New to Melbourne (A few questions.)

rearviewmirror · #1 (**permalink**) 24th July 2009, 03:00 AM

I just moved to Melbourne from Texas, working for a company in the CBD. Currently staying in South Yarra in corporate housing, but must find a house to rent by September or so. I'm finding the whole rental process quite annoying. Having to stack up a bunch of viewings on Saturday's don't seem to be a very affective use of time.

I'm also looking for anyone who may be heading abroad to sell a washer/dryer/fridge and maybe a car.

Lastly, fill me on areas in Melbourne to avoid, some neighborhoods look nice but I can't always get a feel for them on short visits. Currently I am looking at Ascot Vale, Moonee Ponds, and Essendon. And also Camberwell to Surrey Hills.

If you're heading out for a beer this weekend post up, I could use one!

RachaelK · #2 (**permalink**) 26th July 2009, 02:09 AM

Have you searched the forums? There are some great posts about the city and neighborhoods there (I know because I'm moving there at the end of the year and have been paying close attention for the past 8 months or so!!). Good luck with the rental. We're lucky in that we'll be able to rent from my bf's cousin when we get there.

Winey · #3 (**permalink**) 26th July 2009, 04:32 AM

I wouldn't worry about places top avoid in Melbourne mate... the only real danger is a pissed tourist i a backpackers bar! Maybe 1 hour out of the city around Sunshine can be hairy...but there is no reason you would ever be there.

Melbourne has repeatedly topped an international list of being the safest and securest city in the world... ENJOY IT, stroll around, have a yabber with most people you meet...!!!!

New to Melbourne I'd seriously consider St Kilda or Fitzroy as great places to live: ecclectic, friendly and wide variety of dining, music, drinking in both 'burbs...

Halo · #4 (**permalink**) 26th July 2009, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rearviewmirror

Lastly, fill me on areas in Melbourne to avoid, some neighborhoods look nice but I can't always get a feel for them on short visits. Currently I am looking at Ascot Vale, Moonee Ponds, and Essendon. And also Camberwell to Surrey Hills.

Avoid the West
All the places you mentioned are fine.... Surrey Hills is great.

Dolly · #5 (**permalink**) 26th July 2009, 07:54 AM

Yep, there aren't too may places to avoid in Melbourne (but agree with Winey on Sunshine LOL)...have a look at the cityhobo website for details of some suburbs.

Dolly

Chica · #6 (**permalink**) 26th July 2009, 08:59 AM

Emigrating on the assisted £10 passage eons ago, I was wondering what Altona is like now?? I spent all my school hol's on that beach

. Such fond memories

.

Sorry for encrouching

Halo · #7 (**permalink**) 26th July 2009, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chica

Emigrating on the assisted £10 passage eons ago, I was wondering what Altona is like now?? I spent all my school hol's on that beach

. Such fond memories

.

Sorry for encrouching

It still smells.....

Chica · #8 (**permalink**) 26th July 2009, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halo

It still smells.....

Strangely enough, that's something I don't remember.....

Halo · #9 (**permalink**) 26th July 2009, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chica

Strangely enough, that's something I don't remember.....

I suppose when you're a kid rotting seaweed smelt normal

(its also slightly less Bogan as urban spread grows and the demand for housing close to the city increases)

Chica · #10 (**permalink**) 26th July 2009, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halo

I suppose when you're a kid rotting seaweed smelt normal

(its also slightly less Bogan as urban spread grows and the demand for housing close to the city increases)

One of my clearest memories was when all us kids were on the pier and this black round thing with spikes sticking out of it was heading right for the pillars!!!!!! So we decided to keep it at bay with fishing rods so that it wouldn't blow up the pier...lol!!!! Amazing we survive childhood really!!