The prestigious Monash University may be one of Clayton’s biggest drawcards, but its plentiful schools and multicultural shopping strip make it appealing to families too.

Clayton, less than 20kms south-east of the city, and conveniently close to the epic Chadstone Shopping Centre, is a tale of two cities – on one hand, the area revolves around tertiary education and research, and on the other, it’s a cosy, multicultural community with plenty of schools and a sweet shopping strip.

Clayton is home for many students and researchers, those younger, independent and immersing themselves in the atmosphere, but it’s also home to many established couples and families who love the diversity and community spirit of the area.

If you’re not hitting the books at Monash University, the living in multicultural Clayton is pretty easy. Clayton Road, between Centre and North Roads, is a cute, compact strip of everyday shopping and authentic restaurants reflecting the diversity of the area, which is celebrated every year with the Clayton Street Festival. You can spend a weekend playing at the Spring Valley Golf Club, or swimming at Clayton Aquatics or shopping up a storm at nearby Oakleigh Market or Chadstone Shopping Centre.

Clayton is serviced by rail and bus (the station is at the Clayton Road shops), and has plenty of primary schools, many with an impressive sustainability focus.

In keeping with the boom era of the area, you’ll find a lot of large, classic 1960s suburban dream homes in Clayton, many prime for modern makeovers on their enviable blocks, but you’ll also come across more contemporary townhouses too.

There are many apartment buildings close to Monash University, perfect for students, with purpose-built, ultra-modern student accommodation springing up too.

Clayton is a south-eastern suburb that revolves around the prestigious Monash University and associated science and research centres, but it’s also a vibrant and multicultural community for many families, with excellent primary schools, a neat shopping strip and good public transport. Whether you want a retro sixties home or a snappy student pad, everyone’s welcome in Clayton.