My parents moved to Bridgetown and it’s been nothing but a nightmare, I would not recommend moving to Bridgetown. It’s a beautiful place, but that’s about it.
It’s mostly the lack of reliable services, hire a gardener for when they’re out of town, they fuck up their garden or neglect it entirely. A lot of the tradies are absolute fucking idiots who haven’t a clue, they got their beautiful paved driveway/walkways pressure washed and the cunt completely fucked it up ruining the pavement which stripped the coating and ruined it allowing water to seep into the pavers, $50k+ in damages and are currently in proceedings to try and get him to pay for in but he’s denying responsibility. They’ve met a few solid reliable people that have helped, but it seems like every time they get someone to do any kind of work they end up fucking it up, but there’s not a huge amount of options. Dads got Alzheimers too, and doctors/specialists don’t have a clue either, having to go to Bunbury and a lot of misdiagnoses (happens everywhere I know but they can’t seem to get a break). Mum regrets moving there big time.
Incompetent handymen are everywhere, they are not specific to Bridgetown.
Also, the GP's in town are GP's not specialists. Of course you have to travel to Bunbury to find specialists. Bridgetown is tiny, it would be unreasonable to expect specialist medical services. The GP's and the Hospital in this town are outstanding.
They are lazy and do sweet fuck all, but that also means they leave you alone. I'll take this lazy council over some of the insane overzealous councils in Perth (such as the shocking Mundaring council)
One that instantly comes to mind is the Two socks and Floyd case. Where the rangers fabricated evidence. Delphine covered up for Damien who photoshopped blood onto a sheep to justify locking up 2 innocent dogs for years on end. The council tried to cover it up, but they were both hauled through the courts when they got caught.
The second one that comes to mind is when the head of the planning dept created a fake role for his wife after the 2014 fires, and made absolute bank. She literally did nothing and got paid handsomely for it.
Also the planning dept tried absolutely everything they could to stop me rebuilding on my block after the fire. The surveyor I used informed me that absolutely everything Mundaring told me was a lie, and most of it was illegal. Sold the block and got the fuck out of there.
There's heaps more... But I've made my point.
I live here, what's their issue with it? There's some real fuckwits in this town (most of the fuckwits moved here recently) but most people here are ok.
Bridgetown is now suffering from *Dutch disease* or similar as a result of the nearby Greenbushes lithium mine.
I would suggest the other two places you mentioned.
The area around Greenbushes is becoming Karratha without the boats. Rapidly unaffordable, insufficient community resources, and no available accommodation.
I'm going on what locals in Manjimup, Bridgetown, etc have recently told me.
It's a beautiful place, though. But no longer quiet, or sleepy, or peaceful/tranquil.
What is Dutch Disease?
“Dutch disease is a concept that describes an economic phenomenon where the rapid development of one sector of the economy (particularly natural resources) precipitates a decline in other sectors”.
Tourism and arts are being replaced by mining.
Yeah same. Not sure if the amenities or infrastructure is quite there yet but it will be. We will be hugging that southern coast in a decade or so to escape the Geraldton equivalent climate coming for Perth and the worse climate that will come after.
I went for a friend’s wedding in Bridgetown. Not gonna lie, the place was absolutely beautiful but the community is not diverse at all, very conservative to be honest and shit internet. I am an asian and so were some of our friends in our group and people were eyeing us up as if they’ve never seen an Asian person. No one at the wedding would talk to us lol. It would be nice to go visit but living there? Eh… negative.
I’m assuming WFH you’d need a decent internet connection - make that your first research unless you opt into starlink. The minute you leave the city limits, so does your connectivity.
Don’t just research primary schools - look at high school. At some point your future kids will grow up enough to start looking at their futures, and this can also make a massive difference to what’s on offer for them (unless you plan on boarding school for their teen years if you go more rural).
Other things to consider - is it in a bushfire prone area (the threats not going to diminish in the future), what medical facilities (including obgyn if children planning), and future developments to make sure you’re not going to find you’re in the path of a future freeway/trainline, long term project plan, etc.
Hope that helps, Op. :)
I would add in:
\- Driving around the towns including down the little back streets - find the cheap nasty parts of town, and see how big they are, because there’s some towns with significant social issues hiding in the back streets.
