Why We Love Thornbury

Shaped like a thin rectangle and wedged between the suburbs of Northcote and Preston, Thornbury is only a short distance from the city with plenty of great lifestyle options. With industrial areas, shopping areas, bars and nightlife, alongside established family homes, Thornbury is one of those suburbs that is holding onto its charm as its popularity rises. 

Location

Thornbury is located around 7km north of Melbourne’s CBD, offering great access to the city. It negotiates the divide between hipster Northcote and family-centred Preston by offering a little of everything. Thornbury has a laid back feel, in contrast to its sometimes busy neighbours.

The Merri Creek Trail and Darebin Creek Trail run on the west and east boundaries of Thornbury with plenty of other green spaces within the suburb, which offer an escape from the bustle of the city and a great place for cyclists and walkers to get outside. 

Being conveniently located so close to the northern end of the CBD, Thornbury especially attracts independent people and small families who make the most of its location and features.

People

At the time of the 2016 census, Thornbury had a population of 18,568. At 21.8%, the largest percentage of that population is independent youth and 21% maturing independents, giving Thornbury a youthful vibe. However, there is also a strong family presence with 14.6% of residents being established couples and families, and 12.3% maturing couples and families. The least represented population in Thornbury is elderly couples (3.7%), young families (1.9%) and elderly families (0.8%).

While Thornbury appeals to some families by being slightly less high-density than other suburbs closer to the CBD, the location and lifestyle particularly appeal to independent people. The average age of Thornbury residents is between 20-39, with 56% being owner occupiers and 44% renting their home. 37% of households are families, while singles make up the other 63% of residents.

Lifestyle

It’s easy to find entertainment in Thornbury. The main shopping areas in Thornbury is located on the High Street, centred on Thornbury Village. There are other shopping precincts throughout the suburb, like those on St Georges Road, Wales Street and Station Street.

Thornbury offers a range of bars and night-time entertainment, including The Thornbury Theatre, an art house cinema, and the Croxton Park Hotel where national and international touring artists can be seen. Alternative music culture is big in Thornbury, with independent record stores complimenting music venues throughout the suburb.

There are many green spaces in Thornbury, as well as a large sporting culture represented by sporting insitutions such as the Darebin International Sports Centre and the Northcote Public Golf Course, which host organisations like the State Football Centre and the Holy Trinity Cricket Club, to name only a few.

Thornbury has great public transport coverage, with two tram lines, a railway station on the Mernda railway line, and an extensive bus network. There are plenty of schools, with primary schools in particular. Thornbury is trendy around the edges with a hard-working centre, and the wide range of lifestyle options means there is something for everyone.

Homes

Like most northern suburbs that are being increasingly gentrified and developed for new buyers, there are a mix of large old homes and brand new apartments, with a range of options in between. So far, Thornbury has been able to hold onto its relaxed, quaint vibe with pockets of modern buildings. There are some impressive Deco and Edwardian houses and weatherboard cottages, as well as modest units and flats built in the 60s and 70s to provide contrast to the sleek new developments.

Last year, the median property prices were $1,097,500 for houses and $550,000 for a unit. The average household is likely to be paying around $1,800 – $2,399 per month on their mortgage. The average rent for a house in Thornbury is around $570 per week, with an annual rental yield of 2.7%, and units bring in $370 per week, with a rental yield of 3.5%. Thornbury is a high demand market, with an average of 1,188 visits to each property for sale, compared to 841 for the rest of Victoria.

Thornbury Living

The northern suburbs are becoming more and more desirable, and a suburb like Thornbury that offers so many appealing factors that cater to a wide range of people is especially in demand. With gentrification not taking away from the homely feel of much of Thornbury, those looking for a place close to the city should consider the suburb as an ideal blend of culture and comfort.

If you’re considering a property in Melbourne, talk to the real experts about what a suburb like Thornbury can offer you. Love & Co. combine years of experience with real local knowledge to help you make the best decisions, choose a great suburb, and get the right house.

Image via Realestate.com.au