It was a time before Neighbours started using Pin Oak Court as its setting for Ramsay Street (that was 1985). And it was certainly a long time before you'd need $1,223,000 to buy in. Yes, according to Domain Group data, this 'burb, 20 kilometres from the CBD ??? bordered by Dandenong Creek on one side and Springvale Road on the other, and, recently, most famous for being home to Pin Oak Court ??? is pushing figures that put it on par with the inner city's most popular suburbs. Like Clifton Hill, for instance, which is a mere four kilometres from the CBD. Just $57,000 extra would buy you a house here (Clifton Hill's median is $1.28 million).

The trend of parents following their kids from the outer 'burbs to the much-more-fun-for-oldies inner burbs is being funded by the massive increase in values of the suburban houses they forked out for decades ago, back when they were sparkly and new. Vermont South has gone up 86 per cent in five years. It's no wonder empty-nesters are cashing in.

So what are the Liddells leaving behind? This 'burb has had forty years to mature, and it's done good. The rolling hills that were once apple orchards are now lined with established trees. The houses they shade feature the delightful designs of the '70s and '80s: there's plenty of brown brick and loads of arched windows.

Vermont South Shopping Centre, with an apple as its logo, is also a relic of the '70s. Ramen and Dumpling House (a certain candidate for Melbourne's best dumplings) sits in the row of shops, looking out over the Dandenongs. Kids shout and play at nearby Livingstone Primary and Vermont South Special schools. Other than the playing, things seem calm here, and quiet.

Even Pin Oak Court is quiet today. The tour bus has already come and gone (Neighbours bus tours cost around $55). Number 22 has Richmond Football Club paraphernalia in its windows. That'll come down before they film next, says the security guard. Oh yes, there's security here 24/7.

This guy has been roaming the court for four years (yes, it should be called Ramsay Court). He's been defending the local lemon trees from souvenir-taking tourists. And stopping from them from trespassing onto private property to get selfies next to Ramsay Street's front doors.

Still, if you really love it, you can live here. Number 6 Pin Oak Court has been up for rent for a while now. Grab four of your mates, fork out just over $100 each a week and you can live the Neighbours dream. There are obligations, of course.

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During filming, which happens once every two weeks or so, residents have to hide their cars. The Winnebago at number 24 will have to go. Those Tigers posters will have to be pulled down. It'll be back to normal. Neighbours normal, at least.

Actually, it's still pretty normal in the fictional suburb of Erinsborough on Channel Eleven. Paul Robinson is still there, and so is Lassiters Hotel. There's another female mechanic in blue overalls at the garage (no, Kylie Minogue is not back). Toadie is still hanging around doing busy lawyery things (he's been on the show for over 20 years). Yep, like Vermont South, some things really don't change.

Five things you didn't know about Vermont South

• Vermont South was an area of apple orchards until developers bought them up and replaced them with houses.
• Nunawading and District Motorcross Club has its home behind Bunnings, next to the local tip. Riders gather on the weekends to race around the course.
• Vermont South's Bunnings once held the title of the biggest Bunnings in the southern hemisphere.
• The Dandenong Creek Trail runs through the suburb, and will pretty much get you to The Basin, at the base of the Dandenongs.
• Burwood Highway cuts its way through the middle of the suburb, heading straight for Westfield Knox.