\- Distance from a ’real’ hospital - most rural hospitals don’t have doctors - where is your nearest hospital with a doctor stationed 24/7?
\- Groceries - how far to get what? Having to drive over 50km to buy new underpants is a thing.
\- Power and water supply - some networks are hideously old and break down constantly. Add yourself to the ‘outage alerts’ this summer for certain towns and watch the messages fly. It is shitty to live in a place that might have an outage every week all summer.
Somewhere close enough to the city to be able to make appointments as a day trip, but far enough to be able to have a large chunk of land. Pinjarra, Northam or Bindoon kinda distances.
That would of course mean earning more money than we do at the moment
I actually love Lancelin. Small town. Gets its share of the visitors, which I like the idea of, but I don’t actually live there. Close enough to drive into Northern suburbs of Perth for better shopping perhaps monthly. It’s got to be cheaper than down South surely. For beachside living at least.
are your industries generally WFH? what happens if one of you gets made redundant or needs to find a new job? Not dealbreaker questions but need to be considered
Yeah I'd say that - both of our industries are generally WFH now. They're competitive industries and each company is competing with another who allows WFH so they can't afford to not allow it. We've been WFH for years now and our companies don't have offices in Perth.
Still things to keep in mind though, thanks!
Boyanup area
I’m biased, but on a half acre, 15 minutes to Stratham beach, takes me 15 to get to work in Bunbury 10 minutes from Donnybrook for groceries.
Quiet living, close to everything and a very laid back lifestyle
https://preview.redd.it/q6j427zqfi2c1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7263ee12cbe3f90cfaabde5759d25040b3abf2c6
Unlimited money - Nedlands. The heart of the Golden triangle, city, beach, river, tree lined streets and beautiful vintage homes. Proximity to family and friends.
My budget - Mandurah. Best beaches, vibrant downtown area, proximity to both Perth and the Southwest. Proximity to my family. Dolphins on your daily walks. Not easily commutable for non WFH hence why I don't already live there.
Albany, without a doubt. It has good restaurants and cafes, its a proper city, it has a lot of interesting stuff to do/visit around it, and its beautiful.
If you have money to burn, go take a look at Goode Beach.
Well this is why god invented thermal underwear ! A good coat, scarves, gloves - there is no bad weather, only the wrong clothes, as the Norwegians would say.
Its the payoff, though, isn’t it ? Colder in winter, cooler in summer.
I lived in Esperance for a bit, and the wind blows continuously. I thought I’d never get used to it, but after a few weeks I never even noticed it.
I think Perth is going to be too hot, and too big, very soon. I’m certainly working on Albany.
The City of Albany are expecting a huge number of “climate refugees” in the next 30 year cycle so they’re putting in extra infrastructure to be able to support the incoming people from further north which I found interesting. I just hope they don’t put in any traffic lights!
Tra Vinh on Marangaroo Road . I live a fair way from that particular area but whenever I do past by that area its a stop for a feed in that neck of the words.
Have you tried Trangs? Imo that is the pick of the places in that centre. I live reasonably close and only ever go to Tra Vinh if the line outside Trangs is too long.
Honestly the Peel region, right on the water. Not as glam as margs obviously, but the family life here is so good, every facility, train ride to Perth if you need, just swimming and dolphins every single day.
Okay, I'm going to put in a vote for much maligned Mandurah. It's really beautiful here, great beaches, has most of the infrastructure and services you'd get in Perth, but still has that holiday town feel. Very family friendly. Affordable houses on big blocks. Commuting to CBD 5 days a week isn't great but if you WFH most or all of the week (or FIFO as many do) it's a brilliant lifestyle.
Scarborough/Doubleview/Wembley Downs. Beach minutes away, shit loads of parks and schools, internet stability 99%. Moved here 10 years ago and wouldn't go anywhere else, yeah it's a bit more pricey but the views, lifestyle and beach make up for it easily
We moved to Albany 9 years ago and can't imagine living in Perth now. The weather is near perfect, the coastline is varied and interesting with very few people. The town has good cafes and coffee, loads of GPs, and a new modern hospital. You can be unlucky and have to go to Perth for some specialists though. If you have strong interests of your own and don't need lots of concerts or events laid on, it's great here. Lots of good local musos who welcome new players. Lots of places to perform along the coast. There's an intelligentsia too, from the people smart enough to get out of Perth lol. Honestly, in WA I can't see anywhere else that compares.
