Best Places to Live in Perth: Your Insider Guide

As an interstate removalist, I have assisted many people move to Perth, and some of them have asked me which are the best suburbs to live, work, and enjoy life.

According to recent migration data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Perth continues to attract interstate movers due to affordability and lifestyle advantages.

Whenever planning to move, I would always advise that you look at good areas to live in Perth, the places that suit your lifestyle.

In my view, choosing the best places to live in Perth makes the moving process smoother and helps clients settle into a community that suits them.

The different suburbs of Perth have something to offer for all. As an interstate removalist, it is much easier to have information about the best places to live in Perth in advance, making the relocation process as smooth as possible.

Why Perth is a Top Choice for Living

Before deciding where to live in Perth, it is helpful to understand why the city has consistently been ranked among the best places to live.

Perth, compared with Sydney and Melbourne, offers a rare combination of affordability, lifestyle, and opportunity, making it appealing to families, students, and skilled professionals alike.

Recent housing and cost-of-living data consistently show Perth remains more affordable than Australia’s eastern capitals.

As a result, there has been a continued growth in interest in the best suburbs to live in Perth. Naturally, many buyers and renters also look into the worst suburbs in Perth to get a balanced view of the market and make a more informed decision.

Key reasons Perth continues to stand out include:

• There is an opportunity to expand employment opportunities in the medical sector, mining, and technology.
• An easy, family-oriented lifestyle where the schools are good, the neighbourhoods are green, and community facilities are easily accessible, particularly in the best suburbs in Perth.
• Lower prices of property, with a combination of top locations and the lowest priced suburbs.
• Strong cultural, dining and entertainment areas in the CBD, coastal areas and other trendy centres.

Be it lifestyle, value, or safety, the combination of safe suburbs, lively communities, and well-served areas makes it easy to find the best places to live in Perth.

Best Places to Live in Perth

Cottesloe

When trying to find the best places to live in Perth, Cottesloe will be high up the Perth suburbs listings – and justifiably so. Few locations capture the city’s coastal lifestyle quite like this iconic beachside suburb.

Imagine waking up in the mornings with ocean winds, taking a break in a cafe with the water in front of you and walking barefoot on the purest white sand before your trip to a city.

This is a normal part of life for most residents and one of the main reasons Cottesloe is regarded as one of Perth’s best suburbs.

Although it is not among the cheapest suburbs, Cottesloe is still considered the best suburb in Perth by lifestyle buyers.

The cost of its properties indicates exclusivity, yet it can be a privilege to live on the oceanfront within 20 minutes of the CBD.

Why Choose Cottesloe?

• Ideal for those who like work–life balance, the beach is just at your doorstep in one of the best places in Perth to live.
• One of the best options for active residents is swimming, paddleboarding, and running tracks along coastlines.
• Good community spirit with frequent local events and festivals.
• Favoured by families that want good areas to live in Perth, good beaches, and access to good schools.

Things to Consider

• It is not suitable for people looking for affordable suburbs in Perth, as property prices in the area are high.
• Summer periods can be busy, especially around Cottesloe Beach.
• Inadequate parking during the seasonal tourist seasons.

Fremantle

Fremantle, or the city of Freo, as it is lovingly referred to, is one of the most interesting places to visit when researching the best places to live in Perth.

It is full of creativity, heritage, and a sense of belonging, and it frequently appears on lists of Perth’s best suburbs for culture and lifestyle.

Fremantle is often rated among the best neighbourhoods in Perth, attracting students, creatives, and professionals who do not have to compromise between life on the coast and the convenience of the city.

Although it might not be the city’s lowest-priced suburb, its lifestyle amenities make it one of the best suburbs in Perth.

Why Choose Fremantle?

• The best option for artists, food lovers, and those seeking the best place to live in Perth for young professionals
• A vibrant culture that includes live music, nightlife, and events throughout the year.
• Students already find it popular because of its proximity to Notre Dame University.
• Suit anyone who desires one of the best places in Perth to live, coastal yet offering inner-city advantages.

Things to Consider

• Certain regions may be noisy on weekends and during the night.
• The increase in demand also implies higher property prices and greater competition.
• Around markets and other common precincts, it can be hard to find parking.

For people seeking good areas to live in Perth that offer character, creativity, and community, Fremantle has always been one of the best suburbs and a popular choice among locals and newcomers.

Joondalup

In most instances, Joondalup is the first to come to mind when people seek affordable, safe suburbs in Perth, especially families and students seeking space, convenience, and value.

Such a combination of affordability and convenience makes Joondalup one of the best areas to live in Perth.

Access to green spaces is also one of the largest attractions to Joondalup. The nearby Yellagonga Regional Park and other local parks are favourites with residents, used for walking trails, picnics and other outdoor family activities.

Commuting is also easy, with a major train station and good road connections, making it attractive to professionals who desire a quieter lifestyle while remaining connected.

Housing is much more accessible in Joondalup than in inner-city places. This has earned it a reputation as one of the cheapest suburbs in Perth that has not compromised on lifestyle, safety, or infrastructure.

