Known to be one of Melbourne's major growth regions, Endeavour Hills is a family-friendly gem and fast-growing residential hotspot.

It’s filled with tree-lined streets that create a peaceful, private atmosphere and the perfect place to raise a family.

The suburb is conveniently positioned for access to Melbourne and Dandenong CBDs, as well as Port Phillip and Western Port Bays. It is located 31km southeast of Melbourne, in the City of Casey local government area.

A major drawcard here are the views, with many of the residential properties set on large elevated lots offering spectacular vistas of the outer eastern suburbs and surrounding regions. From some properties, it’s possible to see as far away as the Dandenong Ranges and Melbourne city.

The housing profile in Endeavour Hills is mainly modern low-density residential properties in the form of single and double-storey brick houses built on spacious blocks.

Along with the older-style houses are a variety of revamped and architect-designed modern homes. A lesser number of single-level townhouses and units exist. There are no major high-rise or industrial developments in the area.

The median property price in Endeavour Hills was $680,000 for a three-bedroom house as at December, according to realestate.com.au

Endeavour Hills is a growing property market but is still an ‘affordable and achievable’ choice for first-home buyers, according to Barry Plant Noble Park, Keysborough and Dandenong auctioneer and Endeavour Hills local Chang Wang.

“The suburb is a perfect area for growing families and has a really good mix of small and large properties to accommodate all family sizes,” he said.

“Locals love the open green spaces and peaceful walks through the parks and reserves like Lysterfield Lake, which is a real highlight.

“Because it’s quite hilly, the suburb offers some really great views. The multicultural mix of residents also makes for a great food and dining scene.”

While Endeavour Hills’ closest railway station is Hallam Station, many residents also use Dandenong Station (which is on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines). A number of bus routes operate around the area. For motorists, it’s a short drive to the M1.

Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre offers mall-style shopping on the corner of Matthew Flinders Avenue and Heatherton Road. It’s home to over 80 retail outlets, including three large supermarkets and a Kmart Discount department store.

The centre also has fresh food and casual dining outlets, as well as plenty of undercover parking. A short car trip will get you to Dandenong Plaza, the Dandenong Market (great for fresh produce and weekend brunch) and the huge retail shopping centre at Fountain Gate.

Sports enthusiasts of all kinds will find somewhere to play or practice in Endeavour Hills. Around the shopping centre area is The Endeavour Hills Leisure and Function Centre with its gym, netball, basketball, badminton, soccer and a skate park facilities.

The suburb also has football and cricket grounds and, for golfers, there’s the Churchill Park Golf Club. Day and night tennis can be played at Endeavour Hills Tennis Club.

Apart from the wide variety of organised sport, the area offers plenty of outdoor enjoyment in the way of attractive cycling, hiking and picnic spots. The Casuarina Forest is nestled within James Alexander Reserve, and it has lookouts and views as far as Port Phillip Bay.

The suburb is also minutes away from the lovely Lysterfield Lake Park and Churchill National Park, both of which are extremely popular spots for swimming, walking, and barbecues. And if you venture out at dawn or dusk, you’ll likely be greeted by large mobs of kangaroos.

For families with children, the choice of local primary schools is particularly extensive. Endeavour Hills is in the public schools catchment area for James Cook, Mossgiel, Chalcot Lodge, Southern Cross and Thomas Mitchell primary schools and Gleneagles Secondary College. Independent schools include Maranatha Christian School and St Paul Apostle (North) and (South) Schools. There’s a great choice of kindergartens and childcare centres as well.