Matthew Williams

I have worked in West Melbourne for nine years and lived here as well for four. Sandwiched between the CBD and North Melbourne village, it's a rapidly evolving suburb, turning from light industrial to medium density residential. Ten years ago it was super-close to everything but containing little. Now it is set to contain everything - improving all the time, as is the Spencer St corner of the CBD to which it is closest and is fast becoming the centre of a CBD that extends to Docklands. With all the new developments underway, including shopping, and council plans to turn the streets into parks, by the end of 2020 the area will be buzzing with life. Away from the main arteries (King, Spencer, Dudley) many streets are already quiet, leafy and pleasant walking.

We love that we now walk everywhere, I barely think of taking out a car. Flagstaff Gardens and Eades park provide plenty of recreational space, the QVM and Errol Street great shops and eateries. "North Melbourne" Station is really in West Melbourne and is one of the best-serviced stations on the network. The 58 Tram takes you from Toorak to Coburg, including lots of family destinations like the Zoo and Aquarium on the way. Haileybury College City Campus is a superb ELC-VCE school.

Our street has a friendly monthly social drinks during Daylight Saving including people from houses and apartments, so I know a couple of dozen neighbours well enough to ask for or offer help if necessary. It's as close as you can get to the city without being in the city - only South Carlton and South Fitzroy are really comparable for convenience.