Rowland Street, Kew, VIC 3101

Everybody reckons their street is the best. This one may not be the very best but it's pretty good. The best thing is the wide, leafy street itself. Like many streets in the area it's lined with beautiful big plane trees which are brilliant in summer and spectacular in winter.

There's not much of a street 'vibe' in the street alone but that's the way people like it. Restaurants, clubs shops and parks are all right there if you need them.

Wired-wise it's OK. Of course these are only ever as good as Telstra or Optus are (the weakest common denominator).

Street health is brilliant - the primary advantage. It's clean and quiet (it's not a through street but is near them when you need them). It's safe because people look out for each other.

Street values are unfortunately going up like crazy, as is all of Kew. In the 12 months to August 2007 Kew values increased 60% That is great if you own something there but not too good if you rent.

Street Essentials are absolutely excellent in all cases except for child care. With the increasing numbers of families with kids, getting child care places is becoming a pain. Also some houses don't have gas - and electric heating can be expensive. Overall though the street is brilliant.

Rowland St has to be one of the best streets going around. When you look at what some of us older residents have been able to get in terms of capital growth, with what looks like display homes selling for over $2 million, value for money just cant be beat.

The neighbours are friendly, though clearly some of the newer ones are busy professionals and we dont see too much of them. I'm sure they would help if needed!

Our kids have been fortunate enough to attend Carey, which is walking distance and that is what really drives so much of the value in Kew and surrounding suburbs. The best private schools are all in the area, you've got shops at Kew Junction, although we shop at Burke Road, Camberwell shops. And I can drive to the city and be there in 15 minutes (although peak hour can be busy).

If you get a chance take a drive down Rowland, check out some of the new mansions going in which will only drive up value further. Who needs Toorak!