We've lived in Allenby Road for about 6 years now. The location was what brought us to the area, it is so close to the city and great shopping down the road at Camberwell Junction. Although we can walk it we find more often than not we drive (too much shopping to walk back with!).

Property prices have skyrocketed which is fantastic and I put this down to two things. The proximity to private schools and the sheer lack of real estate in Canterbury. Many well paid professionals want to send their kids to private schools and so they need to live nearby. Canterbury is also a relatively small suburb so there is a shortage of houses for sale.

Shopping is really very good. Burke Road provides all of the supermarket requirements such as Safeway (which is big, but busy - make sure you go either Saturday afternoon after 2pm, or before noon weekdays), and we are getting a new Coles out the back of Borders Books \ Georges Restaurant. In addition you have Target, Country Road, a number of book stores, a great newsagency that is open late and a few large pharmacies. Bocaccios is a fantastic deli\supermarket which is up Burke Road towards Doncaster Road (almost Balwyn).

Cafes and Restaurants are numerous. Some of my favourites include Orsinis opposite the Rivoli Cinemas, Georges, and Italy 1. Max Brennar's Chocolate cafe just opened also. I love the Carpark Cafe with its model airplanes hanging from the ceiling.

Things to do - lots of parks around the area, cinemas at Burke Road. People watching at Burke Road. Browsing the shelves at Borders Books. Because it's so small walking is a big thing around here.

So, yes it's expensive, but you do get a great lifestyle with it and I would recommend the area to anyone.