Tucked between bustling Northcote and Preston in the City of Darebin, it is only 7km from Melbourne’s CBD. 

With its abundance of parks, trendy cafes and quality schools, the suburb is a magnet for young singles, professional couples, families, downsizers and retirees. At the 2016 census, Thornbury had a population of 18,568.

Established and new homes spread across Thornbury, from period gems to luxe modern apartments, ranging from modestly priced 1960s units to contemporary multi-million dollar showpieces. 

There are delightful old-world cottages in original condition that add character to the streetscape, while others have been renovated and extended to meet modern lifestyle needs. 

Some older properties have been converted into multi-unit developments and lofty apartment complexes, ideal for young buyers, downsizers and retirees. 

Larger homes on bigger blocks with easy access to parks, particularly in the pocket between St Georges Road and Merri Creek, are popular with growing families.

Thornbury is a hot property market, according to Barry Plant Inner North Group agent Alexander Magliolo.

“There is a strong attraction for this postcode, and property prices are on the rise due to rising buyer demand and low numbers of properties for sale,” Mr Magliolo said.

“However, homes here are still more affordable and hold better value compared to those in neighbouring areas, such as Northcote and Fairfield.”

In September 2021, the median house price in Thornbury was $1,377,500, while units were priced at $630,000, according to realestate.com.au. In five years, the median house price grew 7.2 per cent and the price rose 3.3 per cent for units.

Thornbury residents enjoy a laid-back lifestyle with plenty of green spaces to relax in, including the dog-friendly Penders Park with barbecues and a playground. Reserves, walking and biking trails, and running paths along Darebin and Merri creeks are also popular recreational areas.

Cosmopolitan Thornbury Village, which includes the main shopping hub in High Street, is filled with trendy cafes, restaurants, bars, vintage boutiques, antique and collectible shops, and speciality delicatessens.

Locals and those living further afield enjoy the numerous eateries and night spots, particularly Welcome To Thornbury, Melbourne’s first permanent bar and food truck stop that offers a beer garden and an exciting global menu. 

Other places to meet up with family and friends include the cafe Little Henri, licensed cheese bar The Thornbury Fromagerie, The Thornbury Local pub, Kitty Somerset cocktail bar, and the not-for-profit vegetarian restaurant Lentil As Anything. 

Boasting an alternative music scene, Thornbury has a plethora of live entertainment venues such as the Cactus Room and the Croxton Park Hotel. There is also the independent art house cinema The Thornbury Picture House, and the grand 1920s event venue The Thornbury Theatre.

Supermarkets and specialist delicatessens serve multicultural needs, including the long-standing Psarakos Market in Clarendon Street, while the iconic Preston Market and Northland shopping centre are just a short tram or train ride away.

Well connected with brilliant public transport, Thornbury has efficient bus services and a railway station on the Mernda line. High Street and St Georges Road trams reach the CBD and Docklands, while those along Plenty Road lead to the northern suburbs, including Latrobe University.

Educational needs are covered for all ages, with kindergartens and numerous primary schools at the doorstep, including Thornbury, Wales Street, Penders Grove plus Holy Spirit and St. Mary's Catholic schools. Thornbury High School meets secondary educational needs.

Sporting facilities are in abundance, with multiple soccer and cricket fields plus the Northcote Public Golf Course in Normanby Avenue. At John Cain Memorial Reserve, the Darebin International Sports Centre features a velodrome with a 250m indoor cycling track, and is the state centre for soccer, lawn bowls and cycling.