Altona North, VIC 3025

4.1(22 reviews)

Ranked 246th best suburb by locals in Melbourne (Greater) Region, VIC

Great for

  • Parking
  • Internet access
  • Childcare
  • Gym and fitness
  • Resale or rental value

Not great for

  • Nightlife
  • Eating out

Who lives here?

  • Families With Kids
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • Beach Lovers

Reviews of Altona North, VIC

Editors Choice

"Im a 39 year old IT Executive - lived here now for 2 years with young family"

Well, I live off 5th Street and since I moved here, I have come to appreciate what this area has to offer in the way of facilities and the location itself. Firstly, for someone who has to commute into the city each morning, it takes me half an hour only, and I don't need to stop and start as there are no traffic lights on the freeway (strangely enough). Sometimes it moves slowly but rarely do you have to come to a complete stop. I can be on the Monash Fwy, Tullumarine Fwy or Western Ring Road within 5-10 minutes so regardless of the direction I need to head in, I have easy freeway access to take me there, and that includes the airport.

As an avid bike rider, the riding tracks along the beach here are hard to match. They go on forever and it literally takes me 5 minutes to ride to the beach. You can't do that in Maribyrnong, Spotswood or Yarraville which are areas that seem to generate alot of interest. The parks are fantastic, schools are everywhere, both public and private, and there are great facilities including a badminton centre, several modern well equipped fitness centres, a superb indoor pool, there is Newport lake just up the road with a walking track that goes all the way around. This lake is like and oasis as you feel like you just stepped into the country, yet it's on your doorstep. Think of Albert Park lake but with abundantly more oxygen generating trees!! Also, there are great shopping centres, libraries and medical centres all within walking distance from my home. And if I need more variety, it takes me ten minutes to get to Highpoint.

I just want to point out as well that I have read a few people complaining about the refinery and if there's anyone that should complain, it should be me because I can see it clearly from my top level and I am close to it, and rarely do I get any smell. Most of the time, the wind carries it skyward but sometimes if the wind is strong, you might get a brief smell but let me tell you, it really isn't that bad at all and in fact, you'd be smelling alot worse every time you drive your car in any suburb where there is traffic. And as for abbatoirs omitting smells that I have also read about, there are some several kilometers away but I have never smelled anything that resembles a dead animal. I am convinced these people must be gifted with canine scent or perhaps they didn't put their rubbish out for a couple of weeks. Who would know.

Anyway, I am here for the long term. I can afford to live in more expensive suburbs but what for? I have everthing here and more, so if you can overcome the stigma of the refinery which will eventually either be removed or relocated, then you won't be disappointed living here. There are some hoons here and there has been some reported incidents of gang related trouble but that happens EVERYWHERE, including all the inner (supposed sanctuary) suburbs of Melbourne. But they are typically isolated incidents and rare. There is a negative element everywhere you go but if you are not involved in it, then you don't see it. Me and my wife walk several nights a week all around the suburb, and we feel safe doing so. If we smile, people always smile back. Simple. Go and walk around St Kilda late at night and see how safe you feel. And you have to pay a premium for that feeling if you want to live there, and with no freeway access to get the hell out in a hurry. Well there's some dry humour for you. So yes, the people here try to be friendly, and funny. :)

Anyway, there's my two cents. If you're thinking of moving here, well then I may see you on the bike track or doing laps around Newport Lake or perhaps having a hit of badminton. You'll enjoy it here and you'll come to appreciate the convenience of the area just like me.

Cheers.

Great for

  • Excellent Sporting facilities
  • Excellent Bike Tracks
  • Excellent Walking Tracks
  • Close to city without the high price tag
  • Execellent gym facilities

Not great for

  • 5 minute access to three freeways
  • Manys schools to choose from
  • Almost on the beach

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
5
damon79

I'm a 32 year old IT Executive and I have never been here. :)

originalkfc
originalkfc

Suburb scares me

reviewer123

The worst place you could ever send you children to grow up, filled with disgusting schools, evil children, prevelant bullying and harassment. Never bring your family here unless you want to be sworn at just for being in public areas.

firstt

Hi, can you let me know what the parking is like at the surrounding stations? We are looking at Altona North, but I would need to commute to city so trying to work out if it's possible to drive to station.

ericr6

Too many hoons around Millers Rd and Blackshaws Rd. Loud bikes and cars. Loud trucks all the time. Smells like dead animals or rubbish on most days because of the Altona North Landfill site and the Brooklyn Tip site both within 5km. Avoid.

marcon2

totally agree with reviewer 123 The worst place you could ever send you children to grow up, filled with disgusting Public schools (May I add 99% will end up as total under achiever's due to their winner parent's who do not value education and think they have made it because they drive a second hand BMW ) , evil children, prevalent bullying and harassment. Never bring your family here unless you want to be sworn at just for being in public areas. IT IS NOT the real Australia I grew up in! Like all the inner industrial west it should be bulldozed and made into a large nature reserve.

