Footscray, VIC 3011

3.8(40 reviews)

Ranked 328th best suburb by locals in Melbourne (Greater) Region, VIC

Great for

  • Public transport
  • Eating out
  • Internet access
  • Resale or rental value
  • Schools

Not great for

    No ratings yet

Who lives here?

  • Singles
  • Professionals
  • Families With Kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBTQ+

Reviews of Footscray, VIC

Editors Choice

"Future Capital of the West"

Buy property in Footscray ASAP, within 10 years median house values will double. Nowhere else in Australia is there such a harmony of potential meeting investment confidence. Metro Tunnel Line, Westgate tunnel, Airport Link, New Footscray Hospital, 4 new schools and over 1 billion of private development in the pipeline.... All to be completed before 2025.

Now is the time to get in on the ground floor of one of the most rapidly gentrifying suburbs in Australia. Wonderful place to live and getting better every day.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
1
AnneMarieS
AnneMarieS

Look forward to the tunnel being completed as the trucks are an issue for me ( asthma) otherwise I wouldve bought there in a heartbeat. However Im considering it now. Love the multiculturalism, community spirit, food, just everything.

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Editors Choice

"Simply incredible food, low cost of living and 6KM from Melbourne CBD. What's not to love?"

I've lived in Footscray since 2009 and can honestly say, hand on heart, it's an excellent place.

Leafy streets, with an enchanting mixture of old and new housing are complimented by plenty of green spaces, and quiet retreats from the hustle and bustle of the central business district.

With mouth watering offerings from Ethopia, Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, The PRC, Hong Kong, India, to name but a few, I think I can successfully argue that Footscray has some of the best food in Melbourne on offer, at a fraction of city prices, so eating out becomes a healthy norm.

If you feel like working yourself in to a lather over what to purchase. then head to the HighPoint shopping centre, and if you feel like working up a sweat, Footscray has several excellently appointed gyms. Too much shopping put you out, over did it at the gym, then you'll be pleased to know Western Hospital is just around the corner and is ringed with top class medical professionals.

All in all, the existing lay out works well, but local and Federal government are pumping millions of dollars in to Footscray (which has been earmarked for rapid expansion), meaning things are only going to get better.

Mark my words, ten years from now, you won't be able to touch a house for less than $850,000!

Great for

  • Amazing food
  • Excellent property pricing growth
  • Extensive urban renewal already underway

Not great for

  • Occasional druggies

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4
amandag13

This sounds like an agent trying to make a sale....

sarah gooley
sarah gooley

Sounds like Sydney's Surry Hills used to be.

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20th December 2023

"Footscray is a suburb located just 5 kilometers west of Melbourne's central business district"

Footscray is a suburb located just 5 kilometers west of Melbourne's central business district. Over the past few years, it has undergone significant urban renewal, attracting a mix of young professionals, families, and students. The suburb boasts a rich cultural scene, with a variety of dining options, cultural festivals, and community events.
One of the key attractions of Footscray is its excellent transportation links. The Footscray Railway Station provides easy access to the CBD and surrounding areas, making it a convenient location for those who work in the city.
Footscray is known for its multicultural community, reflected in the diverse range of eateries, markets, and shops. Residents can enjoy the bustling Footscray Market, offering fresh produce and international cuisines. Additionally, there are several parks and recreational spaces, providing a balanced lifestyle for residents.

0
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19th August 2023

""Future Footscray""

Footscray, has a eclectic mix of people, students, people trying to get their life back on track, city slickers, retirees, hipsters

A great space, it does architectually have old world charm to the buildings

international restaurants, dining out,
close to the city a quick commute

" footscray is work in progress" although the reviews are mostly negative from unitelligent ignorant judgemental people-

people that know nothing about real estate and how areas rise and peak.

" footscray is fast on its way becoming a cool trendy suburb like fitzroy, only footscray is a prettier suburb"

watch and see how some smart property developer, council planner, local goverment could revamp this suburb

they ll reinvent footscray into a beautiful urban oasis .

