Charles St, Abbotsford, VIC 3067

It's amazingly quiet for somewhere so close to all the action and the wide tree-lined street is filled with heritage houses, particularly past Gipps Street. The station is just a few minutes walk away (as are the buses of Hoddle Street and the trams of Victoria Street) but the traffic system keeps this street very quiet at all times of the week.

It takes less than five minutes to walk to the Yarra River walking and cycling tracks, where the sound of the bellbirds makes you feel a million miles from the city.

Victoria Street used to be renowned for its Vietnamese cuisine. While there is still plenty of that, it is becoming increasingly diverse, with Indian, Thai, pizza, small funky bars and - since 2010 - Woolworths and Aldi. And the Abbotsford convent a few streets away has great fresh food markets, arts and crafts, bars and cafes.

We've been here for more than nine years and have seen very few neighbours move in that time - instead, as children grow up, extensions are put on because no-one wants to leave.

It's a fantastic alternative to Richmond as you get much more space for your money, plus it's quieter too, and we still walk to games at the MCG and sometimes home from work in the CBD.

I love this street, everything is close, and lots to do. Neighbours are friendly and the demographics eclectic. But I think I am stuck renting as the prices, even for a small home, are getting out of control. Used to be great vaklue compared to Richmond, but nowadays....
If you can afford it, this street and suburb rocks.