Balwyn, VIC 3103

4.4(39 reviews)

Ranked 116th best suburb by locals in Melbourne (Greater) Region, VIC

Great for

  • Parks and recreation
  • Schools
  • Medical facilities
  • Resale or rental value
  • Internet access

Not great for

    No ratings yet

Who lives here?

  • Families With Kids
  • Professionals
  • Retirees
  • Singles
  • Fashion Conscious

Reviews of Balwyn, VIC

5th October 2023

"Diverse Balwyn"

Large family homes line the streets of Balwyn.

The Whitehorse Road shopping and dining precinct is a mecca of luxury items and culture.

The renowned Balwyn High School attracts families from far and wide and the tram lines make access a breeze.

Close proximity to the eastern freeway, Doncaster shopping centre and Box Hill make this suburb the perfect hub.

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20th September 2023

"Family friendly, convenient, with beautiful tree lined streets and fantastic amenities"

Born and bred in Balwyn, schooled in Kew, and having worked (as a real estate agent in Balwyn for many years) I can say this is a wonderful suburb to raise a family, school your children, shop and enjoy the many parks and trails. There is such diversity in the housing, from period styles, to contemporary and everything between. There is something for everyone, loads of sports clubs, the shops are diverse and we've seen a big incease in the number of fitness/health facilities in the area. The convenience to the city is superb....close enough that it's convenient but far enough that you won't be disturbed by rowdy neighbours. It's a peaceful safe place to call home.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
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11th August 2023

"Friendly Lifestyle"

Balwyn is a charming suburb located in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Known for its leafy streets, spacious properties, and a mix of architectural styles, Balwyn offers a pleasant and upscale residential environment. Here's a short review:



Balwyn is a highly desirable suburb that exudes a sense of tranquillity and affluence. Its tree-lined streets and well-maintained gardens create a picturesque atmosphere that's often sought after by families and professionals alike. The suburb boasts an array of beautiful homes, from elegant period houses to modern designs, contributing to its diverse architectural character.



Residents benefit from easy access to quality schools, both public and private, making it an attractive choice for families seeking excellent educational opportunities. The local shopping scene is centred around Whitehorse Road, where you'll find a mix of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, adding to the suburb's allure.



While Balwyn offers a quiet and serene ambience, it's not far from the bustling amenities of Melbourne's city centre. Public transportation options, including buses and trams, make commuting convenient for those working or studying in the city.



Overall, Balwyn's blend of green spaces, upscale housing, top-notch schools, and proximity to urban amenities make it a highly desirable suburb for those who appreciate a comfortable, family-friendly lifestyle within reach of Melbourne's offerings.

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2nd May 2022

"Great area"

An excellent suburb full of parks and gardens, filled with a friendly atmosphere, perfect for young families and retirees

Steve Mac | House Land Co | House & Land expert

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
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"Leafy parks, good schools with a shopping precinct."

Balwyn is a good suburb for young families, professionals who like a suburbian lifestyle and retirees who like parks and gardens. There are plenty of parks, mostly safe suburb, friendly people and a small shopping precinct with all the necessities.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
2
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Rentals in Balwyn

"A charming, and prestigious suburb with classic homes"

Balwyn is a wealthy and highly sought-after neighbourhood in Melbourne's east. It's a pleasant, quiet area with beautify streetscapes and several wonderful cafés. The suburb is home to many established families and couples as there is easy access to some of the most prestigious schools in Melbourne including Balwyn High School, Balwyn Primary School, Fintona Girls’ School, Greythorn Primary School and many more.
Balwyn is well served by numerous tram lines and an excellent bus network, making it perfect for travelling to and from surrounding suburbs and is only 10km east of the CBD.

