Helen Tana

I am the mum of a young family in their 20's with two very young children, when we had to move from our previous home we knew we wanted to rent a modern 3bdrm house and not break the bank. We were open but very skeptical of Carrum Downs as the first google articles are about a man getting shot and fireworks crashing through someones roof.. amazing.. just where I want to live.

HOUSE LOCATION
We decided if we could find something modern, cheap and safe we would go for it, and we did. We have lived here for a year now, and at first I was terrified of every noise I would hear outside thinking it was a dodgy person trying to break in - but I assure you my fear has never been warranted. There are some nice little pockets of Carrum Downs that are quite, safe and family friendly - just as there are some rougher areas I probably wouldn't be comfortable moving my family. From my experience the pocket of houses behind Bunnings, running from Lathams Rd, Frankston-Dandenong Highway and Boundary Rd are an excellent choice for families as it is quite hidden and lots of families alike live in this area. The houses near Sandhurst have a very nice gated community feel and it's really nice driving along there next to all the beautiful greenery. There are lots of big beautiful houses around there, but I can imagine the price reflects that.
As a general rule, I would stick to the houses on the northern side of Hall Rd - in saying that there are nice pockets south of Hall Rd, you will just need to do your own research to decide where you feel comfortable.

CHILDREN
As I have two young children, we have regular appointments with the Maternal Child Health Nurse at Banyan Fields Child and Family Centre. It is kept very well with the MCH Nurses on one side and a kindergarten on the other. There are lots of toys to keep them entertained while you wait for your appointment, the centre itself is always very clean and the nurses are lovely and helpful. I have really enjoyed taking the kids to their check ups here.
There are lots of parks, walkways and routes you can walk along in Carrum Downs, there are usually lots of families out walking or at the park when the weather is nice. Funtopia is also a great place to take the kids, and kids under 3 are free! I think there is also a lollipops hidden somewhere in the Industrial area.
Carrum Downs Doctors on Ballarto Rd is a great doctors, very clean and punctual with appointments.

SHOPPING
I would stay away from the Carrum Downs Shopping Centre, inside the actual centre itself is very run down and has a dirty feel to it - I would also hold if you need to go to the toilet, wait till you get home! It's a bummer the Kmart is there, as I would never shop at this centre if it wasn't.
There is a much nicer, modern, parking friendly supermarket to do your shops at along Ballarto Rd and McCormicks Rd. There are some nice cafes and restaurants in this little strip too.