It is the one question that has been on debate for many generations – would you prefer to live amongst the chaos and beauty of the city or by a relaxing, seaside oasis?
When most people think of the Mornington Peninsula, they imagine a laid-back coastal area with a gentle spotlight on Australian nature, captivated and immersed within its aura. As Melbourne is home to some of the best high schools and facilities in the state, the Peninsula is gradually creating new opportunities and things to do.
So, with more and more people choosing to explore the Peninsula lifestyle, what makes this holiday ‘hot spot’ the perfect re-location?
At Bright Property Advocates we work with many clients who are either looking for a sea change or move into the city, and are aware of the benefits that each option presents. To help, we have researched and compared the land values, lifestyles and schools between the Peninsula and city.
Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula sits south east to the Melbourne City Centre, spanning across 724 square kilometres. Celebrating nature and a strong art culture, the Peninsula is home to the pristine Sorrento, Rye and Mount Martha beaches, largely popular for holiday goers. With a small, communal population of 308,226 people, the Peninsula goes above and beyond in offering a luxurious lifestyle where locals can indulge in some of the best wineries, restaurants/cafés, and provides an easily accessible commute to the city via the V/Line train services.
Melbourne
Covering 9,992 square kilometres, Melbourne is home to 5.078 million people. Known well for its cultural food scene and world-renowned tourist destinations, Melbourne accommodates a great range of transport options for locals and visitors via train, tram, and buses, making it a smooth, hassle-free journey from one location to the next. Whether it may be helping get locals ready for the day with the perfect cup of coffee or providing a memorable experience for all ages through a vivid nightlife and sporting events, there are many perks to inner city living.
Affordability
Unlike the city, the Mornington Peninsula offers more value for money, with larger property and land sizes. To give a deeper insight we researched recent home sales in the Melbourne inner city and the Peninsula, overviewing their similarities and purchase price.
126 Sackville Street, Kew, VIC, 3101
Features: 5 beds, 5 baths, 2 car spaces
Land Size: 1,280sqm
Sale Price: $11m+
Sold on: 28th February 2023
2/636 Nepean Highway, Frankston South, VIC, 3199
Features: 5 beds, 5 baths, 3 car spaces
Land Size: 7,435sqm
Sale Price: $11m
Sold on: 11th October 2022
34 Alta Street, Canterbury, VIC, 3126
Features: 4 beds, 2 baths, 4 car spaces
Land Size: 697sqm
Sale Price: $3.137m
Sold on: 18th February 2023
90 Glenisla Drive, Mount Martha, Vic 3934
Features: 4 beds, 2 baths, 2 car spaces
Land Size: 1,039sqm
Sale Price: $3.280M
Sold on: 20th March 2023
33 Hawksburn Road, South Yarra, VIC, 3141
Features: 3 beds, 2 baths, 2 car spaces
Land Size: 616sqm
Sale Price: $7.150m
Sold on: 1st March 2023
15-21 Leggatt Crescent, Mount Martha, 3934
Features: 5 beds, 4 baths, 2 car spaces
Land Size: 3,877sqm
Sale Price: $5.7m
Sold on: 13th December 2022
Schooling
In comparing the learning environment and opportunities offered to students, we have analysed some of the best schools in both the Peninsula and inner city.
With 791 enrolled students, Toorak College is a girls college from years 5-12, and is co-ed from pre-school to grade 4. The College has recently had works completed in the establishment of their ‘Swift Science and Technology Centre.’ This two-storey centre has been developed to help assist students within their STEM studies, including new digital maker-spaces, an outdoor lab, a 3D printing facility, a virtual reality pod and laboratories dedicated to chemistry and biology.
Accomodating 1,973 students, Frankston High School is set to have construction completed later this year on a new two-storey administration block and food technology rooms. These new facilities have been made available from a $15.129 million grant, offered to the school during the 2021-22 state budget.
Peninsula Grammar is also a top performing school within the Mornington Peninsula.
A boy’s school in Canterbury, Camberwell Grammar has elevated student experiences through the development of a new sports centre in 2016. A $45 million project, the centre facilitates an Olympic sized swimming pool, two basketball courts, table tennis, a gym, an outdoor sporting field and a communal kitchen for students.
Melbourne High School and Trinity Grammar School, Kew, are also top performing schools within the inner city area.
Facilities & ACTIVITIES
Mornington Peninsula activities:
- Peninsula Hot Springs
- Pt. Leo, Jackalope and Red Hill winery estates
- Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation
- Oliver’s Hill and Arthurs Seat Lookout
- Swimming with, and dolphin sightseeing
- Boating/sailing activities and water sports
Melbourne activities:
- Tourist destinations including Skydeck and Federation Square
- Sporting grounds and international sporting events
- Food experiences at the Queen Victoria and South Melbourne Markets
- Family experiences at Luna Park and the Royal Melbourne Show
- Street art culture (e.g., Hozier Lane)
Unlike the fast-paced, bustling city lifestyle, the Mornington Peninsula is a small gem within Victoria that prides itself on allowing one to reconnect with themselves and the nature that surrounds them. With lesser traffic and a tight knit community, the Peninsula is the perfect relocation, offering more land and larger properties for a smaller price. Under an hours car trip, you can also take some time off to enjoy what the city has to offer, and vice versa. Yet, with its immersive cultural diversity and home to Australia’s sport and café culture, there is a great number of experiences that can only be found in Melbourne.
Sources:
https://www.toorakcollege.vic.edu.au
https://www.peninsulagrammar.vic.edu.au
https://www.trinity.vic.edu.au
https://www.app.com.au/our-work/toorak-college-swift-science-and-technology-centre
https://www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/frankston-high-school
https://www.pitchcraft.com.au/projects/26-camberwell-grammar
https://www.peninsulahotsprings.com
https://www.ptleoestate.com.au
https://jackalopehotels.com/here/
https://www.redhillestate.com.au
https://moonlitsanctuary.com.au
https://www.melbourneskydeck.com.au
