Best Suburb to Live in Melbourne?

Ueki23 on 09/12/2021 - 12:23
Last edited 11/12/2021 - 23:23 by 1 other user

Hey guys!

My friends and I are looking to move to Melbourne early next year and was wondering which places are good to live in. We're all mid 20s and have an artist background.

A few have suggested Prahran for its artistic atmosphere, but I'd like more recommendations- preferably close to the city or at least somewhere with good public transport. Any help and advice would be appreciated!

Big thanks!

EDIT:
Thank you very much for the many recommendations. I do apologize for the lack of info. Ideally looking for a 3br 2 ba with 1-2 car spaces . Personally I would love to move to Sydney but it is too expensive and neither friends really want to move there. One is already a bit uncertain because of the whole covid situation. Our budget is $700/w and we've seen some houses/apartments that looked nice but just wanting to know more a bit about the suburbs. Most of the houses we've found were in Footscray, Maidstone and Yarraville area. With some in Kensington and Brunswick.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • websterp on 09/12/2021 - 12:34
    +27

    Brunswick, anywhere along Sydney Road.

      • Baysew on 10/12/2021 - 11:05
        +32

        Whatever happenned to Gold Standard Gladys?

        • orangetrain on 10/12/2021 - 11:35
          +7

          She got taken down by anti corrupt lefties /s

        • smartazz104 on 11/12/2021 - 16:30
          +6

          Fool's gold.

      • Ghost47 on 10/12/2021 - 14:34

        Yeah more people should move to NSW instead.

        • ripesashimi on 10/12/2021 - 23:59
          +3

          Yeah 2 million for a 2 bedroom is way too cheap. Make it 5 million please.

      • peterpaoliello on 12/12/2021 - 08:53

        If that's your point of view definitely better off in nsw

      • [Deactivated] on 13/12/2021 - 15:02
        -1

        NSW? The same state who's police force strip search minors at music festivals and deploy terror squads against journalists that criticise politicians? The same state who's premier and deputy premier were forced to step down due to corruption charges and abuse of police force resources to terrorise citizens? The same nanny state which has a permanent curfew for pubs and other venues that was established pre-covid? Not to mention the majority of the submissive populous that is fine with all of the above?
        Yeah nah mate, I'd rather move to China and take my chances there.

        • filmer on 14/12/2021 - 16:53
          -2

          Yes, the police should have been in contact with the minors guardians first.

          The terror police were also over the top, but to describe a journalist who harasses and stalks a politician as simply criticizing is a bit ridiculous also.

          I don't believe the ex premier has been found to be corrupt in any manner as of yet, yet it sounds like you think it's a done deal.

          I think you should give China a go also, you seem to like hanging things without question.

          • [Deactivated] on 14/12/2021 - 17:09
            -1

            @filmer: Perhaps you should tag along as well. Since you like turning a blind eye to blatant corruption and misuse of authority while eating up propaganda.

            • filmer on 16/12/2021 - 09:44

              @[Deactivated]: No corruption in what you have listed, just police officers not trained completely on the procedures (even though a search can be performed if reasonable to assume they will toss the items prior to guardians turning up). This is still an issue, but not in the way you are describing it.

    • whatgift on 10/12/2021 - 21:14
      +17

      Is that sarcasm? I can’t imagine anywhere worse, and I live near there!

      • ShoeJunkie on 15/12/2021 - 14:31
        +1

        Try Footscary Footscray if you think it can't get worse! or even Scumshine.

        • whatgift on 15/12/2021 - 19:34
          +1

          Haha I’ll give you that! I just can’t imagine living on Sydney Road, it’s aptly named because it’s noisy, crowded and I haven’t seen that many places to live between all the businesses?

    • field1985 on 11/12/2021 - 14:06
      +9

      No real artist could afford to live in Brunswick these days. It's packed with trust fund babies, posers, yummy mummies and real estate developers. It was gentrified more then a decade ago and all the artists/hipsters were priced out.
      Same happened with Northcote/Thornbury/etc.
      Footscray/Yarraville is rough, but that makes it more affordable then comparable inner suburbs, but it's quickly going the same way as Brunkswick (I'll will be gentrified in ~5 years).
      Reservoir if you want something remotely affordable.

      AVOID the SE suburbs (car dependent suburban hell, people only live there for the schools/churches) and Richmond (junkie/heroin dealer central).

      I came down in 2010 and never looked back. Best of luck!

      • spacebanana on 11/12/2021 - 18:56
        +4

        Can't agree about Richmond or Yarraville. Both amazing suburbs, having lived in both a small northern pocket of richmond is a bit dodgey but near Swan St especially East of Church is fantastic.

        Yarraville is very expensive and higly gentrified now, an amazing spot to live especially if close to the village.
        Reservoir is highly average, feels like south east suburb suburbia and traffic is horrendous with all the northern growth.

