St Kilda East - It's a vibe.

Since moving into my first property in St Kilda East almost 8 years ago, I have seen the transformation first hand... Though the colourful characteristics I have come to know and love are still very much there, enough gentrification has occurred to see the property prices skyrocket and the local coffee perfected. 

With neighbouring St Kilda often featuring on the top 10 lists of most searched suburbs in Melbourne, St Kilda East has typically been considered the poor cousin. But with the perfect mix of small-town community and inner-city lifestyle and accessibility, it has fast become a sought after destination for new families, young professionals and empty-nesters alike. 

With a current median house price of $1,520,000, houses in St Kilda East have seen a compound growth rate of almost 6% in the last 5 years alone! So perhaps it’s not quite one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets these days but there is still plenty to discover in this not so sleepy suburb. 

Bustling Carlisle Street is the beating heart of the area. It simply would not work without it. You could (and iso has proven) literally exist on the array of goods found within the confines of Brighton Road & Hotham Street.

Here are some tried and tested favourites to check out when you’re next in the area;

  • Martini’s and seafood linguine at Illona Staller

  • Tavlin - for the best falafel in town!

  • Infamous bagels from Glicks

  • Las chicas for bloody mary’s and eggs Benedict

  • 'Wall two 80' for a coffee or three! 

  • Si Señor - If you are missing that trip to Mexico this year and craving tacos & margaritas!

  • Limra Groceries for every single Indian & Pakistani ingredient you could ever imagine

  • Monk Bodhi Dharma for hand blended $8 almond milk lattes... with a side of social consciousness. 

  • The Local Taphouse for craft beers on tap and a Sunday sesh on the deck!

  • Saigon Street eats because everyone needs a good local Pho joint. 

  • En Izakaya for fresh AF Japanese food. 

  • And when all you want is a parma and a game of pool? You can’t go wrong with The Dick Hotel

So get out there and enjoy what’s on offer in a suburb you wouldn’t usually dine in. Just don’t take my parking spot. See you out there!

Sam Davenport. 

Tabitha Robbinvestment properties, property, property market