Best places to live in Melbourne & primary schools

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Best places to live in Melbourne & primary schools; Where to live and Primary Schools
Topic Started: 29 Oct 2007, 08:25 PM (7,036 Views)
Kaziah	29 Oct 2007, 08:25 PM Post #1
Newbie Posts: 4 Group: Members Member #1,766 Joined: 28 October 2007	Hi, my husband has recently been offered a promotion in Melbourne, which will mean that we would have to move there by next March. All happening too quickly! He will be working in the Brighton area, and he doesn't mind a 30-45 minute commute. I am wondering where the best places to live. We would like a house with a decent size garden, near good primary schools, shops and transport. Would prefer an area with more families, parks and activities. Are there any areas I should avoid? St Kilda, Richmond and Albert Park appeals. A friend has advised that Brighton is fantastic but the rents are very high there and we would have to get a smaller place as a result. My dd is in Year 1 at school here, and I'm keen to move to a suburb with good state schools, which is a short commute from Brighton. DH will be going in February as that is when his contract starts, and I will join him by the Easter, with DD and DS(who will be 14 months by then). Should we stay in a hotel until we find somewhere, or DH could choose the area and schools when he goes before me? Due to the different terms dates, would it be better for DD to start at the beginning of the next term, or does it not matter? Would consider a private school if costs are lower than UK and if she was not able to get into a decent school. How much are they on average? Hope some of my questions can be answered! Thanks :)



bigAPE	30 Oct 2007, 04:59 AM Post #2
Administrator Posts: 4,286 Group: Admin Member #1,299 Joined: 6 April 2007 Migration Status Citizen My Location Hampton, Victoria	Quote: He will be working in the Brighton area, and he doesn't mind a 30-45 minute commute. I am wondering where the best places to live. We would like a house with a decent size garden, near good primary schools, shops and transport. Would prefer an area with more families, parks and activities. Are there any areas I should avoid? St Kilda, Richmond and Albert Park appeals. A friend has advised that Brighton is fantastic but the rents are very high there and we would have to get a smaller place as a result. Any of the coastal suburbs in Bayside seem to suit your criteria. We are in Hampton, which is minutes from Brighton, the Beach and 20 minutes from the CBD by car or train. Excellent Primary schools (our two boys are in Hampton Primary) in the area, loads of parks and a great social life (sometimes too much to handle). Expect to pay $550-$650/pw for a 3-4 bedroom house in the Bayside area. Brighton itself is very popular, it's large and split into several sub-suburbs, but rental can be expensive. St Kilda is nice, but quite grungy. Richmond is again nice but more urban and "city". Albert Park is very nice but seems a little to close to the city and full of serviced apartment blocks. Just personal opinion. Quote: Should we stay in a hotel until we find somewhere, or DH could choose the area and schools when he goes before me? Are they not offering him accommodation while your in the UK ? I would personally look at a hotel in the CBD for the first 2-3 days to get grounded, lose the Jet lag and sort out banks, Tax office, etc. Then a short term apartment rental (1-2 months) until you have had a chance to view suburbs and their schools. Don't decide until you get here as I can speak from personal experience (and that of many others) that whatever you think it will be like, whatever your expectations are, it will no doubt be nothing like it. Better to see for yourself. Locking yourself into an area your not happy with can be the root of serious problems post-emigration. Al



Caroline G	30 Oct 2007, 07:20 AM Post #3
Addicted Member Posts: 485 Group: Members Member #397 Joined: 26 September 2005	Hi, I would recommend South Frankston and Mt.Eliza. Brighton would be approx a 50min commute but it will be worth it IMO as the blocks are big and the area has lots of trees and space. I have met many people that lived in or close to the city and then decided to move down after having children. There are lots of families and family activities in the area, parks, beaches, events etc. etc. The railway line ends at Frankston Station and it takes just over an hour to travel to the city by train. In respect of schools I would suggest you look at Mt. Eliza North Primary School Many people are attracted to the area as the state primary schools are good so there is no need to go private. If you do want to go private there's the Peninsula Private School I don't think it matters when your dd starts school as I'm sure the school will make sure she is looked after and gets allocated a buddy. There is an advertising section on Britvics where you might find some suitable accommodation. Best of luck Caroline



jakestar	30 Oct 2007, 08:33 AM Post #4
Addicted Member Posts: 197 Group: Members Member #736 Joined: 23 May 2006	Hi Kaziah, Welcome to Britvics. Twas me who steered you to this site.... Hope to see you on one of our City nights out when you arrive in March!! Jo



