Western Suburbs Melbourne

Living in Western Suburbs Melbourne

The five districts in Western Suburbs Melbourne are Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham. A full list of all the suburbs within these districts are at the end of this page.

These are the suburbs of Western Suburbs Melbourne:

Brimbank

  • Ardeer, Cairnlea, Calder Park, Deer Park, Delahey, Derrimut, Kealba
  • Keilor, Kings Park, St Albans, Sunshine, Sydenham, Taylors Lakes

Hobsons Bay

  • Altona, Brooklyn, Laverton, Newport, Spotswood, Williamstown

Maribyrnong

  • Braybrook, Footscray, Kingsville, Maidstone, Maribyrnong, Seddon
  • Tottenham, West Footscray, Yarraville

Melton

  • Burnside, Caroline Springs, Diggers Rest, Hillside, Kurunjang, Melton
  • Ravenhall, Rockbank

Wyndham

  • Hoppers Crossing, Laverton North, Mambourin, Point Cook, Tarneit
  • Truganina, Werribee, Wyndham Vale

Do you live in this area? Tell us about your town or suburb in the comments below…

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{ 143 comments… add one }
  • jenny November 24, 2017, 7:31 am |

    I moved to Melbourne from Sydney over 5 years ago and bought a beautiful new townhouse in Braybrook . Its peaceful and I feel safe, and Melbourne is never boring and i dont mind winter its exciting with the AFL the arts …the music ..the shopping . Life is good .

  • Ms Day October 31, 2017, 9:27 am |

    Hi There – my husband is very likely to get a job mid-next year in Altona, VIC, and we are looking to move to a suburb that is no more than an hour away from Altona. He will be driving to and from work, so somewhere west or north of Altona seems to make sense…although we are not really sure if there’s anywhere worth considering East of Altona…..
    We don’t want to be right in the CBD….we are open to living in a tourist country-town like Healesville (love Healesville!) as I love that country charm yet still some trendy eats etc going on. However, as we have lived in inner-west Sydney before, we don’t mind considering somewhere with great cafes and restaurants/atmosphere that’s on the outskirts of the CBD. We were considering Geelong but no idea what it is like other than some google searches of pictures and reviews on Homely.

    We are flying down to Melbourne next week and plan to get a hire car and travel around to check out townships to get a ‘feel’ for each potential suburb…but we are lost as to where to start!

    Any advice would be appreciated!!

    • Mark October 31, 2017, 11:32 am |

      Hi Ms Day Altona mmm its a bit limiting as to sensibly where to live in answering your question …Id look north though or even close by say Williamstown Id ditch the Geelong bit Just do the drive Geelong to Altona.. I did it for two weeks and was bored witless…A year id be ahhhhhhh!!!! Williamstown has a lot to offer and may be best placed…I’m not a lover of the west side as you can read but Id also not try negotiating the bridge or CBD daily from the east or say Healesville that would take a long time, a very long time If not start to look north as you have said …Id avoid Werribbe and the places around there but that’s only my opinion The infrastructure just is not in place in the west as much as the east but Williamstown is near city for its services Geelong itself is just too disjointed for me…Where are you moving from …Im off looking around GC and Brisbane soon

      • Ms Day February 6, 2018, 8:32 am |

        thanks for your reply Mark! Sorry for the late reply! I have heard Werribee and surrounds aren’t great – especially of late with the crime issues (not that you can’t get that anywhere though!). We visited Geelong and actually didn’t mind it – was a bit tired in parts, but there’s a sense of bustle without being too crazy like the CBD. We have heard great things about Williamstown, but it is quite pricey – we will have to pay a visit when we return back to Victoria for a visit. The husband has only put his application in last week (it’s been a very lengthy process!), but if he gets the job, he may have to move down first whilst I prepare packing for the big move and finding a job for myself. What Northern suburbs would you recommend considering looking at to move? You are right, there’s not much infrastructure on the west side – but I am sure there’s good investment opportunities to buy before people start expanding out more

        • Mark February 13, 2018, 10:10 pm |

          Im not so sure on teh expanding they are duilding 17 new suburbs and not one of them is truly on the west side Long term maybe but it will be very long term investment. I am also struggling to answer what Northern suburbs are like over that way as I just dont know the area well enough. The are north west of the CBD except tp say traffic is at an all time high the closer you head to the airport…Hopefully someone who knows the north or have a look in that section in the drop down menu above

          • Ms Day February 14, 2018, 8:38 am |

            Thanks Mark! I will do some more research!

      • GARRY MYLAN July 8, 2020, 4:09 am |

        Good Riddance. Snobby Git.

  • Sunny October 26, 2017, 8:27 am |

    Hi Bob, Amazing site with great piece of information for all the newcomers:)
    Need ur help here. I am planning to move from Adelaide to Melbourne with my family. We are looking to move in western suburbs. I am so confused, as to which suburb would be the best to live in. I have 2 requirements. One the suburb which has better public primary schools for my kids and two, that has the best connectivity to Flinders street railway station as I am going to be starting my job there.
    Can you advice me on the choices I have and which ones would you suggest. I would highly appreciate your help.
    Thanks and Cheers mate!

    • Mark October 26, 2017, 9:13 am |

      This is not an easy one as there is not so much rail line on the west as there is the East in fact the whole infrastructure is nowhere near as good Id have a ;look at Hoppers Crossing or Werribee and then look for a school close by Other places to consider are Tarneit and Wyndham Vale.. Are you going to drive children to school.

      • Sunny October 26, 2017, 9:27 am |

        Yes, I would be driving kids to school. Do we have school transportation facility in public primary schools in Melbourne as have almost none in Adelaide. Which areas have better schools in western suburbs, can you help me figure out this pl? Thanks!

        • BobinOz October 26, 2017, 7:01 pm |

          My page Which school? can help with checking out the local schools and how they perform. It’s not the same as getting a recommendation from somebody who knows a school well though, so hopefully Mark or someone else can give you more advice on that.

        • Ozimandias October 26, 2017, 9:43 pm |

          western Melbourne is not especially salubrious. I would avoid, if possible.

    • Betty October 26, 2017, 8:44 pm |

      Hi Sunny, I moved over to Melbourne from NZ in April and been living in Newport. When we were deciding suburb to live I was looking at public primary school rankings and train lines. Newport Lakes Primary is a great school. It was ranked 134 or something – we initially thought about staying at Kensington as it was more central but school ranking was around 384. My daughter loves it here and the kids are very friendly. Newport is very family friendly in general anyway. But you’ll need to drive out to get groceries as there isn’t a Coles/Woolies nearby. If you are interested in Newport Lakes Primary you have to be careful which part of Newport you rent/buy though as only a certain part of Newport is zoned for it and other parts will be zoned for another primary school called Newport Gardens.

      Trains are about 3-5 min gaps in between during peak hours so very easy access to Flinders and it’s about A 15 min commute.

      Hope that helps 🙂

      • Caroline October 31, 2017, 1:57 pm |

        Hi Betty, sorry to jump in on this thread but that’s exactly the advice I’m looking for as looking to buy in Newport or Spotswood but worried about schools. What is your plan for secondary school, can they go to Williamstown or is that out of zone? Your advice appreciated!

        • Betty October 31, 2017, 2:13 pm |

          No worries Caroline! I’m glad someone is thinking about this too.

