Moving To Perth: Suburbs Guide

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Moving to Perth? Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Suburb

So, you’re thinking of making the move to the sunniest capital city in the world. Brilliant choice! Perth is a city that offers an incredible lifestyle – stunning beaches, a booming economy, beautiful parklands, and a laid-back vibe that’s hard to beat.

But before you start packing (and booking a trusted removalist Perth residents rely on), there’s one huge question you need to answer: where in Perth should you live?

Perth is a sprawling city, and choosing the right suburb can be the difference between a good move and a great one. Whether you’re a young professional seeking a vibrant nightlife, a family looking for top-notch schools and leafy parks, or a beach bum who needs sand between your toes, Perth has a suburb that’s perfect for you.

This ultimate guide will break down the best of Perth’s suburbs, helping you navigate the endless options and find a place to truly call home.

moving perth suburbs guide

First, Let’s Address the Great Divide: North vs. South of the River

Before we dive into specific suburbs, you need to understand the friendly local rivalry. The Swan River beautifully carves its way through the city, creating two distinct regions: North of the River (NOR) and South of the River (SOR).

  • North of the River (NOR): Generally seen as more established, with higher density living closer to the city. It boasts major hubs like Joondalup, the vibrant Scarborough beachfront, and the popular Hillarys Boat Harbour. Many believe the best beaches are NOR.
  • South of the River (SOR): Traditionally known for being more spacious, family-oriented, and slightly more relaxed. It’s home to the historic port city of Fremantle, large shopping centres like Garden City (now Westfield Booragoon), and a strong community feel.

Honestly, both sides have incredible suburbs, and the old stereotypes are fading. Your choice will ultimately come down to lifestyle, commute, and budget.

How to Choose Your Suburb: Key Factors to Consider

As you read through our recommendations, keep these four factors in mind:

  1. Lifestyle: Are you after buzzing cafes and nightlife, or quiet streets and nature trails? Do you want to be near the beach, the river, or the hills?
  2. Budget: Perth’s property market can vary dramatically between postcodes. Be realistic about what you can afford, whether you’re buying or renting. We’ve included median house price estimates to guide you.
  3. Commute: How will you get to work? Perth is spread out, so check public transport links (train and bus lines) and typical drive times to the CBD or your workplace.
  4. Amenities: Consider your non-negotiables. Do you need to be in a specific school catchment zone? Want a great local IGA, a dog park, or a top-tier gym nearby?

Best Perth Suburbs for Families

For families, the key ingredients are often safety, good schools, parks, and a strong sense of community.

Applecross (SOR)

  • The Vibe: An affluent, picturesque riverside suburb with a village atmosphere. It’s known for its stunning Jacaranda-lined streets and family-friendly vibe.
  • Highlights: Excellent public and private schools (Applecross Senior High School has a great reputation), the beautiful Heathcote Reserve playground, and the bustling Applecross Village cafe strip.
  • Median House Price: Approx. $1.8 million.

Mount Claremont (NOR)

  • The Vibe: A leafy, quiet suburb nestled between the city and the sea. It’s an oasis of green space and a haven for families who value community.
  • Highlights: It’s in the catchment for the highly sought-after Shenton College. Close to HBF Stadium, Perry Lakes, Bold Park, and just a short drive to City Beach. The weekly farmer’s market is a local institution.
  • Median House Price: Approx. $1.7 million.

Leeming (SOR)

  • The Vibe: A more affordable but equally fantastic option for families. Leeming is a large, established suburb with a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Highlights: Leeming Senior High School and Leeming Primary are well-regarded. It has fantastic access to public transport (Murdoch train station) and major roads like the Kwinana Freeway and Roe Highway. Plenty of parks and recreational facilities.
  • Median House Price: Approx. $900,000.

Best Perth Suburbs for Young Professionals & Urbanites

If you crave convenience, culture, and being close to the action, these inner-city suburbs are for you.

Subiaco (NOR)

  • The Vibe: Sophisticated, trendy, and incredibly central. “Subi” is a hub of activity with its chic boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and historic pubs.
  • Highlights: The beautiful Subiaco Farmers Market, Regal Theatre, and proximity to Kings Park. It’s a short train ride or drive into the CBD, and the streets are a beautiful mix of character homes and modern apartments.
  • Median House Price: Approx. $1.6 million (but high-density apartment living is more common and affordable).