It's a relaxing and elegant lifestyle for families and individuals alike, with its small shops, nice cafés, lovely parks, and historic cinema all just 10kms east of the city. It’s no wonder why it’s a suburb that many can’t resist.
For a standard 3-bedroom house, you can expect to pay approx $610.00 per week in rent.
If you are looking for a rental property or looking for an agent to lease out your rental property, please contact me directly on 0411 062 462 or [email protected]

Anna Molinaro, Property Manager OBrien Real Estate Blackburn.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
2
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"Great for Families"

In my experience Balwyn isn’t a suburb that provokes a neutral response from buyers – they either love it for the schools & quiet lifestyle or prefer to be closer in to the action.

PLUS
Quiet - great for families
Green/leafy
Very good for schooling - Balwyn High is one of Melbourne’s highest ranked public schools & private schools nearby inc. Fintona Girls Grammar & Camberwell Grammar (boys). However I’m frequently surprised that prospective buyers have not run the numbers on the cost/benefit of paying the at times hundreds of thousands of dollars premium to get a child in to Balwyn High zoning versus the cost of a private school
Access to Whitehorse Road cafes & retail. My favourite Balwyn café being Snow Pony - 95 Whitehorse Rd

MINUS
Quiet - not great for those wanting an interesting inner city lifestyle
Lack of a train station is the elephant in the room & negates its relative proximity to the CBD - circa 10 km. While there are bus services you are still going to face the traffic delays inherent on Melbourne roads
Traffic - but where in Melbourne does n’t have this issue
Streetscapes have “modernised” significantly in the last 10 years & it could be argued that the number of Mc Mansions inc. historical reproductions e.g. Neo Georgian & increased multi-unit development has reduced the “charm” of the suburb - however this has been a Melbourne wide phenomena.

Scott Hall – Buyers Advocate – 0457 513 124

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
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"Changed for the worst"

Lived in Balwyn for 15 years. Before that Canterbury. Used to be one of Melbourne's best areas, but sadly now every second house has been knocked down and replaced with a cheap and nasty mansion. The area has no soul or culture.

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艾文 王
艾文 王

I sort of feel what you spoke of. I have been living in Balwyn for 1 month. I felt the coldness between neighbors. on first day, I tried to talk to my neighbor and say hello. they didn't response in a positive way. Instead, they try not to have eye touch with you. I miss my hometown on great ocean road. I have lived there for 10 years. people in regional areas are much eager to greet you . also , the nasty mansions look like huge tombs. in terms of soul or culrure, you need to travel a little bit further to remote area to search. you can find the soul and culture of Aussie , I promise. Because I am from there.

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"Close to the city"

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
1
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"One of Melbourne's Best Suburbs"

Named after the famed vineyard and historic mansion, this quiet and tranquil suburb feels a world a way while being only 10 kilometres from the CBD. Our office has been located on Whitehorse Road, the areas central shopping and restaurant precinct, for over twenty years and my knowledge of the area is very extensive.

For public transport the area boasts bus routes accessing the CBD, Box Hill and Camberwell while the 109 Tram runs between Box Hill and the CBD via Kew and Richmond.

A large portion of the Suburb is zoned for Balwyn High School which is one of Melbourne's premier public schools with an impressive reputation. Balwyn is also located very close to some of Melbourne's best Private Schools including Fintona Girls School.

Whitehorse Road has a number of eateries, local shops and a large Woolworth's, making it an ideal shopping strip. some notable eateries include: The Turkish Tea House, Jazz Ria and Birichino .

Most of Balwyn's streets are quiet and tranquil with a good mix of units, low density houses and large apartment developments on Whitehorse Road giving residents a great selection of housing options.

I can also say that the area is very safe and a great family area. Traffic is limited to only school drop off and pick up times.

Balwyn is an area I would highly recommend as a fantastic place to live.

Franca Katsaris - Property Manager Balwyn

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
1
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"Most residents"

Most residents keep to themselves as there isn't much to do after work anyway. Transport accessibility isn't superb so private vehicles are advisable though traffic jams are a daily norm.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
1
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"Beware"

If you are moving in to rent in this area beware of the dirty trick the real estate agents and owners practice in this area.Houses are not selling well in auction anymore, so they rent it out and once you move in tell you they are selling the property.While you are bound by the lease they use you and your belongings to market and maintain the property ,all the while collecting rent.You have no privacy or peace in your life.If you are renting make sure you seek assurance the owner will not sell the house during the lease period or release you from the rental agreement, if they have to sell the house.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
2
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"Family area, fantastic schools!"

