AdamS

One of the most desirable suburbs to live in Victoria, Brighton has long been a family orientated area, but mostly for the wealthy. Proximity to great schools, CBD, public transport and most of all the beach make this suburb one of the very best!

Chapel Street in one of those iconic streets in Melbourne that has many faces. In the middle of the day it's a great 'people watching' scene as some of the Melbourne's beauties come out and shop in the sunny street. You'll also find many people having an afternoon wine at one of the many bars here, it's quite pleasant.

Later in the day, people head out to dinner which is where Chapel street shines. My fav is a cute little Mexican restaurant called Amigos (http://www.amigos.com.au/) that always pleases. After a night out for dinner, many migrate to the funky bars and clubs along the strip, another fav of mine is Mother's Milk or even Tryst Bar just behind Chapel.

But past 2:00am the street takes a nose dive into drunk and disorderly's. It can become quite unpleasant with many of the drunk party goers flocking to the nearest KFC or Souvlaki place. A mention has to go to the traffic issue here, as it is always very busy, especially when you get young teens driving their souped up cars doing "chap laps" to try n show off their new rides.

Overall though it's mostly pleasant, and I think it's one of those places where the saying "It is what you make it" really applies. Shop till you drop and eat till you pop, just don't stay out too late or you'll really start to hate :)

I lived in NYC for a short time, and it really is hard to say anything bad about it. While my time in NYC was extremely short, and I hope to get back there very soon...that's how much I enjoyed it. From the big city feel of Broadway to the cosy back alleys, cosy bars and pubs of Soho and Little Italy, this is one place in the world I would love to live in for a good amount of time.

For anyone questioning the move to NYC, don't Some people may say it's too busy, or that crime is through the roof - but don't listen to them. NYC is a great place to live, especially if you are young and single.

Chapel Street in St Kilda is one of the most iconic and well known streets in all of Melbourne. With its amazing fashion boutiques, cinemas, restaurants and much more, it's hard to think of Melbourne without it.

I've known a few people who have lived here, and most have loved it. It's great for younger people seeking a great lifestyle, however it is a little cramped for some.

Overall, it's a great street. I would just avoid it at night times if you are sober, it can get a little hairy at 3:00am!

Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn has been the place to go for shopping and socializing for years. With a wide range of shopping from fashion to bikes stores, Glenferrie Road has most of what you could want. There are some good eateries, my favourite being the Grilld burger shop. There is definitely a younger feel to the area, most likely due to all the schools being just around the corner in Kew (actually MLC is on Glenferrie!).

There is also the Glenferrie Road Festival that happens once a year at the end of summer, and is a great day for the whole family with rides, stalls and of course sausages on a BBQ. I have posted some pics from the 2009 Glenferrie Road Festival, so be sure to check them out in my profile, or in the photo section.

There are also a few good bars and clubs in the area such as Room and Casey's. Both are more of a younger crowd, but still good for a night out.

Overall a great street that has been an institution for years in the area, and worth the stroll for shopping or just a coffee and cake.

AJ

Hosier Lane in Melbourne has undergone quite a transformation over the past few years. What used to be a run down dirty laneway has now been transformed into a piece of art in itself.

Thanks to one of the most famous restaurants in all of Melbourne, Movida Tapas Bar, Hosier Lane is now home to some fantastic bars, and smaller restaurants. It's most notable features are however the graffiti covered walls, which in fact add to the lovable and almost romantic feel of the cobble paved lane way.

It's just a short walk, and I think it's a classic example of how Melbourne has something unique around every corner. Also be sure to check out Degraves St as well, especially if you want a good taste of what Melbourne streets have to offer.

San Francisco has been my home away from home for over two years now and I have never looked back. Since falling in love with SF I really can't think of a better place with more rolled into one little city. I was a little unsure about SF at first, especially with so many people talking about the home less problem, but after a few months, you learn there is so much to offer:

Cultural experience - I've never really been big into things like this as I am more technically minded, but after spending so much time around Chinatown (especially for dinners) I have come to love and appreciate what the experience of other cultures gives you. In fact I have a much greater desire to travel the world because of it.

The People - ARE SO NICE HERE!! I think they are all on happy pills or something.

The Opportunities - Being the 'tech' center of the universe, I have had some amazing opportunities...not to mention some of the people I have met in the tech field.

The Weather - Sure it can be sucky, but those glorious mornings looking into the bay as the fog rolls in, and then is broken up by the sun blasting the water is priceless.

The Social Scene - Well, it's amazing. So many like minded people are here in San Francisco, and I've never had so many parties, so many picnics with friends, so many great nights.

So if you are looking for a great city to live, these are my experiences from someone who has only been around for about 2 years, but I can't think of a better place to call home!!

AJ

I've spent quite a bit of time in Chicago on business and I must say it is a city I could easily live in. The first time I visited, i thought it going to be quite a dirty, scummy city, but as it turns out I was completely wrong. Very clean streets, and very friendly people. I've spent a bit of time in the absolutely adorable Gold Coast \ Lincoln Park neighborhoods and I could move there in a heartbeat.

Lake Michigan really makes this city complete though, especially in the summer months. The bottom line is that this is a very liveable city, and I think most people would be lucky to live here!

Kew has long been regarded as a very well off suburb in Melbourne and associated with some of the best schools in the entire state. For this reason alone, Kew is home to a lot of families. Being so close to the city has also driven up house prices considerably, and the advent of Kew Junction (some good shopping options), the suburb has become even more popular.

A great suburb for people looking to raise a family, if you can afford it.

I've lived in the Melbourne for a very long time, and whether you are talking about just the CBD or the extended Melbourne, it's amazing either way.

First of all, I've been to many cities worldwide, and Melbourne hand's down it the best city out there. Sure I've called Melbourne my home for all my life, but i am extremely open to other cities and if you compare all the features of a city that makes it desirable, Melbourne just about tops all of them.

Here's why:

Melbourne has a restaurant, bar, or club on just about every alleyway...and they are all fantastic. Most people are extremely friendly unlike some Sydney places. Also, I've never felt unsafe in Melbourne. In major cities like San Francisco, Rome, Barcelona, Chicago or New York I have always felt a little unsafe in certain place...but not in Melbourne.

Overall Melbourne is a very safe, welcoming city with a booming social scene and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. If you are looking to move to Melbourne, I highly recommend it!!