Is Melbourne a Two-tiered City?

Despite Melbourne’s phenomenal growth, there have been teething problems. Much of that increase is concentrated in just a few suburbs and the vast new housing developments on the city fringes have created what some are calling a two-tiered city, with those in inner-Melbourne enjoying access to cultural and recreational facilities and good public transport, while those in outer suburbs spend hours commuting on congested freeways.

What are your thoughts on this?

 

I think that's probably been the case for a fair while.

 

Agreed.

And that’s why the inner and middle ring suburbs have seen such phenomenal growth.

Do not think, though, that this amenity is not available to everybody. There is a lot of housing stock available at affordable prices. These are apartments. For many, it’s a choice between a detached house in an outer fringe suburbs with no amenity, or an apartment in the inner suburbs with brilliant access to amenity. For my budget, I chose the latter: an apartment in the inner suburbs

 

Very true, not everyone prefers the trendy coffee/pub culture. Lot's of migrant families prefer living closer to families, prayer centres etc.
They don't mind travelling to the city for work if they have to. Know of a few white collar workers who work in the CBD but prefer to live in outer suburbs even if they could afford to. Even more so after covid.

 

Are any major cities really different?

I think the pandemic in Sydney really showed that's the case here. You have the expensive harbour / beachside suburbs then you have out west where prices are significantly lower (albeit still very high!).

 

The pandemic has shown people that it is okay to live away from the city.
Some people I know have bought places in the Central Coast, Avoca Beach, Kincumber etc and are working from there with no intention to come into the CBD for the foreseeable future and even when forced will only come back for 2 days a week.

Employers are now more willing to take on more flexible working arrangements than ever before. Employees are getting a lot of choice out there in a tight job market.

 

you left out the most important thing for most 30-50 year olds which is schooling for the kids. Look at where the top private schools and prices in these suburbs

 

That sounds like Sydney to me.

 

Then Danastan happened how to destroy a city

 

Socialimo au muerto... Don't get against Melbourne the great unwashed from Sidney and Melbourne will move back to Danistan once they realise there are not enough jobs in banana bender land.

Melbourne now the cheapest city to rent among bigger Oz cities

 

Cheapest to rent due to oversupply….. ouch

 

Also in outer suburbs not due to oversupply. Watch this space reverse migration from Qld from 2023 onwards