Another 'burb question

[Saviola]

Howdi,

 

I am after some advice. I have been offered a role that will see me based in the Blackburn/Croydon/Ferntree triangle, with a centre not far from the M3.

 

I have not looked into the suburbs around that area previously. I ideally I would like to live closer to the CBD, say Surrey Hills, Box Hill or Camberwell; for easy quickish train/car access when needed. My commute here is over 40 mins now so it will be similar I am sure.

 

So my remit is close to the Blackburn/Croydon/Ferntree triangle (30mins drive is ok), 30 mins to CBD and looking to spend no more than $700 a week rental (just 2 adults).

 

Any thoughts from you good folks are welcome.

 

Thanks

Saviola

[furkew]

any reason why you would prefer to be within 30mins of the CBD?

 

you could go the other way, and live in or around the triangle and pay about 400/500p.w max rent without a problem.

 

ferntree gully, upper ferntree, Upwey, boronia, Montrose, the basin, lilydale etc just to name a few places.

[CXW]

Box Hill is 22-34 mins to the CBD via train or car (there's also the 109 tram, but it takes a bit longer) and should be easily within your price range - I currently pay $371/week for a 2-bed townhouse that's a 7 min walk from Box Hill Centro (shops and transport links).

 

I'd expect Surrey Hills or Camberwell to be a bit more expensive, but you're firmly in zone one for the trains, which is a plus if you're going into the CBD but means paying for zones 1 & 2 if you're heading out Ringwood/Lilydale way.

 

I've found Box Hill a very easy place to live with excellent transport links, but I certainly wouldn't want to be any further out, especially if you're looking to socialise regularly as the trek home at the end of the night can feel a bit much. It's also worth noting that there's a fair number of dry suburbs in the east of Melbourne, including Box Hill, so there's no local pubs/bars, although many restaurants do now have liquor licences.

 

Happy to answer any questions about Box Hill or nearby if you have them.

[Saviola]

Thanks for the input going to have a look on realestate.com.au later and see what's what. Didnt realise Box Hill was a dry suburb, although not a major issue it is nice to go for a cool one locally every now and then.

 

Reason for being close(ish) to the CBD is the missus will be working there and we will be in the city a lot for social events.

[CXW]

Given the cost of a cool one out ($12 for a pint is not uncommon), you may find drinking in more attractive - especially with the range of beers that Purvis' Surrey Hills branch (a 5 min drive from Box Hill) stocks.

[Saviola]

Given the cost of a cool one out ($12 for a pint is not uncommon), you may find drinking in more attractive - especially with the range of beers that Purvis' Surrey Hills branch (a 5 min drive from Box Hill) stocks.

 

That is very true The one thing i never did get used to in my time in Australia was the beer prices

[Tomdickanarry]

Hi Saviola....we live in Camberwell. It's perfect for a couple. We have a couple of bars in Camberwell itself and regularly take a tram down to Malvern where there are a few more, or Richmond and of course, the City itself. Three tram lines through Camberwell and three Metro train lines. One of the safest, most genteel suburbs and lots of good restaurants too. We pay $615 per week for a modern three bed town house.

[starlight7]

Round Blackburn lake is lovely. You could also look at Croydon Hills, North Ringwood, even Warrandyte which is very pretty. Boronia and Bayswater would be cheap but a bit down market- sounds snobby but if you look around you will know what I mean. Forest Hill isn't bad- a lot depends what you like to do for leisure activities too and whether you like quieter areas or bustling shopping areas.

[Saviola]

Thanks for the responses. We are planning out where we could live and looking into what each 'burn has to offer as I type.

 

Quite like the centralness of Camberwell, ideally not looking to cross the M3 as it will hinder her indoors.

[ArrowsEng]

I live in Vermont, which is great for families, possibly not best suited for couples looking for the night life.

Keep to the train line corridors, the express train on the Ringwood/Lilydale line stops at Blackburn, Box Hill, Camberwell, glenferrie and Richmond stations, so suggest anywhere around those stations as good places. Box Hill is great for Asian food (large Asian population) but Camberwell or even Mitcham or Heatherdale are very nice for shops, restaurants, pubs, supermarkets etc. without too long a commute to the city.

Other possiblity is Glen Waverley, good shopping at the end of the Glen Waverley train line but not the express train into town.

[starlight7]

Hard to park round Camberwell though- and it always had a reputation as being boring and dry.

[Tomdickanarry]

Hard to park round Camberwell though- and it always had a reputation as being boring and dry.

 

There are three bars on Burke Road near the train station and a further one up by Mont Albert Road. There's a rooftop bar at the Rivoli cinema and a nice beer garden at Paradisio opposite. Plenty of people state that Camberwell is supposedly 'dry'......having lived there for four years, i promise, it isn't. I love the boring tag though......it keeps the riff-raff out which is just how we like it

[TheLoadedDog]

I'm a Sydneysider, so my knowledge isn't great, but Upper Gully is quite nice, even if it is a bit further from the city. It has yer ackshual trees, an' that.

[Ali B]

Live in Mitcham. Its fab and becoming quite upbeat now. Trains from Ringwood Mitcham Nunawading go express non-stop to CBD from Box Hill. our daughter rents a great house out here $400 per week 4-bedrm house share (ie $1600 pm total)

Look for property on or near the train line. Vermont , Forest Hill and Warrandyte pretty but too hard for a commute.

[Saviola]

Cheers, some good info to digest. We are looking through real estate sites to get a gist of what's what, we wont be buying straight off anyway, as we will move a few suburbs before we do that.

[Petkula73]

$700 a week will get you something pretty decent for two people. If you have no kids I'd suggest living in the CBD for six months or so on arrival and sussing out where you like. Loads of apartments in Southbank, Southwharf and the Docklands in your price range.

 

We lived in Southbank for a year in an apartment (late 30s at the time with young child) and loved it. Definitely the best place to be when you're new to Melbourne. Once you find your feet have a look at Bayside suburbs (Brighton, Hampton, Sandringham). Nicest part of Melbourne and close enough to the centre. We live in Brighton and love it.