Pubs, clubs, markets, cafes, international food, shopping
new development, new apartments, medical centres, tafes

an exciting place it will be future footscray

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
0
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3rd July 2023

"Footscray, so close to Melbourne CBD!"

Footscray is characterised by a very diverse, multicultural central shopping area, which reflects the successive waves of immigration experienced by Melbourne. It’s a very cool to live and has been evolving in the past ten years. Known for its diverse international cuisine, bars and nightlife. You can literally eat the different world flavours every night of the week. The city is so close, you can virtually touch it and it’s a short bike ride if you don’t want to use the car.
My favourite place is the Footscray Community Arts Centre. It caters to everyone, from the curious to the established artist, and has a day program for people with disabilities to get involved in artistic experiences. The centre is a perpetual buzz of activity – there are often exhibitions, where you can view the area through the eyes of artists that call Footscray home, as well as exhibitions curated from the broader global community.
The centre is situated along the river where you can see the best views of the CBD skyline in all of Melbourne. Great for New Years Eve where I have spent many of a time.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
0
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Rentals in Footscray

1st April 2023

"What a disgrace"

Dirty and not safe at all -- especially the station. Pack your bags and leave is my opinion.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
0
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6th February 2023

"dirty, unsafe"

i am genuinely upset that this review is overwhelmingly negative but have to be honest. i lived in footscray for a one year lease and can safely say it has been the most dirty and unsafe area ive lived in. ive been followed home and harrassed multiple times-disproportionally to other suburbs ive lived in. dont listen to the young Savers-going hipsters complaining about how its becoming ‘gentrified’ and prepare for bus replacements making you late to work at least every second week. if you like the location, go for it’s cleaner sisters; seddon or yarraville. esp if ur a woman-unsafe and have a bad feeling walking alone at night. the shopping district is full of homelessness and junkies and generally reeks. your phone data will cut in and out in most places. except for footscray park on a main rd greenery is limited. very industrial and frustrating to drive in-especially footscray rd as it had been under construction and intermittently closed for as longn as ive been here. mama chens is great . supports live local music and accessible. a few quirky bars. footscray market is a plus but dodgy area-footscray is not for me and doesnt appear family friendly, good lovation near CBD tho

0
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2nd July 2022

"Derelict"

The only positive about this suburb is the park and proximity to the CBD. The area is disheveled and derelict, full of graffiti with people on drugs and alcohol. I feel like everyone uses multiculturalism as a way out for these areas that are clearly in need of a good clean up.

0
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24th January 2022

"great and improved"

I lived here in 2008 and while i did have a few scary encounters, in 2022 it's completely changed.

I lived at empire street, very easy access to trams that take you to Moonee Ponds and Footscray, it is very close to the city and you can see the buildings in view. I would go back now.

0
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22nd January 2022

"Ugliest and dirtiest suburb in Melbourne"

Absolutely filthy suburb with a lot of social problems. No kids on the streets or out playing; poor infrastructure for walking. Cars everywhere

0
gabricl

No kids? Sounds like a cool place to me.

Terpene Zine
Terpene Zine

absolutely trash comment. Um, ever heard of - hm. I won't do it to them like you're trying to do to Footscray but go further west or southwest. You're a middle class bigot "boobooo"

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"Short distance to everything you need!"

Footscray is the perfect location for all types of residents! Whether you are looking for a property close to the city or somewhere to settle down and raise a family! Footscray has it all from schools, shopping precincts, sporting arenas, parks and more!

0
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"Not Sure About Footscray"

Footscray Market offers a great range of well priced fresh food options
Convenient freeway access
Footscray train station services three city & two regional lines.
Opening up to the Maribrynong river with walking/bike paths
Eating out in Footscray offers a wide range of well-priced choices – primarily Asian & African. The gentrification taking place is evidenced by new cafes such as West 48 on Essex St or Rudimentary on Leeds St.
Melbourne’s best cannoli at T.Cavallaro & Sons in Hopkins St. In operation since 1956 - when Footscray had a large Italian population.
Upcoming transport infrastructure inc. station on Melbourne Metro, Westgate Tunnel elevated bike path to Docklands. Collectively this will reduce traffic – particularly heavy trucks.
New 504 bed Footscray hospital being built

MINUS
It’s not a visually charming suburb & does n’t have the “village” feel of its more expensive nearby inner west suburbs e.g. Yarraville & Seddon.
Drug & crime issues e.g. Footscray railway station & surrounds I find intimidating at night
Heavy trucks – particularly those accessing the port
A lot of high density multi-unit has been built & is under construction or in the approval process. As well as the related increased traffic issues, it further decreases the charm factor of the suburb.

