CBD + inner-ring Melbourne — the dense grid.
Moreland + Darebin + Banyule + northern growth.
Boroondara + Whitehorse + Manningham.
Stonnington + Glen Eira + Bayside + Kingston.
Maribyrnong + Hobsons Bay + Brimbank + Wyndham.
Yarra Ranges, Knox, Casey, Cardinia, Mornington Peninsula.
High-growth corridors — new builds, new schools, moving families.
Verdict Box What most guides miss: your “local” is a 5–20 minute drive away. Best for: Self-sufficient home cooks, nature lovers, and those seeking absolute peace who see a 10-minute drive …
Heathcote Junction has zero cafes. Here’s where locals actually get coffee in 2026, how far you’ll drive, and the …
