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Life in the ’burbs

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Boys jump off Mornington Pier.

My suburb was seemingly made for summer. Then the secret got out

When I went to uni I finally met all the people who had holiday houses down where I grew up. These kids from Hawthorn, Toorak and Camberwell couldn’t believe that I actually grew up here.

  • Lizzy Gordon

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A sculpture at Bayswater train station of a little boy doing an aeroplane stance.

My suburb has an odd mix of a posh name and a reputation for being a bit dodgy

I was once told my suburb was the place to go if you wanted a second-hand DVD player. But this historic area has so much more to offer than that.

  • Michelle Glennon
Views from Bell Street in Heidelberg.

My suburb is so safe that if I collapse, a doctor will trip over me on their way to get coffee

I live surrounded by hospitals and medical centres. I know because I’ve been to many of them. I’ve even walked to emergency, rather than call an ambulance because it was quicker.

  • Nicolas Brasch

I loved my childhood suburb so much, I bought a house around the corner from where I grew up

Playing tennis on the street, picking figs from my dad’s pride-and-joy veggie patch and watching Rocky movies at the drive-in: it felt like an idyllic childhood.

  • Orietta Guerrera
Canterbury Rd in Box Hill South, looking east toward the Station St intersection.

Can you guess Melbourne’s smallest, poshest or smelliest suburbs? Explore our interactive map

The Age has developed a new map where you can explore Melbourne’s suburbs, through the eyes of Melburnians who live there.

  • Damien Nowicki
Cptn Jack’s at Yaringa Boat Harbour in Somerville.

My suburb has beaches, space, fresh air – and the slight smell of chicken nuggets

We never thought we’d match our NSW lifestyle, but found relaxed authenticity and everything we need within walking distance.

  • Jim Klages
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West Footscray

Moving to my suburb was a no-brainer – but first someone had to die

The industrial smells have been drifting away from the place fondly known as WeFo. Now we’re luring the giants of the digital future.

  • Ross Cayley
Eltham North

My suburb is a hidden gem. It has just one cafe and no shops

My suburb is only a train ride from Flinders Street, but we live among the birds and gumtrees.

  • Charlotte Chidell
Golf plays a big part of life in Sandhurst.

My suburb has an island, purgatory, and 2000 wardens to catch you doing anything sneaky

My resort-style suburb confuses both outsiders and residents. But its true delight is in the quirky, unexpected pleasures that come with life here.

  • Marg Perry
Canterbury Rd in Box Hill South, looking east toward the Station St intersection.

My suburb is quiet, green and close to dumplings - it beats its better-known cousin hands down

There’s much to be said for living near a bustling neighbourhood rather than in it.

  • Avery Poole