          We are renting at the moment so we will be moving elsewhere when the time comes. My eldest is turning 7 early next year so I have a bit of time to stay at Newport. I think Bayside College is a bit inconvenient for us. I prefer Williamstown High School but have heard they’re a selective school and so, it’s only an alternative if we meet their standards haha

          I have been seriously considering getting an apartment/townhouse closer to the city as hubby and I both work in the city. But schooling is an issue. We have no family help so I’m not interested in moving further out, which means I’ll be hanging out in Newport until ive sussed out what or how I’m going to do it.

          Out of interest, why did you pick Newport/Spotswood to buy?

  • Lisa August 25, 2017, 7:30 pm |

    Hi guys
    I live in Brisbane. I could never live in Melbourne. I couldn’t stand the weather or the crime. How do you live there?

  • sachin August 14, 2017, 2:06 pm |

    Hi guys – i am based in singapore and wanting to invest in cobblebank next to melton. My budget is around 400K. This is purely for rent and land appreciation. Would that be a good decision.
    Hi Bob i just stumbled across this site and its awesome. Thanks really helps.
    Cheers
    Sachin

    • BobinOz August 14, 2017, 8:01 pm |

      Thanks Sachin, glad to hear you like my website.

      As for your intended investment, maybe somebody will be able to advise you, but personally I think they would need a crystal ball to do so. Property prices in both Sydney and Melbourne have skyrocketed in the last few years, many are wondering whether they are now overpriced.

      So is difficult for anyone to know whether it would be a good investment or not. Everything is guesswork at the moment.

      For what it’s worth, in the rental market here, most people will say that if you can earn 5% a year on your investment, and then take any kind of capital increase on the property on top of that, you have done well. So you would probably be needing to rent that property out for about $400 per week to get close to achieving that.

      That’s my take, but would love to hear anybody else’s views.

      Hope that helps a bit Sachin, Bob

      • sachin August 15, 2017, 12:18 pm |

        Thanks Bob for the prompt reply, appreciate it. You are right its practically impossible for anyone to predict how the property is going to move. I think i need to rephrase and ask whether it would to easy to rent out property in the suburb. From all the comments i have read most are buying so makes me wonder is rental a norm? Let me explain where i come from renting out is not a problem considering limited space in Singapore. But i am bit skeptical about rents in AUS. The developer has guaranteed rent of 5% for the first year, thereafter i would need to put in out in the market. What are the chances of somebody renting out? Thanks for inputs …Sachin

        • BobinOz August 15, 2017, 8:05 pm |

          Renting is actually very popular here in Australia, I think more people rent than buy, although I haven’t checked the figures.

          There is usually a queue of people looking to rent places, is kind of a first come first serve and the landlord gets to pick when more than one tenant puts in an application. I think that’s very much the situation in Melbourne at the moment, although I don’t know about the specific suburb you are looking at. Maybe a local can help you with that.

          Supply and demand does change from time to time though.

  • Maggie July 17, 2017, 7:42 pm |

    I live in Williamstown. Love it here. Beautiful, not far from the city. My daughter goes to school in Altona so will be moving to Brooklyn soon. So far no complains. 🙂

    • BobinOz July 18, 2017, 10:40 pm |

      Thanks for letting us know Maggie, good info. There is a bit of talk going on at the moment on my main page about Melbourne regards Williamstown and what it’s like. I will point them to your post, I’m sure they will find it interesting. Cheers, Bob

    • Caroline October 31, 2017, 2:02 pm |

      Hi Maggie, we are looking to buy in and around there and very interested in a good school, primary and secondary. Can’t afford to live in Willie (would love to!) but looking at Newport, Spotswood and Altona North/ Altona. I thought Williamstown had the better schools in the West? How does zoning work? Happy to pay for Catholic but not private. Good public would be amazing. Any insight appreciated! Thank you

  • Denise Martin June 10, 2017, 9:11 am |

    Hi Bob, Denise here from Sydney, trying to invest long term for my sons , which is impossible in Sydney. John McGrath s pick for growth is Williamstown , however real estate agents have been pointing me towards Newport, which is cheaper. But are they saying that to me because its a dodgy suburb. I have been told it is very industrial and smells?. I am also looking at footscray but really have no idea. I’m terms of safety what do you recommend as my son and I would also like to live in it. Thankyou

    • Mark June 10, 2017, 9:10 pm |

      I am not a fan of the west side full stop, so you may have a tainted view. Yes there are smells a plenty on the west as you can see from a post I replied to lower…Not in Williamstown and I have no idea whether they reach Newport…Newport itself is not a bad suburb it lacks shipping facilities, cafes and some landscape changes, its flat, Its near the coast and lower on congestion, well fewer shops, fewer people, fewer jobs, of course it would lack congestion. Its great access to the city but I still think there is better on the East….Now I appreciate we cant all live in the east and with time the west will get better but I reckon its 30 to 50 years away. Yes it can be very industrial in places.

      • Annie June 11, 2017, 4:10 pm |

        Mark… you really do hate the west huh.. There are smells in all suburbs & don’t worry they are in Willy too, the beach stinks plenty that’s for sure..

        • Mark June 11, 2017, 8:25 pm |

          Hi Annie In defence of myself and the west I dont actually hate it…I just think there is far better on the east side, Its not so much the smell, though I experienced the one they never found in January 2016… ..On the east there is three decent roads north, on the west there is one, there is far more industrial on the west. I guess Id say its a bit lifeless compared to the east, You look at the big companies needing retail customers who will have spent serious money on working out their bases, IKEA, as an example, all arguably on the east,

          • Cadenza January 17, 2018, 3:43 am |

            I live in the East, and not too long ago someone turned a lovely old milk bar down the street into a minimalist cafe, lit with hanging lightbulbs, tin pot plants, exposed wires, and they serve coffee in mason jars. mason jars. That’s what I call lifeless.

            • BobinOz January 18, 2018, 4:42 pm |

              Do the blokes who run it have beards 🙂

      • Blazenka November 12, 2017, 5:12 pm |

        Hi Mark I live in West sims like you never did and as you said you don’t like it. That kind of opinion about West was 30 years ago not anymore.West is grown amazingly houses are still more afortable then East but not for to long there is few good private schools and public renting is much cheeper then East. The only problem with West at the moment is trafic because of such rapid population growth . Council is improving all this in next few years .we have 15 min to CBD 10 to Williamstown beach we have grate shopings and restourant

        • Mark November 12, 2017, 8:15 pm |

          I dont disagree on many of your points Blazenka about houses schools etc Houses are cheaper..there are schools decent ones as well. What i have been trying to say to folks is if you have the chance of East or West and your new in the country take the East as it is better, As I highlighted its 3 main highways to ease the congestion the West has plus its still high on the smell complaints list… Dont get me wrong the East has congestion.. My point being the more things that are correct for a family when moving country the better their experience and settlement in that new country will be…I also fully agree Williamstown is great, its the bits further south I start to struggle with…When you have places like Mount Martha, Brighton, Mordialloc and so on to offer on the East its hard to compare..with Point Cook say… The main problem with the east is the darn level crossings but they are going one by one…The west is undoubtedly getting better..I’m never a full believer in the press but have a read as most of this is factually based.
          http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/fears-for-melbournes-west-as-huge-growth-outpaces-infrastructure-20160724-gqcoe5.html

    • Bettina June 11, 2017, 6:17 pm |

      Hi Denise, I moved over from Auckland and staying on Newport. It’s a super family friendly neighbourhood. Very close to public transport. It’s very quiet at night though. Smell wise, I find it ok. There are a lot of pets and the cats have been doing their thing in our garden – lol! Hope that helps!

