Best Suburb to Live in Melbourne?

Ueki23 on 09/12/2021 - 12:23
Last edited 11/12/2021 - 23:23 by 1 other user

Hey guys!

My friends and I are looking to move to Melbourne early next year and was wondering which places are good to live in. We're all mid 20s and have an artist background.

A few have suggested Prahran for its artistic atmosphere, but I'd like more recommendations- preferably close to the city or at least somewhere with good public transport. Any help and advice would be appreciated!

Big thanks!

EDIT:
Thank you very much for the many recommendations. I do apologize for the lack of info. Ideally looking for a 3br 2 ba with 1-2 car spaces . Personally I would love to move to Sydney but it is too expensive and neither friends really want to move there. One is already a bit uncertain because of the whole covid situation. Our budget is $700/w and we've seen some houses/apartments that looked nice but just wanting to know more a bit about the suburbs. Most of the houses we've found were in Footscray, Maidstone and Yarraville area. With some in Kensington and Brunswick.

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Comments

    • juki on 11/12/2021 - 18:50
      +1

      prices already gone up a lot that way

      • zorodluffy on 11/12/2021 - 20:01
        -1

        buy in now! you dont wanna miss out on clyde, youve missed out on bitcoin, not clyde.

    • Windows98 on 13/12/2021 - 18:55

      Clyde prices have gotten out of control in the past 2 years. New lots are maximum 450sqm, and prices are $500k plus for them.

      All the developers are releasing small lots of 10 plots at a time, then increasing the price for the next lot by $5k.

      East and South East Melbourne is a complete rort imo. There's cheaper land in the north and west. But that's like another world to me.

  • PVA on 11/12/2021 - 16:23
    +4

    Going by how many have moved here, my guess is The Gold Coast.

  • TheBird on 11/12/2021 - 16:36
    +4

    At the moment, it feels like Brisbane is where Melbournites like to live.

    • Baysew on 12/12/2021 - 11:36
      +1

      Melbournites might, but if Melburnians wanted to live in a big country town, they would choose one in Victoria.

  • juki on 11/12/2021 - 18:50
    -2

    what 2 pages and nobody mentioned Epping or Thomastown ? its the future Footscray :) you can still find houses that arent a shoebox

    • King Tightarse on 13/12/2021 - 20:49

      Epping is an utter s-hole

      • juki on 13/12/2021 - 23:02

        yes didnt you feel the irony? - granted it isnt very glamourous and neighbours might be a bit rough its not that bad

  • pompompom on 11/12/2021 - 19:48

    Why is everyone recommending Footscray, the only suburb that tops the crime rate index of Melbourne, smells like piss and looks like a $***hole. Has any of you actually lived in that cesspool ?

    • juki on 11/12/2021 - 20:04

      my guess is banh mi is better there than springvale

    • Bec-a on 11/12/2021 - 22:26
      +1

      I agree.. the one/only time I went there someone spat on my foot

    • cap1 on 11/12/2021 - 23:49
      +5

      Footscray doesn’t top the crime rate index, but hey don’t let facts get in the way of your trash talking

      https://www.racv.com.au/in-your-home/in-your-home/burglary-s…

      https://www.racv.com.au/royalauto/news/burglary-hotspots.htm…

      https://www.crimestatistics.vic.gov.au/crime-statistics/late…

      • Leeeroy on 13/12/2021 - 11:44
        +1

        Wow great crime stats websites. Thankyou! I bookmarked them all.

    • MessyG on 12/12/2021 - 08:16
      +1

      Not sure where you're getting your info from, it's pretty gentrified now. I'm often there for work, Footscray market is ace.

      • pompompom on 12/12/2021 - 10:04
        -4

        By ace did you mean crowded and dirty with shady ppl all around then yes it's Ace.

        • cap1 on 12/12/2021 - 11:03
          +1

          Good one mate. We don’t want your kind around here anyway, jog on.

    • Carmen Sandiego on 12/12/2021 - 15:19
      +1

      Yeah, I have.

      Definitely the streets towards the library are on the wrong side of suspicious but, towards the markets aren't too bad.

