Next on our list of potential suburbs is South Morang, about 20 kilometres north‑east of the CBD. We are exploring different areas to see what could fit our family. South Morang seems worth a closer look, though there are some mixed signals. Population Diversity One thing that stands out is the diverse mix of people living in South Morang. The top countries of birth here are: India: 6.5% Italy: 2.4% North Macedonia: 2.4% Sri Lanka: 1.7% Philippines: 1.4% It is a varied community, which helps when you want a welcoming, family‑friendly vibe. ...

When we moved to Australia, like many families, we dreamed of stability, a happy life for our kids, and maybe even one of those high‑paying jobs you see in the news. Articles like Australia’s Highest‑Paid Jobs Revealed make the numbers look amazing. If you are numbers‑minded like me, it is tempting to do the maths and imagine life with a bigger paycheque. As we settled into a simple, down‑to‑earth routine, the truth sank in. These jobs are not easy to get. They do not come with signs saying, “Apply here and make $200K.” ...

As a family of four, keeping a household on budget takes planning and daily habits. Living in Melbourne’s western suburbs gives us some breathing room compared to inner areas, but costs still add up. For us, it is not just about what we spend. It is about a safe, comfortable home and the small moments that make it all worthwhile. If you are new to renting and want the basics on inspections and applications, this guide helps: Finding a Rental House in Australia: Our Simple, Real Experience. ...

As a family of four, we manage our household on a budget. Living in Melbourne’s western suburbs gives us some breathing room, but costs still add up. For us, it is not just about spending less. It is about keeping our home safe and comfortable, and enjoying the small moments that make it all worthwhile. If you are new to renting here, this step‑by‑step guide on searches, inspections, and applications may help: Finding a Rental House in Australia: Our Simple, Real Experience. ...

As part of our journey to find the right suburb in Melbourne, we have been looking at different areas and their trade‑offs. We are not living in Blackburn yet, but it is on our radar. Like many places in Melbourne, housing here can be expensive. It is still worth a look, especially for families who value a safe, friendly environment. Here is what we have learned so far about Blackburn. ...

Finding a place to live with kids is more than picking a house. I want a safe, affordable home, and I want it in a good school zone. I am numbers‑minded, so I spent hours figuring out a simple way to balance both. Here is what works for our family. Step 1: Start with School Rankings I start at Better Education. I scan recent rankings for public primary schools. I shortlist schools that fit our kids and our values. It takes time, but it brings focus. The next question is whether we can actually afford to live nearby. ...

Looking for a rental house in Australia can feel like a full-time job, especially if you are new to the country or trying to find a home that fits your family’s needs. As a family of four, we are not rich, but we prioritize safety, a cozy home, and the happiness of our kids. My husband works hard to support us, and while we enjoy simple things like eating out every Saturday and home-cooked meals on Sundays, finding the right place to live is still a big deal. Here is what we learned while searching for a rental house, kept practical and straightforward. ...

When we first moved to Melbourne, figuring out where to live was one of our biggest challenges. As a family with young kids, we wanted to make sure we picked a safe suburb. That’s when we stumbled upon the RedSuburbs Crime Map, and honestly, it made a world of difference. Let me walk you through how we used it and how you can too. If you need the practical steps we used to search, inspect, and apply for rentals, I wrote a simple guide: Finding a Rental House in Australia: Our Simple, Real Experience. ...

Living in Melbourne has been quite a journey for our little family. My husband works hard, and while we’re not rolling in money, we make sure to focus on what really matters: a safe home. When we moved here, one of the biggest things I worried about was safety, especially for our two kids. So, I got to work looking into the safest places around Melbourne. At first, I thought choosing a safe council would be easy, but here’s the thing: not all suburbs in a council are the same. Some are much safer than others, even in the safest councils. So, while it’s good to know which councils are doing well overall, you’ve really got to check the crime rates in each suburb. ...

If you’re preparing to rent a place in Melbourne, crime rates are one of the first things to consider. For families like mine, choosing a safe area is crucial. While we aren’t looking for luxury, we definitely want a peaceful, secure home for our kids, where we can enjoy the simple things in life, like eating out on Saturdays and cooking together on Sundays. I’ve gathered data from RedSuburbs, based on 2023 state police data and 2021 ABS census data. While this data may be a little outdated, it’s still a good starting point when considering your options. ...