sanjav

Reading the reviews I think people who have visited my town of Ocean Grove must have been here during the two weeks of summer when it's super busy, and only walked around Dare or Orton streets or near the surf club.
You can buy a house with good bones walking distance (read 10 minutes) to the beach, quite cheaply, supermarkets have the same prices as everywhere else, so do the takeaways and cafes. Petrol is generally cheaper than Melbourne, and if you get to know the locals you can find cheap mates rates tradies to help you out.
I moved here 6 years ago and have never been happier. Don't base your view on the two busy weeks over Christmas when the big towners rent holiday accomodation near the main drag.