  • Maria May 30, 2017, 11:17 am |

    Hi there, can you tell me what Tarneit is like? I’ve heard some mixed things about it. Cheers.

    • Mark May 30, 2017, 7:44 pm |

      Tarneit mmmmm Mixed reviews would be appropriate..Some people like the place others, they live there I guess…Its probably not on my top 100 list in fact id rather move cities so maybe I am biased as I don’t like many of the areas on the west side…Tarneit is still missing a fair bit of infrastructure its, in the shire of Wyndham and its still growing …It makes for cheaper houses but then its fun getting into city if that’s your work area.. There is Werribee Plaza for shopping as well as other places, zoo park Werribee Park, Altona Beach and so on. You have everything there just not in abundance…

  • Henrietta Singh April 21, 2017, 10:04 pm |

    Kia ora, I’m from New Zealand. We are planning to move over by midyear or around that time. We are from central Auckland where the cost of living is sky high. We are just waiting for our house to be sold then back up and move but we are kind of worry if the areas we have chosen are safe and friendly. We came for a holiday last year to see the houses, we were looking at Point Cook, Sanctuary Lake and Caroline Spring. We fell in love with all the house we had seen, and got us a fair idea of what we want in our house when we come there. The question is are these areas good for bringing up children? we have 2 girls, one is 13 and the other one is 7 years. Our older girl plays soccer and does karate and also I was looking at Catholic schools around the area. I am an Ece teacher and my husband is an intermediate teacher. Please help us find a comfortable, friendly and safe area for living.

    • Mark April 22, 2017, 10:06 am |

      mmmmmmm What do I reply here? Well Hello is a start …OK … The houses look great in Sanctuary Lakes and Point Cook I was looking at buying one once…Have a read of some posts on Melbourne above in the drop down menu and then down below here and South Eastern suburbs ….You will see I am not a gret fan of PC and SL..they have to get better and they are doing slowly its just its still quite infrastructure missing in my humble opinion …It will come and in time will be like the east side of the bay and I know I am not helping the west’s side cause saying look elsewhere. I say that with my apologies to those in PC and SL but I am being asked my opinion here and I have to give it as I find at time of writing.
      As I say have a read and come back… they are as you ask certainly friendly and safe places but they are I feel lacking in other attributes..it also depends on what you are looking for as well as safety and friendly…You mention jobs, soccer, karate, they will exist but Id be sure there is more on the east side.. I am guessing and Ece teacher is what I term ELC Early years…

    • Bettina April 22, 2017, 2:42 pm |

      Hi Henrietta,

      I just moved over in early April from Auckland and staying at Newport – mainly because of the family friendly neighborhood and good primary school. You should check out Australian School ranking and the NAPLAN results. We have a 2 year old and a 6 year old.

      I personally didn’t like PC and other areas over there because we found it too far – my hubby works on Flinders St. Suppose it’s quite different for you guys though as one is a school teacher and you’re doing ECE.

      Since you guys live in Central Auckland, would you guys find it inconvenient living out that way? The housing is no doubt beautiful and much more affordable than Auckland.

      I haven’t looked into high schools over there. They don’t have intermediate schools here. It’s primary and straight to high school. So ensure there’s a high school available in newer suburbs.

      We put our house on the market before coming over. No one bidded at the auction so we are keeping it as a rental. Good luck with the sale of your house! 🙂

  • ? April 4, 2017, 11:07 pm |

    I love melbourne, even our crappy weather but hey all living things need water lol. Anyway ive recently moved to truganina western suburbs. I use to live in endeavour hills south east suburbs but was always going back and forth because my family brought homes out here. And its a really nice place to live, people are friendly snd some streets even have little street parties which is pretty cool.

    • BobinOz April 5, 2017, 6:31 pm |

      Street parties in the rain, sounds fun! Just kidding 🙂

      Glad to hear you love where you live, sounds like a nice place, thanks for letting us know.

  • BobinOz February 1, 2017, 11:36 pm |

    Janet & Nidz,

    Sorry I can’t help with your questions, I simply don’t know that area well enough as I live up here in Brisbane. Hopefully a local who does know though will see your comments and help you out soon.

  • Janet January 31, 2017, 12:48 am |

    Hi,
    Could you advise about Bridgefield Rockbank?
    Is it a safe n secure area for investment?

  • Nidz January 31, 2017, 12:41 am |

    Hi,
    My husband will be working on a State project in Ravenhall.
    Can you please suggest which is the best suburb to live in regards to reasonable rent, public trandsport , school and shopping centres.
    Thanks in advance

  • Yahya December 24, 2016, 8:08 pm |

    Hey guys,
    I need some help and direction as I got a new job in bayswater victoria, and I’m looking to move somewhere in between bayswater and the main CBD. What are good areas to live in that can be considered convenient and have everything I need there?

    • Brooke December 25, 2016, 9:36 am |

      Congrats! Bayswater is east of Melbourne, so you might want to check with another page (this is re: Western Melbourne). I don’t much about the east, unfortunately. I’ve been to Glen Waverley for work, which seems nice.

  • Natalie October 29, 2016, 9:29 pm |

    I am thinking of moving to maidstone Victoria.
    Can anyone tell me what morning peak hour traffic is like from 7 am to 8.30 am if i was drive from Maidstone to CBD for work ( over west gate bridge)?

    Cheers

    Nat

    • Mark October 30, 2016, 11:01 am |

      Normally I see comments on here where should I live and a reply of something like where will you be working etc etc Yours is very direct Maidstone to CBD brilliant its around 8 to at most 10km so in old money around 5 to 6 miles. Depends on where you are working Nat but the train and bus tram would likely be better. I have free parking and (my non home office) is in Docklands but if needed in CBD I abandon and grab train and whatever I can. The Westgate bridge can be tough at rush hour, very tough turning whats possibly a 25 to 30 minute journey into an hour. If you intent on driving or have a need to then set of early or look to Eastern suburbs, they can still take as long the further out you get. Hope this helps for now.

      • saad malik November 1, 2016, 3:32 pm |

        HI Mark

        at 7:30am, would’t Eastern Suburbs traffic going to CBD be as bad as Westgate bridge traffic?

        • Mark November 1, 2016, 4:22 pm |

          Its pretty what impossible to answer a specific as this depends on where in CBD you are going Eg if coming from East and working commuting right on the eastern edge its far easier than getting to the western edge of the city. What can be said for sure is that in my experience getting from the Western suburbs to CBD is tougher especially because of the bridge and heck if anything goes wrong and it does, that bridge gets slower to even standstill however temporary the standstill may be. As an example I left Chesea Friday at 7.50 and was in CBD and parked by 8.45 near Parliament house. I would be hard pressed to do that the other way. Having travelled from Point Cook earlier in year for a couple of days.what was 35 minutes on paper took an hour to hour fifteen. if you coming out your likely looking round for rental property try the dive yourself one morning. .

          • saad November 1, 2016, 8:30 pm |

            thanks for a detailed reply. I will work in Port Melbourne and am considering either Chadstone to live or Newport / Yarraville and will be driving to work.

            Which area will result in lower drive time?

            Thanks

            • Mark November 2, 2016, 9:58 am |

              Yarraville Newport all day long for lowest drive time. heck with the ferry you could walk it or cycle.

