AN EASY CITY FRINGE LIFESTYLE
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It is difficult to choose a single word to encapsulate North Melbourne’s brand.
It has not got the “hip” factor of a Collingwood or the “village” appeal of an Albert Park. But it does share some of their attractive characteristics – easy access to the CBD (circa 2 km), good and diverse cafes and restaurants etc. My favourite cafes are Fandango and Auction Rooms, and for dinner – Sosta Cucina.
It is a large suburb by area and while it has definitely gentrified, there are pockets of very bleak Housing Commission and Errol Street the heart of the retail precinct can, at times, feel a bit confronting due to some of the druggie, homeless element.
The suburb still has a far more “working class” feel than many of its nearby neighbours.
Its housing stock has a significant number of Victorian, Edwardian and other historic housing, mixed with warehouse conversions and newly built multi-unit townhouses and apartments.
Often the residential is in close proximity to commercial premises.
It offers walkability into the CBD from many sections of the suburb.
Two train stations – both on the Upfield Line and serviced by three tram routes – 57 (West Maribyrnong to Flinders Street Station), 58 (West Coburg to Toorak) and 59 (Airport West to Flinders Street Station).
Melbourne University and RMIT University are within walking distance. As is the medical precinct encompassing Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Women’s Hospital, Royal Children’s Hospital and the Victorian Cancer Centre.
It is great for foodies, given the walkability to Victoria Market’s fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat and great selection deli options.
As the CBD drifts westward towards Docklands, North Melbourne is well-positioned to benefit.
Easy access to Citylink/freeway system is a plus.
As a Melbourne Buyers Agent, I think generally it is perhaps best suited to young professionals, students and increasingly downsizers, although there is a lot to attract family buyers prepared to compromise a smaller property for easy access to amenities.
My understanding is that it is in the very highly regarded University High School catchment zone.
It offers a relatively affordable latte lifestyle and significantly more affordable than nearby Parkville, Carlton and Fitzroy.
Last update: 29 Mar 2023