Love the family area. neighbours are friendly, lots of grandparents, children, teens and young professionals around the area. Great place to live!

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
0
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"Far from shopping and transport - time consuming do anything"

It is far from train stations or shops (even groceries). So owning a car is essential and you will struggle to get parking.

Locals not friendly so you have to fend for yourself. Quite dark at night as well, may feel unsafe.

No point walking anywhere as its all houses. Trafic is terrible and moderate noise polution from cars on the road.

1
艾文 王
艾文 王

not easy shopping or public transport unless you have a car. narrow driveways so that parking cars is a hard task for locals. you can't meet many Aussies because many properties are purchased buy immigrants .

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"Finch and Jane Restaurant"

lovely food and friendly owner ....good to catch up with friend and have a few drinks there
Anita Choy Sales consultant

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"Ideal suburb home to amazing beauty!"

Balwyn is an eastern suburb of Melbourne. It's famed for its ostentatious mansions, quiet oak-lined boulevards and luxury living, Balwyn is one of Melbourne's most exclusive and desirable suburbs. Balwyn is home to numerous prestigious private schools including Fintona Girls' Grammar and Camberwell Grammar School on the border of Canterbury and Balwyn. The suburb has exemplary access to trains, buses and trams. The suburb is only some 10 km east from the CBD. Luxury living at its finest!

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
1
z anthony
z anthony

Takes at least 45 minutes to reach CBD by car and 1 hour by bus. Not very convenient.

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"Best Coffee in Balwyn"

Mc Donalds Balwyn has the best flat white in town. I've lived in Balwyn for the last 18 years and find it to be the most pleasant suburb I've ever lived in. The city views, multitude of cafes, restaurants, great school makes Balwyn a highly sought after place to live.
Ivy Tan - sales agent Balwyn

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
1
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"Lovely area"

Great for

  • Close to great schools
  • Resale value of homes
  • Beautiful tree lined streets
  • Close proximity to shops, schools, cafe's and community services
  • Plenty of lush green parks

Not great for

  • Expensive property prices

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
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"Ideal, Family-oriented, Harmonious Suburb"

If you want peace and comfort, and access to all amenities (transport, healthcare, elite public and private schools), then you can get a better area than Balwyn. Just enough distance to be away from CBD, but still within all the lushy green vegetative surrounding. Perfect area to live long-term with family.

Great for

  • Blue-chip asset investment
  • Close to great schools
  • Resale value of homes
  • Beautiful tree lined streets
  • Close proximity to shops, schools, cafe's and community services
  • Plenty of lush green parks

Not great for

  • Expensive house prices there

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
1
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"Peaceful suburb with a touch of country setting but with all amenities available within reach"

Balwyn is a very desirable location to live in. Close to top public school, Balwyn High School, close to all top private schools (all reachable by tram), close to shops and public transport. Canopy trees are everywhere along residential streets and neighbours generally are helpful and friendly. Perfect place to raise a young family.

Great for

  • Peaceful surrounding
  • Big size land blocks
  • Close to great schools
  • Resale value of homes
  • Beautiful tree lined streets
  • Close proximity to shops, schools, cafe's and community services
  • Plenty of lush green parks

Not great for

  • Expensive house prices there
  • Expensive property prices

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Trendy & Stylish
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"Perfect balance of peaceful harmony and convenience to amenities"

One of the most highly-prized suburbs in the inner-east area. It is not yet over-developed with high-rise high-density residential dwellings, and its relative large block of lands is envy to many potential owner-occupying home owners. Balwyn's surrounding is filled with trees, parks and reserves. Yet, the main roads Whitehorse Road and Balwyn Road offer convenience to shops, transport and excellent schools. However, because of all the gems Balwyn offers, property prizes have increased significantly in recent years.

