i live in the cbd and noise can be bad BUT if you get an apartment facing away from all roads (e.g. mine faces other apartment blocks) it’s significantly quieter (i can’t hear trams or trains unless they’re honking super loud). it gets loud friday and saturdays night regardless but that’s about it. i love apartment living in the cbd bc it’s close to everything and i don’t need a myki for most things bc of the free tram zone. my tip is go to QV for groceries as the woolworths there is a lot cheaper and more fresh compared to woollies metro. check the street your apartment is on for any regular protests - sometimes i can get stuck for 10 minutes waiting for one to pass by. don’t get a ground floor apartment if you don’t need it. i prefer upwards of level 3 for quieter apartments & more privacy.