  • Ubub October 15, 2016, 6:47 pm |

    Hi guys! My husband and i are renting in footscray at the moment. We are planning to buy our first house either in woodlea or thornhill in rockbank or harpley in werribee…any thoughts about this?in terms of accessibility, traffic, safety, and its closeness to establishments,schools, etc…thanks!:)

    • Betty November 30, 2016, 12:31 pm |

      Hi Ubub,

      Sorry I won’t be able to answer your question as I’m only planning my move and doing a bit of research now. But I’m hoping if you can tell me what Footscray is really like since you’re renting there? I have friends and family telling me to stay away from West – it must have built a very poor reputation over the years. And some forums say there’s drug dealers and gun shooting from time to time. Then some say it’s not really that bad!

      I have 2 young kids and if crime rates are high, then I’ll drop the idea of Footscray.

      Your real life experience and opinions are much appreciated.

      Thanks! 🙂

      • Mark November 30, 2016, 2:56 pm |

        Hi Betty Depends on your idea of good or whats not really that bad, I haven’t lived in Footscray but I have been asked about it before and a guy who works for me lived there. He says its a good place but there are better inner city and middle suburbs. Its good for infrastructure access buses, schools and so on and close to shopping, cafes, culture and of course the CBD. he would not live there now because of the higher recorded crime rate and congested roads. Friends and family may be right .

  • Victor October 10, 2016, 4:47 pm |

    Can someone please advise me about Wereebee South.Is it a good place to live in and and invest in?

    • Mark October 30, 2016, 11:26 am |

      The jury is ‘still out for me’ on this area having read and heard about the Werribbe smell I’ve driven through a few times last summer, windows up and Im not so sure I woudl want to live there.. We are all different in life though so thats of no offence to the folks that do Id google it and decide for yourself

      • chris October 30, 2016, 9:43 pm |

        Not sure what planet you’re living on. I think you are making stuff up. The werribee smell is from years ago. The old sewerage treatment plant(and hence the traditional reason to bag werribee) has been totally changed. There is no smell, FACT only silly people quoting stuff -from over 10 yrs ago, that they have no idea about. Really – if you have something to say – get it right !!!

        • Mark October 30, 2016, 10:24 pm |

          Im sincerely sorry you feel like that Chris I was only expressing an opinion to the writer and its something I experienced myself last summer just after Christmas everyday for a few weeks whilst driving from Geelong to CBD and I have an article attached from a newspaper on Jan 11 this year Now I grant you it did not point the finger in the at the Werribee treatment plant but as it said You have to start and look there almost implying it was a obvious lets look here.. Of course it would be So I personally have to dispute your as you say FACT. You can read it here http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/epa-sniffing-out-source-of-vile-stench-blanketing-melbourne-suburbs-20160110-gm3217.html. So I am not making it up and its recent. Now it may not have been Werribee that caused the smell I do not know in fact it was never located I believe but sadly it became a likely contender. If it re appears this year or rather next year then we shall see. I do hope not. What does remain a fact is Werribee is home to a .the 10,500 hectare Western Treatment Plant which by their own words are a world leader in technical and environmental innovation It processes around half of Melbourne’s sewage. ​

        • Mark October 31, 2016, 8:43 am |

          Dear Chris and all I had not intended nor still wish to offend anyone in Werribee or anywhere for that matter so I thought I would as you suggest Chris – get it right- get the facts as best we can ascertain. This is straight from the ‘horses mouth’ or more to be precise the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria

          The EPA has started 29 odour investigations since it began monitoring the Melbourne Regional Landfill site in 2013.
          EPA complaints per suburb in 2016…. Notes approximately first half of year to end of June and list stopped at less than 225
          1. Caroline Springs, Ravenhall, Deer Park — 1989
          2. Clarinda, Clayton South — 1175
          3. West Footscray, Kingsville, Maidstone, Brooklyn — 754
          4. Springvale South, Dingley — 584
          5. Lyndhurst, Lynbrook — 505
          6. Werribee, Derimut, Point Cook — 403
          7. Hampton Park — 275
          8. Sunshine, Sunshine West, Albion — 263
          9. Altona, Seaholme — 242
          10. Carisbrook — 234
          11. Altona East, Altona North — 230

          As you can see and I agree with you a little Chris. Werribee is well down the list, however to say there is no smell well 403 people disagree, 404 if you count me. Now considering it has a treatment plant which is after all ….big…. that’s pretty good going id say Its also worthy of note when you consider many suburbs recorded 0 and negligible numbers. 403 could by some be argued as still quite high and after all its still in the top ten areas complained about for smell/s . There are so many important factors when choosing where to live and whilst this might not be at the top of anyone’s list. School, Work, Infrastructure and so on all come first however if say you where a chronic asthma sufferer these figures would likely be of more relevance to you.

  • Giles August 26, 2016, 5:04 am |

    Hey Bob! Hey People of Melbourne! This site has been invaluable, not just for the incredible information , but also for the candor in which it is presented. my wife and I were filled with fear with the prospect of moving from Toronto Canada to a suburb of Melbourne but in reading through the site we are a lot more confident we can do it and make a wonderful life for our newborn Son.

    Question, is there a scheme for first time home buyers? Do you need PR status to buy? We plan on renting and exploring the different suburbs for a few months before deciding where, but struggling to find info on this.
    Thanks all.
    Hopefully see you soon.

    • BobinOz August 26, 2016, 5:01 pm |

      Hi Giles

      Great to hear my website has been useful to you as you plan your new life in Australia.

      To your question, each state and territory at different times has offered house buying incentives and they can start or stop at any time. It’s hard to keep up with them all, but it is worth looking into the current situation on the state you intend to go to, in your case Victoria.

      My guess is that you would need to contact the department for infrastructure or housing. As for who can buy, certainly those with PR and obviously Australian citizens can, but I’m not sure exactly what the situation is for temporary visa holders. I do know though that the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) are the people to speak to about that. Google knows where they are 🙂

      Good luck, Bob

    • Mark October 30, 2016, 11:19 am |

      Hi Glies You can but without PR but its a bit more risk. Eg you have to sell and dont live here! . There is an extra stamp duty cost but I would personally say thats outweighed by the gain on your investment if you where to sell in say 20 months. . We only got here in December from UK (Im originally from SCali) a week before Christmas, agreed a house new years eve and have since bought a second. I have had to buy a company purchased house as well The market is still climbing in certain areas (most established areas) May I ask as I know Toronto reasonably well where are you from and are you looking for the same or what are your requirements. I imagine with family the area south from Frankston to Safety Beach will appeal to you with easy M11 access to the CBD or trains from Franston Where might you think you will work? as all are relevant to where to buy. If you buy under 750k with PR you get a rebate on stamp duty ((as ever I was out of the net) Hope this helps for now

    • Mark October 30, 2016, 11:22 am |

      PS sorry forgot to say there is no more of a scheme for first time than a discount but without a visa offering PR I am not sure that applies and in fact you may attract a surcharge of course a mortgage without a PR will also be harder

  • Slave Tomov August 22, 2016, 5:51 pm |

    I would like to invest in property in Featherbrook in a new developments. How prosperous the area is on a long term?

    • Mark October 30, 2016, 11:07 am |

      Thats a pretty tough question to answer as its somewhat predicting the future which as we all know is impossible. Melbourne is still growing and at a rate and is expected to have more population that Sydney in years to come but as for what areas will do well ??? Meanwhile has anyone the lottery numbers for next Saturday 🙂

      • BobinOz October 30, 2016, 7:31 pm |

        7, 13, 22, 40, 41 & 47.