S K
S K

@firstt, depends if you need to get to Parliament end or closer to Southern Cross. If you are taking the direct city bus from Altona North, there is plenty parking at the designated pickup point. Otherwise, theres also lots of parking near Newport train station.
I also sometimes walk to the station and takes 20-30 minutes.

To the other comments about raising children in Altona North, I wonder when you had these experiences? We have lived here a couple years and think its a wonderful place for a young family. Surrounded by lots of nature reserves and beaches within 10 minutes. There are some quirks to every neighbourhood, but I wouldnt disregard this area because of them.

Heaps of childcares and I guess it depends which school you are zoned for. We are pretty happy with our centres

James
James

We're a young family with a baby and a dog and have lived in AN for two years and love it here. I think a lot of the above comments must be from people who lived here a long time ago.The block sizes are large, it takes 5 min to get to Newport where you can get a train into the city within 15 minutes,

jacquies

Live on the stinky Esplanade for 3 years now and we grew up in Cheltenham one piece of advice don't bother living here unless you grew up in the West

sarahtn

Hmmm.. there's no Esplanade in Altona-North, that's 'Altona'. I think some comments are mixing up Altona, with Altona-North. They are 2 completely different areas, 5km apart. Altona North is a rapidly changing suburb, located more inland and is adjacent to Newport & South Kingsville. The area is friendly and very popular with young families that have relocated from all over Melbourne. The area is full of parks, large block-sizes and easy access to the city via Newport train station.

jacquies

I live in Altona North now though (unfortunately) but was in Esplanade before we moved. Leaving here asap too long a list of what I have seen here!

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Looking for a home in Altona North?

Editors Choice

"I live here and love it!"

Having lived in the west in many areas over the last 6 years, Altona North is great.
I have also lived in Williamstown (where I also owed), Newport, Altona and now Altona North.
The best things about the area is that you can live outside the hussel and bustle of the city, yet are only ten minutes away for the action if needed. I work M - F and take peak hr traffic, and can say that yes it can be an nightmare coming in from the west, but the view from the Westgate helps past the time as you listen to the Monash ect also suffering the same strain.
As for the smell of the refinery, well I had it just as bad in Willy, and we all know their prices, and it was even worse when renting down in Altona.
I love the shopping on Second Ave which is walking distance for me, Altona Gate also has all the necessary shops when you can't be bothered heading out to highpoint.
The area is only improving with older properties being converted to new townhouses, and young couples moving in to the renovators dream as we did. As for the rest, well, that the same as any other suburb I know - or could afford anyway. There is a reason I left Williamstown!!!!
We love our neighbors, an older couple who even mow our front lawn for us and spoil our new baby like substitute grandparents.
Overall I find Altona North meets all of our needs. One day that refinery will go, and that will be great for not only Altona Nth, but also Newprot, Altona and Williamstown.

Great for

  • Altona Fresh
  • Close to city without the high price tag

Not great for

  • Refinery, but that's the same for Newport and Willy

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
3
TerryF

Choose the better streets and you'll be fine. Altona North is convenient.

AnnaM4

So what are the right/wrong streets in Altona North?

RosieP

Any on the Avenues off Millers are the prime real estate of Altona North, close to shops and plenty of new development.
It's also the quietest part due to the older families and ethnic mix.
The refinery isn't an issue down this way, our investment property in Williamstown is far worse affected. Altona North rules despite the negs on here.

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20th February 2023

"High-speed Gentrification"

Can't think of any other suburb that's changing as quickly as Altona North. Thousands of new homes and the young couples replacing older residents are completely transforming the area. A lot of the new residents are from the UK, europe and other part of Aus, and have rented in the inner burbs before settlingin AN. Just wait for the new town centre on Blackshaws road and when the WG.tunnel is complete. Top spot.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
0
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19th January 2023

"A wonderful place for young families!"

We live on an Avenue just off Mason street and love it. The area is full of new parents pushing prams with their pups in tow. Second avenue grocers is great for fresh produce and the city is easy to get to for work. A very friendly place to live :)

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
0
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13th December 2022

"Professional couple - A fantastic suburb for young families & still close to the city"

We're a young professional couple with a baby & dog, living in AN for 2 years and loving it. The area is transforming so fast.

The people are friendly, block sizes are big, there are fitness clubs, weekly park runs, a golf course, walking trails, shops and tons of parks.

2 minutes away are new cinemas, supermarkets, sushi, a pub, Newport Lakes and everything else you could want.
New cafes are opening and there are lots of young families moving to the area. An amazing lifestyle for families

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
1
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Rentals in Altona North

2nd May 2022

"Great family friendly area"

Altona is a perfect place for a family day out, by either walking along any of their many beaches , or attending some of their land marks and lookouts.

