Seeking advice on moving from Sydney to Melbourne?

Question

My husband and I are looking to move to Melbourne from Sydney. We are looking for suggestions on suburbs to move in, similar to Willoughby, Neutral Bay, Mosman, Cammeray, Crows Nest in Sydney. We have only ever been to Melbourne once for a few nights about 8 years ago and don't have much knowledge about the surrounding suburbs. Ideally we would like to be close to the city, or close to city transport with travel time of no more than 30 mins. We are 28 & 33 years of age and enjoy good food and restaurants, bars and good pubs, but not really into clubs so that is not a big factor. We would expect to pay anything between $300 & $400 for a 1 or 2 bedroom unit/apartment and would prefer 'modern' accommodation. Any suggestions, advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!

Answer 1

Brighton, Beaumaris,Sandringham and Black Rock are the coastal places within 30-6o minutes of Melbourne.

However, why not consider living in Melbourne itself - its a great place.

If you are going to work in the city you will have no transport costs. Can also get a modern apartment with a gym and pool therefore saving more costs. Walk out to all the entertainment venues, parks and and easy access to St Kilda  - the beach area. There are many good restaurants and bars all on the doorstep.

Look at Southbank and The Docklands, Yarra Edge,

see www.domain.com.au

www.realestate.com.au

Answer 2

Hiya, I live in Melbourne. Don't know too much about those suburbs in Sydney you mentioned, but if you want to be close to entertainment and don't mind spending up to $400 a week on rent then you should definitely consider some of the following inner city suburbs:

Carlton - Very close to city. Right on the Italian district of Lygon St. A long strip of restaurants (mostly Italian) with some cafes and bars, a Borders and Cinema Nova.

Fitzroy - used to be the "alternative" hub of Melbourne, now quite expensive, right on the entertainment district of Brunswick St, plus the Johnston St latin quarter. Plenty of bars, restaurants, cafes, etc. Smith St nearby too.

Collingwood and Clifton Hill - slightly more affordable neighbours of Fitzroy.

Richmond - right by the MCG and other sports venues, close to Bridge Rd entertainment (bars, restaurants) and shopping

St Kilda - right on the water, lots of restaurants, bars, cafes, pubs, the famous Esplanade Hotel (where many Aussie bands got their their start), traditionally the arty centre of Melb but has been extensively yuppified in the last 15 years, so it's lost a considerable part of its charm, but is right in the thick of it with two entertainment areas centred on Acland and Fitzroy streets.

St Kilda East - next door to St Kilda, inland, cheaper

Elwood - also next door to St Kilda, on the beach, a bit quieter.

Albert Park - similar to Elwood.

South Yarra - green leafy suburb, quite well to do, close to all the restaurants, cafes, bars, shops etc, of Chapel St

Windsor - next door to South Yarra, a bit cheaper, still close to Chapel St and the historic Astor cinema

Prahran - also close to South Yarra.

More affordable alternatives worth considering:

Northcote - if you find Collingwood and Clifton Hill too pricey, this up and coming area which retains its alternative / arty feel, slightly further out (but still only 6km from the city centre) is better value for money, and right on busy High St with it's restaurants, bars and the Northcote Social Club live music venue.

Brunswick - a bit downmarket, ethnically diverse area with a significant middle eastern community, but close to city, High St, Brunswick St, Lygon St, etc...

Balaclava - originally the jewish quarter, this area is next to St Kilda East and has been gradually transformed over the past 10 years into a new entertainment precinct centred around Carlisle St, plus it's a short tram ride to St Kilda.

Toorak / Kooyong - getting expensive, but close to the fun of Chapel St.

Williamstown / Yarraville - conventional wisdom is to stay out of the western suburbs, but Williamstown is just a few kms from the city across the bride and right on the water. With its long street of cafes, restaurants and bars, this area has a lot to offer.

Hopefully this short list is enough to get you started. Good luck in your search!