Giddy

West End represents an alternative take on urban living. There is nothing like it in Australia, and few places like it in the world. Imagine. A place where your neighbours are your friends, and your friends are artists, builders, students, doctors, musicians, lawyers, yoga instructors, academics, bloggers, local business owners, and circus performers. You walk, skate or ride to work or study - just 20 minutes to the city or to Queensland's major universities (unless you choose to laze it on the CityCat as it hums along the river). You walk 10 minutes to the best food, coffee and nightlife in Brisbane. On Saturday, you walk to the farmers market, where you catch up with your neighbours, listen to upcoming musicians, and purchase fresh fruit and veg. The residential streets are quiet and safe, and neighbours still say hello to each other. In the morning, you wake up to the sound of Kookaburras, chickens, and lorikeets. You meet your friends at the gym, the indoor climbing centre, yoga, Capoeira, and/or Latin Dance school.

West End is not for everyone. The narrow-minded, bigoted, bland, and the boring will be repulsed by the colour and diversity of West End. But if you are a secure, happy and interesting person, West End might be the suburb you are looking for.

Be sure to visit. But please catch public transport - buses leave every 5 minutes from the city, and be prepared to be wowed.