If we were to move to Melbourne......advice please :)

[Little Chicken]

It depends, up where I live (north eastern suburbs), the drive would be 40 to 50 minutes, but there is a rail line that will take you about 30 to 40 minutes. It is lovely up here, lots of trees, parks, good schools, and shops. House prices I can't help you with, but rents are pretty reasonable for a good area.

[nothing2lose]

It would depend on what you call a decent price for housing. I'm about 30km from the CBD and the median house price in my suburb is over $500k.

Inner suburban you could expect to add another $250k plus.

[LionsandBears]

If you move, I recommend renting for a year. It means you can assess areas, schools etc yourself while not being tied to a certain area too early. You then save on things like stamp duty if you discover you don't like an area and want to move.

PN has some great questions to help. I know a friend who moved from Melbourne to Adelaide was able to get more house for her money. Melbourne is more expensive, but if the pay is more then maybe it works out financially.

And of course, Melbourne rocks

[Mum2SweetCs]

My inlaws live in doncaster and warrandyte areas. Love the location, 15mins frm city but houses there are 800 plus. Not sure abt rent prices though but mel is so nice and luscious and people rush less there as opposd to syd that is :-)