mrbrucehaines

I've lived in Williamstown for three years and thank God I am leaving!

Don't get me wrong, it's an amazing suburb with a fantastic location close to the heart of Melbourne, and it has some decent transport links too. Plus, good schools and it's own unique history and charm, blah blah blah..

But Williamstown is Melbourne's WORST KEPT SECRET!

This is NOT a suburb you'd go to if you want to be able to go down to your local and enjoy a sneaky morning coffee before work or want to unwind by the marina because hundreds of other Melburnians from neighbouring suburbs have thought of the same thing. Nelson Place and Ferguson Street can be packed before 7am with patrons and that's during the WEEKDAYS! Weekends are worse!

To add to my frustration, the "busy-ness" of Williamstown is hideously inconsistent so you'll definitely miss out on once in a blue moon opportunities to truly experience this overrated suburb for what it's worth. Especially if you work full-time like I do.

You'll be very lucky to get a good spot at Williamstown Beach during a nice day because again, nearly all of western Melbourne will be there. Furthermore, I wouldn't risk swimming at the local beach because I have seen plenty of dead marine life floating around, and also its close to the contaminated Altona Beach. True, I haven't heard reports of people falling ill and developing skin rashes after swimming but why take the chance?

Don't think Williamstown is immune from the problems that inhabit lower socioeconomic suburbs. There are TWO housing commission buildings in Williamstown that are ravaged with drugs. Have encountered a lot of those residents off their heads running down Nelson Place and at Williamstown station screaming and swearing which is not pleasant.

Finally, the hoons. You'll hear a lot of loud (unless you're rich enough to soundproof your house or unit) and annoying motorcycles, mini-bikes and hot rods fanging it around the suburb all the time. My neighbours who all have babies have expressed their frustration with the noises waking up their children, and inevitably every single dog in Williamstown, late at night. Yes, the latest I've heard these noises was ten at night. If you're a light sleeper like I am, don't even think of living in Williamstown.

Oh, and be prepared to visit your mechanic a lot because the roads are freaking shocking around here! They aren't well maintained at all!

Don't go near Osbourne Street unless you have a death wish! There are always cars parked on the side which reduces the size of the street to one lane, making you play a game of chicken with the oncoming vehicle. Buses travel down this section of Osbourne Street too.

Unfortunately, NOTHING has improved at all!

In fact, it's getting worse! If you can put up with what I've mentioned above and can afford to shell out a lot of money to live in a glorified part of Melbourne then go for it. Otherwise, look elsewhere.