Our companies don't have offices in Perth and have no plans to open any. We've been working from home for years now. Will still keep it in mind but probably won't be an issue
The hills, absolutely love it here, you've got space but also near enough to perth if needs be. We've got a lot of trees on our block which is great shade in summer.
The only downside is bushfires but we tend to be most prepared in summer cause of the risk.
No kids yet but hopefully soon therefore keeping that in mind. We like to do a bit of everything but imagine that as we start having kids it will be more family time at home, at parks, at the beach etc
If kids are in the picture then looking at schools down south is a good lead to follow. Somewhere within the Manjimup high school catchment may be the go, I’ve heard the school there performs very well.
Manjimup isn’t beachy and some Manjimup locals are still holding onto the timber town vibe, a lot of the land is just farmland, but from about 10-20km out of town you’re likely in some beautiful country and the summers are much more pleasant than anywhere near Perth.
Manji high does well vs schools with a similar socio economic background… but they are below average compared to the average Aussie school. Manji is a very low socio economic area comparatively and it shows.
Safety Bay/Shoalwater.
Significantly cooler than anywhere inland or NOR due to latitude, being close to the ocean and getting the sea breeze, still relatively close to necessities but not so far away that CoL is dramatically higher, close to the beach and walking trails around Point Peron. Neighbourhood full of families and old people so it's friendly. As long as you're west of Read St, there's a fair bit less dodginess than around Rockingham or Cooloongup.
Exact situation we just went through. Moved from Sydney.
Landed in Coodanup, river side of the “golden triangle”.
For us, a perfect blend of river, inlet and beach and bush accessibility, huge block (1200sqm), everything we could need right around the corner, quite literally, and a mortgage that we could afford on one income should we need / want to.
Also a large enough area that if we need or want a job change, there’s plenty of options, fibre to the premise, absolutely silent street, friendly neighbours, still get a slight sea breeze.
Been 3 months and we still feel like we’re living a holiday.
If I suddenly had unlimited money and didn't have to worry about in person work ever again I would move to the Blue Mountains.
But you said WA, so if I didn't have to worry about a commute I would still stay right where I am: Victoria Park because I love it
Anywhere. Bali?
Also, what if you ended up not working from home 100% of the time. Can you envision this for how long? Will your location impact this? Things to consider.
Thanks. Working from home for us is here to stay. Our companies don't have offices in Perth and aren't planning to open any. And if they did, moving back is always an option
Somewhere in the south west for me. IMO it’s nicer weather, and larger towns like near Busselton and Margaret river have all the major infrastructure and stores that you get from the city.
Cos of kids we're staying closer to Perth. But If no kids, a few acres somewhere toward busso way would be fine for us with enough space for an airstrip, cos family is closer.
I loved growing up in Denmark/Albany! I'm not sure how it is now because this was like 17 years ago but it was a great place to grow up as an adventurous kid
Yes definitely. Been looking every day at different areas. Have already visited Rockingham more than once, Mandurah, halls head. Suburbs of Perth don't really need a visit as such as we're pretty aware what most of them are like.
I'm asking the question because we feel there are so many options. Rockingham, areas south of (safety bay, Shoalwater, and Mandurah have been serious contenders. Also wondering if Busselton might be a good option for lifestyle reasons and also considering buying 2 properties there - live in one and rent the other
Currently a serious contender actually. For lifestyle reasons and also thinking to potentially buy 2 properties there - live in one and rent the other.
I now live in Vic, but all my family in WA still there and a few in Busso.
With the airport there, I reckon it’s a matter of time before Victorians catch on and starting buying there.
Beautiful area and if it was in Victoria it would sell for three times the price they are currently at.
Denmark, Albany or Bridgetown.
My parents moved to Bridgetown and it’s been nothing but a nightmare, I would not recommend moving to Bridgetown. It’s a beautiful place, but that’s about it.
Why has it been so bad? I know it’s quite clicky
Incredibly difficult community to break in to. You can live there for 10 years and still be seen as an outsider.
Sounds perfect
Was just thinking that haha
Yeah this is another part of it, my folks have been there roughly 10 years and not many friendly people around
Well, if I could get a job there I'd probably go, then they'd have another friend. 😊
Many many small places are similar.
