I live in Brunswick on Syndey Road, have been here for 6 years. Avoid street level residences, aim for an apartment. This will keep you up off the street, as Melbourne (particulaly the inner suburbs) have a meth and homelessness issue. You'll hear them yodel around at odd hours, and verbally cuss themselves out lol, but staying off street level means it's just entertainment (dark humour sorry).

Otherwise I love it here. Everything is walking distance, close enough to the CBD without it being a hassle, Sydney road street party is great fun, always something artsy or niche to attend, lots of gigs, trivia nights, foods, etc.