Living in Melbourne quesitons....

Hi hippyknight.

I have lived in Melbourne all m life, and know it very well. You're question is very broad, in that it would be good to know more of what you are after. I.e. What age group are you in, general income level, socially active etc etc.

My first bet would be look around St Kilda. I think there are some very nice areas around there. I also really like Port Melbourne, however it can be very pricey. If you can afford it though, Port Melbourne offers a great social scene, very safe and ir right on the beach, so you can't go wrong.

The carlton\fitzory\collingwood areas can be a little bit unsafe at night, but to be honest not unsafe enough to not move into. Generally I wouldn't go down any dark alleys at night, but that goes for most suburbs anyways.

Perhaps give a little more info on the kinds of things you are after, and I can give you a lot more advice.

AJ

Heya Hippyknight,
I'm living in brunswick east .. a neighbouring suburb to carlton/fitzroy/collingwood. I've also lived in Richmond and Carlton. IMO, these are some of the best suburbs in melb. They are very close to the city and there's good public transport from these suburbs into the city.

Food is great in these suburbs! brunswick street is full of alternative and hip meals, clothes and culture. These areas are for those people who like grunge or alternative or slightly hippy stuff. If you're used to driving bently's then you might find this part of town a bit uncomfortable. It's also has a bit of a 'squishy' feel to the area, compared to some more of the typical mcmansion open 1/4 or 1/2 acre homes found in the outlying suburbs .. which some people don't like. Not me! I love the gritty, colorful feel of these areas. I also feel safe but i'm not worried about the wide raning mix of people that kick back in these areas. Sure, there's some dodgy ass folks from the commision flats, but these dodgy people also exist in the CBD so i'm not worried about them as i'm used to them and they don't harm me.

In summary, it's a great place for young couples or people who are a bit alternative or adventurous or don't want to live in the nuclear 2.3 family bollox yawn run of the mill life stuff.

There are supermarkets, groccers, cafes, clothes, PT and pubs. Vegetarian and organic options available all over the joint. Not too sure about schools. The main hospitals are located on the fringe of these suburbs also (read: a km or 2 from the suburb centre point .. so nice and close).

Massive parks nearish by also.

+1 recommend, etc.

I'd live in Carlton also. Have some friends that live off Rathdown St and they love it. Great eating out in and around Lygon St. Wouldn't recommend it if you have kids. They also mentioned that it felt safer than Collingwood. Very easy to get to the city.

Port Melbourne all the way. You can't go wrong there.

Good nightlife in Fitzroy if that's what you are into. Pretty safe suburbs though, actually most places in Melbourne are pretty safe unless you are drunk and walking down King Street at 2:05am!!

I feel far safer walking around Melbourne late at night in CBD and in Carlton and Fitzroy area than I ever did in Perth and especially Northbridge. Collingwood can be a bit dodgy and areas like Footscray can be a problem. Most of the inner suburbs are well serviced with supermarkets and shops and public transport. Check locations against tram routes!

Wow!!!

Great replys folks, thank you.
We are both 30 and want to get involved in the life of Melbourne hence why we are looking at inner city. We eat out heaps and love a good wine. Hadn't looked at Port Melborune so will check that out. We are into Ashtanga Yoga, Dining out, galleries, sport, you know - the usual working couple with high levels of expendable income and no desire to sit at home thinking about the future...

Interestingly Brian, I also have always felt safer in Melbourne than Perth in the times I have been over.

hehehe...high levels of expendable income? Then I would recommend Port Melbourne. Sport, dining out etc all scream Port Melbourne as well.

hello there,

I just discovered this threadand thought my two cents should be thrown in.

I agree Port Melbourne is amazing, however there's a little place called Albert Park which people seem to be glossing over. It's more central to the city, yet has access to absolutely everything including great nightlife, good social, and best of all Albert Park Lake which is heaven to walk/run around. Make sure you check it out.

Albert Park is great I agree, I looked at living there but found it just too expensive for what you got. And no car parking to boot. I settled on a house in Canterbury instead for the same money. (I know you cant compare the location). Port Melbourne does seem to be a bit cheaper though than Albert Park.

if you are interested in Yoga and food i would recommend Abbotsford.....it is a great up and coming area and not as dodgy as Collingwood.....and the Convent is near also. this is an arts precinct that has been opened in an old convent....it has veg restaurant, cafe, bar and lots of activities.

i live up the road in Kew and i love to walk down, especially in summer where you can sit out on in the shade and drink beer in the cooler evenings.

there are also farmers markets on each month, and new designer markets also.

they have a website, abbotsfordconvent.com.au

z

Hey HippyKnight!

How did you go with the move? Did you make it to Melb?

AJ

I would have to say the best place would be Carlton or Brunswick. As far as safety goes no one is safe these days. It is like everywhere else you live in. But if you donn't have a car these places are the best to get around.