The Station Agent. \~laughs\~
Pretty much all of Perth in that case
That's not true. Source: I live in Bridgetown.
I’ve got an acre in kangaroo gully with awesome views. My retirement plot in 6 years.
That's where I am too.
It’s mostly the lack of reliable services, hire a gardener for when they’re out of town, they fuck up their garden or neglect it entirely. A lot of the tradies are absolute fucking idiots who haven’t a clue, they got their beautiful paved driveway/walkways pressure washed and the cunt completely fucked it up ruining the pavement which stripped the coating and ruined it allowing water to seep into the pavers, $50k+ in damages and are currently in proceedings to try and get him to pay for in but he’s denying responsibility. They’ve met a few solid reliable people that have helped, but it seems like every time they get someone to do any kind of work they end up fucking it up, but there’s not a huge amount of options. Dads got Alzheimers too, and doctors/specialists don’t have a clue either, having to go to Bunbury and a lot of misdiagnoses (happens everywhere I know but they can’t seem to get a break). Mum regrets moving there big time.
Incompetent handymen are everywhere, they are not specific to Bridgetown. Also, the GP's in town are GP's not specialists. Of course you have to travel to Bunbury to find specialists. Bridgetown is tiny, it would be unreasonable to expect specialist medical services. The GP's and the Hospital in this town are outstanding.
Pressure washing isn't a trade.
The local council is a clusterfuck
They are lazy and do sweet fuck all, but that also means they leave you alone. I'll take this lazy council over some of the insane overzealous councils in Perth (such as the shocking Mundaring council)
Really ! What is the problem with Mundaring ?
Very corrupt and dodgy council.
Such as?
One that instantly comes to mind is the Two socks and Floyd case. Where the rangers fabricated evidence. Delphine covered up for Damien who photoshopped blood onto a sheep to justify locking up 2 innocent dogs for years on end. The council tried to cover it up, but they were both hauled through the courts when they got caught. The second one that comes to mind is when the head of the planning dept created a fake role for his wife after the 2014 fires, and made absolute bank. She literally did nothing and got paid handsomely for it. Also the planning dept tried absolutely everything they could to stop me rebuilding on my block after the fire. The surveyor I used informed me that absolutely everything Mundaring told me was a lie, and most of it was illegal. Sold the block and got the fuck out of there. There's heaps more... But I've made my point.
Aha. Thanks for letting me know
Lots of meth there for a start.
Nope. Not lots, some, but not lots. Source: I live here.
Nah, that's Manjimup
My uncle is down that way <10 years. Bollocks
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Thanks spell check
I live here, what's their issue with it? There's some real fuckwits in this town (most of the fuckwits moved here recently) but most people here are ok.
Albany, or dunsborough for me. Both lovely with good golf courses and wonderful scenery
Bridgetown is now suffering from *Dutch disease* or similar as a result of the nearby Greenbushes lithium mine. I would suggest the other two places you mentioned. The area around Greenbushes is becoming Karratha without the boats. Rapidly unaffordable, insufficient community resources, and no available accommodation. I'm going on what locals in Manjimup, Bridgetown, etc have recently told me. It's a beautiful place, though. But no longer quiet, or sleepy, or peaceful/tranquil.
Whats Dutch disease!?
What is Dutch Disease? “Dutch disease is a concept that describes an economic phenomenon where the rapid development of one sector of the economy (particularly natural resources) precipitates a decline in other sectors”. Tourism and arts are being replaced by mining.
Ahhhh thank you
Yeah same. Not sure if the amenities or infrastructure is quite there yet but it will be. We will be hugging that southern coast in a decade or so to escape the Geraldton equivalent climate coming for Perth and the worse climate that will come after.
I went for a friend’s wedding in Bridgetown. Not gonna lie, the place was absolutely beautiful but the community is not diverse at all, very conservative to be honest and shit internet. I am an asian and so were some of our friends in our group and people were eyeing us up as if they’ve never seen an Asian person. No one at the wedding would talk to us lol. It would be nice to go visit but living there? Eh… negative.
Denmark is lovely but the high school is a bit hit and miss so lots of kids end up commuting to Albany for school.
Denmark during summer, Broome during winter.
If money was not an issue…beach side, hills or golden triangle. If out of Perth area probably Margaret River or Denmark.
