Ripponlea’s claim to fame is it hosts one of the world’s Top 50 Restaurants – Attica – on Glen Eira Road. Outside of that, perhaps because it is such a small suburb and located on the “non-beach side” of Nepean Highway, it perhaps doesn’t enjoy the awareness it should.
Circa 7 km from the Melbourne CBD and bordered by Balaclava to the north and Caulfield and Elsternwick to the east, with Elwood to the west across Nepean highway.
The housing stock has heritage charm – primarily a mix of Deco, Californian Bungalows, Spanish Mission. More recently there has been the addition of infill modern townhouses.
The suburb I think has a very nice “village” atmosphere – in large part due to the Glen Eira Road shopping, café, restaurant strip – thankfully free thus far of chain outlets. Between Glen Eira Road and the Ripponlea train station (Sandringham Line) is a triangular shaped park further enhancing the “village” feel.
The historic Ripponlea Estate set on circa 14 acres of garden adds to the charm of the suburb and is used for various community events such as films, festivals and markets.
There are plenty of entertainment options in nearby beachside St Kilda, effectively within walking distance – but it is nice to leave the more frantic energy of St Kilda to the far more peaceful vibe of Ripponlea!
As a Melbourne buyers agent, I find this suburb increasingly popular with young families, young professional couples and singles.
Home to an ultra-Orthodox Addrass Jewish community who have a synagogue in, and live over a circa square kilometre block in Ripponlea – the men especially are noticeable in their mink fur hats and black silk coats.
Good schooling options nearby both public and private, including the currently generally very highly regarded Caulfield Grammar (private) on Glen Eira Rd.
With a median house price of $1.56m in 2022, it is certainly not cheap to buy a property in Ripponlea, but I think it rates well in terms of “value” given the charm of the housing stock, village feel, public transport and proximity to the CBD and beach.
Last update: 11 Feb 2023