        I think the best spot would be Fitzroy North/ Carlton area for convnience and plenty going on all the time.

        I suppose it comes down to personal opinion…

      • drfuzzy on 11/12/2021 - 21:48
        +2

        Long opinion piece of places to avoid, no advice on where to live.

        • field1985 on 11/12/2021 - 21:58

          Reservoir if you want something remotely affordable.

        • Ueki23 on 11/12/2021 - 23:25
          +1

          Long opinion piece of places to avoid also helps in deciding where to live so it is much appreciated!

      • Cheapsize on 13/12/2021 - 00:58
        +1

        "AVOID the SE suburbs (car dependent suburban hell, people only live there for the schools/churches) and Richmond (junkie/heroin dealer central)"

        Lol ok… The whole train line, parks and beaches and low crime rate really didn't influence my decision to live there but your right about Richmond.

        • netjock on 14/12/2021 - 09:07

          Lol ok… The whole train line, parks and beaches

          On that train line you need to live like Frankston to be affordable.

          Think it was more in reference to the Pakenham or Lilydale Line. Problem is when you live in that big transport black hold between those lines.

  • prisonmike on 09/12/2021 - 12:34
    +18

    Move to Cranbourne

    • MontyMacaw on 10/12/2021 - 13:37
      +4

      If you like a 50k hike to get to the city

      • prisonmike on 10/12/2021 - 14:50

        Plus it’s a melting pot of suburban life

        • cydia9k on 10/12/2021 - 17:29

          Can I get a print-out of Oyster smiling?

    • capslock janitor on 11/12/2021 - 13:17

      cranniiieeee

    • Finde on 13/12/2021 - 18:48
      -1

      Name checks out for a Cranbourne resident.

      Don't move to anywhere in Casey.

  • Xistn on 09/12/2021 - 12:37
    +5

    Caroline Springs will get your heart pumping

    • Trying2SaveABuck on 09/12/2021 - 23:39
      +2

      Super under-rated suburb - the lakes, shopping, restaurants etc

      Has a lot to offer for those who dont have loads of $$$

      • lgacb08 on 10/12/2021 - 13:49
        +10

        Until you decide to get out in the morning rush or got back from Taylors road.
        but it's quite ok suburb for a family, but definitely not for the artistic type.

      • [Deactivated] on 10/12/2021 - 17:33
        +3

        Also plenty of murders to keep you on your toes.

        • jv on 11/12/2021 - 00:56
          +14

          That's only on Friday and Saturday nights though.

          On other days, it's a bit safer.

      • serpserpserp on 10/12/2021 - 22:27

        I thought it is more pricey over there these days?

        • knk on 14/12/2021 - 08:01
          +1

          everywhere is pricey these days

      • poldy on 13/12/2021 - 14:25
        +1

        Car jackings, home invasions, its got the lot!

    • Ade99 on 10/12/2021 - 08:15

      what is the commute into the CBD?

      • Xistn on 10/12/2021 - 08:16
        +6

        3 quick shivs

      • Trying2SaveABuck on 10/12/2021 - 13:58
        +1

        Drive 30min without traffic
        Train 45min

        As the other OP said it isnt super hipster but price wise it is a good space.

        This is assuming you aren't a multi millionar

  • MingyJongo on 09/12/2021 - 12:38
    +17

    Thornbury/ Northcote are pretty neat

    • jv on 11/12/2021 - 00:57

      and Westgarth, Fairfield.

      • blahman on 14/12/2021 - 02:39

        But don't get too close to Heidelbourg

  • kerfuffle on 09/12/2021 - 12:42
    +28

    Fitzroy sounds like what you're after

    • Hangryuman on 11/12/2021 - 13:31

      yep - I lived in Fitz-a-roy 1985-88 and loved it - a choice of stroll to Brunswick St or Smith St for shopping or cafes

      while I was there - Mario's cafe first opened in Brunswick St, and my housemate/fellow uni student in 1988 wasn't a cook so would always say 'ah - let's go to Mario's!' - breakfast, lunch or dinner

      which we did - until one day I added up my expenses and realised I was spending about $400 a week - so hmmm.

    • field1985 on 11/12/2021 - 14:10
      +1

      Fitzroy costs a minimum of $300 per room per week. No artist (ie "living on Newstart") can afford that, they only get $290 to cover all their living expenses.

  • Presence on 09/12/2021 - 12:42
    +16

    Richmond or Fitzroy if you can afford it.

    • jsheroes on 10/12/2021 - 17:39
      +5

      Preston is the inner north sweet spot for comparatively affordable rental now. Plenty to do there, on the hipster front line, quick tram access to Thornbury, Northcote, Fitzroy, Collingwood.