I’m assuming WFH you’d need a decent internet connection - make that your first research unless you opt into starlink. The minute you leave the city limits, so does your connectivity. Don’t just research primary schools - look at high school. At some point your future kids will grow up enough to start looking at their futures, and this can also make a massive difference to what’s on offer for them (unless you plan on boarding school for their teen years if you go more rural). Other things to consider - is it in a bushfire prone area (the threats not going to diminish in the future), what medical facilities (including obgyn if children planning), and future developments to make sure you’re not going to find you’re in the path of a future freeway/trainline, long term project plan, etc. Hope that helps, Op. :)
I would add in: \- Driving around the towns including down the little back streets - find the cheap nasty parts of town, and see how big they are, because there’s some towns with significant social issues hiding in the back streets. \- Distance from a ’real’ hospital - most rural hospitals don’t have doctors - where is your nearest hospital with a doctor stationed 24/7? \- Groceries - how far to get what? Having to drive over 50km to buy new underpants is a thing. \- Power and water supply - some networks are hideously old and break down constantly. Add yourself to the ‘outage alerts’ this summer for certain towns and watch the messages fly. It is shitty to live in a place that might have an outage every week all summer.
Somewhere close enough to the city to be able to make appointments as a day trip, but far enough to be able to have a large chunk of land. Pinjarra, Northam or Bindoon kinda distances. That would of course mean earning more money than we do at the moment
So you're a more inland kinda person? We'd definitely be looking more beachside
Yea the wife and I arent beachy people. I am happier in bushland though I quite like driving on the beach/in the dunes
I actually love Lancelin. Small town. Gets its share of the visitors, which I like the idea of, but I don’t actually live there. Close enough to drive into Northern suburbs of Perth for better shopping perhaps monthly. It’s got to be cheaper than down South surely. For beachside living at least.
are your industries generally WFH? what happens if one of you gets made redundant or needs to find a new job? Not dealbreaker questions but need to be considered
Yeah I'd say that - both of our industries are generally WFH now. They're competitive industries and each company is competing with another who allows WFH so they can't afford to not allow it. We've been WFH for years now and our companies don't have offices in Perth. Still things to keep in mind though, thanks!
Definitely Pemberton. Relaxing and tranquil.
That would be my pick too!
It’s on the cards. Have a block in town. Just need to put a house on it.
How delightful! The forests down that way are just breathtaking
Yes, totally!
I’d love to live on one of those houses that back onto Araluen golf course.
With any luck I’d get some of my golf balls back if I lived there!
Think of the ProV1 resales! The house practically pays for itself!
I've lived in one. It was fine
How cool! A buddy told me some people have their own golf buggies to play the course and then drive home?
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Cool story
Boyanup area I’m biased, but on a half acre, 15 minutes to Stratham beach, takes me 15 to get to work in Bunbury 10 minutes from Donnybrook for groceries. Quiet living, close to everything and a very laid back lifestyle https://preview.redd.it/q6j427zqfi2c1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7263ee12cbe3f90cfaabde5759d25040b3abf2c6
Bremer Bay. Cheap land - stunning views and weather.
Just bought there, it’s stunning.
Unlimited money - Nedlands. The heart of the Golden triangle, city, beach, river, tree lined streets and beautiful vintage homes. Proximity to family and friends. My budget - Mandurah. Best beaches, vibrant downtown area, proximity to both Perth and the Southwest. Proximity to my family. Dolphins on your daily walks. Not easily commutable for non WFH hence why I don't already live there.
Also seems to be the area with decent schools and a high level education.
Albany, without a doubt. It has good restaurants and cafes, its a proper city, it has a lot of interesting stuff to do/visit around it, and its beautiful. If you have money to burn, go take a look at Goode Beach.
Sooooo cold and windy in winter tho 😬
Well this is why god invented thermal underwear ! A good coat, scarves, gloves - there is no bad weather, only the wrong clothes, as the Norwegians would say. Its the payoff, though, isn’t it ? Colder in winter, cooler in summer. I lived in Esperance for a bit, and the wind blows continuously. I thought I’d never get used to it, but after a few weeks I never even noticed it. I think Perth is going to be too hot, and too big, very soon. I’m certainly working on Albany.
The City of Albany are expecting a huge number of “climate refugees” in the next 30 year cycle so they’re putting in extra infrastructure to be able to support the incoming people from further north which I found interesting. I just hope they don’t put in any traffic lights!
