My younger self would be appalled that I live here, but like me, my suburb has evolved

June 29, 2026 — 5:00am

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We had been in Kenmore for a couple of months before I ventured into our overgrown backyard to mow the lawn for the first time.

Pushing the Victa into the dense wisteria vines underneath the cubbyhouse, I felt it bump into something. Peering into the shadows, I was stunned to see a huge carpet snake, its mottled skin surprisingly good camouflage.

Slowly it unfurled itself and disappeared into the undergrowth.

“It’s like a jungle here,” commented my neighbour.

My younger self would be appalled that I now live in Kenmore.

During university, Kenmore was the suburb where many of my student friends’ parents lived. I was much more interested in my inner-city stomping grounds of New Farm, Fortitude Valley, West End and Highgate Hill, which seemed to be bursting with creativity and excitement.

Kenmore seemed staid and conservative in comparison. But the secret to living here is to look beyond the surface and appreciate what is hiding in plain sight.

Having returned to Brisbane after a couple of decades away, we’ve found Kenmore to be a great place to live.

Coming back with two young children and a very........

© Brisbane Times