    • peterpaoliello on 12/12/2021 - 08:57

      I'm in north Melbourne near QVM and it's cheap as here for rents, perfect location between Brunswick and the city without being too close to either and Errol St has bunch of great pubs and places to eat. Walking distance to Aldi, Coles, or IGA and near Flagstaff I think it's perfect.

  • 87percent on 09/12/2021 - 12:42
    +25

    I think Sunshine. Right near the station

    • chartparker on 09/12/2021 - 13:40
      +31

      Don't forget to wear lots of jewelry and walk around alone at night

      • poboy on 09/12/2021 - 21:28
        +18

        And yell "What you lookin at?" as you pass each mailbox.

    • Sneaky1 on 10/12/2021 - 09:20
      +4

      Dandenong, near the station - a friendly, vibrant, vivid area with no shortage of characters - including those brought in by Vanstone.

  • Muzeeb on 09/12/2021 - 13:00
    +20

    Yarraville is perfect for the arty farty type

    • spacebanana on 11/12/2021 - 18:57

      Agreed. Great spot.

  • Cheaplikethebird on 09/12/2021 - 13:04
    +50

    Forget Brunswick. That was the spot 5-10 years ago, now it's all units and townhouses with no soul. Most of the artist types moved out years ago and now it's mostly populated by office workers in their late 20s.

    Footscray is Brunswick 10-15 years ago. Quicker to get into the city. Just as many ethnic and hipster cafes and restaurants. Rent is half the price.

    Prahran doesn't really have an artist atmosphere, yo-pros, gym junkies and trust-fund babies is the vibe.

    • Trying2SaveABuck on 09/12/2021 - 23:40
      +10

      got to agree with Prahran - the suburbs is a flog fest of rich people

      • Yamai on 11/12/2021 - 01:23
        +7

        Exactly… artists paradise

      • Cheaplikethebird on 11/12/2021 - 07:24
        +8

        Haha whenever I talk to a native Melburnian they have the same reaction. It’s not that bad, I think maybe your buttholes just pucker up at the sight of someone with dark skin.

        I moved from Toorak 7 months ago and I prefer it in Footscray, better food options, people aren’t rude, no towering apartment building monstrosities, traffic isn’t bumper to bumper everywhere.

        • [Deactivated] on 11/12/2021 - 10:04

          I can only think of one spot on Toorak where traffic is ever bumper to bumper, and that's on the roundabout going to Cremorne. And I can only think of two tall apartment buildings, both on Toorak Rd. The majority of housing in Toorak is houses on big blocks. I think you're confused about what and where Toorak is.

          • Cheaplikethebird on 11/12/2021 - 10:06
            +7

            @[Deactivated]: Nobody on OzBargain is living on the big block Toorak streets lol.

            • [Deactivated] on 11/12/2021 - 10:07
              -8

              @Cheaplikethebird: Yeah that's not true. But good to see that youre completely ignoring getting called on your bullshit and trying to change the topic. I'd wager you never lived in Toorak and just said it for effect.

            • Ozfan on 13/12/2021 - 13:02

              @Cheaplikethebird: Unless you’re a car investor

          • yellowfever on 12/12/2021 - 22:30
            -1

            @[Deactivated]: @burnertoasty I agree with you that Toorak has hardly any bumper to bumper traffic and hardly any high rise towers.
            After reading further the guy is actually in South Yarra, which is not Toorak.
            They are back pedalliing on their incorrect point

    • Cheaplikethebird on 11/12/2021 - 11:14
      +3

      Further to my original comment, sure there are better suburbs for nightlife like Brunswick, Fitzroy, Carlton, Northcote and Chapel St (ew) but hear this - you can rent a place in Footscray and save enough money to cover all your Ubers and horse tranquilliser and you won’t have to spend your comedowns in a mould infested terrace house that hasn’t been renovated in 20 years because kids will still pay top dollar to live there.

      • tolchok on 12/12/2021 - 09:47

        Footscray has great bars these days, I’d rate the nightlife highly (we unfortunately live Southside).

        • baldur on 12/12/2021 - 21:32

          such as?

  • [Deactivated] on 09/12/2021 - 13:27
    +7

    thornbury/northcote area, you've got the 86 tram and the mernda train line. high street has lots of great bars and restaurants to hang out at

    • Cheaplikethebird on 09/12/2021 - 15:24

      Yeah a lot of friends in creative industries have ended up in Northcote. Rental market is competitive though.

  • orangetrain on 09/12/2021 - 13:36
    +7

    Melbourne, lots of public transport or you could walk. Well, you didn't give a budget!

    • Indomietable on 09/12/2021 - 16:17
      +1

      Not a bad idea!

      Rental price in CBD is at all-time low and the supply is at an all-time high. Lots of desperate landlords.
      If you have no rental history, getting your application approved in high demand area could be troublesome.

