Any Mumsnetters in Melbourne?

[BettyBitesBums]

Help! We're moving to Melbourne for a year in February for DHs work and I'm starting to look at where to live and haven't got a bloody clue! He'll be at the Austin hospital in Heidelberg. I won't be able to work while we're there and we've got a DD who'll be just 3 then. I've looked at a few property websites and just don't really know where to start. Ideally I'd like 3 bedrooms and in an absolute ideal world be walking distance from some shops and a park or other outdoor space. Any ideas?

Not in Melbourne now, but I lived there for 9 years. Working in Heidelberg you have quite a few options that will be in easy commuting distance, depending on what kind of neighbourhood appeals to you, what kind of property you want and your budget. How will your DH be commuting? Will you have a car to use yourself during the day?

Domain.com.au is one of the popular property listing websites, so you can use that to look at what's available.

I'm not very familiar with Heidelberg itself, but I know it borders onto the Yarra River parklands, which can be quite pleasant. I think Heidelberg is otherwise a fairly average suburb.

Heading towards the city you could look at Northcote, which has more of an urban feel and lots of shops and cafes along High St. Brunswick East is quite popular with families and is an easily walkable suburb. A bit further away from work, but closer to the city, look at Fitzroy North and Carlton North. I have lived in both and love those areas. Very close to the city, but with small neighbourhood shops and cafes.

If you prefer a semi-rural feel, in the opposite direction look at Eltham and Montmorency. They're really pretty and you can feel like you're living in the bush.

I think I would live in Canterbury or Hawthorne if I could. Perhaps near the train so you and your dd can go into the city easily as the suburbs can be crushingly dull.

Are you staying in a serviced apartment when you first get here? If so then you will be able to get a feel for areas.

When we came, my dh's job was in the city so we could literally have moved anywhere at all, which was very unhelpful! At least you have a starting point. Perhaps you might want to live where your dh can walk to work.

The rented houses have 'open for inspections' on (usually) a Saturday morning and a Wednesday evening. They are open for 15 minutes and everybody races round looking at them, usually seeing the same people at each place!

Does your DH want to travel to work by car or train? If by train the hospital is very handy for Heidelberg station so you should search along this train line - see Metro Trains website for a map of the Hurstbridge line.

As suggested above, Northcote, Fairfield, Alphington are closer to the city and loads for young children, lots of parks, cafes and restaurants, easy to get around on foot, and handy for both the hospital and the city. Going away from the hospital along the train line is a bit quieter and suburban, places like Eltham and Montmorency, probably cheaper rent as further from the city.

Would also agree that a serviced apartment would be handy for first few weeks and also come prepared with 6 weeks rent as deposit plus first month in advance. It's quite a competitive rental market especially as you won't have local references.

We lived in Eltham with a 3 year old. She went to nursery (there were 3 to choose from). We chose one that was up a hill - I d have to check. T'was lovely. This was all 10 years go now.

I live in Melbourne, but don't know that bit of the city. Second what savoy says about the inspections is so true. Very hectic.

Go online to Domain to check out houses/flats.

Townhouse means two storeys; one storey is still the norm here, but changing.

Be very very careful about heating. See what is said about availability in each room. When you get here and physically inspect, you have to be on your toes, as Au houses are less uniform than UK, and you have to know what to look for.

I live in Melbourne but haven't a clue about that area.

realestateview is quite good for houses too. If you like a place and the inspection has been packed, offer an extra $10 on the rental. Check that all rooms, including upstairs, has heating.

Thank you so much everyone. That's a big help and gives me a starting point at least!

I used to live in Heidelberg! (Brown street to be exact), but it was over ten years ago now so not sure I'd be of much use to you...

Have pm'd you.

Have pm'd you too