HR1

I bought into a new development nearby about 15 months ago for two reasons: 1. Stop the bleeding of paying rent to some landlord, 2. make a sound property investment.

I can safely and without hesitation say that I succeeded in both! I have witnessed property prices going up faster than elsewhere in/around Melbourne, the sheer amount of construction work everywhere visible is perhaps a temporary inconvenience, but it bears testimony for the big masterplan of VicUrban and the government starting to take shape, with tangible improvements like the completion of George Bridge, the rejuvenation and tree plantings along Lonsdale Street, and some architecturally ultra-modern buildings going up.

Public transport is absolutely top notch, the number of super-wide and fast (80 km/h) road connections around Dandenong leading in all directions is exemplary, there are many eateries from a vast range of different cultures, some top restaurants evolving also, showing the trend for things to come.

As for nightlife: it is non-existent unless you consider a pub your thing. Perhaps it is a blessing in disguise also, as can be seen with the example of Frankston, which has a lot of nightlife, but also all the usual associated issues with it.

Safety: I have used the last night train on occasions and must agree, the overpass leading towards Cheltenham St. needs better lighting, but since I am still able to write this review, it can't have been too life threatening as is often made to belief. This will be addressed for sure as part of the overall modernisation plans around Dandenong station.

Shopping: nothing that cannot be bought here! It's all there, from the market, to supermarkets (Coles, Woolworth etc.), to electric stores, major chain retaillers (Myers, Harvey Norman, Clive Peeters, Officeworks) all in short reach, furniture and bedding shops, bicycle stores, cars, bikes, simply the lot.

I agree with some comments made here, that Dandenong will see a major boost in property prices over the next couple of years, once the today hesitant investors begin to realise that this is still bargain land compared to the rest of Melbourne, yet with infrastructure and employment opportunities not easily found elsewhere.

I will be enjoying the many improvements coming on-stream, and in the long run probably won't even need a car anymore! I can walk to everything in Dandenong in 10-20 minutes, for everything else there is the train station, and the countless bus lines going virtually anywhere.

In short: Dandenong is on the rise, like phoenix out of the ashes ...! Read my words here again in a few years time...

OK I am an owner in this new estate, in fact one of the very first ones to move in at Keneally Street. However, I have done my homework before, and over the past 15 months since I have been living here, have seen prices appreciate way above average.

The downside was, that I had to endure the construction noise and dirt associated with the developments of many new homes around me. Now it starts to look like a little European modern urban enclave, with many professionals moving in (you can tell on their cars they are not your typical Dandenong tenant/owner). At the Cheltenham Street side of Metro Village there will be more modern apartments, and businesses, with employment opportunities within walking distance. Across the road is a 24/7 gym for those who want to work out - 3 mins walk from Keneally St.

The completion of George Bridge was a major improvement as well, which allows to walk to the centre within 15-20 minutes. Driving is hardly worth it, as parking inside Dandenong can be tricky. The connection via Eastlink ramp to the city and elswhere is excellent, I have managed the trip from Tulla airport in 48 mins without speeding albeit at night time with no traffic. Going downtown via Eastlink/Monash can takes as little as 30 mins, traffic allowing.

Public transport is great, with several bus lines stopping right outside the estate, one even with direct airport transfer via many major shopping centres.

There are bicycle tracks right off the other side of the park (separated by Dandenong creek), leading even to Edithvale and the beach. Shopping is easy, Parkmore, Dandenong market, The Hub, eateries, all within a few minutes.

Dandenong itself is taking shape, Lonsdale Street looking already close to finished, and many new very modern buildings going up around the centre. I for one intend to stay here for a long time yet to come, it is exciting to eye-witness this amazing transformation from a salesyard to a modern urban village.

Like another comment mentioned - hoons and louts are not appreciated or tolerated here, it's a quiet neighbourhood with people from many different cultural backgrounds, things that I like also.