With the highest average daily sunshine hours (almost 9) and some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, it’s no wonder Perth is a city drawing more and more interest. The economy is strong, relying on booming tech and mining sectors, and the city is gradually becoming more cosmopolitan as it attracts talent from all over the world. Perth’s population growth is second only to that of Brisbane, as more people discover the relaxed pace and outdoor lifestyle. The city has excellent infrastructure, with a suburban railway, extensive bus routes and an excellent network of highways around the city perimeter. Beautiful parks and a vibrant culture and restaurant scene round out the picture. Some of the world’s most unique experiences are easily accessed from Perth – Ningaloo Reef, Rottnest Island, Pinnacles, Valley of the Giants and the Southwest wine region.
Neighbourhoods
For those relocating to Perth, there is an excellent choice of neighbourhoods in which to settle, from beachside to inner city. While it is considered the most affordable capital city in which to buy a house, a shortage of housing persists, making buying or renting increasingly competitive. The Swan River cuts through the centre of Greater Perth and neighbourhoods are often referred to as being north or south of the river, with a good-hearted rivalry between the two halves.
North of the River
To the north are some of the city’s most beautiful beachside suburbs – Cottesloe, Swanbourne and City Beach. Their inland cousins, Claremont, Floreat and Subiaco, are also some of the more desirable areas of the city. Hugging the river north of the Swan are perhaps the city’s most exclusive areas – Peppermint Grove, Dalkieth and Crawley. Some more affordable options this side of the river include Mount Lawley, Mount Hawthorn and Churchlands.
South of the River
To the south, East Fremantle, Attadale and Applecross are all leafy, riverside suburbs. Some excellent and more affordable areas south of the river include Shelley, Mount Pleasant, Bicton and Bentley.
Schools in WA
Western Australia’s education system is standard within Australia and school options include a large network of public institutions as well as credentialed private schools. Public schools operate on a catchment basis, so it’s important to have as much knowledge as you can about the city’s neighbourhoods and housing options.
With all those sunshine hours it’s no surprise that Perth has a broad range of outdoor attractions and activities. The city is full of beautiful parks, with Kings Park the shining jewel, particularly during wildflower season. There are numerous golf and tennis clubs, both private and open for casual use by the public. The combination of ocean and river provides for a full range of very accessible water activities, including surfing, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, etc. Perth is a bike-friendly city and cycling is a popular sport. There is a multitude of bike paths and trails throughout the city; as well as many scenic walking routes.
Your Australian Relocation Managers consultant will be happy to discuss the ins and outs of this beautiful part of Australia. Our consultants are long time Perth residents and have personal experience of the city’s neighbourhoods, school options, leisure activities and its other unique features.