Peaceful and affluent, there isn’t a whole lot going on in Glen Iris. And that’s just the way locals like it. With some of Melbourne’s finest schools, the sight of uniformed children with heavy backpacks running for trams is a regular occurrence. As is that of community-minded neighbours catching up over coffee or exchanging friendly greetings over morning newspapers. Indeed, this is the perfect place in which to raise a family or spend your retirement years in comfort.
As befits its residents, Glen Iris is home to countless parks and sporting grounds including the Harold Holt Swim Centre. Weekend cricket matches and after school footy practice are a far more common than late-night dining or revelry. While there are a few impressive cafés and a handful of restaurants to be found on the High Street strip, Glen Iris is a residential area first and foremost. In fact, until recently its status as a dry area was legally enforced. Those looking for a little more action head to neighbouring Hawthorn, while Ashburton is the spot for shopping. But most are happy to stay right where they are.