The rise of Milton: What's driving off the plan apartments buyers to the inner-Brisbane suburb

The suburb has undergone a large gentrification over the last five years which has seen an influx of young professionals call it home.
The rise of Milton: What's driving off the plan apartments buyers to the inner-Brisbane suburb
Alison Warters August 3, 2023SUBURB PROFILE

Milton, an inner-riverside suburb of Brisbane, has become a popular area for young professionals in recent years.

The suburb has undergone a large gentrification over the last five years which has seen an influx of young professionals call it home.

The latest Census data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed nearly three quarters of the Milton population were between ages 20 and 34, and they predominantly live in apartments.

Nearly 70 per cent of the Milton population rent, with just 30 per cent owning their property.

The gentrification has seen the suburb become a hotbed for breweries, with the XXXX Brewery, Milton Common, Newstead Brewing Co and Castlemaine Perkins all calling Milton home.

Milton has also evolved into a haven for foodies, with the streets lined with an array of trendy cafes, eclectic restaurants, and bars that cater to various tastes. The suburb has managed to strike the right balance between modernity and preserving its historical charm, adding to its appeal.

Among the many draws of this burgeoning neighbourhood, the Milton Markets stand out as a must-visit destination. Every weekend, locals and visitors gather to indulge in an assortment of fresh produce, gourmet treats, artisanal crafts, and live entertainment. 

For outdoor enthusiasts, Milton doesn't disappoint either. The suburb is blessed with a range of beautiful parks and green spaces, providing ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. 

Quality schools and childcare facilities within the suburb and nearby areas make it an appealing destination for young families as well.

Off the plan apartment development in Milton

Prominent developers Mosaic and Kokoda have led the charge for new and off the plan apartment buildings in Milton.

Mosaic is currently building The Manning by Mosaic on Railway Terrace, while Kokoda has also recently signed off on the all-but sold out The Ambrose.

They're onto their next project, Ruby Ruby, which draws inspiration from prominent 1850's Milton business developer, Ambrose Eldrige, who's farm name, Milton Farm, was how the suburb was named. 

Read more: First look: Kokoda file plans for latest Milton apartment tower, Ruby Ruby

The suburb has become so popular that Melbourne developer Goldfields chose it for their debut Queensland project, 33 Manning, which is over half sold.

The 130-apartment building designed by Rothelowman has been popular with owner occupiers seeking value in a city-fringe riverside suburb, access to quality amenities, and forward-thinking design.  

Coming up is Anthony John Group's tower which is inspired by a Paperbark Tree. The bureau^proberts-designed tower will have just 50 apartments across 24 levels.

Read more: First look: Anthony John Group plot Milton apartment tower inspired by a Paperbark Tree

Is Milton dog friendly?

Milton has a number of parks which have large expanses of grass.

1. Gregory Park: Located in Milton, Gregory Park is a small but well-maintained park with open grassy areas, shaded seating, and playground facilities for children.

2. Frew Park: Situated near Milton, Frew Park is a popular destination with various recreational amenities, including basketball courts, a tennis court, playgrounds, and open spaces for picnics.

3. Suncorp Stadium Park: This green space surrounds the famous Suncorp Stadium and offers areas for picnics and leisure activities. On event days, it becomes a vibrant hub for sports fans.

4. Ithaca War Memorial Park: Just a short distance from Milton, this park in nearby Paddington features beautiful landscaping, a children's playground, and a war memorial commemorating fallen soldiers.

5. Rosalie Park: Located in the neighboring suburb of Rosalie, this park is within walking distance of Milton and offers recreational facilities, sports fields, and shaded areas.

6. Roma Street Parkland: Although not directly in Milton, Roma Street Parkland is a stunning botanical garden and park nearby, with a variety of themed gardens, walking paths, and recreational spaces.

What are the transport connections in Milton?

Because Milton is so close to the city, it has excellent transport links

Train Services: Milton is served by the Milton and Roma Street railway stations. Both stations are part of the Queensland Rail City network and provide frequent train services to various destinations in Brisbane and surrounding suburbs. Roma Street Station, located nearby, also offers connections to regional and interstate train services.