Highlights

• Recognised as one of the best suburbs in Perth, Australia, for families seeking value and space
• Has a major shopping and dining centre at Lakeside Joondalup Shopping City.
• Strong family appeal with parks, playgrounds, and sporting facilities.
• A varied society of students, young families and professionals, and creating an energetic yet casual environment.

Subiaco

If you need a suburb that offers a blend of modern living and everyday convenience, Subiaco is often considered one of the best places to live in Perth.

The famous Subiaco Farmers Market brings locals together weekly with fresh and handmade products.

This strong sense of community is a factor that makes Subiaco consistently feature in Perth suburbs rankings.

Due to its wide range of schools, proximity to medical facilities, and excellent public transport, Subiaco is also a popular choice for families.

It has a central train station and several bus routes, so commuting to the city is easy, making it among the best places in Perth to live for professionals.

Why Choose Subiaco?

• Trendy dining, cafés, and boutique shopping right on your doorstep
• Near the CBD while maintaining a relaxed, community-based atmosphere.
• One of the most outstanding places on the list of the best suburbs in Perth for young professionals.
• Easy access to parks, cultural events, and recreational spaces for a balanced lifestyle

For anyone considering where to live in Perth, Subiaco offers a unique blend of fashion, convenience and nature, making it one of the top suburbs in Perth.

Scarborough

Scarborough can be regarded as one of the best places to live in Perth, WA, for those who prefer oceanfront without paying a higher price than neighbouring Cottesloe.

Scarborough is known for its sweeping coastline, vibrant entertainment industry and easy beach culture, making it one of the top suburbs in Perth for young couples, professionals and even families seeking a cheaper lifestyle on the coast.

Why Choose Scarborough?

• Property prices in Scarborough are more affordable than in luxury areas such as Cottesloe.
• Its popularity as one of Perth’s most vibrant neighbourhoods at night stems from its rooftop bars, beach clubs, and restaurants.
• Surfing and kitesurfing, beach yoga and jogging tracks are all available in Scarborough, which is why it suits health and fitness enthusiasts.
• Good transport and road accessibility have made it an acceptable choice for professionals commuting to the city, strengthening its status as a good area to live in Perth.
• Decide on modern apartment buildings with sea views or more affordable townhouses with a slight inland location, which will attract both homeowners and renters.

Who Should Move to Scarborough?

• Young couples seeking a mix of social energy and laid-back beach living
• Professionals who want one of the best places in Perth to live for work–life balance.
• Investors, attracted by strong rental demand and solid yields
• Families (in select pockets), particularly in North Scarborough, which offers quieter streets, schools, and a more suburban feel

To any person who wants to know where to live in Perth on the coastline, Scarborough will always be one of Perth’s best suburbs, combining lifestyle, value, and location in a manner so few can match.

Mount Lawley

In case you need a place that unites culture, convenience, and the actual feeling of community, Mount Lawley has always been placed in the list of the best places to live in Perth.

There is energy and calm in Mount Lawley, unlike in other purely residential areas, making it one of the best places to live in Perth, Australia, for students, young professionals, downsizers, and small families.
This balance is why it’s on lists of Perth suburbs ranking.

Why Mount Lawley Stands Out

• Whether in late-night pubs, boutique cafes, or various international eateries, it is one of the best neighbourhoods in Perth for food.
• Located near Edith Cowan University and well-ranked schools, which makes it a good area to live in Perth among students and families.
• A creative, arts-focused atmosphere anchored by iconic venues like the Astor Theatre
• Widely accessible by bus and nearby train stations, offering easy access to the CBD

Who Should Choose Mount Lawley?

• Students seeking walkability, social life, and affordable rental options
• Young professionals want café culture, nightlife, and proximity to the city, often ranking it among the best suburbs in Perth for young professionals
• Small families looking for schools, parks, and safe suburbs in Perth with a village feel
• Downsizers who want access to amenities without sacrificing connection or character

Victoria Park

Popular among families, first-home buyers, and professionals, Victoria Park offers convenience without losing its welcoming, community feel. Its location makes it a strong contender for one of the best areas to live in Perth, thanks to its proximity to the CBD.

Why Victoria Park Stands Out

• Only a few minutes by car, train, or bike to the CBD, which is why it is a good area to live in Perth as a commuter.
• Prices are significantly lower than those in its neighbouring suburbs, such as South Perth or Subiaco, making it one of the cheapest inner-city-accessible suburbs in Perth.
• Secure neighbourhoods, a strong sense of community, and good schools make it among the best suburbs in Perth for families.
• The Albany Highway has a busy dining street, one of the most diverse in the city.

Why Families Love Living Here

Victoria Park is one such area that comes to mind when they are looking for safe suburbs in Perth, which is convenient when raising their children. Families benefit from:

• Reputable schools within easy reach
• Multiple parks and playgrounds for outdoor activities
• Relaxed, family-oriented cafés that double as social hubs
• Affordable housing options ideal for first-home buyers

Victoria Park provides an unrivalled combination of affordability, family orientation and inner-city convenience to any person choosing to reside in Perth—earning its place among Perth’s best suburbs.

South Perth

South Perth is considered among the best places to live in Perth, offering a blend of riverside opulence and easy access to the CBD.