Summary
Footscray is “cheap” compared to other inner west suburbs - but it cheap for a reason – aesthetically it lacks charm & it suffers from crime/drug/social/traffic issues. There are only four streets in Footscray I am comfortable buying in. Neighbouring West Footscray is I think a far more compelling option - particularly a house with historic architectural charm within walking distance of train station. Scott Hall – Buyers Advocate – 0457 513 124

Who lives here?

  • Singles
1
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"Super convenient, and constantly improving"

I moved to Footscray in 2017 and am so glad I did.
Footscray is not perfect, however it just keeps improving, I see new and better things pop up all the time.

Things that I think are great:
The long stretch of walking/bike paths along the maribrynong river, I walk along her several times a week and it's great to walk along, much better than walking the streets, like most suburban places I have lived before.

The food, it's amazing how much choice you have around you, I still have not been able to eat everywhere, but I am spoiled with choice.

It's multicultural and also has a cool creative/art scene, you can really appreciate the interesting, diverse people within your community, I love feeling like I'm just in the mix.

The night life is alot of fun, there are heaps of small to decent sized bars, doing a pub/bar crawl is awesome and the fact I can just walk home when I'm done rather than waiting for a cab is another bonus.

Some future things that I'm excited about, the Westgate tunnel which is going to remove alot of the trucks off our streets and potentially other cars. It's also going to build a bike track that goes from Footscray to the docklands elevated off the roads.

Footscray college is having 2 campuses renovated or built from scratch which looks really good so far.

The new hospital getting built on Ballarat road.

The period homes, alot ready for fixing up, which are very cute to look at but again offer potential to many who want to put the work in.

The public transport is convenient, there are trams and buses but more importantly, Footscray station is a major stop on our train lines. You get the Sunbury line, Williamstown line, Werribee line, Ballarat line and Geelong line all stopping at Footscray, if trains are running express they will always stop at Footscray, this means you get much more frequent services.
In the future when the new metro tunnel is open, Footscray will be the first stop outside of the new loop, so you will have access to the new loop and the old loop.

Some things I don't love
Currently there is truck noise, I look forward to this reducing with the Westgate tunnel.

Parking can be difficult, like most inner city locations sometimes it's hard to find a park.

A lot of new apartments being built, which I have no issue with however I wonder how congested the roads may become.

Still needs some sprucing up, don't expect Footscray to look like Malvern, it's just not that type of suburb, however it is changing and looking nicer and nicer as time goes on.

I am fortunate enough to be able to afford the more expensive neighbouring suburbs if I wanted too, however I just LOVE living here and will stay here for a long time.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
4
AnneMarieS
AnneMarieS

Do you know if the trucks will disappear off Simm st and Whitehall as a result of the tunnel?

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"Great location!"

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
0
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"Hip and happening with a very dark side"

Footscray might be becoming gentrified BUT there’s a long way to go. It might be okay for singles and couples but I wouldn’t live here with a young family.

I have friends with young children going through hell at school because of children from problem families. A real side of life that little children don’t need to see yet. Drugs and social issues in abundance sadly.

Living close to the city might seem attractive but really rent before you buy. Try it out and see beyond the “hipster” veneer.

1
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"Footscare"

The trashiest suburb I’ve ever seen. Absolute filth

2
kathleenb10
kathleenb10

Totally agree!

Terpene Zine
Terpene Zine

wow, you're bigots. Actually!

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"Crime. Crime. Crime"

People walking the streets looking for fights all day. Am I'm just talking about the shop workers. Avoid.

2
jamesh30

Interesting opinion considering that Maribyrnong has lower crime rates than Melbourne, Stonnington and Yarra; and Footscray is far below the state average. Thanks for your contribution of spewing misinformation buddy.

