Lindsaypunk

Preston's a bit of a mixed bag. Depending on where you're living/staying, you could be a lengthy walk from the tram line, plus a 30-45 minute tram ride away from the CBD - or, you might be lucky enough to live close to the train station, which is just a 20 minute ride to the city centre. If you're on the eastern side of the suburb, the most interesting thing nearby is the Northland Shopping Centre. The fast-developing Plenty Road runs through this side of the 'hood, but unfortunately this stretch of it has more shuttered storefronts than lively establishments. Thankfully the western half of Preston has a lot more to offer. On High Street you'll have your pick of Vietnamese restaurants, cheap salons, and op shops. There's a Lentil As Anything here as well. But perhaps best of all, just off High Street is the Preston Market, where you can snag insanely cheap produce after 2pm on Saturdays.

The bottom line? Preston's pretty ok, depending on what you're looking for in a neighborhood. Young singles should aim to live in the southwestern part of Preston where there's more going on, while families might be more comfortable in the quieter, less developed parts of the neighborhood.

To echo many of the other reviews of Templestowe Lower: "nice" is the first word that comes to mind when I think of this suburb. It's the kind of place with green, tree-lined streets that are perpetually quiet, save for the sound of lawn mowers on weekend afternoons. At the top of its many hills, you get fleeting views of the Dandenong Ranges to the east and Melbourne city to the west. At the lowest point, you're in the Yarra Valley Parklands, where you can stroll along the river and through the woods. And as if that weren't enough scenery to take in, Ruffey Lake Park is a gorgeous hilly area fit for walking, running, cycling, and dog walking. If you're after a quiet suburb with plentiful outdoor recreational opportunities, Templestowe Lower certainly checks that box.

However, if you're looking for trendy restaurants and nightlife, you'll have to drive to another suburb to find it. Luckily Templestowe Lower is only a 20-25 minute drive from the CBD, but without a car you'll likely have to catch 2-3 buses to get most anywhere of interest outside of rush hour. There are a few buses that stop at nearby train stations, and once you catch the train it's a quick commute to the inner city suburbs. But avid shoppers, fear not: the massive Doncaster Shopping Centre should meet your retail needs (and your movie needs as well - there's a cinema inside).

Overall, Templestowe Lower is a great fit for families, while young singles might find it frustrating to be so far away from the action in other livelier neighborhoods.