The capital city of Western Australia, Perth is a popular location for British expats. It boasts an idyllic climate, modern infrastructure and strong job market making it an attractive prospect. In fact, this beautiful city regularly tops the list of the world’s most popular expat destinations.
Whilst Perth has a lot to offer, working out where to live could be a little tricky, especially if you haven’t spent much time in the city before.
Our guide on where to live in Perth will not only run through some of the more popular suburbs, but also help you find the area that is right for you.
1. Applecross
Best suited to: Families, professionals, and retirees looking for a peaceful, riverside lifestyle with easy access to the city.
Property costs: In the past 12 months, the median price of purchasing a property in Applecross was around $2,400,000 AUD, and the median price of renting a property approximately $950 AUD per week. The suburb is known for large, luxury homes with river views, modern apartments, and elegant townhouses.
Transport links: Excellent – Applecross is well-connected by trains and buses to Perth’s CBD, with a typical commute time of around 10-20 minutes. It also offers convenient access to the freeway.
Lifestyle & recreation: Applecross is known for its beautiful parks along the Swan River, including Heathcote Reserve, which offers stunning river views and walking paths. This affluent area has a relaxed village atmosphere with cafes, boutique shops, and a strong sense of community.
2. Cottesloe
Best suited to: Beach lovers, families, and professionals who value a relaxed, coastal lifestyle.
Property costs: In the past 12 months, the median price of purchasing a property in Cottesloe was around $3,500,000 AUD, while renting costs around $1,250 AUD per week. The suburb is known for charming character homes, modern beachside apartments, and luxury residences.
Transport links: Good – Cottesloe has a train station on the Fremantle line, making it easy to reach Perth’s CBD in around 30 minutes. Bus services also run frequently, or you can drive in around 20 minutes.
Lifestyle & recreation: Famous for its stunning beach, Cottesloe is an unbeatable place to swim, surf or simply relax. Situated on the coast west of the city, Cottesloe is a laid back suburb with a close-knit, friendly community. Despite its relaxed, beachside atmosphere, Cottesloe has plenty of fantastic shops and cafes to keep you busy on cooler days. This desirable lifestyle of course comes at a cost and housing can be pricier than other Perth suburbs, however for many this beautiful beachside destination is worth every dollar.
3. Fremantle
Best suited to: Young professionals, creatives, and those who appreciate a lively, historic atmosphere.
Property costs: The median price of buying a property in Fremantle is around $1,200,000 AUD, with rental prices at approximately $780 AUD per week. Housing options range from historic terrace homes to modern apartments.
Transport links: Good – Fremantle is connected to Perth’s CBD by train, with travel times of around 30 minutes. It is also served by multiple bus routes and has a working port. Perth can be reached by car in under 30 minutes also.
Lifestyle & recreation: Steeped in colonial and maritime history, this suburb to the west of Perth has a unique character and atmosphere which attracts families, singles and creatives alike. Fremantle is renowned for its artsy, vibrant atmosphere, with plenty of live music venues, art galleries, and historic sites. The Fremantle Markets, local breweries, and artisan cafes are highlights, and South Beach is perfect for ocean swims.
4. Mount Helena
Best suited to: Families, nature lovers, and those seeking a tranquil, semi-rural lifestyle.
Property costs: The median price of purchasing a property in Mount Helena is around $800,000 AUD, with rental prices about $650 AUD per week. Properties here include spacious homes on large plots of land, often surrounded by natural bushland.
Transport links: Limited – Mount Helena is about 45-60 minutes from Perth’s CBD by car, making it less ideal for daily commuters. Public transport options are limited, mainly consisting of bus services to nearby suburbs.
Lifestyle & recreation: Mount Helena is a fresh, clean, green suburb located in the hills around 35 km inland from Perth. It offers a peaceful, rural environment with access to nearby nature reserves, walking trails, and local markets. It’s a great spot for those who enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking and horse riding, with a tight-knit community feel. There is a small shopping area, as well as lots of parks and playgrounds. It is ideal for families looking to raise their children in a quiet, friendly suburb away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
5. Mount Lawley
Best suited to: Young professionals, families, and creatives seeking a vibrant, urban lifestyle.
Property costs: The median price of buying a property in Mount Lawley is around $1,588,000 AUD, with median rental costs around $800 AUD per week. The area is known for its character homes, modern apartments, and townhouses.
Transport links: Excellent – Mount Lawley is located just 5-10 minutes from Perth’s CBD by car or bus, making it ideal for commuters. There is also a nearby train station on the Midland line.
Lifestyle & recreation: Just north of the city centre, Mount Lawley is the alternative, hipster capital of Western Australia. It is famous for its buzzing cafe scene, art deco architecture, and nightlife along Beaufort Street. It’s a popular destination for boutique shopping, dining, and enjoying live music at local bars and venues. Just 10 minutes from downtown Perth, Mount Lawley is an understandably sought after suburb. This district is also home to Perth College, one of the most prestigious girl’s schools in WA, perfect if you’re moving to Perth with a daughter.
