We’re sure you’ve heard us prattle-on as to why we love Footscray, but we figured it’s time to talk about the new player in town.
Situated just eight kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD and only a casual walk (and a bit) from Footscay, West Footscray is starting to emerge.
Like everything else this side of the Westgate, West Footscray has been overlooked, undervalued and forgotten in the past for more ritzy suburbs in the east.
In the last few years, however, interest in West Footscray has exploded due to factors like:
- Its close proximity to the city
- Its relaxed, friendly environment
- Its diverse population and shopping precinct
So, if West Footscray hasn’t been on your radar, here’s three reasons why it should be.
Compare the pair: Footscray vs West Footscray
As we just mentioned, West Footscray is emerging as a dominant property player in Melbourne.
In fact, the dominance is so great that property prices in this “little sister” suburb have eclipsed its more well known sibling.
According to Realestate.com.au, the cost of almost all types of property in West Footscray is now more expensive than Footscray.
For property buyers, the medium house prices are:
- Footscray = $990,000
- West Footscray = $1,050,000
For property buyers, the medium unit prices are:
- Footscray = $480,000
- West Footscray = $540,000
But when it comes to property investment, rentals in Footscray still edge out its close western neighbour.
For property investors, the medium house rental returns are:
- Footscray = $480 per week
- West Footscray = $475 per week
For property investors, the medium unit rental returns are:
- Footscray = $340 per week
- West Footscray = $320 per week
That means it doesn’t really matter which suburbs you’re in, your property is in a prime location.
However, that’s where the similarities end as both suburbs have their own unique personality and experiences.
Things to do in West Footscray
Here are three things that prove West Footscray has plenty to offer and can claim to be a suburb in its own right.
Ease your hunger at an Indian restaurant
While Footscray is famous for its Vietnamese and African cuisine, a little further up Barkly Street (in West Footscray) the popular food of choice is Indian.
India is known as a cultural melting pot and their various food options can all be found in West Footscray – from vegetarian, tandoori, naans and meat-filled gravys.
In fact, walking the street at dinner time is like a visit to Bricklane’s “curry mile” in East London. It’s not uncommon for restaurateurs to line the streets and pitch their menus to salivating diners.
Be prepared though, for these restaurateurs it’s business in a tough industry and they will compete against each other to secure your custom. Don’t be surprised if you’re offered discounted prices and extra food to get you in the door.
West Footscray Neighbourhood House
You know a suburb is committed to its residents when it offers its people a place to come together as a community. In West Footscray, that place is the Neighbourhood House.
The Neighbourhood House was established in 1889 to meet a community need for social interaction, adequate childcare and to break down language barriers and increase.
Many years later, these services are still needed and can be found in programs like:
- Soul House: Where locals can come along to a session on Thursday 12-2pm to enjoy barista coffee, a bite to eat and the opportunity to socialise with other people in a welcoming environment.
- Toy Library: Did somebody say free toys (to borrow)! Instead of spending money, go and borrow the toys your little ones need.
- Single mum’s playgroup: Kids love interacting with other children and it can be isolating being a single parent. Single mothers are encouraged to join this group and support each other.
The #wefo hashtag!
There’s no greater sign that a suburb is growing in popularity than when it creates its own hashtag to promote everything happening in the area.
Do yourself a favour and type #wefo (short for West Footscray) into social media platforms like Instagram and scroll through the posts.
Pretty quickly you’ll learn that West Footscray and its locals have plenty going on and they are (rightly) proud to show off where they live.
This hashtag will give you everything – from local art and paintings as well as bakeries, cafes and bars to try. It also features community news and updates, and even humorous posts too.
#wefo has it all and is a great touchpoint to the community.
West Footscray is on the rise and offers a great mix of a vibrant, exciting atmosphere and casual, relaxed living.
If this suburb is not on your property buying or investment list, jump in the car or catch the next train to check it out. Or contact us as we’re happy to show you around.