Elwood, VIC 3184

Elwood, Melbourne, is an exceptional neighborhood that embodies the epitome of vibrant and laid-back coastal living. Nestled along the picturesque shores of Port Phillip Bay, Elwood offers residents a unique blend of relaxed beachside charm and urban convenience.

One of the standout features of Elwood is its vibrant lifestyle. Residents here enjoy a wide array of recreational activities, thanks to the stunning beaches, scenic parks, and bustling cafes and restaurants that line the streets. Whether it's enjoying a leisurely stroll along the iconic Elwood Beach, soaking up the sun in one of the local parks, or indulging in a delicious brunch at a trendy cafe, there's always something exciting to do in Elwood.

In addition to its vibrant lifestyle, Elwood boasts a diverse range of dwellings, including charming period homes, modern apartments, and stylish townhouses. Each property exudes its unique character and charm, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Whether you're a young professional seeking a stylish apartment close to the action or a family looking for a spacious period home with a backyard, Elwood has something for everyone.

Overall, Elwood offers residents the perfect blend of coastal living, urban convenience, and community spirit. With its vibrant lifestyle, diverse housing options, and stunning natural beauty, it's no wonder why Elwood continues to be one of Melbourne's most sought-after neighborhoods.

Expensive, mostly flats and renters.

I’ve lived in and around Elwood for most of my life. Now living in Elwood again with my wife, we are nestled between the more bustling Elsternwick strip of shops and amenities, whilst still only a short stroll to the new Wetlands precinct, Elwood Canal, the Village and the beach.

During the pandemic, the community became more tight knit, with shops and locals supporting each other. Definitely helped get us through, and almost feels like a country town with all the conveniences of a city at your doorstep.

Having read all of the comments that other people have made, it just re-enforces what I think about it. Elwood is so beautiful: the beach is so close, the canal is great to walk down, there are parks and the tree-lined streets look stunning. (Yes they give you hay-fever, but I've never lived anywhere that didn't, so you take a hay-fever tablet in spring, easy). Yes there are no Coles/Woolworths in Elwood, BUT this means that there is also no supermarket traffic. There are the major supermarkets in all the surrounding suburbs, so you can easily walk, ride or drive to them if that is what you need. The people are friendly, there are kids selling homemade cookies in front of their family homes, our neighbours are helpful and strangers say hello on the street. Yes it is expensive, so we are renting until we win the lotto and buy our dream Elwood forever home. Fingers crossed.

Elwood is a very trendy location. Filled with multiple cafe's for top quality coffee and places to dine in at.

Ormond Road is a very popular street amongst locals. You'll constantly see it buzzing with people out walking their dogs, stopping in for a coffee or relaxing at one of the cool bars.

Leigh Fletcher | Director
Hayeswinckle
Real Estate Agent, Armstrong Creek
Surf Coast

The community garden at the back of the Elwood & St Kilda Neighbourhood House is a great space to relax.

It's not well serviced by roads or public transport.
The only shopping centers are the small and expensive FoodWorks or Elwood supermarket - where you pay more for what you get.
There are lots of trendy "boutique" stores and coffee shops, and although expensive, the quality isn't better.
Elwood mainly consists of older 1920s to 50s apartments, built before cars, without off-street parking, so parking is a major problem in many parts.
There are lots of 30-something couples who move in, but later move out after starting a family.
There is a shortage of kids, teenagers, and men in Elwood. This is sad because kids need other kids for socialization. It's a heavily female-dominated area, as there aren't many male industries nearby, many of the men in Elwood are part of a same-sex couple, or in an established relationship.
It's not a very multicultural place, diversity is really lacking.
It's a pretty boring area, particularly if you're not a beachy person.
The plane trees which line the streets of Elwood cause allergies and are an introduced species
In many of the streets, the pavement is badly cracked and uneven, causing a tripping hazard and it was difficult for my child to ride her scooter.
Proximity to the beach is one advantage but also a drawback as it's not centrally located, it's bordered by the sea, making it somewhat out of the way, like living on the edge of suburbia.
I would rank Elwood very low on a liveability score. I would question any person or organization claiming Elwood to be a very "liveable" suburb - it certainly isn't. I have lived in three different locations in Elwood, I was raised in Elwood, I know it very well, and this is an educated review.

We live in Elwood (me and my son).

We bought here after living in St Kilda East which is sketchy.

Elwood Village has walking distance to shops, cafes, beach and the canal. Period homes, apartments and shop architecture. Elwood has its own culture.

If you need to go to the city everyday for work you need to take a tram (slow) 30 mins to city, or ride a bike to Elsternwick Railway Station instead. This takes 5 mins ride down Glen Huntley road or catch a bus, and not far from Coles etc. 5 min drive. Not a big deal.

Alot of people in other reviews bag Elwood for not having a train station, or the hayfever due the beautiful plain trees or the WASPy demographic (lack of multiculturalism) or its expensive. That is their opinon.

We are not WASPs, its not an issue, I have hayfever and now we walk, ride more. Being near the inner city beaches you will pay more for property.

Multicultural areas close to the city with great transport exist in Richmond and Footscray. There is no need to bag Elwood for "not being the same" or it "needs to have more multiculturalism".