The appeal of South Perth lies in its high standard of living. Swan River foreshore is the centre of the suburb; scenic walking and cycling paths surround it, open green areas and a continuous city view.

These characteristics always make it one of Perth’s best suburbs.

Why South Perth Stands Out

• Breathtaking Swan River foreshore with walking paths and cycling paths.
• Premier apartments and houses have panoramic views of the city.
• Ferry, bus or car access to the CBD in a short time.
• Vibrant Mends Street precinct with cafés, bars, and fine dining
• Near Perth Zoo and riverside gardens, introducing an appeal to families.

Lifestyle & Community

South Perth life is centred on quality and comfort. The locals begin their mornings with waterside strolls or coffee on the shore, eat along the foreshore on weekends, and participate in local festivals and events.

The peaceful nature and the high degree of community are also contributing factors that make the Perth suburb highly rated in Perth suburbs ranking guides.

Who South Perth Is Best For

• Professionals & executives seeking luxury living close to the CBD
• Couples who enjoy riverside dining, views, and a polished social scene
• Retirees looking for peaceful, walkable living with excellent connectivity

East Perth

East Perth is commonly considered one of the best areas to live in Perth if you want a smooth, urban lifestyle with everything within easy reach.

Over the past few years, it has evolved into a lively inner-city neighbourhood. It now offers new apartments, restaurants by the river, and good transport connections.

This combination makes it perfect for young professionals, students from the surrounding universities, and couples who want a cosmopolitan atmosphere, which has earned it a place among Perth’s best suburbs for city living.

Why East Perth Stands Out

• Proximity to the CBD: Walking distance or a quick ride on the free CAT bus
• Transport: Excellent connectivity via trains, CAT buses, and direct roads
• Lifestyle: Riverside dining, trendy bars, and fitness-friendly spaces along the river
• Housing: Modern apartments and townhouses suited to professionals, couples, and small families
• Community vibe: A mix of young professionals, students, and retirees creates a lively yet safe environment

Who Should Live in East Perth

• Young professionals: Quick CBD access combined with a vibrant lifestyle
• Students: Close to Curtin University, UWA, and excellent public transport
• Couples: Enjoy urban living with restaurants, events, and activities nearby
• Retirees: Safe, walkable suburb with scenic riverside areas

East Perth is one of the best places to live in Perth, according to anyone who asks. Its modern apartments, vibrant social life, and the serenity of the riverside make it one of the best suburbs in WA for those seeking both city life and convenience.

Morley

If affordability is your priority, Morley is one of the best places to live in Perth. Morley is a neighbourhood that combines accessibility, community, and affordable housing, making it a leader among the best areas to live in Perth.

The most attractive aspect of Morley is its lifestyle and cost balance. The ease of access to large shopping centres, good access to transport, good schools and plenty of green areas, all while housing remains among the most affordable in Perth.

Why Choose Morley

• It is one of the lowest-priced suburbs in Perth, with rental and purchase prices below the Perth median.
• Galleria Shopping Centre offers supermarkets, cinemas, restaurants and daily needs services all in one place
• It is one of the best family suburbs in Perth, with safe streets, parks, playgrounds, and schools.
• Accessible by bus and the Tonkin Highway, allowing easy commuting to the CBD.
• A multicultural population with a strong sense of local identity.

Lifestyle Highlights

• Low-cost housing to renters and buyers.
• A large shopping area is within walking distance for the residents.
• Community centres, family-oriented parks and playgrounds.
• Good access to the road system and transport.

Choosing the Best Area to Live in Perth

The affordability, family needs, lifestyle, and commute times are the factors you should consider when deciding on the best suburbs in Perth.

Most of the time, families are looking for suburbs with good neighbourhoods, safe streets, good schools, parks, and other amenities they might need.

East Perth, Subiaco, and South Perth are areas professionals tend to move to for their proximity to the central business district, lively cafes and nightlife, and easy access to transport.

For individuals who value affordability in their living standards, suburbs such as Morley, which are affordable yet do not reduce their lifestyle, are among the best areas to live in Perth.

Cost of Living & Work-Life in Perth

The cost of living in Perth is one of the reasons why it’s a great choice to reside in.

Compared to Sydney or Melbourne, the cost of living in Perth is relatively low, both in terms of lifestyle and cost.

In Australia, average salaries enable residents to pursue cultural experiences, spend quality time with their families, and enjoy financial comfort.

Such a balance also makes many desirable areas to live in Perth attractive to both families and young professionals.

Final Thoughts

Having assisted individuals relocate interstate to Perth, I have witnessed the balance of affordability, lifestyle, and growth opportunities available in the city.

But the start of a good move to the best places to live in Perth begins during the moving process itself.
We ensure the interstate moving process is stress-free at Relocations WA.

Our skilled movers will ensure that all processes, including packing, transportation, and unloading at your new home, are done professionally, safely, and efficiently.

When it comes to making a move to Perth, don’t leave it to luck and get the chance, you can end up moving in the worst-case scenario.

Contact Relocations WA today and let us help you settle into one of the best suburbs in Perth with ease.