“Looking for a place to call home?” A local once asked. That’s how some people describe Ardeer, a suburb 15 km west of Melbourne’s CBD. Ardeer offers a unique blend of community spirit and accessibility.
Once split by Kororoit Creek, Ardeer is now united. It provides residents with a peaceful environment so close to the city. Ardeer recorded a population of 3,170 at the 2021 census.
Ardeer Post Office marked a milestone in 1953. It signified suburban development. Sadly, it closed in 1979.
The Kororoit Creek Trail borders Ardeer. It gives access to green spaces. These spaces are rare so close to the city.
In 2007, funding was announced. It linked the Kororoit Creek Trail to the Federation Trail. This joined western suburb bike paths.
Families, professionals, singles, and retirees all call Ardeer home. People appreciate its neighbourly spirit. Public transport is convenient. The area feels safe. Internet access is reliable. Parks and recreation are easily accessible.
Ardeer has a Vietnamese Buddhist temple. It is named Bao Vuong Temple. There is also a Ukrainian Catholic church. A Polish Catholic church adds to the suburb’s cultural mix.
Westgate FC is Ardeer’s soccer club. Serbian immigrants founded it in 1985. The club competes in the Victorian State League Division 1 N/W.
Many residents have lived here long-term. This creates a quiet atmosphere. Young professionals are moving in. They seek affordable housing near the CBD.
Ardeer offers rail services. Ardeer railway station sits on the Serviceton railway line. The Melton railway line offers easy access to the Melbourne CBD. Greater Melbourne is also easily accessible.
Ardeer’s name has Scottish roots. It shares its name with a Scottish suburb. That suburb was home to an explosives factory. The ICI explosives plant is nearby in Deer Park. Now known as Orica, this could explain the shared name.
The suburb has seen growth and gentrification. This has occurred over the past seventy years. At the 2011 census, 40.9% of residents spoke English at home. Vietnamese was spoken by 11.9%. More recent census data shows English spoken at home by 52.2%. Vietnamese spoken at home rose to over 13%.
Ardeer station is part of a west rail upgrade project. The line is being electrified and separated. This will give local commuters more frequent services.
A new Costco is coming to Ardeer. It is located on Ballarat Road, near the station. This will certainly bring visitors to the area.
Ardeer is a suburb on the rise. It offers value for money. Traditional houses from the 1950s and 1960s can still be found. They sit on full blocks of land. It’s a great place to experience a slice of Melbourne life.