People are friendly here I have not met any "stuck up people" or racist people as other posts have claimed Elwood has so being a different culture is not an issue at all. Elwood has its own unique culture which is also fine.

Next, it is a trendy beach side suburb, cafes, shops are a bit pricer. There is no Coles, Woolies but there is an IGA and local fruit and veg shop. This makes it unique as it has its own shopping culture.

If you want close to transport, mega supermarkets and close to the beach buy in Williamstown or Frankston, but they do not have tree lined streets or a canal.

Lastly, there is a lower percentage of couples with children here but that is because the suburb is >50% apartments that are 1-2 bedroom. People with children are very sociable so it is not an issue at all.

PLUS
Village feel & impressive cafe culture
Tree lined streets & lots of attractive historic architecture inc. deco apartment blocks
Elwood beach
Easy access to the rich variety of café, restaurants, retail of neighbouring St Kilda

MINUS
One of Melbourne’s higher density suburbs particularly given it is circa 8km from CBD. This density looks set to further increase as house sites continue to make way for multi unit developments
Poor public transport - no train station or tram n/w. Car access – in common with Melbourne inner city suburbs generally is slow & frustrating at peak commute times
Lack of a major supermarket – nearest being Coles in St Kilda & Elsternwick. Great to have a Farmers Market but not an economical option!

Elwood houses have enjoyed consistent high performing capital growth. Scott Hall Buyers Advocate 0457 513 124

We brought here 4 years ago after moving from busy South Yarra. It’s lovely and quiet. Beautiful tree lined streets and beach at your door step. Close enough to main shopping areas in surrounding suburbs and not far from the city. We never want to leave.

Elwood is one of my favourite suburbs in the South East suburbs. The beautiful tree lined streets, the parks and the access to the beach - not to mention Tennyson Street and Ormond Road, with their restaurants, cafes and bars. It is the perfect location to call home, in between Elsternwick, St Kilda and Brighton - Elwood is the lifestyle hub!

Been living overseas for 3 years and have just returned to Elwood. We missed the community feel, beautiful tree lined streets, cafes, beach, dog friendly environment, Elsternwick and Brighton beach dog parks, and so much more. A beautiful part of Melbourne, my favorite place by far.

It's not the worst area, I'd live here if I had no choice. The streets are leafy and full of life. It's mostly just a student area but it does border on some shitholes crime wise

Renting and buying here is way too expensive. Yet people seem to love Elwood.

Elwood is on the beach which is great, but it is very expensive to rent/buy, and there are also a few dodgey characters around, as with St Kilda.

We lived here for about a year when we just moved to Melbourne. It’s obviously near to the beach, which is great. Neighbour’s range from rich stuck ups to lower income apartment dwellers. Nothing much in between really. It’s pretty boring and not very trendy. Glen Huntley road has some restaurats but nothing interesting and mostly overpriced. Public transport takes long to reach the city from where we lived, about 35 to 40 minutes, which is about the same as somewhere like Springvale! Trams are very slow. One thing that hit us very hard was hay fever. The are is full of plain trees and it made us really sick during spring! To the extent of actually being in bed unable to operate. But yeah you are near to the beach and it’s kinda pretty.

We lived in Elwood 10 years ago and have just moved back with 2 small children. It's quieter than St Kilda but has much more character than Brighton. I have an aversion to boring suburbia (Glen Iris, Camberwell etc) Elwood is a great place to live with a diverse demographic. Houses are expensive and in short supply but hold their value well. Public transport is not great but you can walk everywhere within the suburb. There is a lovely community feel in Elwood village. Glad to be back here!

Having lived in Elwood for a year, I love being near the beach in amongst quiet leafy green streets but still close to the city. Ormond Rd boasts an abundance of cafes and restaurants for all price ranges. Easy Fifteen is my personal favourite for coffee and Jimmi Jamz further up is great for super cheap, super tasty pizzas and pasta.

In terms of public transport, I get a bit frustrated having to catch a bus THEN a tram or train to work in the city. There are bus stops everywhere however I would love to be able to jump on a tram. I don't find the traffic too bad however I live in a dead end street which helps.

Easy access to the Bay Trail is also great. Some days I'll walk along the beach down to the Brighton Baths and back, or other days I'll walk up to the St Kilda pier for a change of scenery. Watching the sunset up on Point Ormond Hill is gorgeous too!

I love this neighborhood - it is hard to leave! Beautiful tree lined streets, enough cafes, restaurants and amenities to keep me happy. It's close to the beach and has a canal running through it which is great for walks/runs/cycling (although it is prone to flooding). There are several farmers markets popping up and Elwood Village has a warm friendly vibe - I come down here most days to grab a cappuccino and read the paper. It is close to other cool suburbs too - St Kilda, Balaclava, Windsor - all easily within walking distance but you probably won't want to leave! Cons - the tree lined streets are challenging for hayfever sufferers; the parking is limited; not close to trams/trains (unless you live near Brighton Rd) but there is a bus that runs fairly frequently along Glen Huntly Rd; and the cost of living is fairly inflated.