Kaziah	30 Oct 2007, 08:08 PM Post #5
Newbie Posts: 4 Group: Members Member #1,766 Joined: 28 October 2007	Thanks for the comments. I have just read on a website about most properties being unfurnished. Didn't realise. I think DH wants only a short commute to work, less than 45 mins. BigApe, how long did you rent for before finding somewhere? My husband will probably be there from early Feb, or maybe a bit earlier. I don't know whether to rent cheap apartment (would need 3 bedrooms, or 2 bedrooms and a sofa bed), before we all arrive and then choose a place. My husband wants to rent short term in a place near the CBD, once he is there as he will be paying for hotel costs, and therefore staying in one or a serviced apartment for more than 3-5 weeks will be too expensive. I would really like to go there and look around at areas before choosing where to live, as I don't want to move many times. What have others done? Or should I get him to look around whilst there and then choose? I really like Mount Eliza, although it is far from the CBD, and Sandringham. The more affordable parts of Brighton appeals, and being by the sea, but will it be very busy in peak season? Also like and have read positive comments about Hawthorn, Camberwell, Balwyn and Williamstown. Any ideas on what these areas are like? Jo, will definately be great to go to one of your meet ups once I have arrived. Thanks for this website link. It really has been so helful and informative. Kaz



OzTennis	30 Oct 2007, 08:25 PM Post #6
Legend Posts: 2,569 Group: Members Member #81 Joined: 20 September 2004	As said, there's no substitute for checking for yourself when you are out there - one man's cuppa is another man's poison. Certainly all the areas you mention are worth checking out - Sandringham, Hawthorn, Balwyn, Camberwell and Williamstown (the latter much cheaper than the others in comparison but offers water which only Sandy does). You'll appreciate they are some of Melbourne's more expensive suburbs but the combination of wanting a nice area to live in, decent schools and a relatively short commute doesn't come cheap. The Peninsula has been suggested and you'll certainly get better property for the same amount and more green but you don't get the short commute and proximity to CBD. You either can afford those closer in suburbs or it might mean further out (or a not so good property closer in). Whilst there is no substitute for seeing these areas for yourself, there's also no substitute for doing your homework and asking for opinions before-hand. OzTennis :flag:



dom&toni	30 Oct 2007, 09:16 PM Post #7
Addicted Member Posts: 271 Group: Members Member #1,002 Joined: 14 November 2006	We live in Williamstown and we love it. We bought here so I'm not sure what rental prices are like (have a look at www.realestate.com.au). There are 3 state primary schools - North Williamstown, Williamstown and St Marys (Catholic) and 1 private school - Westbourne Grammar. Our daughter is only 18 months so I can't really comment on the quality of the schools yet. There are lots of families here , a nice beach and harbour front area, loads of parks, etc. There are also some nice coastal park areas and great bike trails, which we love. Good luck with your move, Toni



Kaziah	1 Nov 2007, 12:55 AM Post #8
Newbie Posts: 4 Group: Members Member #1,766 Joined: 28 October 2007	Thank you for all the comments - very helpful. Will definately look at suburbs before deciding where to rent. My husband may be there in December, so I will get him to visit the places I like. He knows the places I would be happy living. Is Williamstown in an industrial or very built up area? I really like Mount Eliza, but my husband said it is too far to commute to. Seen rentals for Point Cook and can get lots of space for one's money. Anyone live there or knows what it is like? Thanks kaz Kaz



