Frankston VIC - need ur local opinions

[Olive]

Hi all, we finally went down to Frankston last weekend and had a good look around Frankston, Nth and Sth. Want some opinions from local residents:
1. How do you like Frankston?
2. Do you work locally or do you work somewhere else outside Frankston?
3. If you are renting, would you rather pay $30 more per week for a new renovated kitchen & bathroom? Say $280 instead of $250 for a 3 bed 1 bath 1 car space BV hse around Lakewood area? Or would you go for $200 older style hse?
4. What is your max. rent/week that u can afford?
5. Hows traffic on weekdays around Cranebourne Rd?
6. Do you go to the beach often?
7. Where do you normally go shopping?
8. Do you eat out? Where to find restaurants for dinner besides Nepean Hwy?
9. What sort of live style do Frankston people have?
........tell us a bit more if you don't mind..
Thx heaps,
Olive (and partner like Frankston!

 

[DeanW]

Hi Olive,

There is a huge thread in 'Where to Buy' that covers Frankston in great detail. Check it out here:

http://www.somersoft.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31663

You will need to set aside quite a bit of time to get through it but it is defintely worth reading.

Cheers.

 

[BayView]

We live in Dromana, and my wife works in Frangers. We know the area pretty well.

I would say that except for South Frangers, the area is predominently middle-class and below-average incomes and less. Lots of students renting around the Tafe and Uni, as well as medical staff due to the hospital being close by.

In the last 5 or so years the area has begun to improve, with more families moving in to the newer areas of Langwarrin and Carrum Downs, and "The Pines" is steadily going up in value and improving. The Eastlink extension will also add some attraction to the area for people who have to commute, and there is a newish Mall as well as a massive upgrade to the existing Mall near Myers etc.

We have a 2 x 1 villa unit with a lock-up garage in Central Frankston, in a 12 unit complex.

The tenants are now paying $180 p/w with another rent increase due at the next lease renewal later this year.

I don't know of many Forumites who would be renters in Frangers, so asking all of us may not be much of a help, except to say that as a Landlord we may be able to give you a rough idea.

The best course of action is to either call or go to all the Agents in the area and ask them those same questions. Vacancies are low right now.

Generally, I would say that people will always pay a few more dollars to get something nicer; especially if it is perceived to be good value.

Traffic on weekdays at peak hour on Cranbourne rd is always heavy. Same with the Mornington Peninsula feeway and Nepean Hwy. Don't buy on main roads - in the side streets near them may be better.

Generally, I would look for properties near to all the schools, shops and transport (buses, trains, and freeways/main roads), beaches etc - within 5 mins drive or 5 mins walk.

For example; our unit is 5 mins walk to the TAFE, Myers, the station, 5 mins drive to the beach, Monash Uni and the Hospital, the freeway entrance is a 2 min drive at most.

It's not the best property in the world (it was all we could afford at the time), it's solid and neat and we did a bit of as reno on it, but the vacancy rate has been almost zero since we bought it in 2003, and it has gone up in value a nice amount - nearly 50%. Not earth shattering, but still good.

 

[Toni]

Hi Olive, I grew up in Donvale, then moved to Macleod and now reside in Frankston (approx 9 years). We love it!

I didn't consider myself as being someone who enjoyed the beach, probably as a result of being the daughter of a fisherman.... yuk! But was pleasantly surprised as to how much the beach grew on me. I often walk along the beach with friends and the kids.

My husband loves being close to the Golf Courses (at least his not a fisherman). We now have 4 properties in the area and both my children attend private schools which are only down the road from us. My husband does work in Frankston, but as for myself, I enjoy socialising too much and being there for the kids.

Frankston is a busy little place, with carnivals, fairs, and other planned events often being run by the council. We are obviously also not too far from the other areas along the bay up to Portsea, which also hold various events from time to time.

What I love most about this area is the lifestyle; I now couldn't live away from the beach. I shop regularly in Frankston and occasionally will travel outside of this to other major shopping centres, but all in all am quite comfortable with the shops around here.

Frankston is constantly being expanded and I personally am very excited about its future. What will it look like in 10 years from now..... It's a
Great location!

Great restaurants, cinemas and even night clubs are located close by. We often dine out with friends, go to the pictures and enjoy regular walks. We have finally found a place we are proud to call home.

It has always astounded me as to the opinions that others hold or have held about this area. I have found Frankston to be a wonderful place to live and raise my children and short of moving to sunny Queensland, could and would not think of living anywhere else.

Study the area well as there are many parts to Frankston and read the (where to buy – Frankston - section on this forum).

Toni

 

[Southsider]

[Olive (and partner like Frankston! [/QUOTE]

Hi Olive, I've been living in Frankston for nearly 7 sevens now and I truely
enjoy area. The City has every facility you can think of and then even some
more. For me I like being near the golf courses, parks and of course the Bay.

Beware of negative comments you may hear or read about Frankston, it can happen, but applies to the minority not the majority.

The area is moving forward even in these G&D days. As every year goes by
the vibe of the area improves and I believe it will continue so years to come.

The only critical point I have for the area is its Council. With the potential
Frankston CBD and surrounds has to offer, I feel council has lost some great opportinities (and continue to do so) from private investors eg time delays and
choking due to minority group pressure and not responding to the community as a whole, Yet they allow some shocking developments such as the bulky goods area in the heart of frankston - what the????

Still issues with councils can happen anywhere, Frankston is great!

SS