      The Footscray you have to avoid is West Footscray. That and Tottenham are very industrial and if it's not the freight trains going past (which means you can't hear squat in your house), it's the police and fighting on the streets

  • Empharand on 11/12/2021 - 23:39
    +3

    Avoid
    - Cranbourne near the station
    - Frankston near the station
    - Dandenong around the market and shopping centre
    - Pretty much any suburb that has a Centrelink (No disrespect to anyone on Centrelink payment but Centrelink locations invite 'Attention' from the wrong people)

    • Jolakot on 13/12/2021 - 20:07
      +1

      South Melbourne? Abbotsford? Prahran? Brunswick?

  • Pidapipo on 12/12/2021 - 01:17

    I used to live in Hawthorn/Camberwell. Well serviced by both train and tram, has everything and overall a safe suburb.

    Now I live in Parkville and can definitely recommend this area plus Flemington/Kensington for liveability and the greeneries. All have train/tram stations, 10-20 minutes to CBD and not too far west to be shoddy. I now love doing my grocery shopping at the weekend market instead of the overpriced Colesworths. Plus my rent is 20% down from previous Inner East price.

    Can’t comment much on the artistic atmosphere though.

  • MessyG on 12/12/2021 - 08:16

    Of the suburbs you've listed, Footscray, Yarraville, Kensington and Brunswick are all great with artist types around. Footscray and Brunswick probably fit the bill the best and if I had to choose between the two, it would be Brunswick.

  • spoonmugen on 12/12/2021 - 10:52
    +1

    springvale

  • 80kinvestment on 12/12/2021 - 11:50
    +3

    A lot of the hipster share houses have moved up to Preston / Reservoir. Closer in is better if you can afford it. Northcote is what Fitzroy used to be 20 years ago.

    Anywhere south of the Yarra is basically going to be Sydney light, if that’s what you’re looking for. It may as well be a different city. Just make sure to swap your mullet and mum jeans for a white linen shirt and khaki shorts as you cross the river.

    • serpserpserp on 12/12/2021 - 17:41

      Northcote is what Fitzroy used to be 20 years ago.

      Fitzroy had 3br houses starting at 2mln 20 years ago?

      • 80kinvestment on 12/12/2021 - 18:25

        I meant there are 30 year old trust fund hipsters instead of 50 year old trust fund yuppies.

        I’m assuming a 3 bedroom house was a tupence as a down payment and a firm handshake as collateral?

  • SkMed on 12/12/2021 - 11:56

    I've lived around Brunswick and Brunswick east for the past 15 years. I just bought a place in Brunswick east in an amazing location near Ceres, Jones park, Merriam creek and end of the 96 line. I'd not go back into the depths of Brunswick nowdays to live.

    Surprised I've not seen any mention of Coburg. Coburg has great houses with massive backyards and gardens generally, and still a meeting pit of different cultures like Brunswick used to be. Stay south of bell st and not far from Sydney road and you'll be good. There's a new MASSIVE art space in the Coles there too, like 100 art studio's setup inside an old Coles. Check it out.

    Other than that I'd consider Preston. I'm at the preston market right now surrounded by all different cultures and cuisines, and the nightlife here down through to Northcote beats Brunswick nowdays too. Tonnes of Mirco breweries etc.

  • Meowcat on 12/12/2021 - 13:18
    +1

    https://youtu.be/oXbX0TYB2Ic Basically summarises this whole thread

  • Blitz001 on 12/12/2021 - 14:19

    I vote Preston, but I’m bias.

    • jv on 12/12/2021 - 16:07
      -2

      Will have to learn a new accent though…

  • monty168 on 12/12/2021 - 16:06
    +1

    East Melbourne is my pick

    • jv on 12/12/2021 - 16:06
      -1

      lol

  • serpserpserp on 12/12/2021 - 17:36
    +2

    Surprised no one has mentioned Far Kew.

    • Wallyt99 on 12/12/2021 - 20:59
      +1

      I like Far Kew Too!

  • gearboxtech on 12/12/2021 - 19:02
    +1

    I once got stabbed in footascray.

    I've still got fond memories of the area but a hell of a lot has changed in 15 years. It's still rough but quite livable.

    Unless you're buying a modern place, you'll get the 3br but just a main bathroom that'll also likely have the toilet. Built in robes will be a luxury.