Terpene Zine
Terpene Zine

damned well not true. It's actually not, from a proud local. Footscray does have its long-standing issues, but some of the *trash* I see posted here reflects nothing other than ignorance, prejudice, bigotry. It's really sad. jamesh30 is right

AnneMarieS
AnneMarieS

Agree, its hardly the most violent place in the world. People are so ignorant and dont want to see lifes problems, homeless etc are everywhere in Melbourne now. Its a national problem. Ive never felt unsafe there.

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"Close to the city, but a bit grubby"

Footscray is very close to the CBD, but it is full of loud trucks (accessing the port) and has quite a few dodgey people wandering around. The town centre looks like it is in a different part of the world!

1
jamesh30

Racist much?

AnneMarieS
AnneMarieS

The trucks will go when the tunnel is completed

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"Could have been great"

Footscray has had so much potential, but unfortunately it still feels like a London Ghetto.

1
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"Fantastic Footscray!"

I was initially hesitant moving from East St Kilda to Footscray but have been so pleasantly surprised. Since we didn't really know much about the area before moving in and what we did hear was often negative we really felt like we had come across a 'hidden gem'! The area has fantastic community spirit, brilliant dining options, great shopping with multi-cultural Barkley street and Highpoint just down the road and good public transport. The location is 10-20 mins drive from the CBD, beaches and Williamstown. The area is definitely getting better and better with great new cafés and shops opening all the time. There's also a great creative community with many artists in the area. There's plenty of colourful characters around, living in the area for 5 yrs I haven't felt unsafe and certainly haven't seen anything worse than I see in other inner city suburbs all the time like East St Kilda or Prahran. The arcade area is the only problem I think and needs a clean up by council and police. I think if local council and governments support for the area and it's residence improved it would be even better. Its reputation continues to dog the area (I think mostly this is due to people who are totally unfamiliar with the area commenting or people remembering the area from 20 years ago) however it's no longer justified. To sum up, Footscray is a fantastic suburb! Footscrays location, affordability and all it has to offer will ensure it wont be a secret for long!

Great for

  • Great community
  • Close to everything
  • Great character and beautiful houses
  • Amazing food
  • Excellent property pricing growth
  • Extensive urban renewal already underway
  • Excellent Transport Options

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
3
AdamR

How safe is it for a white middle class family living near the market ?

Richelle Buckingham
Richelle Buckingham

Thanks for the nice review of Footscray. Im living in Newcastle and checking out Melbourne suburbs for a potential move. I come from London, so I know how certain city areas get a bad rap. And I believe, like you say, that this kind of area would attract a great creative community. Its always good to be on the lookout; just hope the snobs and racists keep away and dont sterilise and gentrify it.

thehappycampers2013

Adam R i guess a place is as safe as you mind and openess to other cultures are.

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"Footscray....Footscary....Footscrazy!!! - suburb snobs look elsewhere!!!"

One of the old school inner working class suburbs of Melbourne. It's rough and rugged and dangerous reputation still persists, in spite of all the other inner working class suburbs having undergone massive gentrification years ago. This is gradually changing though and it won't be long before it's unsavoury reputation exists only in the minds of people who don't actually live there.

The houses are generally on smallish blocks, there is a massive stock of period weatherboard houses, many of them in unrenovated condition. There are also a lot of 60's/70's brick veneer houses left over from the wave of Italian/Greek migrants who settled here. Most recently there have been a large number of high rise apartment complexes being erected, these are favoured by students of mainly asian origin because they are conveniently located close to the local university.

The suburb probably has the most diverse multicultural population and this is reflected in the style of restaurants found here. You can find almost any type of food here: Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Italian, Ethiopian. The area is largely dominated by Vietnamese restaurants but recently there has been a large push towards African restaurants.

The transport options run the gamut from Trains, Trams and Buses, also there are many bike paths linking to other suburbs or the city. All types of services are catered for in Footscray, i.e. Hospitals, Library, Medical Facilities, Shopping, Hardware, Parks, Trades and pretty much anything else you can think of.

