I adore Melbourne. I always have. I was an inner city snob, never used a car, public transport everywhere (though that was in the 90's). Now we're in the burbs about 20 km from CBD. I'd hate to move further out, but we can't afford to buy this close in....I'm not sure exactly where we could afford to buy TBH. The dream of the qtr acre block with the dog and kids playing outside seems very distant.

It's not all great. The increase in knifings/bashings etc are a worry, public transport is useless so we use a car all the time, traffic is mental even on weekends (how about 24hr/7 day clearway on Punt Rd?), taxis are a crying shame, I'm convinced the state and most local governments are corrupt if not downright incompetent ($750M on Myki anyone? ). It's not perfect and we don't have a spectacular harbour, but it's gorgeous, bohemian and fun.

I love the strip shopping in the burbs, the laneways in the CBD, the fact I will never be able to eat at all the fabulous restaurants/cafes we have, that the coffee is (mostly) fantastic, the open parks, footy season (even if you don't go). Obviously I have no idea how things will change after bub arrives. Maybe I'll start feeling housebound and claustraphobic, I don't know. But I'll have access to services and loads of things to do (budget willing).

I like the country - think it's a great place to visit, but I don't think I could live there.