        You’re welcome 🙂

  • BobinOz July 14, 2016, 10:58 pm |

    I’ve noticed a few people have left questions here without response so far, that’s probably because this page gets much less traffic than my main page about Melbourne.

    I wish I could help you personally, but I just don’t know these areas well enough. So, may I suggest that look at that Melbourne page, and in particular the comments as there is a lot of chatter about the various suburbs to live in.

    If you still have questions, feel free to ask them on that page, you would have a much greater chance of getting a reply. Good luck, Bob

    • Subra July 15, 2016, 12:12 am |

      Thanks Bob.

  • Subra July 14, 2016, 4:42 pm |

    Hi,
    My wife and I currently live in Sydney and are close to retirement. We migrated to Oz 8 years ago. We would like to move to Melbourne, close to Point Cook (near Point Cook Shopping Centre), where my daughter and granddaughter live. We would like to have our own place but at the same time close to my grand daughter. Our budget is below 400k, a stand alone single storey 3 bedroom house. There are house and land packages with turnkey homes fitting our budget in that area but not sure how reliable they are. I have had mixed reviews regarding Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, Truganina, Tarneit relating to crime rates, drug abuse, break-ins, home invasion , that’s worrying. I googled real estate homes in Tarneit , and found the cheaper homes have boundary to boundary houses, no side access paths, the lawns are poorly kept. Can someone suggest which would be good suburbs, streets to consider especially for a retiring couple.
    Thanks in advance.
    Subra

    • Brooke July 14, 2016, 11:34 pm |

      Hi Subra,

      There are some town homes in Sanctuary Lakes which are lovely, if you’d be willing to give up the idea of a detached home (I think Sanctuary Lakes would be great for retirees). There is also a retirement village in Point Cook on Point Cook Road and Sneydes Rd that may be worth looking into. Here’s a link to it: http://www.pointcookvillage.com.au It is a gated community and looks to be pretty nice!

      • Subra July 15, 2016, 12:11 am |

        Hi Brooke,
        Thanks for the feedback. More keen for a single storey house. Dont fancy climbing stairs, esp with problem knees. Will definitely look at villas.

  • Kourtney July 5, 2016, 9:48 am |

    Hi, we have plans to move somewhere in west Melbourne. We are from Adelaide. Is it easier to get a whole flat 3 bedroom 2 baths there? Because we need it before august ends. My husband will be there first to scout a house for us. What are the things they usually need? And i also need to consider near school for my daughter who’s in Grade 10 now, preferably Christian School. And one more thing, since I am not familiar in west. Is there any nearest beaches, malls and entertainment parks for kids? And how long to go to CBD from west?
    Thanks so much & I truly appreciate your response.

    • Brooke July 15, 2016, 12:04 am |

      Hi Kourtney,

      If you are looking for flats, I’m guessing you are more into urban living, so I’d recommend the inner West, like Yarraville, Seddon, Spotswood, Williamstown, or even parts of Footscray (or go a bit inner north west like Keilor). Not sure about Christian Secondary schools, but you can find schools in the following ways:

      Government schools: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/findaservice/home.aspx
      Catholic schools: http://www.cecv.catholic.edu.au/School-Directory-Search
      Independent schools: https://www.is.vic.edu.au/who-we-are/school-locator/

      Re: beaches, I personally like the beach at Altona, but there are beaches in Williamstown that are really nice, too.

      Travel time to the CBC via train varies depending on how far out you are, here are some guides (these aren’t exact, but close enough).

      Footscray station to CBD (Flinders) – 15 minutes
      Yarraville/Seddon to CBD (Flinders) – 20 minutes
      Newport to CBD (Flinders) – 25 minutes
      Laverton to CBD (Flinders) – 30 minutes
      Williams Landing to CBD (Flinders) – 35 minutes
      Hoppers Crossing to CBD – 40 minutes
      Werribee to CBD – 45 minutes

      Williamstown is a bit on the exxy side, but is gorgeous. Not sure of the travel time as it has its own line that joins up with the Werribee line at Newport. I think it is probably 30-35 minutes.

      Lots of malls and parks all over, really.

      • Kourtney July 15, 2016, 8:22 am |

        Brooke, thanks much! I will check on this. You are such a big help.
        Last question, it is easier to get a whole flat there to rent in melb? Because I just have a little time to fix everything since my husband needs to start on 2nd week of august.

        • Brooke July 15, 2016, 8:42 am |

          Hi Kourtney – not sure what you mean by “a whole flat” – am guessing you mean rent a flat by yourself vs. renting a room from someone?

          Using Domain.com, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding rental properties (whole flats, houses, town homes, whatever). You’d need to get on the hunt quickly to get something by mid August. Generally you are here in the area to go to opens, etc. But I guess if you see a property you want to apply to rent, you can just contact the realtor.

  • Leonie Quill June 26, 2016, 1:20 pm |

    Hi there I’m thinking of moving to Wyndham Harbour in Werribee South is it a good area? Also I may need to find flat mates does anyone know if there are many renters who want to live there? Finally are there any other alternatives in Melbourne offering similar living next to the water?

  • Nidhi June 14, 2016, 6:03 pm |

    Hi all I live in Sydney. I am looking to invest in Melbourne. I visited Melbourne a few times and short listed Wyndham area ( tarneit..truganina..wyndhamvale etc) few good projects & lots of infrastructure coming. I also loved Melton area. Rock bank / woodlea estate . A bit far from cbd but good rental I guess & close to m8. My budget is around 500K. Land & build. Can some throw some light on pros n cons for these areas?

    • Newfast June 27, 2016, 6:36 am |

      Hi Nidhi,

      I live in sydney too and ay by day sydney is becomming unaffordable as various factors driving the price up. I have done my reasearch and visited Melbourne and finally put the deposit down for a great property in Wyndham vale.

      I don’t know much about Melton byt I do believe in comming years Melton might be popular.

      With your budget you can get something nice in sydney too.

      Tarneit is nice , it is getting the population and popularity both where in Wyndham vale the train station is already there, new school is there and infrastructure is happening too and rent is not bad.

      With your budget you may can secure 2 small properties roughly rent 300$pw.

      Or buy one with good land size.

      If you like renovation you should also check hoppers crossing as you can get good size land with small property around 300K then you can renovate or made it into 2 with the permission of council.

      Overall I like wyndham vale, but make sure you do your research as wyndham vale laso has 2 sides that will impact on rent too.

      Note:-all the information I Have put is my opinion and my experiencw , please don’t use it as an advise.

  • Caroline June 14, 2016, 1:22 pm |

    Hi
    We are a family of 4..kids ages 8 and 4. We plan on relocating to Melbourne early next year from India and are Looking at point cook as an option to first rent for a year or so and then buy. Would love to hear your thoughts on point cook as a suburb. Is it family friendly? Good schools? Supermarket near by…parks..etc. What is the travel time to the CBD?
    Any other suggestions on a good suburb?
    Will appreciate your help.
    Thanks!

    • Brooke June 14, 2016, 4:46 pm |

      Hi Caroline,

      I live in Point Cook, so can tell you a bit about it. It is definitely family friendly, and had good schools (I can recommend Alamanda P-9, excellent school… I also had my daughter in Carranballac Jameson Way for a year, but was not happy with it – some people love it, though). I can tell you that in Vicoria, schools are somewhat autonomous, in that they are allowed to decide how to spend their funding, how to run their Administration, etc. They do all have to comply with certain regulations that are set by either the State or Federal, but they still have a lot of leeway to run really differently (and for Carranballac, I didn’t like how the Administration ran the school – personal preference).