The nightlife is limited in options, but there are still a lot of pubs and many of them have live music or DJs. There are also a lot of parks and recreation areas, there is also river frontage which is a massive bonus.

Being an inner city suburb means there can be a lot of Traffic during peak periods, and in particular there are a large number of heavy trucks which transit the area. Although recently there have been moves to reduce the amount of trucks on the streets.

The area is generally pretty safe despite what some people say about it, there are some colourful characters around but they are mostly harmless. In terms of value for money you can't go past Footscray as it is one of, if not the most affordable suburb in relation to it's proximity to the CBD.

Overall Footscray is a fantastic place to live, do not write it off because of it's reputation, come here and see it for yourself.

Great for

  • Amazing food
  • Excellent property pricing growth
  • Extensive urban renewal already underway
  • Excellent Transport Options
  • Everything is cheap
  • There is a Mall
  • Bike paths

Not great for

  • Trucks
  • Occasional druggies

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
2
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"A city that revels in change"

As a 4th Generation Footscaryite in my 50's, the town holds a special place in my heart,barring 10 years of my life (which was spent in Elwood) it has been my home.The city that was home to so many Tannery's, meat works,Ammunition and heavy industry,is now home to cafes and artist colonies.
Through waves of immigrants(Italians,Greeks,Yugoslavs,Vietnamese and Africans) Footscray has endured with a strong community spirit, it has never been a try-hard suburb, its blue collar roots kept it in check and grounded.
The fear factor has always amused me,it is an extremely safe place,be street smart and sensible like you would anywhere, used to see women walking home alone in the dark tree lined streets of Elwood,and fear for them a lot more than i did for my own family in Footscray.
Love the choice of Restaurants,particularly the Vietnamese eateries,and the fabulously quirky cafes that have sprung up.Footscray itself has smaller houses ( a lot of Edwardian) on small 250 mtr blocks,Whilst West Footscray on the other side of Summerhill rd, has much larger blocks(mostly California Bungalows) on large blocks which are ideal for families.
Footscray station is only 2 stations from Spencer st,and to drive there via Dynon or Footscray rd is a breeze when compared to the same trip in from the East or North.

Great for

  • Parks
  • Sports fields
  • Amazing food
  • Excellent property pricing growth
  • Extensive urban renewal already underway
  • 4mins Drive to the City
  • Excellent Transport Options

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish
2
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"Becoming"

Love Footscray, watching it grow over the past ten years has been amazing. If Australia is known for multiculturalism, Footscray should be the capital...

Great for

  • Excellent Transport Options
  • 4mins Drive to the City
  • Costco!
  • Amazing food
  • Excellent property pricing growth
  • Extensive urban renewal already underway

Not great for

  • Occasional druggies

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
2
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"Good investment and good capital growth"

Footscray is a good location for investor as renting out quite easy and always have a strong capital growth.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
1
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"Future Million Dollars Suburb"

Very near future, I think Central Footscray will be Million dollars suburb. It is a Central Business District city, a lot Government Infrastructure funding especially to revitalise the city.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
1
newstoall

Em... Footscray is changing at least more expensive but mainly due to the population growth. Still the crime rate and the demographic composition are issues, It is somewhat gray and lack of green trees. To change the natural environment is a hard part for footscray in the future for continued growth.

Byrnecore
Byrnecore

I can agree with you in regard to the current state, though based off the government efforts and investment, growth will force lower income earners out, which will increase quality of infrastructure and lifestyle. It's only a matter of time. Think Williamstown and Yarraville. All dives, but with the addition of great residents and time, they both flourished and became beautiful places to live. Footscray is no different, it is a gold mind for investment atm. You cant build a delfin estate like that. :) Definitely a place to be investing. oh and Sunshine. Similar circumstances. :)

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"Footscray is a future capital city in the west"

Growth city


By Charlene GattShare |


2nd November 2010 02:05:11 AM

Grand plan ... Artists impression of a new $350 million landmark mixed use development that will house five State Government departments. 55621

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FIVE State Government departments will make Footscray home in a landmark $350 million mixed used development set to make the area the heart of the West.

