I spent most of my life in the SE suburbs...and loved it ( Berwick to be exact)...great cafes, restaurants/schools, ( state, Catholic and private...primary and secondary),university and TAFE, child care centres, lots of parks ( Including Botanical Gardens), 4 or 5 major supermarkets, buses, train line, next suburb ( Narre Warren) has huge indoor swimming complex, and a great library.
Horse riding lessons are also available

It is only 40 kms from heart of city.

There are sporting clubs ( netball, tennis, golf course, karate, art classes, gyms, ....etc etc)

I am a little biased though !!

Berwick Australia

Berwick-Village Chamber of Commerce Inc. City of Casey, Victoria, Australia