    The major advantage is you are very close to the city via car, train or bus, you'll quite likely have car parking and the rent is reasonable for the size of the place you'll get

  • baldur on 12/12/2021 - 20:19

    Carlton or North Melbourne.

  • Skallywagzzz on 12/12/2021 - 22:10
    -1

    Highly recommend Keilor East.

    essentially a cheaper essendon

  • dbmitch on 13/12/2021 - 02:16

    I have never seen more back and forth agree/disagrees in any thread, people throwing out suburbs and saying its good and just get downvoted, yet the comments responding and all backing up the downvoted opinion.

    Its almost like..deeply divided

  • qvinto on 13/12/2021 - 10:28

    Footscray is where my artist friends live, especially if you are a musician there is a nice scene there. I like the place and it's multi cultural mix

  • pippohippo on 13/12/2021 - 11:55
    +1

    Footscray/West Footscray/Seddon/Yarraville are some nice options out inner west

  • Leeeroy on 13/12/2021 - 12:30

    Also remember while trams are convenient they are also slow.

    If you compare commute times Brunswick Tram vs Footscray train:
    A commute on a tram from Albion Street in Brunswick to Flinders, over a distance of 6km, will take you over 30 mins.
    Whereas a train ride from Footscray to Flinders, which is about the same distance, will only take you 13 mins.

  • dhx on 13/12/2021 - 12:31
    +3

    Best long term investment (5 years from now) if you're looking to buy is probably near Deer Park station e.g. 686m2 sold 2 days ago for $715k 5min walk to train station with 2 lines, 20min from city with 2 stops and with 20min interval train services. One station away is Sunshine, two stations away is Footscray, then the third station away is Southern Cross. The main downside is that Deer Park station (as well as Sunshine station for the airport rail link) are being redeveloped leading to intermittent rail services over coming years, and Deer Park isn't known for schools or cafes/restaurants. At least restaurants are a quick 10min train trip away. Another pro is that as you zoom past packed Metro services into the city you can return the Metro passenger middle fingers with a quick wave from your cushioned and air conditioned luxury window seat as you go back to reading your newspaper.

    • TEER3X on 13/12/2021 - 18:43

      5 years is not considered long term in anyone's language

      Don't disagree with anything else though

  • lizardPERSON1 on 13/12/2021 - 14:51

    Point Crook is really good

    • jv on 13/12/2021 - 15:03
      -1

      Good for what?

      • serpserpserp on 13/12/2021 - 15:08

        Catching the crooks

        • jv on 13/12/2021 - 15:14
          +2

          I see your Point…

  • kabammi on 13/12/2021 - 18:00

    Maybe consider Upwey/Belgrave in the Dandenong Ranges. Big art community out here. Upwey Archies competition every year and open galaries weeks every year. The winter solstice festival up here is great too and a good outlet if you're keen on sculpture.
    It's got a train line too.

  • nurbsenvi on 13/12/2021 - 18:40

    Chaos Sanctuary

    Friendly neighbours with generous gifts and great experience.

    Local principal Mr. D is always available for your council.

    Free heating great for winter.

  • King Tightarse on 13/12/2021 - 20:56

    So many people are suggesting very dated ideas or just randomly saying suburbs they like!
    Honestly. If you are a striving young artist or musician and want to be surrounded by similar people I would shoot for Northcote, Fitzroy or Foostray. They all have valid creative communities. Lots of like minded share houses and decent local venues.
    Reservoir is emerging but its pretty far away from the city and still a pretty hardcore s-hole (unless face tatts are your 'thing')
    Out of the above, I would most suggest Northcote

    • jv on 13/12/2021 - 21:28
      +1

      Foostray.

      Only of you like the doggies…

      ( I see what you did there… )

      • King Tightarse on 13/12/2021 - 21:33

        haha

      • gimli on 13/12/2021 - 21:36
        +1

        Used to be footscary

        • dasher86 on 13/12/2021 - 22:00
          +1

          Footscrazy

  • jingy on 13/12/2021 - 22:29

    Hi all,

    Not sure if I should have made a new thread or just post in here but I'm also moving to Melbourne next year, I'll be working in Box Hill but will be temporarily staying in Brunswick until I can find a place of my own.

