point below).

Anything near the sea will be expensive
Anything close to the CBD will be expensive

You might consider things such as:
Paying more rent/mortgage instead of transport costs or
Is house size more important than location?

Consider being close to a train line

http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/

Sorry for my jumble its early - look forward to your arrival in our wonderful city.

Shane

Hi everbody, Does anybody know what its like in Doveton, Thanks in advance.Sharon n Dave.

Doveton is grim. Avoid.

Thats out near Endeavour Hills about 24 minutes from us.

Sharon why not try visiting Brit Vicshttp://z7.invisionfree.com/BritVics/index.php?act=SC&c=1

You might find some more relevant feedback there

I live in Elsternwick - very near thebears ....these areas are great ....all ammenities from shops and cafes, libraries and banks to parks...great atmosphere right by quiet residential roads.

Transport is really good with trams running every 12 mins into the CBD (takes 20 mins on tram) and also frequent train service.
2 mins drive to the sea.

West Hawthorn is prime for renting if one doesn't have jobs lined up as the transport links are exceptional. All in all a great place to start out while finding your feet.

Are you here now?

Comments on S/E

Most SE suburbs between say Springvale and Berwick ie Doveton, Noble Park, down the Monash Hway or Princes Highway are not the best.They are very industrial - very cramped -its all very American looking. Take the train (the Pakenham line) and you will see for yourself.

Narre Warren is better, on the western side of Berwick but it is very new and a bit souless. The only real leisure activity (lifestyle choice) is shopping at Feral -er Fountain Gate. People's whole lives seem to revolve around this complex.

The burbs due E of the city are a lot nicer-just about all the way to the Dandenongs inc the Dandenongs.

I would stay E of Warrigal Rd (for more affordability, anything closer is prohibitive) but North of the Monash freeway. The further E and S,the further N you need to be if that makes sense.

There are exceptions - the semi-rural areas tothe North of the Monash are OK.