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Life in the ’burbs

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The Valley Lake estate in Keilor East.

No one knew where my suburb was. Then one store changed everything

We were hidden away between a river and two freeways until a local man’s hustle and yellow handwritten signs catapulted us to fame.

  • Margaret Raffle

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Life in Brunswick West.

My suburb’s so daggy, our local shops are known as the ‘Square of Despair’

With a retro, neglected vibe and horrific public toilet, our shopping centre almost feels like it shouldn’t count.

  • Sian Campbell
Hoppers Crossing train station.

My suburb is named after a local landmark. We rejoiced when it was demolished

This working-class neighbourhood once gave me Heart of Darkness vibes. Despite the conveniences, my suburb still has its downsides.

  • Damien Harrison
The Upper Ferntree Gully train station.

My tiny suburb birthed two huge celebrities, but that’s not why we look down on our neighbours

Visitors come to my suburb from around Melbourne for an experience that isn’t available across the city’s flat landscape – even if it is a bit wetter here.

  • Greg Hardy
East Hampton’s shopping strip.

A chance left turn 20 years ago led me to the suburb of my dreams

I stumbled on my suburb by accident after taking a spontaneous turn off the highway to avoid a car accident.

  • Megan Riley
Homes in Princes Hill.

Life in the ’Burbs

Has your suburb featured in our popular column? Check the interactive map

  • Eliza Sum
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City views from High Street in Northcote.

My suburb is the beating cauliflower heart of Melbourne’s gluten-free belt

Our high street has been named the coolest in the world. The actual coolest. Even if it is only a drop punt away from the “s--- Coles”.

  • Tony Wilson
Life in the ’burbs

Life in the ’Burbs interactive map of Melbourne – find your suburb

With The Age’s new interactive feature, you can easily search our archive to see all the Melbourne suburbs that have been featured in our series.

  • Patrick O'Neil
Traffic on Lower Plenty Road.

In my suburb, it’s easy to tell the locals apart – just look at their legs

A flat gradient is a rare occurrence in my suburb, where the locals stand out for one physical feature – the result of trekking up and down endless hills.

  • Larissa Dubecki
Parkdale beach

My suburb is an undiscovered slice of fresh air, and locals like it that way

The residents of my suburb tell me they grew up here, as did their parents, and they hope their children will stay here as well. And why wouldn’t they want to?

  • Aramiha Harwood

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/topic/life-in-the--burbs-6g0e