Great for

  • Trams offer easy access to all surrounding private schools
  • Close to great schools
  • Resale value of homes
  • Beautiful tree lined streets
  • Close proximity to shops, schools, cafe's and community services
  • Plenty of lush green parks

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
0
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"Beautiful and peaceful inner east suburb - perfect to raise a family in"

Balwyn is an excellent inner east suburb to accomodate a family who wants beautiful streetscapes, prestigious private and public schools nearbly, as well as a safe and peaceful surrounding for children to grow up in. Local residents in Balwyn are generally friendly and helpful. Transport systems are well-established, and shops are abundant on the main roads.

Great for

  • Good friendly local residents
  • Beautiful surroundings
  • Close to great schools
  • Resale value of homes
  • Beautiful tree lined streets
  • Close proximity to shops, schools, cafe's and community services
  • Plenty of lush green parks

Not great for

  • Expensive house prices there

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
0
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"Very prestigious inner-east suburb of Melbourne"

Family-friendly, excellent local school, beautiful surroundings, and close to all amenities

Great for

  • Close to great schools
  • Resale value of homes
  • Beautiful tree lined streets
  • Close proximity to shops, schools, cafe's and community services
  • Plenty of lush green parks

Not great for

  • Expensive property prices

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
0
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"Beautiful, Peaceful and Safe"

I have lived in Balwyn for many years, after living in many other parts of Australia. Balwyn would have to be the best location I have ever seen. Beautiful quiet streets, plenty of parks and and very friendly and safe community. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone.

Great for

  • Beautiful tree lined streets
  • Plenty of lush green parks
  • Close proximity to shops, schools, cafe's and community services
  • Close to great schools
  • Resale value of homes

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Trendy & Stylish
0
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"Lots of exclusive homes in leafy Balwyn!"

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Trendy & Stylish
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"Great place to live"

How many stores can you go into and the staff know your name, say Hello and ask after your family, have put aside the last breadstick for you because they know you always come in for one on a Saturday arvo? Well, come to Balwyn and you get that plus quiet streets, warm and friendly neighbours (and passersby), bowls of water outside properties for your pets to have a drink when on their daily walks. So many things make this a wonderful place to live.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
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"There's no where better"

Balwyn is a great place to live and raise a family.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
0
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"Fantastic suburb, a little heavy on the traffic at times though"

Balwyn is a fantastic suburb, especially for those who cannot afford the extreme luxury of Canterbury. Great amenities, even better schools and a vibrant culture especially on weekends.

Only downside is that some streets can get very busy around around the school hours. It's a blessing and curse I suppose. Very close to schools, but you also get the traffic associated with parents dropping off their kids.

Overall a fantastic suburb, and I highly recommend it to young families looking for proximity to the city, cheaper house prices than Canterbury and a great community atmosphere. You can't go wrong in Balwyn.

AJ

Great for

  • Close to great schools
  • Resale value of homes

Not great for

  • Traffic can be bad during peak school times

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
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"Nice Area"

Nice place to live. Not much in the way of nightlife or good eateries, but plenty to do nonetheless. Good for young families

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AdamS
AdamS

Chatton, your review rating does not match up to your comments? You gave Balwyn a 1/5. Did you mean to give it a little higher? If so please edit your review.

AJ

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"Great Neighbourhood"

I am a single mum with 2 young children. I often need the support of my neighbours to manage and ever since I have come to Balywn I have never been so blessed. Everyone I meet in Balwyn takes the time to make sure that myself and my kids are happy. For example one restaurant in Balwyn (a Balwyn icon) is run by the nicest family oriented people I have every come across. Another example, is my neighbours are always willing to help mow my front grass or take the bins out. I think it is just a fantastic neighbourhood all round. Thank you Balwyn.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
0
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"Terrific Balwyn"

Balwyn is a fantastic location for all types of families. Whether it is the tree lined streets, street cafe's, park lands or restaurants. There is something for everyone in Balwyn.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
0
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"Speaks For Itself"

Balwyn is a beautiful suburb abundant with wide tree lined streets, and prestigious properties.
I own a roof restoration company and often work in Balwyn.
Highly recommended.