Steve Mac | House Land Co | House & Land expert

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
0
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"Nice suburb"

Very quiet and friendly neighbours

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
3
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"Keeps getting better and better"

I have originally lived in Yarraville, Newport and Seddon before I decided to buy a home in altona north. The parks are great, so many lovely birds and I’m a short walk to Newport lakes which is a rare sanctuary for an inner suburban area. The circle has a great selection of fresh produce, in fact I do all my shopping there now instead of going to the bigger supermarkets. The houses are on large lots, ideal for a family home with a decent backyard. I’ve read the reviews and people have mentioned the refinery, however it has been officially announced that it will close after 70+ years of operation which I imagine will drive further demand in the area so it will be a good time to invest now. My neighbours are great and I feel safe walking around, I even visit willy beach at least once a week (it was great having that in the 5km lockdown bubble!). The new townhouses on Blackshaws road will also bring more professionals to the area. It would be great if they can add a train station to the area, but I understand that is being looked at by council representatives. I recommend it and believe it will continue to become as desirable as its surrounding suburbs - South kingsville, Yarraville and Newport.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
3
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"Overpriced Dirty Industrial suburb"

I Have Lived here all my life and cant afford to Move to better parts of Melb. Really hate it here and its only due to our ridiculous property prices in Melb that I stay here. Its a smelly dump (Altona petrol refinery views are fantastic though) full of hoon drivers and heavy industry, large trucks, slow congested raos (try Millers road in peak hour) etc .So avoid if you can. Note seriously there also has been gang related murders in the past so I only post this to give a real picture of the inner west / Smell-tona, rather than all the spin the real estate agents give it to keep on pumping up the over inflated property prices. 1 Million dollars plus for a crappy old 1960's brick house, you seriously would think it was Switzerland with all the lakes and mountains for those sorts of prices. Not even a train station and you pay all that money!

2
edelem

Great to see an honest review

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"Great location!"

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
1
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"Upcoming suburb close to the city"

We have recently moved to the west after living in inner city Melbourne. The area has plenty to do with Altona beach and Williamstown beach less than 10 minutes drive. Also handy that we are 15 minutes from Port Melb and South Melb. There are lots of cafes in neighbouring suburbs and we're loving the quietness compared to inner city living. The neighbourhood feels safe and everyone keeps to themselves.

My only disappointment is the noise from the planes. Didn't encounter this when we visited the open homes nor across any online research. Some days are worse than others.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
3
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"Safe and Sound at home in Altona North"

Fantastic family area, safe enough for kids to ride their bikes in the street, great shopping at the major shopping centre or enjoy the foodie destinations of Altona Fresh Supermarket in Second Avenue for an excellent almond latte and canoli after you shop the best deli and specialty supermarket in Melbourne, Try Guggliota and Sons butchers on Blackshaws Rd for the best quality meat available in the West and stop by Amira's in New Street for coffee, dry goods and nuts freshly roasted on site.
Plenty of well funded schools and community centres, reserves and large swimming and gym complex.
Extremely central to everywhere and a very low crime rate makes our suburb a sleepy hollow but close enough to the action for convenience.
Next door to Williamstown for the beach, Yarraville for the Art Deco cinema but without the inconveniences.
Altona North is a great place to live.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
2
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"A great way to afford a actual house close to town"

I've bought here after living in the inner city and I'm frankly amazed. It's affordable to buy a large block. Its close to town via bus, train and car. Its got the benefits of Altona Gate and 2 other blocks of shops on Millers road. The beach is 6 minutes drive and Newport/Williamstown isn't far either.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
2
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"A great place close to city, but far enough away not to hear it"

It is where I brought my first property & I enjoyed my time there greatly.
Alto na haseasy access to 3 x freeways, medical centres, schools, shopping, public transport, parks, social clubs, churches, restaurants, the beach & childcare facilities

Great for

  • 5 mnutes access to 3 freeways
  • Beach access
  • Schools
  • Altona Fresh
  • Close to city without the high price tag
  • Execellent gym facilities
  • Excellent Bike Tracks
  • Excellent Sporting facilities

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
1
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"Live it - Love it"

A great community suburb with great services and super friendly shop keepers.
So much space, green parks with playgrounds.
Schools, services, shopping centre and so close to the city.
Altona North is a great suburb that is being discovered by so many who are flocking to the west looking for bang for their buck. The beach is nearby and the nearest station not too far away.
what else do you need?

Great for

  • Altona Fresh
  • Execellent gym facilities

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
1
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"Parkland, shops and a few hidden gems!"

