Newcomers

Next up in our suburban hunt is Preston, located about 9 kilometers northeast of the CBD. After looking at Rosanna and Point Cook, I wanted to see how Preston compares. Let’s dig into the details to see if it could be a good fit for our family. Rental Prices Rent here for a three-bedroom house ranges from $520 to $600 per week. The houses are pretty average, nothing fancy, but livable. Safety Here’s where things get a little worrying. Preston has a crime rate of 20/100, which is higher than some other areas we’ve looked at. In 2023, there were 1,677 reported thefts. That makes me a bit cautious, especially with two young kids to think about. It’s definitely something to consider. ...

Our next stop on this family-friendly exploration journey is Point Cook, located about 22 kilometers southwest of the CBD. This suburb has been popping up in my searches, so I wanted to take a closer look, especially after checking out Rosanna and Preston. Rental Prices Let’s start with rent—I found that three-bedroom houses here range between $400 and $490 per week, and a lot of the houses are fairly new. That’s nice to see! The housing prices seem reasonable too, but you know when something feels a little too good? The lower rent makes me wonder about the neighborhood. I guess we’ll need to check that out more closely. ...

Next up on our family’s Melbourne suburb exploration is Rosanna, located around 12 kilometers northeast of the CBD. We’re continuing our search for the right suburb, and Rosanna has some interesting features worth diving into. I am comparing it with other suburbs like Point Cook and Preston, so I look at rent, safety, schools, and community in the same way. Here’s what I’ve gathered so far. Rental Prices Let’s talk numbers first—because, well, that’s what I do! The rent in Rosanna for a three-bedroom house falls between $430 and $580 per week. That’s quite a range, but one thing to note is that many of the houses I came across seem a bit on the older side. Not a dealbreaker, but if you’re picky about more modern living spaces, it’s something to think about. Buying a house here is a different story—prices are over $1.2M, which is way outside our budget. ...

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. ...