OzTennis	1 Nov 2007, 05:07 AM Post #9
Legend Posts: 2,569 Group: Members Member #81 Joined: 20 September 2004	Kaziah Nov 1 2007, 12:55 AM Thank you for all the comments - very helpful. Will definately look at suburbs before deciding where to rent. My husband may be there in December, so I will get him to visit the places I like. He knows the places I would be happy living. Is Williamstown in an industrial or very built up area? I really like Mount Eliza, but my husband said it is too far to commute to. Seen rentals for Point Cook and can get lots of space for one's money. Anyone live there or knows what it is like? Thanks kaz Kaz You have to go through an industrial area to get to Williamstown but it isn't industrialised itself. It is on a peninsula with water on 3 sides and is the end of the railway line and doesn't get through traffic. It's importance can be judged by the fact that I was born there and to a lesser extent because it was named after the King whereas Melbourne was only named after the PM at the time in 1835! :D This is because it was where the original settlement was to be located - at the best 'Anchorage'. The rest of you have a yawn now, I'll give you a link to some of my photos to give you and OH a better idea. :D Posted Image Posted Image Posted Image Posted Image Posted Image Quite a few of those photos are taken looking across the bay in the Brighton direction. I'd have to be honest and say if you were driving from W'town to Brighton via the Westgate Bridge in peak hour it might take 20 mins to get to the other side of the WGB, then head for the coast at Port Melbourne and around to Brighton. 30 mins'ish, quicker out of peak hour. If hubby is concerned about commute times then I agree Mt Eliza and down that way is one to give the 'flick' (that's Aussie rhyming slang for flick pass). :D Point Cook? Yep, plenty of house for your buck, fair bit further out than W'town but ironically almost immediate access to the freeway which takes you to the WGB so maybe allow 10 mins more (??). It is surrounded by industrial area on a few sides but is reasonably close to the water. Sanctuary Lakes which is basically the (ducks for cover) 'posher' part of PC might also be worth considering. It is what I call a Florida style resort - upmarket houses built around central lakes, Greg Norman golf course and clubhouse, recreation club with gym and swimming pool, tennis courts, on-site security etc. OzTennis :flag: :kangaroo:



OzTennis	1 Nov 2007, 05:11 AM Post #10
Legend Posts: 2,569 Group: Members Member #81 Joined: 20 September 2004	Those photos don't seem to lead into a slideshow for some reason, let me try something else: http://s68.photobucket.com/albums/i31/ozt/...=1164024646.pbw http://s68.photobucket.com/albums/i31/ozt/...=1181551351.pbw http://s68.photobucket.com/albums/i31/ozt/...=1164024932.pbw http://s68.photobucket.com/albums/i31/ozt/...=1164025143.pbw http://s68.photobucket.com/albums/i31/ozt/...=1164025402.pbw I'll see if that works. OzTennis :flag: :kangaroo:



OzTennis	1 Nov 2007, 05:15 AM Post #11
Legend Posts: 2,569 Group: Members Member #81 Joined: 20 September 2004	Yep, works now! (for those with PhotoBucket, you used to be able to paste in the IMG Code for a slideshow, they've changed it so you now have to paste in the Direct Link. IMG Code will still work for an individual image). OzTennis :flag: :kangaroo:



Gail.C	1 Nov 2007, 09:53 AM Post #12
A phenomenon Posts: 1,103 Group: Members Member #1,062 Joined: 30 December 2006 Migration Status Permanent Resident My Location Port Melbourne	Hi Kaz On our reccie my favourite two places outside of the CBD were Williamstown and Brighton followed closely by Hampton then Sandringham. The shopping area of Brighton was fantastic with lots of restaurants and cafes. It was very, very upmarket. Williamstown on the other side felt very friendly and villagey with lots of small shops, similar to a village in the UK 20 years ago before Tescos moved in!! As you can see from Oz Tennis' pictures, it has amazing water views and its own beach. You only see the industrial bit as you drive in. We'll probably settle in one of these places after we've spent our first year or two in the CBD (hubby wants a break from commuting and we want to enjoy the city for a while) I didn't like the other places near the CBD as I thought they were too busy with too many cars and the houses were too old (I personally like modern houses or renovated ones). If your OH is working in Brighton then Williamstown is not really ideal for him as he will have to cross South Melbourne in rush hour to get to the other side. It's not like rush hour in the UK mind!!!! It's much more civilised. It would make more sense for you to settle in the east rather than travelling from west to east but Williamstown is a little gem!! You won't really know until you see for yourself. I was disappointed in some areas I thought would be spectacular based on their description and likewise I thought some were better than expected such as Frankston and Williamstown. Gail :flower:



OzTennis	1 Nov 2007, 10:34 PM Post #13
Legend Posts: 2,569 Group: Members Member #81 Joined: 20 September 2004	Aerial view of W'town with the tennis club in the middle: Posted Image OzTennis :flag: :kangaroo:



