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Hi Ang,
We live in the Eastern suburbs, a very family orientated area with good schools, shops, sporting facilities etc, about 40mins drive to the city but you would have to drive to get to a train which also takes about 30-40mins. It would be important to have a car in Oz, they are very car orientated and you may find it difficult without one, also you will not experience some of the most beautiful countryside that is just a bit inland and not on public transport links.
I wasn't very keen on Frankston when I went there. There are lots of lovely places nearby like Mornington and Mount Eliza but I don't know how you would get on without a car.
We chose the eastern suburbs for a number of reasons. We wanted to be close to the sea but not on it - we felt that we would get bored of going to the sea and we didn't want this to be the case. Also the beach towns have a lovely feel when it is warm and sunny, but like every town by the sea when it is grey and raining then it can become a bit depressing.
Houses by the sea but closer to the city are quite crammed in and very expensive so I guess it depends on your budget.
They are opening a new stretch of freeway which will link the Eastern suburbs with Frankston so it will only take us about 30mins to get to the beach instead of the hour it currently takes. 30 mins away is enough for us, we are about 1hr from Mount Baw Baw which is a small ski area and so we are happy with this area as you are within about 30-40mins drive of most things. Have you had a look at the report Where to Live in Melbourne. We found it very useful. If you want any help on areas I can let you know what I think, but the best thing is to have a good look around when you get here.
Jo
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