Hawthorn VIC, Suburb & Moving Guide – TOP 5 Things To Know

At Glenferrie Dental, we have many patients who live in Hawthorn.

We hope that this guide will help you learn more about Hawthorn and we would love to welcome you in our clinic soon.

We offer the following services for residents in Hawthorn:

Hawthorn Suburb Overview

Hawthorn is an inner suburb of Melbourne, Australia on 6 km east of Melbourne’s CBD, making it a very central location.

Located in the City of Boroondara, At the 2016 Census, Hawthorn had a population of 23,511. The Hawthorn postcode is 3122.

There is a significant amount of student accommodation, due mainly to the presence of Swinburne University, which is located in the area adjoining Glenferrie railway station.

Land values in the region are among the country’s highest, with streets such as Hawthorn Grove commanding a premium price.

The suburb’s northern boundary and Yarra Park’s Coppin Grove in the west, located closer to the Yarra River, are highly sought after.

Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn VIC is designated as one of 82 Major Activity Centres in the Melbourne 2030 Metropolitan Strategy. 

Hawthorn is great for:

  • Internet Access
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Public Transport
  • Resale or Rental Value
  • Eating Out

Downsides of Hawthorn:

  • High Cost of Living

Hawthorn is great for:

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • Students

History of Hawthorn, VIC

The area was first settled in the late 1830s. 

However, the Hawthorn Roads Board and the Kew Roads Board split from the rest of Boroondara in 1860. The town evolved into the Town of Hawthorn and the City of Hawthorn. The state government combined the Cities of Camberwell, Hawthorn and Kew in 1994 to form the City of Boroondara.

The name Hawthorn, “Hawthorne”, is may have originated from a conversation involving Charles La Trobe, who commented that the native shrubs looked like flowering Hawthorn bushes. 

Construction of the bridge in 1860 spurred development on the east side of the Yarra River, and ensured the prominence of Bridge Road, Richmond and Burwood Road, Hawthorn as the main thoroughways to the eastern suburbs.

Is Hawthorn A Good Suburb to move to?

To answer the question if Hawthorn is the right suburb for you, we have collated some reviews from current and past residents:

“Melbournesque”, Hawthorn review by Scott H.

Melbournesque – some charming historic architecture – Edwardian, Victorian &1920s, leafy streets, multiple parks, good cafes (Lights in the Attic on Camberwell Rd is my favourite) & retail all contributing to a “village” feel circa 7 km from the CBD. Although it could be argued that the presence of large commercial premises e.g. Coles head office work isn’t ideal in a residential suburb. Residents can also easily access the nearby attractions of Hawthorn & Camberwell e.g. Rivoli theatre & Camberwell food market. While its access to a railway station is not “central” within the suburb – Auburn station being located on its northwest border & Camberwell station on its northeast – trams (routes 70, 72 & 75) are an alternate for CBD access. It’s a suburb that appeals to a broad demographic inc. families, young professionals & downsizers. This broad buyer appeal has resulted in consistently high capital growth for houses which looks set to continue relative to the performance of the general Melbourne market. 

Scott Hall

“Hawthorn is KING.”, Review by Andrew P.

Great suburb, the best schools, close to public transport, excellent eating venues. Nice!

“Great neighbourhood with best public transport”, Hawthorn Review by Kasung J.

We lived in Hawthorn East closer to the Camberwell Junction for a year and loved it. Very convenient and safe, a variety of restaurants, decent shopping for everything, good schools, lots of parks. Once you used to great facilities it’s hard to move out.

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