tell me about the dandenong ranges

We're in Berwick at the moment but looking to move up the hill very soon, I think we are simply too bohemian for the burbs, getting very bored! We've always loved the vibe of the area and the gorgeous houses but would love it if some of the BBers who live in the hills could answer some of my more practical questions :)
We're looking around the areas from Upper Ferntree Gully to Selby.

- DH works in the city...how long does it really take to get there? Google says 55mins but I doubt that takes things like peak hour into account.
- how convenient is it in terms of supermarkets, butchers, fruit shops etc...where's the nearest farmer's market?
- what are the kindys and schools like? Is there a montessori?
- is it a safe area?

Thanks :D

also think about bushfire awareness. do the places you are looking at have more than one exit (not the house but the town/burb/area)? does the house have tank water, or can you afford to put it in?....

- DH works in the city...how long does it really take to get there? Google says 55mins but I doubt that takes things like peak hour into account.
Of course, as a greenie, your DH would catch the train into town. That takes about 70 minutes or you can get a direct train which is a super-express!

- how convenient is it in terms of supermarkets, butchers, fruit shops etc...where's the nearest farmer's market?
There's a farmers market at Mulgrave (body shop) on wellington road, one in the yarra valley, a really good fruit & veg shop at the FTG market. There's a woolies in belgrave / UFTG / FTG. Coles at FTG / Monbulk. Aldi & another supermarket in UFTG. Organic / free range butchers in both belgrave & upwey, or a standard butcher in UFTG. Organic shops in Kalista, Belgrave & UFTG.

- what are the kindys and schools like? Is there a montessori?
Yes to montessori, the schools are very eco-friendly. There's Mater Christie if you want private girls - or I've heard good things about Belgrave South primary, Upwey primary and secondary. There's also a christian school.

- is it a safe area?
I feel safe. but there are always times when you don't feel safe. the train late on a saturday or sunday night is always a bit weird, but I think that's society today.

If you do move up here, you'll be part of a wonderful community where the shopkeepers know you and chat on the street ... I love it here!

I think there is a Montessori in Olinda, maybe it's Steiner not too sure. There is a Farmers Market at Yarra Glen. The hills are beautiful, we live in Mt Evelyn and we love it. One thing I can remember about driving up Mt Dandenong in the winter is it gets very foggy and can sometimes be impossible to see the road which is very windy.
DH grew up in Mt Dandenong and would love to live there again. As for safety, you can get creeps anywhere unfortunately :shakehead:. Would DH consider catching the train into work?
Good luck, I think you are making a great choice.

Thanks for the replies....the community atmosphere is definitely one of the attractions, also the like minded people in regards to parenting etc

DH is not at all keen on public transport (not very green of him I know, I like to think we make up for it in other ways:))...so he'd be driving

It's sounding like a winner....now to find a house!

Hi Ally
we live in the hills too and absolutely love it. we did go through a stage after black saturday where we got very spooked and were seriousley considering selling up, but once we started looking at alternatives we realised just how good we have it up here and fell back in love with the place. we live on the other side of the hill to where you are looking and dh works in the city quite a lot. he drives along canterbury rd onto eastlink, and doesn't find it too bad. the only problem is the roundabout at montrose gets quite congested at around 4-5pm.
i think you will love it up here. kazbah is right that it is a real 'community'. i am always meeting people at the playground/park/bakery. everyone is up for a chat. it's great.
there is a montessori kinder in mt evelyn if that is what you were looking for?
my kids just love it up here. we have resident kookaburras and even an echidna. i think it's a wonderful place for kids to grow up.