taylors lakes is not a bad commute, 15 minutes average. was paying $360 for near new 3 bed duplex with central heat and cooling, you can find cheaper though. all the things you need are near by, not so much the social stuff though. city is a 70$+ cab fare after hours. bites into your atc trainee wage, trust me.
look at pascoe vale too. have just signed up for a place there and there was a fair bit available including some (older) houses in the 360/400 range, mostly new townhouse/duplex though. cheaper cab fare by half for the party animal too!