... was gonna suggest here in Ballarat, can get more a 3brm for under $250-$280 (though most are weatherboard), 4brms harder to find BUT not impossible ... Only thing is you would have to put up with long cold Winters, brrrrr (and up goes the heater bill)

Town of i think now 100,000 ... has everything here ... Only 1hr & 15mins to Melb CBD ... and i'd make one fab neighbour

(WOW, Mel ... that's sounds just darn brilliant !!!!!!!!!)