The first was on Muirhead Crescent. It's the cheapest by far at $160 pw, but the neighbourhood is a bit questionable. The first time we drove by, the next-door neighbour shouted out something we couldn't hear (we got the idea he didn't like us parked outside the house for such a long time), and the next moment a patrol car drove by and the officer asked what we were doing and if we were lost. While the house itself was fine (very neat and compact, has a good-sized front and back yard and shed for storage), is near the W River and fairly close to the main road and town centre, we didn't get good vibes about the neighbourhood, and decided to pass.
The second house was one of two units on one block in Pitanga Gardens (as in, the owner decided to build 2 small houses instead of one) and even nearer the town centre. At $205 pw, it's also more costly, but the good thing is it's brand new, and comes with a separate carport for each unit. All the rooms have the same neutral beige carpeting and are a good size. There's a small lounge area on entry and a much larger living area at the other end. No ducted heating but there's split aircond which provides heating, and is therefore as good as, if not better, than ducted heating. We strolled round the neighbourhood and noticed that all the surrounding houses look like they were recently built, and the real estate agent confirmed this. She assured us this is a good neighbourhood, and that our neighbours are Italians. Not sure what that means for us - gifts of homemade lasagna and tiramisu perhaps? :-)
The only reservation: the front and backyards are a tad tiny, the front yard's just been planted with turf, which needs some care, and we're wondering how Scottie will manage during the day with so little space! Otherwise, it's quite the dream home, so we obtained the application form from the agent and will submit it tomorrow with supporting docs (bank statement, tenancy agreement for our Sg flat - evidence of ability to pay the rent).
In any case, we're also due to inspect a house on Meek Street tomorrow afternoon. It's $180 pw and near Market Rd, which is just north of the W train station and town centre. The pics on the Internet look great, but when we drove past, we weren't quite sure about the neighbourhood, so we're having another look.
Other areas we like:
- South of the Princes Hwy (along the same side of the road as the W Mercy Hosp) - Tower Rd, Wattle Ave. The houses are newer, well-maintained with manicured lawns, and appear to be in safer neighbourhoods.
- North of the Princes Hwy near the Hoppers Crossing train station - Powell Drive, 1st/2nd/3rd/4th Aves.
- Coop St @ Werribee Station (priciest at $230 pw, but it's brand new).
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