Elwood residents are mainly professionals, trendy and stylish people. Young families and immigrants tend to be priced out, giving the area a comparatively older and waspy (white Anglo Saxon) vibe.
There are major problems with congestion and parking. The area is not well serviced by roads or public transport, making it feel somewhat isolated and out of the way.
There is no coles or woolies in Elwood. You have to drive to Elsternwick or St kilda Coles. Otherwise there is a small and expensive Foodies store on Ormond Rd. All major shopping centers like Southland and Chadstone are at least 20 minutes drive from Elwood.
Elwood has lots of small and pricey 'boutique' stores.
It is quite close to the city, but not well serviced by roads and the congestion means it can take a while to get to the city.
I gave it only 2 stars because it is too congested, not well serviced by roads or public transport, doesn't have decent shopping facilities and the cost of living is very high.
I think it's not family friendly, as there aren't many kids in Elwood, ( kids need other kids for socialisation). A lot of people have 1 baby then move away.
on the plus side Elwood offers the bay beach if you're a beachy person. It also offers a trendy (albeit pricey) cafe and bar lifestyle for those that are into that sort of thing.

Tucked between the bustle of St Kilda and the conservative nature of Brighton, Elwood is a varied community of all ages surrounded by parkland. Lots of singles and young couples fill the flats then graduate to the houses and town houses once they have children. Older people often downsize to Elwood from larger suburban houses too. We love the parklands which surround the triangle of Elwood and the beach which borders one side of the triangle. It's a great place for kids to grow up with plenty of access to public and private schools locally and in surrounding suburbs. There are buses connecting to the train at Elsternwick or taking you directly to St Kilda, Clifton Hill, Monash Uni, Brighton, Southland, even Chadstone if you are prepared to walk to Brighton Rd where you will also find the 67 tram. We have been here for 9 years, our kids have grown from primary to university years here and we all have many friends in the area.

It is great to see environmental initiatives such as the community composting scheme in inner metropolitan areas such as Elwood and St. Kilda.

I may be biased living here my whole life but Elwood is great!

With an array of people including singles, couples, families, retirees there is something for everyone.
Including a variety of accomodation from one bedroom apartments to luxurious family homes.

The cafes atmosphere and proximity to busier St Kilda makes it perfect and having been through the schooling system and now with a child of my own it is only improving.

My only critisism is that parking in certain parts of Elwood can be difficult but with the nice weather in summer

The best things about Elwood: The convenience of an inner suburb with the beauty of large old trees, stunning deco apartments, the peace and quiet, generally calm and friendly people without pretentiousness. Elwood is an oasis in the inner suburbs. Investment wise, it continuously out performs average prices. Not interested in living anywhere else!

The only negative in Elwood can be the limited parking in certain parts. It`s close to the beach, cafe`s on every corner, great place to exercise, great looking streets, fantastic transport and great schools. If you can afford it here you won`t be dissapointed.

As an Investment:
As a property buyers agent at Capital Property Advisory specialising in property investing for large portfolio holders, we have seen immense growth and recommend certain streets in this area to astute investors. Elwood is a hot spot and always outperforms the averages.

As an Owner Occupier:
I personally lived in Elwood for several years with my children and found the beautifully tree lined streets to be quiet, safe and friendly. This ideal location has everything at your door step, such as trams, shops, restaurants, cafes, beach, parks and much more.

Elwood is perfect for families, singles, couples and retirees and is only 8 kms from the city. The leafy surrounds provided much character with a combination of art deco apartments, modern buildings, Edwardian cottages and Victorian mansions.

Elwood beach is absolutely beautiful with play equipment, bbq area, running tracks and the Bayside Trail bike track. Furthermore it is only a short distance to the St Kilda botanical gardens which are certainly worth a look.

Experience the shopping precinct of Ormond Road and enjoy the cafes, bars and restaurants. Elwood is a world of its own and an outstanding place to live.

Elwood is unique as you are walking distance if you want the busy life of St Kilda or you can step back and enjoy the more quieter life of Elwood.. its walking distance to the beach and has great parks and tree line streets... Ormond Rd is the main shopping strip is always improving with the quality of shops and cafes.. Its a terrific place to live..

Elwood is the next suburb on from St Kilda, but takes on a completely different persona.

It is a quiet residential suburb, full of high density apartment style living and the occasional home. It has a large park and some of the properties in the area flank the sea. The suburb has a few corner stores, delis and cafés, but for the most part it is homely and quiet with not a lot to offer apart from relaxed living.

It's proximity to the CBD is fantastic - only about 8 km and easily accessed by tram or bus. Also situated just one suburb over from St Kilda, you have all of the pubs, bars and cafes that you need without having to live in amongst all the atmosphere.

Lovely tree lined streets in wonderful beachside location, what more could you ask for?
There are plenty of places to get out for a bite to eat close by and it’s not too far up the road to St Kilda for that night out.
There are some older houses in the area in need of some attention making it the ideal spot for renovators wanting the character home.
Close to the beach with some great parks close by means there is plenty of room to jog, walk or just let the kids go wild.
It is easy to get into the city by car and won’t take long but when the area is well serviced by public transport why have the stress of driving? You could be in the city just as fast.