Fast-growing diverse suburbs offer connectivity without the inner-Melbourne price tag

Tarneit sits just 25 kilometres west of Melbourne’s CBD, but only a few decades ago it was a semi-rural area dominated by fields.

It has now grown into a vibrant, multicultural suburb, while its neighbour Truganina, directly to the north, snaps at its heels in the fast-growing stakes. 

In 2001, just 331 people called Tarneit home. That has now swelled to 56,370, making Tarneit and Truganina (current population 36,305) two of Melbourne’s fastest-growing fringe suburbs. 

Their rapid evolution is primarily due to their location within the Melbourne West Growth Corridor. The Victorian Planning Authority’s high-level integrated land use and transport plans provide for housing, jobs, transport, town centres, open space and key infrastructure across the city’s newest metropolitan suburbs. 

For Arush Mittal, co-owner and instructor at Tarneit’s Aum Yoga, the area’s attractions are manifold. Multiple shopping centres cater to every taste, while its cultural diversity scores a win for choice when it comes to the international flavours on offer. 

“If I was to sum up Tarneit in one word, I’d say it’s diverse,” Mittal says. “It’s not just cultural and ethnic diversity but diversity in all types of people, lifestyles and expressions. It’s a very harmonious place to live.”

The Werribee River on the western boundary is a drawcard for nature lovers, allowing for outdoor recreation in a beautifully preserved landscape that feels far removed from the big smoke.

Another bonus for Mittal, should he wish to travel to the CBD, is the 27-minute commute via train. “We can take either the Metro trains or V-Line, which makes it more accessible,” he says. 

A new train station in Tarneit West – part of Victoria’s Big Build – is slated to join the existing station in Tarneit in a few years’ time. 

It’s certainly the wild west no longer, and Stockland’s four master-planned communities are an integral part of the maturing of Tarneit and Truganina. 

In Tarneit, Wattle Park is nestled in nature close to the river, while Grand Central is close to all the suburb’s existing amenities. 

In Truganina, Mt Atkinson and Grandview will, once complete, be the home of Melbourne’s new west with a future Mt. Atkinson town centre, new schools and 50 hectares of conservation reserve plus parklands. 

For Stockland development director Jackie Kent, the communities represent a commitment to diversity. 

“Stockland’s communities in the west are all about inclusive options that cater to everyone, whatever their budget or lifestyle,” she says.

The latest Domain House Price Report puts the median house price in Tarneit at $647,000 and Truganina at $645,000 – a fraction of Melbourne’s overall median of $1,068,805. 

Representing even better value, a house and land package at Stockland’s Mt Atkinson, starts at $550,000* for a three-bedroom home. While new Grand Central two-bedroom townhomes start at $450,000*.

Each community is informed by Stockland’s Liveability Index, which canvasses residents on measures including belonging, connection, health and fitness, safety, environment and sustainability. 

“Stockland designs holistic communities,” Kent says. “We look at the macro element then get into the detail.”

Above all, she says, moving into a Stockland community, particularly in Melbourne’s west, is a strong investment. 

“It’s an opportunity not only to become part of a unique and carefully planned community, but there’s also good potential for capital growth in Melbourne’s west, and the potential for property prices to increase as a community matures,” Kent says.

Whether it’s your first home, your next home or an investment, there’s plenty of choice at a Stockland community in Melbourne’s west. Visit stockland.com.au/residential/vic/melbournes-west for more information.