Those places have gentrified much more slowly; their bohemian bars and restaurants got a foothold before rents sky-rocketed, and existing businesses have adapted gradually to the changing social profile (and pocket) of their clientèle. Also, they don't have to fit the twice-daily, fog-horn signalled, arrival of a dirty great ferry into their identities.
Not that the local business association is ready to admit it. Reading the introduction from the glossy 'Your Guide to Port Melbourne' pamphlet, you could be forgiven for thinking they're describing somewhere else entirely: "Port Melbourne is Melbourne's coolest new hub of urban culture, style and cuisine, combining all the sophistication and excitement of the city, with a relaxed beachside vibe."
This site exists as a slightly less rose-tinted guide to the suburb, offering one cat's eye view of the best (and worst) of Port Melbourne, in the hope of encouraging a little more diverse culture and perhaps a little less conformity...