Discovering Armadale
Home to some of Melbourne’s most impressive properties and situated among the city’s wealthiest suburbs, Armadale, Melbourne is the definition of ‘blue chip’.
Named after the small village on Scotland’s north coast that was the birthplace of a notable early resident (15th Premier of Victoria, James Munro), Armadale has an air of sophistication and respectability that can be traced back to Melbourne’s land boom. In the late 1800s, Melbourne’s expanding rail network connected the suburb to the city, bringing wealthy merchants and gold prospectors to the area. Many of the houses they built are still standing today, giving Armadale’s architecture a distinctly Victorian and Edwardian feel.
Sitting about 7km south-east of the CBD, Armadale benefits from good public transport, with two train stations (Toorak and Armadale – both on the Pakenham / Cranbourne and Frankston lines) and a tram line (route 6) connecting the suburb to the city. This is particularly important as many of the area’s main roads are prone to heavy traffic and parking is often limited.
Much like its elite neighbours – Caulfield, Malvern, and Toorak – Armadale is known for its greenery. From its tree-lined streets to the parks and reserves that are dotted throughout the suburb, there is no shortage of foliage to admire. One of the largest open spaces in the area, Toorak Park, is also the home ground of the Prahran Football Club, Old Xaverians Football Club, and Prahran Cricket Club.
This verdant environment provides the perfect backdrop for some of the Melbourne’s most prestigious private schools – like the King David School and Lauriston Girls' School. Armadale residents are also in close proximity other elite schools, like St Catherine’s and St Kevin’s in neighbouring Toorak.
The main thing that sets Armadale apart from its wealthy neighbours is High St – the suburb’s world-class shopping and dining strip. While some of the original antiques stores and furniture traders have made way for cafes (Ned’s Bake is a favourite), restaurants (like multiple award winning Amaru), wine bars (Albert’s is a local institution), and boutiques (Skin and Threads embodies the area’s trademark ‘effortlessly elegant’ style); the area maintains a luxurious refinement.
Traditionally a suburb for the wealthy and well-connected, the demographics of Armadale are changing, with a recent influx of young professionals and families. This is a reflection of the area’s rejuvenated lifestyle and cheaper property prices (as compared to similar suburbs, like Middle Park and Canterbury). However, the area maintains its prestige, with many locals taking great pride in the exclusivity of the suburb.
If you’re interested in moving to Armadale, you’re sure to find a property you like, with grand period homes, high-end new builds, and art deco apartments dominating the market. Due to its reputation and the lifestyle on offer, Armadale sits comfortable among Melbourne’s most expensive suburbs for rentals. That being said, it’s generally more affordable than most neighbouring areas, even at the top end of the market.
Your Home Hunter loves the elegance of Armadale. So, if you’re after a prestigious address, in leafy surrounds and a great location for schools, Armadale might be the suburb for you.