Even if you’re new to Melbourne, you’ve probably heard about the city’s amazing coffee, hip bars, uber-cool fashion scene and thriving nightlife.
In fact, Melbourne broke records by ranking as The Economist Intelligence Unit’s most liveable city for seven consecutive years (Vienna stole the crown in 2018. Download the free overview of The Global Liveability Index 2018.).
With so many appealing suburbs, it can be hard to choose where to put down roots. So, from inner-city Collingwood to beachy Frankston, we’ve nominated five of our favourite postcodes.
Frankston
Don’t believe the naysayers, you can find affordable property near the beach. But Frankston’s beachy vibe is not all it has to offer, says Annaleis Bijdeveldt, a Frankston local and Chisholm’s Marketing Business Partner. “We’ve got access to the train line so we can hop into the city easily, Chisholm TAFE of course, the Peninsula and Aquatic Recreation Centre, a beautiful library and cultural centre plus some cool pubs, cafes and bars,” she says.
“I love Southside Social on Nepean Highway where you can grab a burger and beer, Young Street Supper Club, a cosy, intimate venue, and a Byron Bay-style cafe called One Pear Tree.” Frankston is also the gateway to Victoria’s famed Mornington Peninsula, so your weekend road trips are sorted.
Dandenong
It may not have the hipster tag other suburbs boast, but Dandenong’s multicultural vibrancy is a huge drawcard. Its Afghan restaurants are arguably the best in Melbourne – among them Afghan Salang and Afghan Rahimi. A treasure trove of other cuisines can also be found at cafes and restaurants here, including Indian, African, Sri Lankan, Lebanese, Turkish and Hungarian.
And it’s hard to beat Dandenong Market for its buzzing community vibe, quality produce and specialist wares.
Dandenong is well connected by train and bus networks, and it’s just a 30-minute drive to the city.
St Kilda
An iconic Melbourne suburb for its beach, music venues and all-round cool vibe, St Kilda is beloved by many. All walks of life populate St Kilda’s streets – rich and poor, young and old.
Although property is not cheap here, entertainment options abound and many won’t cost the earth.Cheap eats can be found at The St Kilda Branch where, during summer, chicken wings are 50 cents on Tuesday nights, or pay what you can at Lentil As Anything.
People-watch at the beach or take a book to St Kilda Botanical Gardens, then watch the sunset at St Kilda pier, where you may spy some fairy penguins waddling back to their nests.
Collingwood
Locals love Collingwood for its happening foodie scene. If it’s new and it’s edible, it’s sure to be found here. From coffee roasters Proud Mary, to New Orleans barbecue restaurant Le Bon Ton, Collingwood has an abundance of eateries where dining innovation is always on the menu.
Gentrification has made the area sought after for its renovated terraces and converted-warehouse apartments. Collingwood is so close to the city, you can walk there in 25 minutes. Otherwise, trains, buses and trams are all too easy.
Berwick
Located in Melbourne’s growth corridor, Berwick is just a 40-minute drive from the city and rentals here are vastly more affordable than most Melbourne suburbs. Chisholm’s Berwick campus is on Kangan Drive, which is centrally located and easily accessible by car, train or bus.
Berwick is favoured by families for its affordable property, shopping centres and great parks including Wilson Botanic Park, Pioneers Park and Timbarra Park.