      Good options for daycare and Kinder, as well, although you will find some waiting lists (best to get your 4 year-old on a wait list as soon as you know a date for when you’ll be moving, if you want them to be in Kinder or daycare (or both)).

      Lots of parks, supermarkets, shopping, etc.

      Travel time from Williams Landing train station to Flinders St during peak hours is about 30 minutes. I work near the Parliament area, so have to change trains at either North Melbourne or Southern Cross, so my commute is about 45 minutes (not including my drive to the station).

      Point Cook is a wonderfully diverse suburb, with a growing population of immigrants from India. I’m from the US, and love the diversity (I think it’s great for our kids to grow up amongst so many different cultures).

      Hope that helps!

      • Caroline June 14, 2016, 5:53 pm |

        Hi Brooke!

        Thanks for your detailed response! I feel so much better now I know we are looking in the right places!
        We were thinking more on the lines of a Catholic school…Lumen Christi or Stella Maris I suppose will be near by.
        Also, when you talk about taking the train into work, can one drive to the Williams landing station? is parking available for the day and at a decent price? (or free)
        We are looking at a culturally diverse suburb, definitely. One of the reasons we are making this move is for the kids to have better opportunities and more exposure and whats better than being part of a culturally diverse set of kids growing up!
        My 4 yr old will be almost 5 by the time we arrive, so i suppose she will be just in time for prep in school, so don’t have to worry about kindy. As far as day care is concerned, will take that as it comes, need to find a good job first that justifies putting the kids in daycare..money wise, you know? I am a voice over artist for television and radio, but unsure of the scope in that field for me, considering my accent isn’t typically Australian! Oh well, we will just have to hope for the best!

        Thanks once again

        • Brooke June 14, 2016, 6:35 pm |

          Hi Caroline,

          I’ve heard good things about Lumen Christi and Stella Maris – I’ve been to the Stella Maris campus for basketball practice once (a local club uses their gym), and can say it was a nice gym! 🙂 But don’t have any other info on either school.

          There is a free car park at the Williams Landing station, but will tell you that if you don’t get there by 7:30, you won’t get a spot. They’ve temporarily opened a paid car park ($2 per day flat rate) in a field across from the station (VERY close and convenient), but it will only be there until the land owner begins to build (plans for more commercial or retail space, I believe). If you arrive past 7:30, best bet is to drive down to Laverton, you can generally get a space up until 8:30 or beyond (on the RAAF side of the tracks).

          I have a 4yo myself, he will be starting Prep in 2017. Most schools have before and after school care available (Alamanda and I believe Stella Maris both have it through Camp Australia).

          Quick word on estates – the Alamanda, Saltwater Coast, and Sanctuary Lakes estates have swimming pools, I think they are the only estates that offer pools. The Saltwater Reserve sports complex is really good, lots of soccer/footy fields, and tennis courts. There are also tennis courts at the community centre on Jameson Way. The Point Cook Library is located in the community centre at Point Cook Town Centre, and it offers a “Blue Light Disco” for primary school aged kids once per month that my daughter has really enjoyed.

          Your field of work sounds really cool! I am an IT Business Analyst, and had a really hard time finding work when we landed, even with 17 years experience in the field. It took me a year to find something in my field. I had a chat with the consultant from the agency who placed me, and she said that it is very common for agencies to back-burner applications/CVs from candidates that don’t have any Australian experience or referees (as it takes more effort for them to check references). So some advice would be… Once you find an agency who specialises in your niche, rock up to their door (don’t just send in your application/CV).

          Best of luck to you in your move!

          • Caroline June 14, 2016, 6:56 pm |

            That’s such great information Brooke!
            Also good to hear there’s basketball in point cook, our son, 8 yo loves the sport.
            Super info with regards to the parking situation. Will bear all you said in mind!

            Point cook is looking to be just the place we imagine ourselves living in. Will be on holiday in Melbourne sometime end this year.Will have a looksie then.

            Brooke you have been incredibly helpful. thanks once again!

  • Newfast April 24, 2016, 2:24 pm |

    Hi, i am from Sydney and looking to invest in Melbourne. After my reasearch i have narrow down to Hoppers crossing, Wyndham Vale, Tarneit and Craigieburn.

    I would like to buy a house not unit or townhouse. Preferably something 3 or 4 bedroom close to public transport and schools, because i will be putting it on rent and these things are important. Good land size.

    I have heard how Craigieburn is much better than Wyndham Vale corridor in terms of crime, transportation and development and new infrastructure.

    Please give your opinions and share your local knowledge. Budget is around 300K-380K, but must be easy to get good tenants as it is for long term investment.

    • Brooke April 24, 2016, 3:19 pm |

      I’d recommend investing in Tarneit. Wyndham is the fastest growing council area in all of Australia, and Tarneit is the fastest growing in Wyndham. It, along with Manor Lakes estate in Wyndham Vale, has a new V/Line station that makes it VERY attractive to renters and buyers alike. There are plans in place for several new schools, as well. At the moment, you can still get a decent sized lot and house in Tarneit for $350-400k. By decent sized, I mean 450+ sq. meters. I myself live in Point Cook, which is across the M1 from Tarneit, and is more established (although also still growing), but the house prices are higher.

      • Newfast April 24, 2016, 7:51 pm |

        Hi Brooke,

        Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

        I saw more properties with great land size in Hoppers Crossing. Tarneit has young properties too.

        I will search more, i saw in this area properties stays on market longer than Craigieburn and has less rent!? But North is also growing faster….

        Much appreciated your response.

        • Brooke April 24, 2016, 8:27 pm |

          Hoppers Crossing doesn’t have the best reputation, and is older (which is why you see some bigger lot sizes). Same with Werribee and parts of Wyndam Vale (although the Manor Lakes estate, where the new V/Line station is located, is really new and is very popular). Re: Tarneit rental prices – I can tell you that the rent here in Point Cook has risen significantly in the last 4 years since we moved here, and I expect Tarneit will be the same. I reckon now is the right time to buy in Tarneit, will get a good return in about 5-10 years.

          The West does have some transit woes right now that aren’t likely to be resolved in the next 10 years or so. Hasn’t stopped people moving out this way so far, though.

          Best of luck to you!

    • pin April 24, 2016, 7:05 pm |

      hi..

      i m from sydney too .. and i have bought and townhouse / house in craigieburn. is not bad,
      and u can consider epping (vic)and around there .

      i dont live there yet .. but rent is ok around 380 to 400. i got a good tenant too.

      i m think buy one more in future..

      • Newfast April 24, 2016, 7:46 pm |

        Hi Pin,

        Glad to hear Sydney suders are already in market.

        Epping is bit pricey but thanks for sgaring Craigieburn info.

        How long ago did you purchase if you don’t mind me asking?

        Any other things to consider? Your suggestions are most welcome.