Planning Minister Justin Madden last week unveiled concept designs for government office space, new housing, student accommodation, a community kitchen and gym and child care facility on a disused 1.3 hectare site on McNab Ave, adjacent to Footscray train station.

City West Water, State Trustees, the Department of Justice, the Department of Planning and Community Development and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development will move to the site when it opens in 2014.

Mr Madden said the detailed design work of each building – including building heights – would be determined through the planning application process but that the development included three separate components including office accommodation with retail outlets at ground level; 250 student dwellings, 240 private apartments, 110 affordable housing dwellings and a gym, child care centre, art gallery, artist's residence and community hub with a community garden.

The five-star green development, which is being overseen by Grocon, will create up to 1200 jobs and 600 homes. Construction will start in the new year.

“This development confirms Footscray as Melbourne's capital of the West,” Mr Madden said.

“McNab Ave will be a flagship development right in the heart of Footscray, delivering new residential and commercial development, shared community spaces, cafes and facilities in a sophisticated architectural design.

“Melbourne's inner West is expected to grow significantly over the next 20 to 30 years so it's vital that we provide the jobs, services, housing and retail choices close to where people live.

“This development is a living, breathing example of Melbourne at five million.”

Victoria University praised the development and inclusion of student accommodation, with VU students identified as the preferred tenants of the dwellings.

“This is a great outcome for our students and the university,” deputy vice chancellor of capital and management services Jon Hickman said.

The new development is a key part of the Footscray Renewal project, which has seen upgrades to Maddern Square, Nicholson St Mall and Leeds St.

The announcement comes a week after Footscray MP Marsha Thomson revealed plans for two new platforms at Footscray train station plus an extension to the new footbridge, escalators from the Irving St entrance to the footbridge and escalators from the footbridge to all platforms and an elevator for the new platforms.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
1
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"Footscray the Capital City of the West"

One of the good news that I read from the Star newspaper
http://www.starnewsgroup.com.au/star/footscray-yarraville/269/story/113274.html

The government has started to fund Footscray, this will bring more opportunities to Footscray. That's wonderful. We are so closed to city and we need some revitalise looks. Well done.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
1
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"Theft at Liverpool Street"

we lived there for five long years but our house was broken in and they took a lot of stuff. You can see real live d... dealing action in the Footscray market.

Who lives here?

  • Singles
1
FrankG

Look like you got bad experiences but most of us enjoying living and working in Footscray. Crime rates has been droped a lot including burglar and d... dealing. We will see a lot of changes in Footscray very soon it will get better and better the next couple of years.

aspalk

My husband and I lived very very happily in Footscray for 12 years. Prior to moving there we lived in Hawthorn, so we considered it a big risk to move there at the start. We have recently moved interstate but I still consider Footscray to be my home. In all of those years, we never had a break in and were never concerned for our safety. We have lived on Southhampton St, Bristow St and Commercial Rd so I feel we have the experience to say, it is colourful and quirky but you have no need to fear. Of course you take all the same precautions a sensible person takes to ensure the security of their home and themselves. For anyone considering making the move, go for it! You will never look back!!

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"So Central!"

West Footscray is booming and one can understand why when it is only a hop, skip and jump to the melbourne CBD. It has great facilities and just litterly afew minutes and you are in footscray which has the footscray market and great places to eat at. West footscray is quiet leafy considering its proximity to the city and has some great parks. I have done several jobs restroring rooves in this area and i (from the west) rate this suburb highly.

Regard Phil.

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"Inner Wests best kept secret!"

I have lived on the Kingsville side of West Footscray for the last 18 years, having grown up in Yarraville I am very aware of the advantages of living in this area.
I live in a lovely tree lined cul-de-sac with fantastic neighbours! A quick and easy drive to Altona gate shopping centre, Highpoint, Footscray and Yarraville. (can drive to the city in 10 minutes on weekends, slightly longer during peak hour, but still not bad!) Less than a half hour walk to Yarraville village, lovely bike ride through Cruikshank Park to the village!
15 minute walk to West Footscray station for loop trains which take approx. 10 minutes to arrive at Melbourne Central. A quick and easy drive to Yarraville Station. We are within easy walking distance of a few lovely primary schools, easy drive to many others, absolutely spoilt for choice. Great bus service around the corner, to Footscray, Altona, Yarraville etc.
All of this and absolutely no parking hassles, most of the houses have driveways, as we are a no through road, no traffic issues, our kids have grown up playing on the street.