      • nigel deborah on 12/12/2021 - 21:23
        +1

        Price in Melbourne CBD is incredibly low. Units are less expensive than they are in all the inner suburbs (Prahran, Richmond, Fitzroy etc. as above).

        My rent dropped over 35% since pre-COVID. Worth noting though that they will probably partially (or maybe fully?) recover over the next few years as students and migrants return.

    • scotty on 09/12/2021 - 16:51
      +4

      Stayed in an Airbnb in West Melbourne near Spencer St this week (coming for the Melbourne meetup) and it's very convenient, being in walking distance to CBD, Docklands, and Southern Cross station.

      • dasher86 on 10/12/2021 - 09:22

        bugger if i knew you were going i would have attended.

  • Ocker on 09/12/2021 - 13:39
    +1

    Budget and house or unit, number of bedrooms etc

    • Ueki23 on 11/12/2021 - 23:29

      Sorry for the lack of info! Just edited my post. Budget is $700p/w , 3br 2ba, 1-2 car, not fussed with house or units but prefer a house if we can get one close to CBD

      • Jolakot on 13/12/2021 - 20:52

        Basically if you want a house in a safe but interesting part of inner Melbourne, then your choices are between Kensington/Fairfield if you want outdoor space, or North Melbourne/Carlton for super close townhouses

  • Big Lenny on 09/12/2021 - 13:41
    -3

    heard springvale's nice

    • Cheapsize on 13/12/2021 - 01:07
      +1

      Springvale is actually great, amazing food and restaurants cheap and fresh groceries and produce. IKEA, cinema's Kmart, bowling alley. Pool hall, Close to Monash university, Glen Waverley and close enough to the freeway. It's gentrified alot.

  • pegaxs on 09/12/2021 - 13:45
    -6

    Frankston or Werribee…

    • mbck on 09/12/2021 - 13:59
      +1

      A friend bought a 4 br for about 900k (werribee). Sold it 3 years later at 1.2

      That's nuts.

      Ps they lived there, then they moved overseas.

    • Muzeeb on 09/12/2021 - 14:39
      +4

      You miss typed Frankghanistan

      • MassEffect on 11/12/2021 - 01:36

        You mistyped Dandefghanistan.

    • Indomietable on 09/12/2021 - 16:05

      Remember to buy life insurance for your housemate with you as the beneficiaries.

    • Ade99 on 10/12/2021 - 08:17

      How many tanks of fuel to get to the CBD?

      • Juggernauto on 10/12/2021 - 09:02

        I drive to the CBD everyday, refuel once a week

    • [Deactivated] on 10/12/2021 - 17:37
      -1

      Neither of which are in Melbourne.

  • katykat on 09/12/2021 - 13:46
    +15

    You should probably put in a budget. Plus why you're moving. Is there a job you've secured, where is it?

    Mid-20s artists would tend to congregate and enjoy areas like Brunswick and Fitzroy which are north of the CBD and very urban hipster. Prahran and Richmond are south of the CBD and are similar, though Richmond is more of a mulicultural place (mostly Vietnamese) and Prahran has a large LGBTQ population. Thornbury and Northcote are north as well and have a hipster vibe.

    All of these options are close to the city and have been heavily gentrified. There are still small pockets that are affordable and long term residents that aren't wealthy, but on the whole these are considered expensive places to live now. Rents are really high.

    If budget is a concern you'll be looking at the outer suburbs. Rule of thumb, it's cheaper the farther out you are and the most expensive suburbs are South, South-East and Eastern. North and West tends to be cheaper, though there are pockets that are on par with the South and East (Essendon, for example).

    If you are going to commute to the CBD, then you need to pick a suburb with a train line. Not every suburb has one.

    • Ueki23 on 11/12/2021 - 23:31

      Thank you for this! Just edited my post. Reason for moving would mainly be that there's a lot more theatre gigs in Melbourne and as much as I'd like to move to Sydney it is very expensive for us. We don't really have secured jobs there yet but hoping there might be some openings when we get there!

  • sharkyoz on 09/12/2021 - 14:50
    +3

    Footscray, a melting pot of cultures and foods

    • Trying2SaveABuck on 09/12/2021 - 23:38
      +5

      funny bcuz 15 years ago it was literally the getto now it is a million dollar area with 'culture'

      • tsk2 on 10/12/2021 - 19:51
        +2

        Cheap, means students and artists can afford rent. Then people want that vibe, and move into area, gentrification occurs pushing up rents and thus students and artist go further afield.

        There is also friction of an area that contributes to it's vibrancy imo.

        Culture and community is what it has.

        I loved living in Footscray but alas by the time we saved a deposit it wasn't in our price range.

    • pompompom on 11/12/2021 - 19:43
      -1

      Great area to get shot and mugged.

      • PVA on 11/12/2021 - 23:32

        And the place to buy drugs.

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