What's life in Perth really like - do you really feel isolated?

[kendalg]

Would be interested in knowing what life in Perth is really like. There seems to be a lot of Brits moving there recently so it must have plenty to offer. The articles I've read all say that people feel isolated - is this true? Also does the weather get too hot sometimes and you just dream of a cooler day? It also states that Perth has a high crime rate compared to Sydney and Melbourne. Has anyone had any problems with crime around them? Are there any areas to avoid or recommend. Any info would be great. Thanks Kendal.

[anj1976]

hi k

i suggest searching the forum for similar topics, this was discussed in teh recent past, from what I remember

cheers
anj

[Bavarian]

Hello,

I have only moved here 3 weeks ago, so take my opinion with a grain of salt, but I don't feel isolated at all. However, everybody is different, so I hope you get some more input from other people.

As far as crime is concerned, I feel I haven't been here long enough to comment.

[Colindp]

Hi,

I arrived in Perth just at the tail end of summer (end of Feb) it's terrific......went from -8 in the UK to +35, I don't feel a bit Isolated and find plenty to keep us all amused. Crime not experienced much of that and hopefully I won't, but I suppose it's still early days, I seen on the news more crime wise in the Sydney!!!

I like it here very much I live in a lovely area in the hills with a great view over the to the CBD in the distance and literally just around the corner is a National Park great for Walking & Cycling.....

[kendalg]

How far is Swan View to CBD? Can you get a half decent house in the region of $400-450k? What about beaches are you near to any? How long does the really hot weather last for? Would you recommend this area to bring up two kids aged 8 and 11? Sorry for all these questions. We were originally thinking of Melbourne but after seeing a couple of programs on TV about Perth we were pleasantly surprised. We think in the Spring next year we will take a trip out to Oz and stay in Perth for first half of the week then fly over to Melbourne to see it also. I've visited Sydney in the past and toured from Brisbane upwards a long time ago with my Dad. Thanks

[Colindp]

To be honest I have not driven to the CBD from home, however the station is only 5 minutes away and the train journey takes about half hour and that is only because it stops at every stop I would think you could get a very nice house for that amount to be honest I am on a 457 visa so at the moment we are not looking to buy until we get residency sorted At the moment we are renting and I pay $400 a week for a huge 4 bed house with a pool, huge outdoor deck, all the bedrooms apart from one are double.

We have only been here since the end of February so can't really comment about the hot weather I am told that the really hot stuff starts around mid Jan and lasts right through to march, when we arrived 26 Feb it was 35-37 and that lasted for about 5-6 weeks. I think it's a great area for your children there are schools just down the road, within walking distance from us, the John Forrest National Park is 100m up the road and we often get Kangaroos from the park grazing on the front lawn.

I guess it must be about 45 minutes to the coast and with so many beaches you are bound to find one you like, we often visit Hillary's Boat Harbour with the marina, aquarium,shops,restaurants and cafes.

If you do come over to Perth next spring you are welcome to get in touch and we will give a your a tour around the area....


Regards


Colin...

Originally Posted by kendalg

How far is Swan View to CBD? Can you get a half decent house in the region of $400-450k? What about beaches are you near to any? How long does the really hot weather last for? Would you recommend this area to bring up two kids aged 8 and 11? Sorry for all these questions. We were originally thinking of Melbourne but after seeing a couple of programs on TV about Perth we were pleasantly surprised. We think in the Spring next year we will take a trip out to Oz and stay in Perth for first half of the week then fly over to Melbourne to see it also. I've visited Sydney in the past and toured from Brisbane upwards a long time ago with my Dad. Thanks

[kendalg]

Thanks for all the info. I really appreciate it. We would love to be given a guided tour - that's very kind of you. It will just be my husband and I. We are leaving the kids with my mum and dad as we wouldn't get half the things done and seen with the two of them around. We are just waiting for a policy to expire so once the money comes in we can look at the best dates to come out. Did you do a research trip before you made the final trip? If so what should we include in our time out in Perth?

[Colindp]

No problem your most welcome... This is in fact our third overseas move and to have some help when you arrive even if only on a recce trip can make all the difference.
To be honest on all our overseas adventures we have never done a research trips beforehand but have always been lucky...

If there is anything else we can help with please don't hesitate to get in touch...

Regards

Colin......



UOTE=kendalg;173561]Thanks for all the info. I really appreciate it. We would love to be given a guided tour - that's very kind of you. It will just be my husband and I. We are leaving the kids with my mum and dad as we wouldn't get half the things done and seen with the two of them around. We are just waiting for a policy to expire so once the money comes in we can look at the best dates to come out. Did you do a research trip before you made the final trip? If so what should we include in our time out in Perth?[/QUOTE]

[The Campbells]

Hi

We came here in Feb and the only time we feel isolated is when we hear of our UK rellies jumping on planes to Europe. Other than that it's great here and it's got everything you could ever want to do. You will find a good house easily for between $400-500 dollars. If you can get referees whom estate agents can contact then do so as the application forms to rent a house are complex. The crime rate depends on which suburb you are in - so far we've been lucky but we know of people who haven't. It hasn't put them off though!

[kendalg]

Can you recommend any suburbs then where crime isn't a problem and has plenty to offer. If we can get a handful of recommended places then it will make our research trip that little bit easier next year.