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"Good value"

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"Family friendly area with excellent infrastructure"

A peaceful neighbourhood. We moved from St Kilda six months ago, and were immediately struck by the friendly community and the comparative peace and quiet! Shops, a gym and multiple public transport options, all within walking distance, were a major drawcard for us. Barkly Street Village houses Indian, Thai and Italian eateries, and the coffee is great at the retro cafe.

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1
dmtacu

Hi Lizelie, I am making a short documentary film on Footscray. It is one of my University assignments. Would I be able to interview you?. Thank you

PChoo

Hello dmtacu, are you still looking for interview subjects for your documentary? My husband, formerly from Balwyn North, was originally highly opposed to moving to the west. Suffice to say his views have changed and he may be able to provide you with an interesting perspective.

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"The last remaining inner city suburb to go up!"

West footscray has the big traditional blocks of land, beautiful tree-lined streets, well serviced by public transport/ local amenities, at the same time also walking distance to the ever popular footscray city centre, whats not to like?
Its eclectic culture around the area is very attractive, and its definitely a great area for people who enjoy proximity to the city(7km), at the same time having that piece of quietness in the suburbs.
It is still abit undervalued, but soon it will be well-discovered!

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"A convenient but dangerous place to live"

- Good for public transport and close to city
- Many vietnam shops and good for shopping Asian food


- High crime rate and not a safe place to live

future:
it is changing but certainly far less better than East, south and North area


Here is the story taking from the local news paper

http://maribyrnong-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/random-weapon-searches-start-in-footscray/

A MACHETE, knives and a knuckleduster were some of the weapons confiscated when police exercised their new stop-and-search powers in Footscray yesterday.

A total of 182 people were searched around the Footscray railway station between 1pm and 4pm.

Police detected seven people carrying a total of 12 weapons and another person in possession of drugs.

Four penalty notices were issued for carrying alcohol on public transport, disorderly conduct, hindering or obstructing an operation and drunk.

One person was arrested in relation to outstanding warrants.

Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe said that these results are a clear indication that people continue to frequent this area armed with weapons.

``Today’s operation has enabled us to detect these weapons before they are used in crimes, making the area much safer for train commuters and the broader community,’’ Mr Walshe said.

``It is our intention to run a number of targeted operations in weapons hot spots this year until we see a reduction in weapon related crimes.’’

Under new laws passed late last year, police are able to stop and search any person for weapons in a “designated area” without the need for a warrant.

Speaking to reporters before the searches began, Acting Premier Rob Hulls said “the tragic death of Nitin Garg in recent times confirms absolutely that we have to do everything we can to support our police to wipe out street crime (and) to wipe out knife-related crime’’.

>>Related: candlelight vigil for Garg

“That’s why these powers are so important,’’ Mr Hulls said.

Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe said the area in and around Footscray station had been chosen for the first test of the new powers because police data had identified it as “an area of high knife crime”.

“We know that people frequent this area armed with weapons,’’ Mr Walshe said.

“The new powers will enable us to detect these weapons before they are used in crimes, making the area much safer for train commuters and the broader community.”

Signs placed around the station warned commuters police were authorised to search them or anything in their possession and that it was an offence to refuse a search.

Police also carried cards explaining the operation in 12 different languages.

The new powers have come under some criticism by state Greens MPs and community law centres for breaching people’s civil rights.

But Police Minister Bob Cameron said the government made “no apologies for doing everything to try and get weapons off the street and protect the right of people not to get stabbed when they’re just going about their business’’.

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AdamR

Has it improved ?

AbhG

Great review. I agree. Improvement here is hyped. Still a slum for family life.

