Big, grand and green with a significant history, broad boulevards and leafy streets dappled with gorgeous period homes, Essendon is a stylish suburb. A handful of kilometres from the city, the busy lifestyle seems to melt away when strolling the streets, parks and banks of the Maribyrnong River. Essendon’s amazing period homes are still the pride of their original owners - older folks who keep the spirit and flavour of Essendon alive. Many families with older children take advantage of the suburb’s brilliant location with its lovely cafes, impressive schools, bike tracks and proximity to the city. If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a little bit of the good life, Essendon knows how to deliver. Much of Essendon’s buzz can be found in their tree-lined shopping strips, picnics in the parklands, and the original home of Essendon Football Club, Windy Hill. There is an impressive array of strip shopping along parts of Napier Street, Leake Street and Mount Alexander Road, with Highpoint Shopping Centre nearby and the DFO at Essendon Fields drawing locals and cross-towners alike to its bargain stores. For families, the range of schools is a major drawcard. Transport is vast with trams, trains, buses and, even an airport. If you love a period home – a grand Edwardian, a stylish Art Deco or a cute 1950s vintage pad – you’ll go wild for Essendon, with its history-laden houses often set on large, lush blocks. With lots of original residents showcasing the incredible period homes of this leafy suburb, Essendon can give you the space to play it your way. Then again, if you prefer something small, sleek and homely, you’ll find some fantastic apartments with the convenience of public transport and parklands within walking distance.