SubinJ

Eastlakes is close to the CBD (<6kms to Central), airport (< 6 kms to domestic), eastern beaches (<6 kms to Coogee) and close to excellent golf courses.
Though prices have appreciated considerably, it is still among the cheaper suburbs to own (for units). The old shopping centre could use a clean-up and the new owners (Crown Group) has started consolidating shops to the main centre for knock down and re-develop the side close to gardeners road. They have also started essential repair works and clean-up to the main centre (it will be knocked down later down the line for re-development.)
I have lived in eastlakes for over 5 years now and havent seen any real safety issues barring the one-off bikie gang related shooting couple of years back.
Rubbish dumping is still a problem, though it has come down a lot these days after the council crack downs. The shops in the centre could use a makeover, though they might be holding back as they are due for a knock down and re-build soon. Some of the roads in the area could really use re-surfacing as well.