Richelle Buckingham
Richelle Buckingham

When I got a staffy puppy for my family, my mum did that - cut and pasted horror stories about staffies mauling people and telling me that I had brought a killer dog into her grandchildren's home.
Its not a persuasive argument at all. If you read the other reviews on here you will clearly see yours is in the minority. Same as my misaligned staffy, who my mum finally met and spent the next 12 years of his life saying, "Come to nanny!"

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"Friendly Immigration place"

Footscray is a friendly suburd, a place of multiculture. Most people are friendly. It is a good and convient place for transport. Food is very cheap and fresh, excellent restaurant with very cheap price.

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"The Best in the West"

Locals know the hidden Gem that is Footscray.....I have lived here for over 15 years and love the community spirit, the local variety and quality of restaurants, the food market, annual Festivals, Whitten Oval, Parks, bike tracks, and more. In addition it's close proximity too the City, Westfield shopping center, Beaches, the river, along with great access to public transport from buses to trams and the trains all running frequently. Housing is still very affordable, the city of Footscray is being beatified all the time with houses being restored to their former glory and council realising the importance of greening the area and beatifying local parks and malls. In under an hour to Geelong, Dandenongs or Dalesford it is set in a prime location. with only 20min drive to the airport or Beaches. I found the area to be safe during my years of residence with great schools and minimum of trucks and factories despite the constant bad reports..if anything Yarraville and Spotswood seem to have much more of these and yet it is seldom mentioned?

I would highly recommend living here if you have not yet had the pleasure, I have lived in the Eastern suburbs as well has Ascotvale and prefer Footscray any day...Please come and visit and ignore the reports from individuals who mock our beautiful city and have not even ventured across the river to visit to justify their comments unfortunately too many go by hearsay..

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dmtacu

To Ginjee, I am making a short documentary film on Footscray. Its my university assignment. Would I be able to interview you?. Thank you.

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"A neighborhood next to the city with culture and diversity"

It is a very up and coming area, very close to the city and docklands and it has great places to eat a hub of Asian and african restraunts plus the two markets. Footscray has got everything you want, its inner city,next to Highpoint and close to Williamstown Beach. Lots of different people and lots of character too!

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"Parks, playground and schools make it ideal for families"

A good area not too far from the city suitable for young families. There are already a few younger families around. There are good sized blocks on some great streets.
Parks, playgrounds and schools nearby makes for a good family spot.
It’s not too far out of the city and well serviced by public transport making it easy to get into the city for those that work in the CBD.
There is a pool nearby to teach the kids to swim and there is a childcare centre as well which is perfect for young families.
There are some good cafes and restaurants close by so you can get out for brunch, lunch or dinner without having to venture far.

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3
dmtacu

HI Rulesix, I am making a short documentary film on Footscray. It is one of my University assignments. Would I be able to interview you?. Thank you.

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"Easy trip into the city from this family friendly area"

Not too far out of the city there is a strong Asian flavour to the area. There are plenty of Asian supermarkets and restaurants and for me this is a big plus.
The shops in the area make it easy to get what you need without having to venture too far.
Restaurants are bountiful and so you can get a good feed.
Within Footscray there are some lovely streets that are lined by trees with beautiful older houses.
There are parks and playground close by for families with children and plenty of family friendly houses. With schools close by it’s a good area.

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"Convenient suburb with plenty of Asian groceries on offer"

Footscray is about a twenty minutes' drive west from Melbourne city. This is a very interesting suburb where you can find plenty of Asian cuisines, supermarkets and shops. This is the suburb to visit in Melbourne if you are after authentic Vietnamese food. Different restaurants cater to different crowds. For example, for lunch, there are Vietnamese restaurants that offer the traditional noodles, soups and rice. At night, for dinner, there are restaurants that offer seafood dinner and patrons are encouraged to sing Karoake during dinner.

The Asian supermarkets here offer plenty of fruits, vegetables and condiments for the Asian community. The prices are very reasonable and often you can pick from a wide variety of goods that are on offer. During certain months, you will also be able to find more exotic fruits such as mangosteens, durians and star fruits. I recommend this suburb to those who are after a more exotic experience when in Melbourne.

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