Friendly neighbours, good coffee, an excellent gym and the best local supermarket you could ask for, what more could you want?
Huge blocks of land, more young couples entering the area and new townhouses springing up everywhere, this place is on the up.
ten minutes from the CBD - the westgate is no worse than any other melbourne traffic!
who knew about the scrumptious Second Ave deli?? this place is the best kept secret of the west!!
Great restaurants in neighbouring suburbs and highpoint is nearby. Everything is accesible from Altona North.
I recommend this area for couples and families. Great parkland options for dog lovers too and dog beachs at both Altona and WIlliamstown!

Great for

  • Altona Fresh
  • Close to city without the high price tag
  • Execellent gym facilities

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
0
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"A european flavour ten minutes from he city."

As a former resident of Williamstown, I find Altona North to be an afforable and pleasant substitute for a young couple.
I love the International deli's and grocers that really give you a good range of flavours from the world and a food shopping experience more unique than any other suburb.
Minutes away from the great eateries and cafes at Newport, Spotswood and Williamstown and just as close to the old world cinemas at Yarraville.
This is the suburb which is yet to have hit its peak price of the forementioned suburbs yet is just as accessable as all of them.
Tree lined streets filled with Rosellas and other birdlife - clearly the refinery is but a distant landmark of the west.
The refinery has no greater bearing on this suburb than any of the others it neighbours.
The bayfit leisure centre is an excellent facility which i frequent as it offers a range of services and is walking distance from my home.
With more and more young couples, I am thrilled with the investment I have made and will now sit back and watch this area continue to grow.

Great for

  • Execellent gym facilities
  • Altona Fresh
  • Close to city without the high price tag

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Beach Lovers
1
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"A stone's throw from everything"

I've grown up in Melbourne's west and thoroughly enjoy living in Altona North.
It's so peaceful you can hear the birds in the morning and yet it's just ten kilometers away from the CBD.
Newport train station is walking distance from where I live, as are many great cafes.
There are some great delis and grocers which stock excellent produce without pretentious prices and staff are extremely helpful and friendly.
I love to cook and find the Second Ave Deli and International Foods at The Circle very handy as they are walking distance from my home.
Altona North is also a very short drive to Williamstown beach where I take my dog for walks almost daily in the summer.
Everything is accessible in Altona North and the broadband in my street is excellent.
And if you allow enough distance from the refinery - you'll never know it's there!

Great for

  • Altona Fresh
  • Close to city without the high price tag

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
0
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"this place does have broadband connection"

to yetrew:

I dont konw how you come up with this. I found it strange as well so I searched on TPG website, it shows that most of the area (I would say 95%+) is covered by two TPG ADSL exchanges which are located at Newport and Brooklyn. Also, cable broadband connection is available from Bigpond when I checked.

It means residents would have ADSL2 and cable facility in this suburb. Your message is VERY misleading.


For anyone interested, the map of TPG ADSL coverage is below:
http://tpg.com.au/maps/?exch=BKLN

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
0
BJACOBS

Try ringing Telstra, TPG or anyother ISP to get connected, although all the internet checks and maps indicate broadband is available, ITS NOT. Anywhere west of millers road at least is too far from the Newport exchange to support any form of broadband over the copper lines. As for cable,wrong again. Take it from a resident of 40+ years, theres no bloody ADSL in most of Altona North. So pull ur head out of your ass and stick your TPG coverage map link up there.

M L
M L

I'm in AN and I have broadband, this is a weird comment.

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"hold your breath"

The fumes from the refinery are very strong and unpleasant especially when the wind is right.
Mostly the police activity in the area is a good distraction from it with the state housing close by

Who lives here?

  • Singles
1
NotaSheep

Hoolio you forgot to mention the Gangs, The Drug Related Drive by shootings 6 months ago, all the other heavy industry and the Smelly Tip and Slaughter yards smells that pleasantly drift by. Oh and the Hoon drivers in their Commondores trying to prove their manhood to compensate for their poor social skills, lack of employment potential, literacy and ability to communicate with any female other their Mother or future arranged wife. F.Y .I , I also grew up in this area from Childhood and despise the way its changed so much re the influx 15 yrs ago of a certain Demographic, let alone the pollution, heavy traffic, west gate freeway nightmare and lack of train station: Oh well its a very safe seat so we get what we deserve.

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"Great for families and local strip shops"

Great areas near the beach. Altona has come alive in the recent years. Many young families combined with older retirees enjoy the great little shopping strips throughout Altona North. Transport is very accessable as is the many schools.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
1
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"Family-oriented area suited to professionals"

A family-oriented area based around 10km from Melbourne’s city centre, Altona North is also suited to professionals working in the CBD who don’t mind a bit of a commute. It is home to over 10,000 residents and offers a variety of local attractions and activities including a golf club, soccer teams and a creek and walking trail. There is a shopping centre based in Altona North as well as two oil refineries. Properties in this area sell for an average of $415,000 and neighbouring suburbs include Laverton North, Brooklyn, Yarraville, Newport, Williamstown North, Altona and Laverton.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
1
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