Town snapshot – Grovedale

The size of Grovedale is approximately 7 square kilometres and has 21 parks covering nearly 14.3 per cent of the total area.

The population of Grovedale in 2016 was 14,314 and by the 2021 Census the population was recorded at 14,869 showing a population growth of 4 per cent in the area during that time.

Grovedale has become an attractive alternative to many homebuyers who balk at the thought of moving into the higher density new suburbs.

Close to the Geelong CBD with great beaches just down the road at Torquay, the choice of multiple train stations, and all the best shopping facilities, Grovedale has become a popular suburb for homeowners.

Grovedale was named after a property of about 76 hectares acquired by Alexander Pennell in 1847, just south of Waurn Ponds Creek.

Originally the place was named Germantown, which arose from several families of Lutheran German origin who arrived at Corio Bay in 1849.

A Geelong pioneer, Dr Alexander Thomson, encouraged them to settle on Pennell’s land and a school was opened in 1854.

By the mid-1860s there were about 70 families of German origin settled there, and there were two hotels, two flour mills, two tanneries and four wool washing establishments.

In September 1915, after the outbreak of World War I, the South Barwon council changed the name to Grovedale.

Grovedale continued to be an agricultural district until the mid-1960s when residential expansion from neighbouring Belmont began.

In 1970 the estimated population was 1,200 persons and in 1980 the suburb had grown to 5,000.

Town and Country Shopping World opened in 1985 and is now called Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre.

CoreLogic data indicates that the predominant age group in Grovedale is 30-39 years with households in Grovedale being primarily couples and retirees who are likely to be repaying on average $1,582 per month on mortgage repayments, and in general, people in Grovedale work in a professional occupation.

AGENT PERSPECTIVE:

“In Grovedale, there are currently 50 properties available for rent and 83 for sale.

“If you’re considering investment properties, houses rent for $490 per week with a 3.9 per cent yield, while units rent for $422 per week with a 4.5 per cent yield.

“Grovedale is renowned for its friendly community, making it perfect for families and those seeking a welcoming neighbourhood.

“It features numerous parks and recreational areas like the Grovedale Recreation Reserve, offering residents an excellent outdoor lifestyle.

“With accessible shopping, public transport, schools, universities, hospitals, and M1 to Melbourne, Grovedale is a desirable suburb for many.”

Tiffany Simpson – Hayeswinckle East Geelong