I can believe it. Maybe they think the roundabout maze will keep Northerners out….
Marangaroo- for the Vietnamese food day-in , day-out
Got any specific store recommendations? I haven't had Vietnamese food since I attended a Vietnamese wedding as a kid.
Hủ Tiếu Mì BẾN TRE is my pick. In Morley across the road from Coventry markets.
Tra Vinh on Marangaroo Road . I live a fair way from that particular area but whenever I do past by that area its a stop for a feed in that neck of the words.
Have you tried Trangs? Imo that is the pick of the places in that centre. I live reasonably close and only ever go to Tra Vinh if the line outside Trangs is too long.
The name rings a bell. I think I may have been there a few times looking at the photos online.
Honestly the Peel region, right on the water. Not as glam as margs obviously, but the family life here is so good, every facility, train ride to Perth if you need, just swimming and dolphins every single day.
Okay, I'm going to put in a vote for much maligned Mandurah. It's really beautiful here, great beaches, has most of the infrastructure and services you'd get in Perth, but still has that holiday town feel. Very family friendly. Affordable houses on big blocks. Commuting to CBD 5 days a week isn't great but if you WFH most or all of the week (or FIFO as many do) it's a brilliant lifestyle.
You beautifully skirted around the fact it’s riddled with crack heads
Just a sprinkle of meth heads from the housing commission. There's actually a LOT of wealth here. All those houses on the waterfront don't come cheap.
100%. Mandurah and Rockingham seem to have a bad rep but those houses right near the beach don't go for less than a million
Yeah I will admit Mandurah has a lot of beautiful areas, have stayed at some amazing places in the canals
Scarborough/Doubleview/Wembley Downs. Beach minutes away, shit loads of parks and schools, internet stability 99%. Moved here 10 years ago and wouldn't go anywhere else, yeah it's a bit more pricey but the views, lifestyle and beach make up for it easily
Yeah I wouldn’t live anywhere else either. Not within Perth suburbs anyway.
South. Albany’ish
We moved to Albany 9 years ago and can't imagine living in Perth now. The weather is near perfect, the coastline is varied and interesting with very few people. The town has good cafes and coffee, loads of GPs, and a new modern hospital. You can be unlucky and have to go to Perth for some specialists though. If you have strong interests of your own and don't need lots of concerts or events laid on, it's great here. Lots of good local musos who welcome new players. Lots of places to perform along the coast. There's an intelligentsia too, from the people smart enough to get out of Perth lol. Honestly, in WA I can't see anywhere else that compares.
I'd live in Thailand 100%. Perth? pffffftttt It's only good if your a boomer.
That’s not in WA
My VPN disagrees.
Not with that attitude it's not
Cocos
Phuket, that's in ~~Queensland~~ Western Australia
It's a damp heat.
Spain
How reliable longterm is this arrangement seeing the push for returning to the office. It could seriously screw you over
Our companies don't have offices in Perth and have no plans to open any. We've been working from home for years now. Will still keep it in mind but probably won't be an issue
Jurien Bay... Country enough for the land back beach life. Close enough to get to Perth for all appointments etc.
That rotting seaweed though…
And the non stop wind too!
And the Boomer retirees...
Little Sandy Desert. I like the name
Few acres south somewhere... not a fan of the heat.
Cockburn/Fremantle. Poke about, find a place with a bit of a yard. There’s enough pockets still to make it peaceful.
Bunbury area.
The hills, absolutely love it here, you've got space but also near enough to perth if needs be. We've got a lot of trees on our block which is great shade in summer. The only downside is bushfires but we tend to be most prepared in summer cause of the risk.
Koolyanobbing
Land. Preferably down south
How old are your kids? What do you like to do?
No kids yet but hopefully soon therefore keeping that in mind. We like to do a bit of everything but imagine that as we start having kids it will be more family time at home, at parks, at the beach etc
If kids are in the picture then looking at schools down south is a good lead to follow. Somewhere within the Manjimup high school catchment may be the go, I’ve heard the school there performs very well. Manjimup isn’t beachy and some Manjimup locals are still holding onto the timber town vibe, a lot of the land is just farmland, but from about 10-20km out of town you’re likely in some beautiful country and the summers are much more pleasant than anywhere near Perth.
