NicoleP

We bought our first house in St Albans last year after renting for many years in Yarraville. We decided on St Albans because of the closeness to the city and many transport options. We bought a nice big house with 1970s character on a nice big block, something we couldn't have if we bought in the new estates.

What we love is the amount of amazing amenities around us. We have a toddler and can easily walk with the pram to St Albans library, train station, Sam's market and the AWESOME Alice's playground. We are very close to 2 excellent primary schools and near St Albans Secondary College which is one of the top ten public high schools in Melbourne. We can also walk to Keilor Shopping Centre which has everything you need and which is next to a skate park, awesome playground and Lesiure Centre and swimming pool. Our son goes to an outstanding day care which has recently been reviewed by the Govt as Exceeding all National Standards.

St Albans has amazing Vietnamese Restaurants and a rich vibrant colour. There is always something going on and happening. There are food options/restaurants galore including coffee shops. Currently the train station is being rebuilt so that the trains will be underground to ease traffic congestion.

There are some negatives. Many houses are in need of full renovations or knock down. If you are willing to renovate, you will make a lot of money. Slowly you will see many houses being knocked down for town houses as this has already begun happening around the area. Our part of St Albans (East) is made up of mostly pensioners. They have been welcoming and lovely to us, however we would like more families. We believe this will change in the near future.

If you want a nice house, on a big block and in a great location. St Albans is the place. We are right off the Western Ring Rd and Calder Freeway!