Mathew Patuawa

Initially extremely sceptical about moving to the edge of Melbourne, once here I found Mernda to be very easy and user friendly. It is far away, but it’s also very quiet, safe, with good parks and shops.

We were lucky enough to buy our first property here and we have made it a home for our young family. Good childcare, and playgrounds as well as many hidden walks around lakes, waterfalls and parks, there’s always entertainment around for the kids.

Pros - affordable (getting less so...)
- safe
- quiet
- excellent supermarkets
- Bunnings
- excellent parks/playgrounds
- modern efficient housing
- neighbourly feel, friendly neighbours
- semi rural feel
- train access
- good pub
- short access to kinglake, and many other lakes/ national parks/ walks
- area developing fast (new town centre & aquatic centre coming soon)
- close to airport (30mins)

Cons
- Far from city - approx 1hr train or $80 Uber
- Not great restaurants and cafes, but there are a few hidden gems
- Traffic can be rough, but roads are being upgraded very fast

Final thought. For those looking to buy, it is a great area for a first home or a large family home. The area is experiencing strong capital gains, and as the area is further developed, the value of property in the area will continue to increase.

For renters, rent is affordable, and the houses are mostly modern, with all the modern features such as central heating, solar, etc.