Leederville (NOR)

  • The Vibe: Subiaco’s cooler, more alternative sibling. Leederville is gritty, vibrant, and bursting with personality. The Oxford Street strip is the heart of its action.
  • Highlights: Eclectic cafes, Luna Cinemas, laneway bars, and unique shops. Excellent public transport links and a very walkable neighbourhood. It has a youthful energy that’s infectious.
  • Median House Price: Approx. $1.2 million.

Victoria Park (SOR)

  • The Vibe: A dynamic, multicultural suburb with one of the best food scenes in Perth. The Albany Highway cafe strip is a foodie’s paradise.
  • Highlights: An incredible diversity of restaurants, from Vietnamese and Japanese to Italian and modern Australian. It’s just across the causeway from the CBD and Optus Stadium, making it perfect for sports and events lovers.
  • Median House Price: Approx. $850,000.

Best Perth Suburbs for Beach Lovers

If your idea of heaven is a morning surf or an evening stroll along the coast, look no further.

Scarborough (NOR)

  • The Vibe: Energetic, redeveloped, and buzzing. The Scarborough foreshore redevelopment has transformed it into a world-class destination with a huge public pool, skate park, and endless dining options.
  • Highlights: A fantastic surf break, the massive Scarborough Sunset Markets in summer, and a lively bar scene. It attracts a younger crowd but has something for everyone.
  • Median House Price: Approx. $1.1 million.

Cottesloe (NOR)

  • The Vibe: Iconic, prestigious, and quintessentially Perth. “Cott” is home to one of Australia’s most famous beaches, framed by Norfolk pines and the iconic Indiana Teahouse.
  • Highlights: The stunning beach, the annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition, and a relaxed yet upmarket cafe culture. It’s perfectly positioned between the city and Fremantle.
  • Median House Price: Approx. $3.2 million.

Coogee (SOR)

  • The Vibe: A laid-back, family-friendly coastal suburb that offers a more relaxed pace of life than its northern counterparts.
  • Highlights: The calm, protected waters of Coogee Beach are perfect for families. The area also features the Coogee Maritime Trail, a shipwreck dive trail, and the popular Port Coogee Marina. It offers a fantastic coastal lifestyle without the premium price tag of Cottesloe.
  • Median House Price: Approx. $1.2 million.

Best Perth Suburbs for Budget-Conscious Movers

Want to enjoy the Perth lifestyle without the hefty mortgage? These suburbs offer excellent value for money.

Balga (NOR)

  • The Vibe: A diverse and rapidly developing suburb offering some of the most affordable entry points into the property market within 15km of the CBD.
  • Highlights: Great access to Reid Highway, multiple TAFE campuses, and plenty of parks. It’s a suburb in transition with a lot of potential for growth.
  • Median House Price: Approx. $500,000.

Armadale (SOR)

  • The Vibe: Situated in Perth’s south-east, Armadale is a major regional centre that combines affordability with established amenities.
  • Highlights: It’s on its own train line, making the CBD commute manageable. It has a major shopping centre, a hospital, and is on the doorstep of the beautiful Perth Hills.
  • Median House Price: Approx. $450,000.

Best Perth Suburbs for Nature & Space (The Hills)

If you prefer trees to traffic and kangaroos to crowds, the Perth Hills offer a unique sense of tranquility just a short drive from the city.

Kalamunda

  • The Vibe: The heart of the Perth Hills. Kalamunda has a charming, country-town feel with a strong artistic community.
  • Highlights: The famous Kalamunda Farmers Market, the northern terminus of the Bibbulmun Track, stunning national parks, and a delightful village centre filled with cafes and gift shops. You get a large block of land for your money.
  • Median House Price: Approx. $750,000.

The Next Step: Finding Your Place in the West

Choosing a suburb is a deeply personal decision, and the best way to get a feel for a place is to visit it yourself. Spend a weekend exploring your top contenders. Grab a coffee, walk the streets, visit the local park, and imagine yourself living there.

Perth is a city of diverse communities and incredible opportunities. No matter what you’re looking for, your perfect patch of paradise is waiting.

Once you’ve found your dream suburb, the next step is the move itself. To ensure a smooth, stress-free transition into your new Perth home, trust the professionals. Contact Movers Perth for an obligation-free quote, and let us handle the heavy lifting while you get ready to enjoy everything this amazing city has to offer.

By Denaye