Areas and suburbs in Perth

The best places to live in Perth

Finding the perfect area or suburb in Perth can be a challenge. The city is growing fast, house prices are climbing at astonishing rates, and demand for apartments in the fashionable districts is also soaring. That said, there are parts of the city where expats can still unearth a gem.

Ultimately, the suburb an expat chooses will depend on their budget and how much commuting they can put up with. At the end of the day though, every expat – whether it's a young professional with a little extra cash, a family looking to live near the best schools, or a retiree keen on sun and sea – is sure to find a suburb in Perth that fits the bill.

Coastal suburbs in Perth

Matilda Bay

A beautiful suburb perched on the edge of the Swan River, Matilda Bay is a popular residential area. The combination of the lush surroundings and the close proximity of the CBD gives residents of Matilda Bay the best of both worlds. There's plenty to do here, particularly for those who enjoy the outdoors. New arrivals looking to make some friends should consider joining one of the local watersport clubs. Even those who aren't athletically inclined will be glad to have easy access to the riverside on scorching summer days.

City Beach

City Beach is a modern waterside suburb with easy access to a range of community amenities. The area's local beach, also called City Beach, is said by many to be Perth's best. This area is particularly popular with expat families, as it is home to two international schools: International School of Western Australia and Japanese School in Perth. There are also plenty of good public schools in the area.

City living in Perth

Highgate

Situated just north of Perth's CBD, Highgate is a great choice for expats looking to live in a lively area with a short commute to work. It is also well known as a diverse cultural district packed with restaurants of all flavours. Art lovers are sure to enjoy the area's many galleries, not to mention the vibrant street art waiting to be discovered in some of the back streets.

Northbridge

Young expats who love a good night out will feel right at home in Northbridge, Perth's main nightlife district. The streets are lined with everything from upmarket cocktail lounges to laid-back bars, not to mention a selection of excellent restaurants, including some of Perth's best Asian fare. Convenience is key in Northbridge, and expats should be able to get around easily here.