Suburbs based on ethnic groups

Melbourne is the arguably the most multicultural city in Australia (maybe Sydney might disagree but we shall know for sure when the latest census results get revealed). As a result there are many different ethnic groups that are represented in the population.

For better or worse, these different ethnic groups tend to want to live together and it is totally understandable why this is so. New immigrants to Melbourne would naturally feel more comfortable living near friends and in an area with links – e.g. religion, food, stores, culture, etc – to the “old” country.

So here is a list of suburbs that have a particularly strong representation of a certain ethnic group:

• Altona North, Preston, Epping – Macedonians
• Box Hill, Doncaster – Chinese
• Brunswick, Coburg – Middle Easterns
• Carlton – historically Italians but not so much these days. The Azurri have been around for relatively longer and have since spread out.
• Dandenong, Flemington, Noble Park – Africans
• Ferntree Gully, Boronia – South Africans (my SA mates tells me that this is because large land blocks remind them of home!)
• Kew, Caulfield – Jews
• Kings Park, Caroline Springs, Cairnlea – Filipino
• Melbourne CBD & Surrounds – Chinese, Koreans
• Point Cook, Dandenong – Indians
• Springvale, Footscray, Richmond – Vietnamese (Best places to find great Pho!)
• Sunshine – Croatians
• Sunshine / St Albans – Maltese

As a last word, I would strongly encourage anyone new to the country to broaden their horizons and mix in with the locals (of all ethnic groups) as much as possible. I intentionally did so by avoiding suburbs with an over-representation of my ex-countrymen. It certainly helped me to absorb the Aussie culture, settle in quickly and feel engaged with the wider Melbourne community.

Last but not least, don't forget to check out my brand NEW website - www.melbourneahoy.com.au - dedicated to all things about moving to Melbourne and life in general in the world's most liveable city !