maker1

Looks like TheHunted is quite passionate about Cheltenham, lol.

We've been in Aspendale Gardens for 2 years, and are quite happy here. We really like the proximity to walking/bicycle tracks, the family feel this place has, and that it's a hop skip and jump from mordialloc, connecting freeways (Frankston fwy and east link), and is close to amenities and services like gp's, hospitals (Monash, sandringham and Frankston). We weren't sure which side of wells rd to buy, either older houses but closer to the AG shops and school, or the newer side. We went over to the newer side and are happy :)
Yes, wetlands it is, but what impact have we noticed in our day to day living? Not much. I am sure it has rats, like everywhere in earth, but I have never seen one here in two years. We have seen a mouse on a walking path though, if that counts?! Some areas can be susceptible to water pooling with heavy rain. Insurance does not cover this, but it appears that this is that case for most suburbs now, in light of the Brisbane flooding a few years ago, and now insurance companies have revised their flood underwriting to avoid paying out, no matter where you are. If anything, I see that Aspendale gardens has been well set up with locks and canal type things to combat potential issues from wetland areas arising. It's probably one of yes get areas to be in in the event of excess downpour. We moved in on a weekend of torrential downpour and no issues.
AG is a "P site", which means if you are intending to build or reno, you may need specialist engineering/building input. This is because it is a wetlands area, and specialist knowledge sometimes needs to be utilised when building to make sure the design and material are suitable for the ground its on. Not a big deal. Many part of Melbourne are on special ground, and it's common practice.
What else? I work in the cbd and the express train journey is 33minutes from Mordi to flinders. There is a bus to an from Mordi which runs twice an hour (Carrum to Hampton). We have kids and dogs, and are a professional couple, and we only just said tonight that if we won the lotto tonight, we think we'd stay put. We are happy here. There are under hoons along wells rd, and police cameras patrol it regularly. This is not unique to AG though, hoons are everywhere. The positives far outweigh the negatives (hoons and no post office), but if you're not sure, as some of the locals in the local shopping area :) That'll give you a good ideal and feel for the place.