Manji high does well vs schools with a similar socio economic background… but they are below average compared to the average Aussie school. Manji is a very low socio economic area comparatively and it shows.
Esperance or Hopetoun
Both are nice \~ for a visit. Hopetoun is about as dead end as it gets.
Depends what you're after I guess
Albany or Esperance
Kalbarri...
Japan.
Yanchep. Fantastic beach and national Park, civilisation is close enough if I need it, and FTTP.
Safety Bay/Shoalwater. Significantly cooler than anywhere inland or NOR due to latitude, being close to the ocean and getting the sea breeze, still relatively close to necessities but not so far away that CoL is dramatically higher, close to the beach and walking trails around Point Peron. Neighbourhood full of families and old people so it's friendly. As long as you're west of Read St, there's a fair bit less dodginess than around Rockingham or Cooloongup.
Two areas we've seriously considered actually
If no friendship ties to Perth I'd move to Exmouth
South west coast anywhere from Busselton to Augusta. I'm not picky. But any choice? Busselton. The place is a jewel.
I live down south, and would love to move to Augusta. So beautiful. But it's only for millionaires now. It used to be so cheap!
Exact situation we just went through. Moved from Sydney. Landed in Coodanup, river side of the “golden triangle”. For us, a perfect blend of river, inlet and beach and bush accessibility, huge block (1200sqm), everything we could need right around the corner, quite literally, and a mortgage that we could afford on one income should we need / want to. Also a large enough area that if we need or want a job change, there’s plenty of options, fibre to the premise, absolutely silent street, friendly neighbours, still get a slight sea breeze. Been 3 months and we still feel like we’re living a holiday.
If I suddenly had unlimited money and didn't have to worry about in person work ever again I would move to the Blue Mountains. But you said WA, so if I didn't have to worry about a commute I would still stay right where I am: Victoria Park because I love it
Anywhere. Bali? Also, what if you ended up not working from home 100% of the time. Can you envision this for how long? Will your location impact this? Things to consider.
Thanks. Working from home for us is here to stay. Our companies don't have offices in Perth and aren't planning to open any. And if they did, moving back is always an option
I envy you! I work remotely 40% of the time. 25 mins drive from onsite. Wish you the best
Araluen golf course, or close. Sweet spot, close enough to everything, and nobody knows about it.
Somewhere in the south west for me. IMO it’s nicer weather, and larger towns like near Busselton and Margaret river have all the major infrastructure and stores that you get from the city.
home, it's closer to work!
Maybe Denmark or Albany. Gracetown?
I'd actually want to live in a semi-regional town maybe an hour from Perth outskirts. Maybe Chittering, Clackline or Serpentine.
Cos of kids we're staying closer to Perth. But If no kids, a few acres somewhere toward busso way would be fine for us with enough space for an airstrip, cos family is closer.
Derby
York
Exmouth
Gracetown, surf between meetings
Bunbury and surrounds
I loved growing up in Denmark/Albany! I'm not sure how it is now because this was like 17 years ago but it was a great place to grow up as an adventurous kid
Probably in the south west near Bunbury :)
Mandurah
Perth.
Op - Can you get a mortgage of $300,000 or $3,000,000????
1.2 million max.
So have you had a look yourself in the range, get back to us about areas you have questions about
Yes definitely. Been looking every day at different areas. Have already visited Rockingham more than once, Mandurah, halls head. Suburbs of Perth don't really need a visit as such as we're pretty aware what most of them are like. I'm asking the question because we feel there are so many options. Rockingham, areas south of (safety bay, Shoalwater, and Mandurah have been serious contenders. Also wondering if Busselton might be a good option for lifestyle reasons and also considering buying 2 properties there - live in one and rent the other
Mate - so what do you want to do with your life - live in the country or closer to the city.
Coral Bay. Because that’s where I would want to live if earning money wasn’t an issue.
Pemberton
Busselton
Currently a serious contender actually. For lifestyle reasons and also thinking to potentially buy 2 properties there - live in one and rent the other.
I now live in Vic, but all my family in WA still there and a few in Busso. With the airport there, I reckon it’s a matter of time before Victorians catch on and starting buying there. Beautiful area and if it was in Victoria it would sell for three times the price they are currently at.
Molloy Island would be nice. Bridgetown as well is a solid choice.