    I'm in a different situation to OP though, I'm looking to purchase an apartment or townhouse to live in a for a few years before turning it into an investment property so there's a bit more to think about. I'm aware of the different things to look out for when buying but as I'm going to be living here for a few years, it doesn't have to be the "best" investment location since I'd like to enjoy living in the area.

    Any recommendations for what areas I should be looking in? Most likely would be looking for an apartment as my budget is around 500-600k, however I would prefer to have a townhouse, can increase my budget a bit if necessary for a townhouse.

    I've read all the replies in this thread and its very interesting seeing the discussion and pros and cons for each of these suburbs.

    Thanks in advanced

    • PumpkinHater on 13/12/2021 - 22:59

      I think nunawading or Ringwood might be your best bet.

      • jingy on 14/12/2021 - 14:48

        Any particular reasons? I've never been to the area before

        • PumpkinHater on 14/12/2021 - 17:49
          +1

          Mainly affordability. You can rent a 3 BR house for $1600/month.

          Some other reasons are reasonably well serviced by train lines and they are in the leafy eastern suburbs.

  • PumpkinHater on 13/12/2021 - 22:55

    Sorry late to the forum but i think you should consider hawthorn as well. Not an artist heavy area as such but safe, centrally located and with plenty of amenities. best of all despite being a good suburb and close to the city you can still get a 2 room apartment for about 370/week.

    • loki niflheim on 17/12/2021 - 20:05

      Hawthorn is great but more for couples or families (aside from students going to Swinburne) doing 9-5 with the house empty during the day or whoever is there is busy with the kids or socializing. A performance artist at 20 is generally good to be in an environment where you can make connections quickly (not necessarily maintain), get to where the gigs are and can find good chow for cheap. People in Hawthorn tend to be more reserved in connecting and don't have that much time to make new connections all the time.

  • pogichinoy on 14/12/2021 - 08:44

    Brunswick

  • 2jzzzz on 14/12/2021 - 09:15

    South Melbourne / Yarraville / Kingsville / Northcote / Essendon / Pascoe Vale

  • hopper on 14/12/2021 - 11:07

    And you are from which state?

    • Ueki23 on 14/12/2021 - 11:17

      Adelaide

  • hopper on 14/12/2021 - 11:08

    Lots of new apartments in North Melbourne

  • chefdillu on 14/12/2021 - 13:58
    -1

    Woodlea Estate in Aintree is the most prestigious estate these days in Melbourne , Live life kingsize not in a matchbox , 12 amazing parks created inside the estate.

    • King Tightarse on 14/12/2021 - 14:03
      -1

      Aintree? Never heard of it. Could you mean the aintree ainforest near airns?
      Googled it. Ahahahahahahahaha. Oh thanks, I needed a laugh.
      Yep, better than Toorak.

  • adn on 14/12/2021 - 16:22
    +1

    Broadie. Come join the broady boys, they show you a good time.

  • Empharand on 15/12/2021 - 01:37

    Sandhurst, not 100% sure what the current rental prices are but they have public surveillance cameras throughout it's small suburb. It seems like a gated community without the gate.

    • JIMB0 on 15/12/2021 - 07:45
      +1

      That's too protect it from the neighbouring suburbs of Carrum Downs and Skye.

  • loki niflheim on 17/12/2021 - 20:28

    Lots of good food for thought in the comments. If you're not sure about the COVID situation, maybe choose Brisbane rather than Melbourne. Melbourne weather is closest to Adelaide, but it's also part of the reason why the virus survived longer here.

    Brunswick is your best bet for artsy, most gigs would be in Brunswick or one of the suburbs close to Melbourne CBD. The challenge here is 3br 2ba with 1-2 car spaces. If you found some that's great, make sure you check the details and if possible find a friend who can help you check the condition of the rental property and the area it's in. If you don't, scrutinize the area on Google Maps. What's around the area and whether they've been in the news for anything. Best if the rental property is leased through a (reputable) real estate agent. Many landlords my friends have had in Brunswick tend to like keeping the rental deposit, I find.

    A lot of my artsy friend start off in Brunswick then gradually move out of the suburb due to various reasons, but by the time they moved out they've already established their circles of friends so they can afford to do that. If you're starting out, you need to make those connections first and suburbs like Fitzroy, Carlton and Brunswick are the best place to get your bearings on what's what.

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