Cheers,

Phil

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
0
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0
johnamit2

Balwyn is terrible. Theres too much traffic congestion and road noise.

SamCradle

I am sorry Joh. I am not sure what part of Balwyn you live in, however, my streets are as quiet as a mouse.

FredP

I notice you like to live in Dandenong - based on your other posts. Perhaps it would be best if you stayed in your own neighbourhood, rather than trying to rubbish neighbourhoods you don't live in. The only time Balwyn gets busy is of an evening between 6.00pm and 6.30pm on Whitehorse Rd - and I think you will find that is due to our safe 40km limits rather than the amount of traffic. Well done Boroondara for running such a fanastic transport system.

FredP

I notice you like to live in Dandenong - based on your other posts. Perhaps it would be best if you stayed in your own neighbourhood, rather than trying to rubbish neighbourhoods you don't live in. The only time Balwyn gets busy is of an evening between 6.00pm and 6.30pm on Whitehorse Rd - and I think you will find that is due to our safe 40km limits rather than the amount of traffic. Well done Boroondara for running such a fanastic transport system.

艾文 王
艾文 王

I live just opposite the Boroondara sports complex. my house is not next to Belmore road, and there are 4 houses sitting in front of my house . that means my house is not close to main street which name is Belmore road. It's still terrible noisy especially at night. in summary, my suggestion is that home buyers and investors buy properties of this area .

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"Great suburb, riding on the boom of Canterbury"

Proximity to some of Melbourne's best schools, great restaurants on Whitehorse Rd (Love Colombos) and property prices proven over many years.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
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"A friendly and relaxing neighbourhood with great walks and leafy streets"

Moved here in May 2009. Better than I expected. I though Ivanhoe was good, however arriving in Balwyn with my family we now realise how lucky we are to be living here. The schools, the walks, the bike tracks, the facilities, the people. Close to facilities, amazing walks on the old light rail tracks, the friendliness of new people we meet. I could go on....

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
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"Great suburb"

We moved from Eltham to Balwyn a couple of years ago. Living in Balwyn allowed our kids to travel independently to good schools via easily accessible public transport. The thing that we have noticed the most though is how quiet and peaceful it is. When living in Eltham there were always parties in surrounding homes, and lots of young drivers 'hooning' in the streets. In five years in Balwyn I think we may have been woken once by party noise, and never by hoon drivers. We love it here, easy access to shops, good restaurants close by, parks, sporting facilities. We won't move!

Who lives here?

  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
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"Perfect All Year Round"

No matter what the season, Balwyn is perfect. In summer, the pools are just round the corner and all the trees keep you shaded. In winter, the cinema is just round the corner and the coffee shops are the best in town.

I have chosen to live in Balwyn because it offers the best access to the best schools in Melbourne for my children. However, I would thoroughly recommend the location to anyone. It is one of those locations that really gives you everything with just a short walk, without being too close to the city which tends to attract noise and congestion.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
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"Fantastic Location Fantastic People"

Balwyn is a great place to live.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
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"There is no better place to live"

Balwyn has to be the best place in Melbourne. Ideally situated amongst some of the best public and private schools in Melbourne, its tree lined streets and manicured parks make it ideal for raising a family. With some of the best street lined shopping and excellent public transport it makes the ideal place to enjoy the peace and quiet or get out on the town.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
BalwynCalling

Love the feel of this suburb. The local business owners greet you by name. Neighbours look out for each other, and stop for a chat as they stroll to the local shops. Kids can walk to the video store or to get a 'snack' (or a coffee with friends as they get older) without fear of being hassled.
Overall, this is a lovely place to be.

Jason Spencer
Jason Spencer

I would have to agree that it is one of the best in Melbourne. It has become very expensive to live there especially after the boom in Canterbury prices spread to it.

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