Thanks for those replies - yes those schools all come up if you do searches - we would rather stay put than move further out. Balwyn isn't far from city but its public transport isn't much cop in my opinion, and is as pricey as where we are really.

Yes good schools do effect the prices significantly it seems. Camberwell High School - which would be current possibility, or Auburn High School (which is new - well is Hawthorn Secondary rebranded and offering new language initiatives) is not as high as those listed above in the rankings - so I suppose I am looking for is schools of a similar standing - when I say good I suppose what I mean is not a 'bad' school - not necessarily placing that high in academic rankings etc. It seems difficult to find out much information on people's perceptions of schools without knowing the names of schools to start with IYKWIM.

Northcote is one that have read positive things about - and while area is still pricey median is significantly less than where we are. I looked that up because happened to drive past it yesterday.