Bus Services: Milton is well-serviced by buses operated by TransLink, the public transport authority in South East Queensland. Several bus routes pass through Milton, providing access to different parts of Brisbane.

CityCat Ferries: While Milton is not directly located along the Brisbane River, it is within a reasonable distance of CityCat ferry terminals, such as the nearby Regatta Ferry Terminal in Toowong. CityCat ferries offer an enjoyable and scenic mode of transportation along the river, connecting various points in the city.

Bicycle Paths and Shared Paths: Brisbane has an extensive network of bicycle paths and shared paths, and Milton is no exception. Cyclists can use these paths to commute or explore the area while enjoying a more active mode of transportation.

Major Roads: Milton is well-connected to major roads, including the Inner City Bypass (ICB) and the Riverside Expressway. These roads provide easy access to the CBD and other parts of Brisbane.

Walking: Milton is a relatively walkable suburb, with many amenities and services within walking distance for residents. The area's pedestrian-friendly environment encourages walking as a convenient means of transport for short distances.

What are the best schools?

While Milton is predominantly young professionals, there are still over 25 per cent who are families with at least one child.

There are a number of schools within the Milton and the neighbouring suburbs of Toowong and Spring Hill.

1. Milton State School: Located in the heart of Milton, this public primary school offers education from Prep to Year 6.

2. Petrie Terrace State School: Situated near Milton, this public primary school provides education from Prep to Year 6.

3. Ithaca Creek State School: Located in the neighboring suburb of Bardon, this public primary school offers education from Prep to Year 6.

4. Kelvin Grove State College: A larger educational institution nearby, Kelvin Grove State College provides education from Prep to Year 12.

5. Brisbane Grammar School: Situated in nearby Spring Hill, Brisbane Grammar School is a well-established private school offering education for boys from Year 5 to Year 12.

6. St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace: Also located in Spring Hill, this private school is an all-boys Catholic college catering to students from Year 5 to Year 12.

7. Stuartholme School: Located in Toowong, the neighboring suburb to Milton, Stuartholme School is an independent Catholic girls' school offering education from Year 7 to Year 12.

8. Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT): Situated in Toowong, QASMT is a public selective entry high school specializing in science, mathematics, and technology education.

9. The Gap State High School: Although not in Milton itself, The Gap State High School serves the western suburbs of Brisbane and offers education from Year 7 to Year 12.

What are the best eateries?

Milton and the surrounds has also evolved into a haven for foodies, with the streets lined with an array of trendy cafes, eclectic restaurants, and bars that cater to various tastes.

Cafes:

  1. Bunker Coffee: Hole-in-the-wall spot in a converted bomb shelter covered in vines for artisanal coffee and sweets.

  2. Whisk & Ladle Cafe: Contemporary cafe serving breakfast and lunch in Milton.

  3. Tognini's Cafe & Deli: Established around a common passion for gourmet food, entertaining and great coffee, the Café is your local for great coffee and delicious food.

  4. Corgi Garden: Corgi Garden is a yellow and white striped pup-friendly cafe with a theme based entirely around the owners’ four-legged baby, a three-year-old corgi named KitKat. 

Restaurants:

  1. Tuk Tuk Restaurant & Bar: Low-lit restaurant serving Thai standards in a stylish space or leafy terrace tables by outdoor bar.

  2. La Dolce Vita Ristorante: An opulent Italian restaurant and cafe with street-side seating under giant blue umbrellas.

  3. Mrs Luu's Vietnamese Canteen: Traditional dishes whipped up in a lively space with caricatures on the walls and outdoor tables.

  4. China Sea Milton: Chinese eatery in hotel complex, with a carpeted dining room, lazy Susan tables, and outdoor seats.

Alison Warters

Alison Warters is a property journalist for Urban, based in Sydney. Alison is especially interested in the evolution of the New Build/Development space, when it comes to design innovation and sustainability.

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