        • pin April 27, 2016, 3:45 pm |

          Hi.. Newfast

          i bought in july last year for 420000 but i think u can get it for more less . ( 3 bed plus study , double storey , near local shopping center , brand new ,double garage , land size 519 .)

          i personally not yet living in melbourne myself .. so cant really give u lots suggestion about melbourne .At first i also started my research from west Melbourne ( all the suburb u looking at now .. ) and i slowly move my reseach to north west and north melboure so that how i end up buying in craigieburn . but i think melbourne property is still can affordable at this point why not invest there ..

          i think wherever u invest in Melbourne or anywhere u have to do lots research because everywhere got there good and bad . talk to the local agent there ., ring them up . go there to see the environment yourself . ( last time i also do lots of research talk to the local agent and so on… and it took me 8 month )

          • Newfast April 27, 2016, 6:25 pm |

            Much appreciated your reoly Pin.

            Once i get it will inform you, may use the same agent to manage the property and who knows we may can get further discount.

            Hope to connect mail2newfast@gmail.com

            • pin April 28, 2016, 12:26 pm |

              sure .. my agent is in craigieburn . commission is 6% weekly . u can quote around first but i think is about the same .

              my contact : careforurpet@gmail.com

  • Ihonre Ikponmwosa AKA IK January 26, 2016, 7:28 pm |

    Hello everyone,I am a cardiac technologist searching for a job in Australia need your assistance.Thanks.

  • Amanda January 16, 2016, 11:06 am |

    I HATE LIVING IN BRAYBROOK. ITS SO DISGUSTING AND FILLED WITH RATS AND WE ARE SWARMED WITH LOTS OF ASIANS. THE EDUCATION THEIR IS SO BAD – MY KIDS ARE FAILING SCHOOL BECAUSE OF STUPID PRIMARY SCHOOLS. THEIR AREN’T ANY GOOD SHOPPING CENTERS IN BRAYBROOK AND IT TAKES SUCH A LONG TIME TO GET TO THE NEAREST TRAIN STATION. I HATE IT HERE I REALLY DO >:(

    • Hailey March 15, 2016, 2:12 pm |

      Swarmed by Asians, really?

      Bob, Can I please request you to take off these disgusting racist comments from your otherwise wonderful website?

      • BobinOz March 15, 2016, 4:50 pm |

        Anybody who has read my comment policy will know that I hate racist remarks and whenever they rear their ugly head on this website, I am very quick to delete them.

        I looked long and hard at Amanda’s comment, it was very much borderline, but in the end I decided it didn’t quite cross the line. I think we can all decide for ourselves about Amanda’s comment which says more about her that it does about the people living in Braybrook.

        • Patrick July 4, 2016, 9:07 am |

          Rats and mice live everywhere in Melbourne, including in the city and Docklands where I work (traps are everywhere in the ANZ Bank head office). They also live where I live in the suburb where I live in Bentleigh East. My cat caught around 10 of them in 1 year alone. Bentleigh East has a pretty good reputation for many things but there doesn’t seem to be a way to get rid of them from any suburb.

  • Kel December 17, 2015, 11:09 pm |

    I live in Melbourne’s western suburbs and they really do suck!! The people here hate immigrants BTW so perhaps find a different place to move to. There is nothing to do, the youth are bored and start causing a lot of trouble. Better off to move to the east or stay in Sydney as it probably costs the same as living in the east.

  • Krystle Ramsey October 14, 2015, 9:07 am |

    Me and couple people might be comming from the states. Does n e one know where they are currently shooting series 4 of Wentworth

  • Shash September 21, 2015, 3:17 pm |

    Hi,

    May I please know how is President park area, Belle Meade estate?

    I have bought a house in Rous street, close to president park and is located in the Belle Meade estate Wyndham Vale.
    Please let me know if it is a good neighborhood area?

    Many Thanks

  • pin September 5, 2015, 2:43 pm |

    Hi..Munzir..

    I live in Sydney myself .. I know Sydney is just toooo.. expensive ..specially in housing ..
    I just bought a 4 bed house in Melbourne ( under 450 k ) as it still cheap now .. compare here ..( for invest )
    Craigieburn ( is in north side of Melbourne 15 min to airport ..26 km to mel cbd )

    I went down last 2 days ago just to have a look the plc
    is quite nice area .. to live ..good shopping and a train staition too .. so look to me is fine .

    but school ..mmm.. I m not really sure ..there have a good school or not ..but there is a local school ..

    I guess u have to do some reseach about which is a good school ..

    hope is info help u a bit ..

  • Munzir Ahmad September 4, 2015, 10:06 pm |

    Hi
    I am new immigrant here and currently living in Sydney. I feel that Melbourne is cheaper then Sydney. Please advise a good place to live in respect of schools.
    Regards
    Munzir Ahmad

    • BobinOz September 5, 2015, 8:27 am |

      I’ll leave this question to the locals, but do also check out the comments already made here and on my main page about Melbourne. Lots of good information.

    • David December 5, 2015, 7:13 pm |

      Assuming you can afford to live in the areas they would be Glen Waverly and North Balwyn. Werribee high schools seems to be a good school and Werribee is affordable to live in.

    • Asif December 16, 2015, 6:36 pm |

      Dandenong is the best

  • Harman August 27, 2015, 7:07 pm |

    I’m looking buy home 300k to 400k in melbourne outer suberbs like north or west which is best especially for easy find jobs my wife is nurse me witout skill thanks advance for help

    • BobinOz August 28, 2015, 7:56 am |

      I’m not sure you’d get one for that, but I’ll leave to the locals, hopefully someone will help you with this.

      Anybody?

  • Schev August 14, 2015, 10:26 am |

    Hi there,

    I am looking for an area not too far to get to the city by public transport, baby friendly, close to childcare facilities, shopping mall. Any suggestion? Thanks

  • katy May 13, 2015, 7:14 am |

    following 🙂

  • Morris May 13, 2015, 3:51 am |

    Steve, which are those nice places in the west where crime is low and property value is good? I have a wife and a 3 yr old and I’m looking for most importantly a safe place.

    • Ryan June 4, 2015, 9:23 pm |

      Hey Morris,

      I would suggest moving to Seddon. I’m living here now and it has everything you just mentioned. You’ll probably read that Footscray is filled with crime. It’s certainly not as bad as it used to be, and it heavily patrolled by police. All inner west train stations now have police patrols of a night, which makes it safe. Seddon is perfectly positioned to be close to the city, and for that reason the house prices are rising. South of Seddon are also great suburbs like Yaraville, Newport, Spotswood and Williamstown. If you can afford it, then go for any one of those!

      • Morris June 5, 2015, 4:52 am |

        Thanks Ryan for your comment, I will definitely be looking for units in Seddon. Also read some good reviews about Caroline Springs.

        • Mu September 9, 2015, 12:21 am |

          Hi, would anyone recommend any good public secondary and primary schools in the western suburbs? I am looking to move to a good school catchment area in the west cause I can’t afford to live the eastern suburbs. Thanks!

  • numpty May 1, 2015, 10:03 am |

    Hiya

    My sister has moved to victoria but wants to move to a nice area not too far from brunswick but not city orientated. Keilor lodge looks very nice, but neither of us have been, can anyone say about this area if its nice or a drug den etc or if there is anywhere mountain like thats within a radius of brunswick??

    thanks

  • steve April 27, 2015, 8:21 am |

    Hi I have lived on both sides of Melbourne

    Both have good and Bad and it all depends on what you like. If you a city mouse then East is best as it is crowded busy and very much like living in London area (Lived there to) great thing about the East is that in a 1hr drive you can be in the mountains or visit some great vine yards of the yarra valley bad part are the traffic and expensive housing with not much value in land size.
    West is more what you would expect it the west lot more open area cheaper housing (so crime will be an issue not that there is int crime on the east but it just does-int make the news as often) but there are nice places on the west like the East were crime and good value property can be found. for investment wise I think west will be a good long term hit as property in the East is going for more high rise accommodation to suit small family with no or very little back yards. So west will always be cheaper with greater value for money for mums and dads that want a bit more space for there kids to play in the back yard and have room for a boat.
    East will suit the more single child generation with very little time on there hand for gardening and more time for catching with friends for coffee in some of the great little cafes on the East side.

