Old meets new: The Inner North Canberra suburb united by coffee and green space

It might be the outermost of the Inner North suburbs, but Watson definitely has the 2602 vibe.

Nestled in the foothills of Mount Majura, it’s a well-established suburb with pockets of new development, offering something for every buyer.

Residents joke about “old” and “new” Watson, separated by the dog-friendly green space that runs from Aspinall Street up to Antill Street.

But you’ll find everyone at The Knox getting a coffee, dining at the outside tables of Filipino restaurant Lolo and Lola, or grabbing burgers from the Watson Takeaway.

There are two primary schools, Majura Primary and the Catholic Rosary Primary, as well as a preschool and a newly built childcare centre in the Norrebro development. The Australian Catholic University’s ACT site is also in Watson.

There are plenty of nature spots, as well as two of the best playgrounds around. Check out the new Maliyan Park on Aspinall Street, which recognises the local Ngunnawal culture. And the massive Inner North Playground adjacent to Canberra Technology Park is almost finished.

Bastion Property Group agent Theo Koutsikamanis grew up in Watson and has just recently moved his young family back into the suburb.

“Nostalgia definitely kicked in when I moved back,” he says.

“I’ve lived in Campbell as well as Red Hill, and nothing feels more like home than where it all started.

“Being close to family and driving home through the streets that I used to walk through on my way home from school really pulls the heart strings.”

Koutsikamanis says that while there has been a lot of change in the suburb, it still retains that same community feel.

“People are becoming more aware of the homes in Majura Rise, it’s a great opportunity to have a relatively new home without having to go further out towards Gungahlin,” he says.

“I’ve noticed a lot of buyers are seeing strong value for money here compared to the inner suburbs, such as O’Connor, as they aren’t compromising too much.”

The median price for houses is $1.06 million and $550,000 for units, according to Domain data.

My local

With Theo Koutsikamanis, Bastion Property Group

Best Eats

It would be wrong of me not to suggest Watson Takeaway, where I used to work as a teenager. It’s a fantastic old-school takeaway, and the burgers are the best.

Coffee Fix

The Knox is a real community hub. Great coffee and atmosphere at all times of the day. Grab something sweet from the bakery, where everything is made on-site.

Favourite Street

I grew up on Irvine Street, so I’ve a bit of a soft spot for it. It runs from the shops right around the top of the suburb with wonderful tree-lined canopies.

Homes for sale in Watson

By negotiation

26 Phippard Court, Watson ACT 2602

4

3

2

View property

26 Phippard Court

Agent: Bastion Property Group, Theo Koutsikamanis 0431 543 649

With uninterrupted views to Mount Majura, this executive home is a mix of contemporary design and low-maintenance living.

There’s a flexible floor plan offering a fourth bedroom downstairs which could double as a study.

Upstairs there is an extra living area, study nook and three bedrooms. The roomy main-bedroom suite includes a walk-in wardrobe and large en suite.

$929,000+

93/215 Aspinall Street, Watson ACT 2602

3

3

2

View property

93/215 Aspinall Street

Agent: Above Property Group, Joy Cui 0451 140 923

This renovated townhouse is a stylish home in a well-connected community.

The light-filled, open-plan living and dining area opens onto a courtyard, while a downstairs bathroom and study nook are welcome extras.

Upstairs, the main-bedroom suite offers a large en suite and walk-in wardrobe. Located in the sought-after Solstice development.