Our preference is around Camberwell. It isn't the cheapest area, but we love it here. Also, for kids starting primary school, Camberwell Primary is a great option. They teach 50/50 in English/French right from the start, so for example all maths is taught in French. A great opportunity to learn another language early on.

DJMA

[QUOTE=Neil S] Williamstown is very nice but it's not without it's issues. It gets very busy at the weekend, particularly in the summer and most weekends, the idiot hoon drivers speed up and down the main roads but still very nice.

Hi, that sounds very interesting indeed. I was concerned about our kids not learning 2 languages downunder, when we lived in NZ the only second language available was Maori which was a bit limiting, the attitude of the Kiwis was "why learn a 2nd language, everyone in NZ speaks English" which translates as "we're a tiny isolated cut-off island and intend to stay that way". Can you give me some more info on Camberwell? Is there a secondary school which continues that tradition?

Thanks

Buzzy

I lived in Williamstown for a year and moved to be nearer work. It was a great starting place, though, as it's convenient for the CBD, has fantastic bayside walks and views of the CBD and is close to the main freeway heading to the Great Ocean Road (Geelong is about 45 minutes drive away). If my job wasn't based around Caulfield I would have found no need to move. Williamstown has a vibrant heart in Nelson Place with loads of cafes and restaurants and a local feel at the Douglas Parade/Ferguson Street shops.

Newport borders on Williamstown, but is expensive, mainly due to the industry there. It's ok, though and still convenient for Williamstown and the CBD. It depends which area of Newport you're talking about, as the residential areas near Williamstown are no different from Willy itself. At the Newport train station end it's a bit less desirable, but to me it still seemed ok. I think Yarraville is another underrated suburb, it's centre is great with good pubs and cafes and it is a lot cheaper than Williamstown. You're 10 minutes from the CBD by train and 10 minues from Williamstown beach/shops by car. And if you're into Asian food, then you have Footscray 5 minutes down the train line.

[QUOTE=Neil S] Driving around Williamstown is a lot less hassle than in the South East. Even on a busy day, there isn't the traffic that there is on say Toorak road. The West Gate Bridge Freeway gets busy in the morning at commuter times but that's usually where it meets the Eastlink toll road, so it's the same coming from either way. The same is true at evening rush hour. Still, I'd rather commute from the West of Melbourne on the West Gate Bridge Freeway, then on the Monaash which can be even worse.

As for being busy on market days, I'd say that it adds to the life of the place. Again, it's still nothing compared to St. Kilda, for instance, and at least in Williamtown there is the option of avoiding the tourists by hitting the cafes in the shopping areas of Douglas Parade/Ferguson Street.

[QUOTE=fireeater]
Cool, thanks for all the replies. Williamstown definately sounds like our kind of place. The market was one of the things that is attracting us, so I guess I can't complain if it is soooo good that loads of tourists go, ... I will take that as a good point. Will also look at Yarraville ... that wasn't a suburb I had heard of...

Thanks a lot
Shazzer

St Kilda. For the cake shops. Yummmmmmmmm!

Thanks fireeater, I saw nice houses and decent rental prices, it's an option anyway.

I've got any number of photos so here goes!

OzTennis

And one more lot.

OzTennis

Hi Oz Tennis,
Di you have any of Nelson Place / Douglas Parade / The Market / "Typical" residential streets .... then I can realy start dreaming...

Many thanks
Shazzer

Oops, crossed posts ... great views of residential streets ... thanks

Now, as to why 'lots' of people start off there and move, I'm not sure it is lots - I can only recall one husband and wife among the BE's regulars who have moved and they said they wanted more 'action' out the other side of the city from memory. Some might start out renting in this area and find when it comes time to buy that properties are too expensive for them.

OzTennis

[QUOTE=Neil S] There are 2 markets in Williamstown - a farmers market and a craft market. Each is held on one Sunday a month so 2 days a month shouldn't be a problem. Yes, the Westgate Bridge can get busy during peak times but there are 4 train stations including Newport and many commute the 20 mins by train if a bit of traffic on the bridge is a problem. Getting into the city on the other side is no easy thing though and traffic in the inner and eastern suburbs is a nightmare compared to Williamstown.

OzTennis