A vibrant and creative city suburb, St Kilda is part of the Port Melbourne District and sits on the harbour, just south of Albert Park. It’s just a ten minute drive from central Melbourne or 20 minutes by tram. It’s visually exciting here; there’s always plenty to see and do. Take the kids for a spin on the Luna Park roller coaster; cycle along the Esplanade; stroll through the botanic gardens or choose treats from the ethnic bakeries along Acland Street.

More than 50% of the people living in St Kilda are aged between 20 and 39. The area is popular with artists and young professionals as well as cosmopolitan families who enjoy the diversity.  If you move to St Kilda you’ll find plenty of professional job opportunities close to home, in the commercial district of St Kilda Rd- a thriving extension of the Melbourne CBD.

For many years St Kilda has been a lively pocket of the alternative art, theatre and music scenes. In the past there has been a seedier side, but the area has been gentrified a lot in recent years. Iconic St Kilda venues like the Esplanade (The Espie), The Prince of Wales Hotel, and the Palais are still going strong.  New creative ventures like Red Stitch Theatre and the Linden Centre for Contemporary Art are keeping the artsy tradition well and truly alive.

There’s a strong sense of history and community amongst people living in St Kilda, and lots of things to get involved in if you’re that way inclined.  If you have green thumbs, have a look at the ‘Veg Out’ community gardens, which offer plots and hold a regular farmers market. The Port Philip Community group organises community education and advocacy services across the whole district. Volunteers always welcome.

In the year to may 2010, the median house price in St Kilda was $811,000 compared to $877,000 across the region as a whole.  There are lovely historic properties to be had, as well as modern apartment developments. For families with school aged children living in St Kilda, choices for education  include St Kilda Primary School,  St Michaels Grammar K12  co-ed, Yeshiva College and Christian Brother’s College. There are plenty of extracurricular opportunities including drama schools, swim schools and a blade skating school.