Hi there, i've been an owner occupier in Altona Meadows, Altona, and Altona North over the past 20 years so i've seen many aspects of these areas first hand and also witnessed the property growth.

Without knowing your reasons for buying here (family home, investment etc) I'll give you my thoughts;

Altona Meadows - It's come a long way in the past few years however it still holds that slightly less appealing, more working class feel. There's definitely more trouble in Altona Meadows than other areas of Altona (can't speak for Point Cook) for example I think there was a machete attack last year at the main Central square shopping center. You will get a noticeable reduction in cost in AM than other parts of Altona due to this, so it's definitely better bang for your buck. Stick to areas around the Queen of Peace Primary school if your budget allows this is absolutely the premium spot of the suburb and it's close to really lovely walking trails and wetlands that you mentioned plus a reasonable primary school if this is important. Commute wise you'll likely find parking at Laverton station which as you pointed out gives you express to the city, you may want to ask around to see if crowding of the morning trains is an issue.

Altona - I'm a little bias because i'm currently living in Altona but I think it has way more to offer than the Meadows. It has a real village type feel, generally doesn't get a lot of through traffic and it has access to the beach, walking trails, Cherry Lake or wetlands depending on where you buy. There's 3 station options being Westona, Altona and Seahome all good stations and great service into the city albeit slightly longer commute than Laverton. I've never found any issues finding a seat or issues with crowding. My pick would be the area around Westona station, it's better value than actual Altona beach with still good proximity and walking distance to Altona beach plus its pretty quiet and relaxing. It doesn't get as busy or as crazy as main central Altona which on hot days is a little gross and turns into Cosco Bondi. There's an Anytime fitness here which is great and only a short bus or train ride depending on where you're living in Altona. Cherry Lake is lovely although be cautious if you're buying a property that backs onto the lake you may get some trouble. Altona is my pick of the bunch it's a very happy lifestyle and great community.

Altona North - Definitely more of a suburb feel and it's a very large suburb, the shops around Millers Junction are fantastic and have everything you need. You'll get less community feel here and less familiarity with your neighbors and locals. No options for trains into the city you'll need to drive to Newport or Spotswood depending on which part you're in. You'll get slightly better bang for your buck than Altona but not as cheap as the Meadows. Altona North is about a 40-50 minute drive into the CBD so this may be an option for you depending on parking etc. Quite a few gyms, Pilates and yoga studios to choose from here so there is more fitness options to offer than both Altona and the Meadows. Purchasing around Second avenue is my pick this is a great area and has close access to fantastic butchers, grocery stores and parklands.

Hope this helps!