Mariam

Werribee about two decades ago was filled with predominantly 'white' low income families trying to make ends meet or were cashed up farmers; mostly 2nd-3rd generation immigrants who resided in Werribee South. The community has certainly diversified with lots of Australians from different backgrounds making Werribee its home. Today its location as well as the Governments injection of allocated funds, make it one of the fastest growing suburbs in Melbourne. It is due to have a new Marina set up similar to the one in Williamstown with cafes and restaurants. It is only 15-20 minutes away from the city and the upgraded Freeway has four lanes to drive down in peak hour traffic. There will be a new train line in the area in the next couple of years. There are certainly more cafes and restaurants and no longer is there just the choice of Italian food, with an increase in Middle Eastern restaurants, Indian and Asian food. There is also lots of shops with Indian and Afghan spices, and others that cater to Tongan or Asian tastes. Plenty of Halal butchers and several suppermarkets in the area. Plenty to do with the kids: there is Werribee Park and Mansion, 'the river', Werribee beach, 'the Plaza' and cinemas, boasts two libraries, a nice walk down the main street with an ice cream treat. Hairdressers in the area are actually quite good comparred to other suburbs I have been to. Its not a fashion precinct so you will need to drive about 25 minutes to Highpoint or city if you like fashion labels and variety. However in saying this the Plaza does have the usual Myer, Diva, House, Big W, Supre, Forever New as well as a couple of cute boutiques for Men and Women

Hallam is a great place to live and close to the freeway. Hallam's surrounding suburbs offer a close proximity to the Monash freeway and Princess Highway which make it a great investment. Works are being carried out to creat new pathways and roads are being upgraded. Lots of shopping centres to visit with only a 5 minute distance to fountaingate, 10 min to Berwick and its lovely restaurants, and 15 min to Chadstone on the Monash freeway. Southland and Cheltenham DFO take about 25 minutes to get to, so there are many options with Shopping Centres and Cinemas. It take me about 30 minutes to drive to the city maybe 40 in peak. There are lots of childcare centres and they are OK..I have visited many and have found something wrong with each. There are parks for the kids in most blocks, Fountain Gate shopping centre has great library and ducks to feed at the park near the pools. All in all its a great area to raise kids and teens will love it as its not too far from city and there are lots of Cafes to hang around with friends and just have a coffee.