Where in Melbourne should I buy my first home under $625k for growth and lifestyle?

First home buyer Melbourne!
Looking to buy a house/townhouse at 625k (max capacity)!
26, single, with a dog — where’s the best place for growth, lifestyle? Etc? Would love to rent out rooms etc! Originally from NZ, so I hae no idea where’s a good suburb to buy!
Enjoy the pub/social lifestyle but happy to make sacrifices!
Any help appreciated!

Avoid a townhouse if you can

With 625k, you can’t be fussy or expect something nice in a decent area. Just buy anywhere within your budget in an area that suits your lifestyle, and plan to upgrade in about 5 years.

$625k gets a decent apartment, a nice unit, or a very small home. Buy the ugliest house on the nicest street you can find. Avoid Ikea homes, imo.

It might be further out than you'd like, but look at Wallara Waters in Wallan. You can easily get a 4 bedroom house within your budget. I got mine for $580k two years ago, and they're still selling for $580k–$610k. They've just built a new public school in the estate, and we're getting Melbourne bound freeway access currently under construction, which will save us 10 minutes each trip. They also want to add shops and a servo in the estate. Pretty solid value growth is expected over the next 5 years.