6. Subiaco
Best suited to: Professionals, families, and those seeking a sophisticated, inner-city lifestyle with a suburban feel.
Property costs: The median property price in Subiaco is around $1,800,000 AUD, with rentals averaging around $900 AUD per week. Subiaco offers a mix of heritage homes, modern townhouses, and high-end apartments.
Transport links: Excellent – Subiaco is around 5 minutes from Perth’s CBD by train or car. There are also frequent bus services making it ideal for those who want a quick commute to the city. You could even walk in under an hour!
Lifestyle & recreation: Subiaco offers a European-style atmosphere, with leafy streets, beautiful parks, as well as plenty of nightlife! Centred around Rokeby Road, Subiaco is home to a mixture of small boutiques and high-end shops, as well as stylish cafes, eateries, pubs and wine bars. In Subiaco you will also find the Subiaco Arts Centre and the Regal Theatre, hosting a range of live music, comedy and theatre events. Perfect for those who love a little culture.
7. City Beach
Best suited to: Families and retirees looking for an affluent, beachside lifestyle with spacious homes.
Property costs: The median price for purchasing a property in City Beach is around $2,750,000 AUD, and renting costs about $1,250 AUD per week. Properties include large, luxurious homes with ocean views.
Transport links: Fair – City Beach is about 15 minutes from Perth’s CBD by car, but public transport options can be limited. There are some bus services that connect City Beach and Perth, taking around 30 minutes in total.
Lifestyle & recreation: City Beach is ideal for those who love the ocean, with pristine beaches and parklands. It offers a relaxed, upmarket lifestyle, boasting a number of open-air cafes and seafood restaurants for smoothies, fish tacos and more. Overlooking the Indian Ocean is the City of Perth Surf Life Saving Club, the perfect place to watch beautiful sunsets and take in the stunning ocean views.
8. South Perth
Best suited to: Professionals, families, and retirees seeking riverside living with quick access to the city.
Property costs: The median price of buying a home in South Perth is around $1,789,000 AUD, with rentals averaging about $910 AUD per week. The suburb offers luxury apartments, riverfront homes, and townhouses.
Transport links: Excellent – South Perth is just across the river from Perth’s CBD, accessible by ferry or a 10 minute drive via the freeway. Bus services are also frequent, taking around 20 minutes.
Lifestyle & recreation: South Perth is known for its beautiful foreshore, with stunning views of the city skyline. It’s a popular suburb for cycling, walking, and enjoying picnics by the river, with plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby. South Perth offers a quiet lifestyle, with direct access to the city for convenience. Home to Perth Zoo and a number of beautiful parks, South Perth is a great spot for raising a family.
9. Scarborough
Best suited to: Beach lovers, surfers, and young families seeking a vibrant coastal lifestyle.
Property costs: The median price for purchasing a property in Scarborough is around $1,200,000 AUD, and renting costs approximately $800 AUD per week. It offers a mix of modern apartments, family homes, and townhouses.
Transport links: Fair – Scarborough is around 20 – 30 minutes from Perth’s CBD by car. There are also regular bus services to the city and surrounding areas, with a journey time of around 40 minutes.
Lifestyle & recreation: Located just north of City Beach, Scarborough is another popular coastal location. Famed for its beautiful beach, watersports, and the newly developed Scarborough Beach Foreshore, it’s a great area for those who enjoy an outdoor, coastal lifestyle. The foreshore is home to a number of playgrounds, restaurants, and bars, with a laid back atmosphere, whilst Scarborough beach is a well-known spot for surfing, swimming and body boarding.
10. Victoria Park
Best suited to: Young professionals, students, and families looking for an affordable, diverse, and vibrant community close to the city.
Property costs: The median price of purchasing a property in Victoria Park is around $905,000 AUD, with rentals around $700 AUD per week. The suburb offers a mix of older character homes, modern apartments, and townhouses.
Transport links: Excellent – Victoria Park is just 10 minutes from Perth’s CBD by car or train. Buses are frequent with a journey time of around 20 minutes, making it a convenient suburb for those who work or study in the city.
Lifestyle & recreation: One of the more affordable areas to live in Perth, Victoria Park is popular among young professionals. Known for its diverse dining scene and lively cafes along Albany Highway, Victoria Park has a relaxed but vibrant atmosphere. There are also a number of shops, as well as quiet residential areas and beautiful parks such as the popular McCallum Park, located on the Swan River.
Of course, we’ve only covered our top 10 Perth suburbs, but there are many more to explore. If you’re planning a move to Perth, make sure you do your research to find the suburb that is going to best suit your lifestyle and budget. Consider what is most important to you, whether that’s convenience, proximity to the beach or a vibrant atmosphere.
For help with all other aspects of your move to Perth, get in touch.
We offer a wide range of relocation and removals services, for a stress-free experience. You can also explore our range of guides and resources such as our blog on Living and Working in Perth.
Sources
All property stats from https://www.realestate.com.au/, accurate as of October 2024.
