Richmond is one of the most renovated, refurbished and rediscovered areas of inner Melbourne. The suburb has enjoyed some of the most spectacular growth in property values in recent years. Originally a working class neighbourhood that sprang up toprovide homes for local factory workers and those with work in the city area, it is now populated largely by young working couples with a desire to live “close to the action”.
There’s plenty of action to be had in Richmond. The famous budget fashion stretch of Bridge Road forms a spine for the area. Clustered around it are a great array of exotic restaurants, cafés, the Epworth and Bethesda Hospitals and other famous landmarks like Ron Barassi’s Pub and the old Pelaco Shirt Building - home to various radio stations and advertising agencies. Exotic car dealerships in Church Street, one of Australia’s oldest and most respected chocolate makers, a violinerie, a television station, the Richmond pool, 24 hour shopping, outdoor food market and of course the lazy sweep of the Yarra River are all ingredients in the rich and busy culture.
Trains and trams serve the area well and many residents eschew motor vehicles all together - after all the city is just a short walk away.