    • pin April 27, 2015, 10:13 am |

      hi.. steve

      thanks for giving me your comment and your opinion ..

      I will still continue do my reseach and hopefully will found the right home soon.

      u have a great day

  • pin April 25, 2015, 5:46 pm |

    Hi Brooke ..

    thank again for ur comment and ur helpful tip ..

    i will still continue looking and do some reseach and … will try to get a change to visit western Melbourne ..

  • pin April 23, 2015, 2:48 pm |

    Hi.. Brooke..

    thanks for ur comment ..

    I m still looking around the area there … Truganina.. Tarneit .. point cook ,.. Williams landing .. I know there got nice big houses there .

    but how safe is the area …?

    • Brooke April 23, 2015, 3:42 pm |

      Hi pin,

      I wouldn’t recommend Werribee or Hoppers Crossing or Wyndham Vale, personally, because my impression is that crime is an issue there. Same goes for a lot of the North West and Inner West ‘burbs (Sunshine, Footscray, etc.).

      I don’t think the crime here is any worse than any other suburb of Melbourne. I travel quite a bit for work, so am familiar with Northern and Eastern suburbs as well, and as far as ‘burbs go that are within a 45 minute train ride to the CBD, I think Point Cook is great.

      I guess it all depends on what kind of environment you like. Some good friends of ours here used to live in London, and their impression of Point Cook and surrounding areas is that its very suburban, relaxed, safe, etc. I come from a small town in North Carolina, so my impression is quite different (I think its busy and not as safe as where i came from). But its all perspective!

      Point Cook is family friendly, but there are also 4 hotels if you like pubs/bars.
      One down side (imo) is that Point Cook does not have its own police station. I think this will probably change in the next few years, though.

  • pin April 2, 2015, 7:06 pm |

    hi Bob.

    … I would like some advice about which westen surbub of Melbourne that is good to live in .. ..good transport , community , shopping centre ..and so on

    now I living Sydney ….

    and I m looking to buy a house ( 3 to 4 bedroom ) in melbourne . for invest and properly will move to Melbourne in future ..

    my burget is around 350 to 400k..

    thanks

    • BobinOz April 2, 2015, 9:37 pm |

      Well I would have to leave that to the locals of Melbourne to give you an answer, I just don’t know the place well enough to advise.

      If you don’t get an answer here within the next few days, maybe you should try asking the same question on my main page about Melbourne, far more people are engaged in that conversation than they are here.

      • pin April 3, 2015, 2:56 am |

        ok…

        thanks Bob..

    • Brooke April 23, 2015, 11:41 am |

      I live in Point Cook, which is really nice (lots of shopping, pretty area, good schools, close to the train – Williams Landing station, good bus service, etc.). House prices are from upper 300’s for a 3bdr (most houses for sale are for 400+ though). If house prices are a key factor, you could also look at Tarneit which is nearby, or even Williams Landing. Any further in toward the city and the prices go up.

    • Rezaul April 29, 2015, 6:45 pm |

      Hi Pin,

      I suggest that you look around Manor Lakes (ML) of Wyndhm Vale. ML is a newly
      built suburb in Wyndham Vale. The new Train Station is coming up in June 2015.
      So, it’s the perfect time to invest.

      Last February, I visited ML with my wife and daughter and instantly fell in love. You can say love at first sight. I purchased a house in ML last February and just rented out. The value of my propert is $360 K +Stamp Duty and others. Altogether, around $400K. And I am getting rental $336/week.

      Hope that it will be helpful for you. There are others similar type suburb also around.

      Regards,

      Rezaul

      • pin April 30, 2015, 3:48 pm |

        Hi .. Rezaul

        thanks for ur information .. it help

        but just wondering it that took u long time to find a tenant ?
        and what is the % agent u pay for management fee every week ..?

        thanks

        pin

  • Sara December 17, 2014, 9:10 pm |

    Hey Bob, I was wondering if you lived in Melborne, because you missed out on quite a few suburbs in Brimbank. And before you say that the ones you missed are small, I’ll list some of them for you: Keilor Downs, Albion, Albanvale, Brooklyn 3012 (Shared with City of Hobsons Bay), Kealba, Keilor Lodge, Keilor North, Sydenham Park, Keilor Park, Sunshine North, and Sunshine West. Granted some of these suburbs are small and unknowingly, but others are relatively significant.

    I really don’t mean bad, I just wanted to inform you in case you want to move to this area.
    Unlike some people think, not all the western suburbs are essentially bad. In fact, some of the Western suburns are just as good as any other in Melbourne.

    And what we (as Melbourne) lack in steady weather patterns we make up for in world class facilities and winning the title of the world’ s most liveable city, four years in a row.

    • BobinOz December 18, 2014, 1:17 am |

      No, I live in Brisbane, I got these suburb lists through research, obviously I didn’t do a thorough job 🙂

      You are also more than welcome to correct me, my website is all about sharing information and helping each other, so I am pleased you have pointed out all the suburbs that I’ve missed. I certainly don’t think that you mean bad.

      And yes, Melbourne does do very well each year in that most livable city list, I’ve written about it many times on this website, four years on the trot is a magnificent achievement. Especially considering the weather 🙂 Joking!

      By the way, I had a fantastic time in St Kilda last time I was down your way.

      Cheers, Bob

    • Timothy Cole January 12, 2015, 1:01 pm |

      I live in a tiny little suburb called Kingsville, right next door to Yarraville, and I love it here. It’s close to the city by car or train, and there’s a few nice cafes and restaurants nearby. The people here say hello as you walk down the street – very friendly. The west has a lot going for it, that’s for sure.

      • BobinOz January 12, 2015, 6:30 pm |

        Sounds nice, but very close to the city, so I assume it’s on the more expensive side? I see is also close to Williamstown, I went there last time I was in Melbourne, that’s a cool looking suburb as well.

  • Vladimir March 27, 2014, 8:03 am |

    Hey BobinOz, I am excited in thinking of emigrating to this country in a year or so! Which city is ideal for a newcomer? Where is the Foreign Service post at?

  • Sarah March 21, 2014, 8:08 am |

    Melbourne is crap like its weather

    • BobinOz March 21, 2014, 11:37 pm |

      Sarah, either say something constructive and useful or don’t bother saying anything at all.

      You’re not friends with Dylan, are you? If not, you should be, you could go out and just say “this is crap” to each other all night long. You’d have a great time!

      • Elena June 16, 2016, 2:59 pm |

        Hey BobinOz, I rarely comment on public domains, but I just couldn’t keep it silent. I like your sense of humor! You made me laugh 🙂

        • BobinOz June 17, 2016, 6:37 pm |

          Thank you Elena, I really appreciate that. I do try to see the funny side of things wherever I can. I’m glad I made you laugh, it makes my day.

  • Dylan November 23, 2013, 12:10 pm |

    Western Suburbs are crap :9 dont move there!!!

    • Candy February 25, 2014, 2:28 pm |

      How narrow minded of you.

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