The Honest Guide to Selby: What Nobody Tells You
I reckon Selby is one of those suburbs that gets misunderstood. Here’s the unfiltered version, 36km from the CBD.
Selby is a small residential pocket in the lower Dandenong Ranges – less touristy than Sassafras, less village-y than Belgrave, and more quietly residential than either. Tree-lined streets, modest homes on sloped blocks, and the kind of community where people know their neighbours by name. It’s the Ranges without the postcard.
The Good
There are genuine reasons people choose Selby, and they’re not all about price:
Solid value for what you get. With median house prices around $730,000 and one-bedroom rent at $340/week, Selby offers reasonable value for its location.
Far enough from the city that housing is genuinely affordable. At 36km from the CBD, you’re getting a genuine commuting suburb with its own character.
Community that knows each other. Selby has 1,800 residents and the vibe is intimate and connected.
A mix of old charm and new development. The housing stock reflects the suburb’s character – diverse and interesting.
The Bad
Now the stuff the real estate ads skip:
The commute will test your patience. Bus to Belgrave station (10-15 minutes). Belgrave line trains to the CBD in 60 minutes. Car-dependent for daily life. Selby-Aura Road connects to the Monash Freeway corridor.. That’s the reality, every single day.
Limited local amenity. You’ll drive for most shopping and entertainment.
Public transport is genuinely poor. You need a car. Full stop.
Very limited dining and entertainment options. For a night out, you’re heading to Belgrave, Menzies Creek, Lysterfield.
The Ugly Truth
Here’s what might be a dealbreaker:
The commute will age you. At 36km from the CBD, you’re spending 60-75 minutes per day commuting – that’s 300+ hours per year in transit. Factor that into your ‘affordable rent’ calculation.
You’re paying for the postcode. Selby’s prices reflect its reputation and location, but the actual daily experience might not match the premium.
Who Should Move Here
Selby works for you if:
- You work from home or in the local area
- You value community character over trendy dining strips
- You want established suburban living
- You have at least one reliable car (two is better)
Who Should Avoid
Selby is NOT for you if:
- You need a quick, reliable commute to the CBD
- You want walkable dining, nightlife, and entertainment
- You rely on public transport for everything
- You hate driving
Cost Reality Check
| Expense | Selby Estimate |
|---|---|
| 1BR rent (weekly) | $340 |
| Median house price | $730,000 |
| Weekly groceries | $70-100 |
| Monthly transport | $150-250 (car costs) |
| Dining out (per person) | $20-35 |
| Monthly total estimate | $2,200-3,000 |
These are estimates – your actual costs depend on lifestyle choices, but this gives you a realistic baseline for budgeting.
Pension viability: The pension covers basics if you own your home, but Selby’s costs are moderate to high.
The Final Word
Selby is the Ranges suburb for people who want the trees without the tourism. It’s quieter and cheaper than Sassafras or Olinda, with similar nature access. The trade-off is even fewer local services – you’re relying on Belgrave for everything. It’s a residential suburb that happens to be in the hills, not a village with residential elements.
Compare with Belgrave, Menzies Creek, Lysterfield before committing. Every suburb has trade-offs – the question is whether Selby’s trade-offs are the ones you can live with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Selby a good place to live?
It depends entirely on what you value. If you prioritise you value community character over trendy dining strips, then yes – Selby delivers on that. If you need you need a quick, reliable commute to the cbd, you’ll be frustrated. The median house price of $730,000 and rent of $340/week give you an idea of the market’s assessment. Visit during the week, not just on a sunny Saturday, before deciding.
What are the biggest downsides of living in Selby?
The main complaints from residents are: limited local amenity (you’ll drive for most shopping and entertainment), public transport is genuinely poor (you need a car. full stop.), and very limited dining and entertainment options (for a night out, you’re heading to belgrave, menzies creek, lysterfield). None of these are dealbreakers for the right person, but they’re worth knowing upfront rather than discovering after you’ve signed a lease.
How much does it cost to live in Selby?
Budget approximately $2,200-3,000 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transport, and basics. One-bedroom rent is around $340/week. Groceries run $70-100/week. Transport costs $250-400/month depending on whether you drive, use public transport, or both. These figures are realistic, not optimistic.
Compiled from local knowledge, current market data, and suburb visits. April 2026. Prices are estimates. Always verify current listings.