VIC Melb - inner west or south?

First home buyer (professional 35yo woman, no family, one income) looking to buy an older, well-built apartment for PPOR and to possibly rent out in the future.

There are a lot of appropriate and affordable properties in the inner-mid West (Footscray, Footscray West, Sunshine) and South (Caulfield North or East, Carnegie, St Kilda East).

A lot of hipsters are moving to the inner West, so I believe it’ll soon become a buzz area. But the southern suburbs have more public transport modes into the CBD (eg: train and multiple tram lines) whereas the West is only serviced by the train and buses.

Which area is better to buy in?

 

370K is my maximum but I’d prefer to spend 285-315K and pay off the mortgage quicker.

 

Don't go west.. There's a reason why it's cheap

 

Once the east west tunnel nears completion the west will become even more popular

I live in the west and love it, great public transport where I live. I think some parts of Footacray are a bit iffy but check further out, yarraville-Newport/Altona/Williamstown are very family friendly. I’m not entirely sure but I think your money might go further here eg you could buy a villa unit on a small block rather than apartment

Edit to add: you’re definitely right about the area being popular with hipsters lol. And Footacray has been transforming over the last few years, I’m sure it’ll be even nicer in a few years time

 

we loved living in Footscray. would move back in a heart beat.