Melbourne is a great city. It has the best of everything, food & culture are a huge part of it.
Crime is on the rise, I lived in Melbourne for a long time and never had an issue, two years ago while walking home I had two idiots pull crowbars to try and mug me, that is the only real time I had any threat. When I lived in St Kilda my car was broken into just about every night, they used to steal my ashtray for the ciggie buts, they didn't even close the door when done

the hookers were annoying for locals. About 9 years ago I used to live on Brighton beach, a very affluent area, and never locked my door, no way would I do that now. The cost of living is skyrocketing, most areas the median house price has trebbeled, rents are just getting crazy now. I used to live in this block about 12 years ago
http://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-st+kilda-408108551 it was $75 per week back then.
I still want to move back to Melbourne, it's my home, and even with the faults I love the place.