Gail.C	2 Nov 2007, 04:13 AM Post #14
A phenomenon Posts: 1,103 Group: Members Member #1,062 Joined: 30 December 2006 Migration Status Permanent Resident My Location Port Melbourne	Wow :thumbsup:



Kaz and Malc	3 Nov 2007, 04:33 AM Post #15
Addicted Member Posts: 363 Group: Members Member #546 Joined: 1 February 2006 Migration Status Permanent Resident My Mood 16 months, definitely not homesick! My Location Beaumaris	Nice one ... that arial view of Williamstown makes it look like paradise. I wanna be there .... Karen



bigAPE	3 Nov 2007, 06:45 AM Post #16
Administrator Posts: 4,286 Group: Admin Member #1,299 Joined: 6 April 2007 Migration Status Citizen My Location Hampton, Victoria	Kaz and Malc Nov 3 2007, 04:33 AM ... that arial view of Williamstown makes it look like paradise. Photoshop *joke*



fraser	3 Nov 2007, 08:05 AM Post #17
Legend Posts: 2,082 Group: Members Member #269 Joined: 11 May 2005	OzTennis Nov 1 2007, 10:34 PM Aerial view of W'town with the tennis club in the middle: Posted Image OzTennis :flag: :kangaroo: That's a great picture mate, I haven't seen that one before... makes a change ;)



koalakim	3 Nov 2007, 08:31 AM Post #18
Legend Posts: 4,422 Group: Members Member #889 Joined: 1 September 2006 Migration Status Permanent Resident My Location Mornington	Hi Kaziah Welcome to Britvics. If OH is working in Brighton then you could consider the suburbs around the bay. Sandringham, Mentone and Mordialloc all nice areas with beaches. There is Southlands shopping centre on the Nepean Highway for major retail therapy. Williamstown is lovely but others have said he'd have to cross the bridge. Maybe for your first year, try to get something near to work, get to know the area then have a good look around and see where you'd like to be long term. You can get some reasonable rents around Brighton, having a family I guess you want a house but some friends who have recently arrived found that the standard of the house for $400-500 a week wasn't that good. You might be better off just going down the bay a bit. Good luck with your move Kim



OzTennis	3 Nov 2007, 07:12 PM Post #19
Legend Posts: 2,569 Group: Members Member #81 Joined: 20 September 2004	fraser Nov 3 2007, 08:05 AM OzTennis Nov 1 2007, 10:34 PM Aerial view of W'town with the tennis club in the middle: Posted Image OzTennis� :flag:� :kangaroo: That's a great picture mate, I haven't seen that one before... makes a change ;) :D source: http://www.listontc.com.au then click on facilities to go to: http://www.listontc.com.au/facilities.html OzTennis :flag: :kangaroo:



Kaziah	6 Nov 2007, 08:46 AM Post #20
Newbie Posts: 4 Group: Members Member #1,766 Joined: 28 October 2007	Thanks for the further info and the fantastic photos. Williamstown does look amazing. The commute to the CBD will be worth it, but DH wants to be closer to work so that he can get home earlier to spend some time with the kids before bed. Will look at areas further down the bay, as brighton is just too expensive, and we really want to rent a four bedroom house, with some outdoor space. Point cook also really appealed but is a bit too far. I don't wish to buy loads of furniture there, so may look at hiring some. Also, how easy is it to get a rental there? Or can anyone recommend any short term, reasonably priced accomodation, to use when we arrive whilst we look for a house? Thanks Kaz



bigAPE	6 Nov 2007, 08:56 AM Post #21
Administrator Posts: 4,286 Group: Admin Member #1,299 Joined: 6 April 2007 Migration Status Citizen My Location Hampton, Victoria	Kaziah Nov 6 2007, 08:46 AM Thanks for the further info and the fantastic photos. Williamstown does look amazing. The commute to the CBD will be worth it, but DH wants to be closer to work so that he can get home earlier to spend some time with the kids before bed. Will look at areas further down the bay, as brighton is just too expensive, and we really want to rent a four bedroom house, with some outdoor space. Point cook also really appealed but is a bit too far. I don't wish to buy loads of furniture there, so may look at hiring some. Also, how easy is it to get a rental there? Or can anyone recommend any short term, reasonably priced accomodation, to use when we arrive whilst we look for a house? Thanks Kaz You can get some pretty good deals on furniture if you shop around, renting it may not work out cheaper.


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