Hi mandyther,
We currently live in Taylors Lakes. We have a 3 bedroom place single story. We have bought land in Hillside and should have our new place built by july/august next year.
We love where we are in Taylors Lakes as we can walk to watergardens but with large growing family we have decided to sell around Jan/feb if not before. Taylors Lakes has the best reputation out of Sydenham/Delahey/Hillside/Caroline Springs/Taylors Hill. I will give you a run down of the the suburbs with my thoughts and how I would rank them. We bought in Taylors Lakes about 5 years ago and property price since then has gone up by 57% in our case anyway. As long as it sells I guess...saying that property seem to be still selling well at momment.
1. Taylors Lakes
Basically 2 areas of Taylors Lakes. Older area which is on left hand side of keilor/melton rd heading towards melton. And newer area on right hand side. The right hand side are a few years newer (15 years old) and closer to watergardens and a better area in my opinion. Access to freeway and trainstation and shops are great also, good sized land and only handful of townhouses.
2. Hillside
Basically 2 areas of Hillside. First area which is on left hand side of keilor/melton rd heading towards melton. And Second area on right hand side. The right hand side is a far superior area to the one on the left as it has no units or townhouses that are highly visible whereas every second house in first area is a unit. Houses and land size in both area are very good ie 650sqm+. Also location is not far from watergardens or Trainstation, shops,etc. Houses are beautiful in second area where we are going to build on 800sqm block
3. Caroline Springs
Newer area but contains both house and units. Shops and schools close by but a little further out and freeway not as close as hillside/taylors lakes.
4. Taylors Hill
Essential the same as Caroline Springs but Caroline Springs has the better name. Looked at land in this area but was a little further to travel and quite expensive as I guess land is getting everywhere and should increase with gov grants etc.
5. Sydenham
Lots of units and townhouses and hence lots of rentals only better in delahey as rds are wider.
6. Delahey
Same as sydenham but rds are very narrow and like a rabbit warren.
Hope that helps.
Cheers,
Arch