Perth, the sunniest capital city in Australia, offers a relaxed lifestyle, stunning beaches, and a strong sense of community. Choosing the right suburb to live in can greatly enhance your experience of this vibrant city.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best suburbs in Perth, considering factors such as family-friendliness, accessibility, amenities, and lifestyle.

1. Subiaco: The Epitome of Urban Chic

Overview: Subiaco, affectionately known as Subi, is a bustling, inner-city suburb that epitomizes urban chic. Located just 3 kilometres west of Perth’s central business district (CBD), Subiaco offers a perfect blend of convenience, culture, and comfort.

Lifestyle and Amenities: Subiaco is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, and bars. The suburb’s main street, Rokeby Road, is lined with stylish eateries and fashion boutiques, making it a favourite spot for young professionals and families alike.

The Subiaco Arts Centre and the iconic Regal Theatre add to the cultural fabric of the suburb.

Housing: Housing options in Subiaco range from charming heritage homes and townhouses to modern apartments. The suburb’s mix of historic and contemporary architecture provides a unique charm.

Schools and Education: Subiaco is home to several excellent schools, including Subiaco Primary School and Perth Modern School, one of the top public high schools in Western Australia.

Transport: The suburb boasts excellent public transport links, with a train station on the Fremantle Line and numerous bus routes, making commuting to the CBD and surrounding areas convenient.

2. Cottesloe: Beachside Bliss

Overview: Cottesloe is synonymous with pristine beaches and a relaxed, coastal lifestyle. Located 11 kilometres southwest of the CBD, this suburb is a haven for beach lovers and those seeking a serene environment.

Lifestyle and Amenities: Cottesloe Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in Perth, famous for its clear blue waters, white sands, and vibrant sunsets. The suburb offers a plethora of outdoor activities, including swimming, surfing, and picnicking along the foreshore.

Marine Parade, the main strip along the beach, hosts a variety of cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Housing: Cottesloe features a mix of upscale houses, contemporary townhouses, and luxurious apartments, many with spectacular ocean views. The real estate market here is highly sought after, reflecting the suburb’s desirability.

Schools and Education: Cottesloe is well-served by prestigious schools such as Cottesloe Primary School and the nearby Scotch College and Methodist Ladies’ College.

Transport: The Fremantle train line services Cottesloe, providing easy access to both the Perth CBD and the port city of Fremantle. The suburb is also well-connected by bus routes.

3. South Perth: Riverside Elegance

Overview: South Perth offers a blend of urban living and natural beauty, situated directly across the Swan River from the CBD. This suburb is known for its picturesque views of the Perth skyline and its lush green spaces.

Lifestyle and Amenities: The South Perth Foreshore is a popular spot for picnics, jogging, and enjoying the outdoors. Mends Street is the heart of the suburb, featuring an array of cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. The Perth Zoo, located in South Perth, is a major attraction for families.

Housing: Housing options in South Perth include a mix of high-rise apartments with river views, modern townhouses, and spacious family homes. The suburb offers a variety of housing styles to suit different preferences and budgets.

Schools and Education: South Perth is home to several reputable schools, including South Perth Primary School and Wesley College, a prestigious private school.

Transport: The suburb is well-served by public transport, including ferry services that connect South Perth to the CBD. There are also several bus routes and easy access to the freeway.

4. Fremantle: Historical Charm Meets Modern Living

Overview: Fremantle, or Freo as it’s commonly known, is a vibrant port city with a rich history and a bohemian atmosphere. Located 19 kilometres southwest of the CBD, Fremantle is a unique blend of the old and the new.

Lifestyle and Amenities: Fremantle is famous for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, lively arts scene, and bustling markets. The Fremantle Markets, operating since 1897, offer a range of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious street food.

The suburb boasts an eclectic mix of cafes, bars, and restaurants, many showcasing the region’s fresh seafood.

Housing: Housing in Fremantle ranges from historic terrace homes and cottages to modern apartments and townhouses. The suburb’s diverse architecture reflects its historical roots and contemporary growth.

Schools and Education: Fremantle offers a range of educational institutions, including Fremantle Primary School and John Curtin College of the Arts, known for its focus on creative and performing arts.

Transport: Fremantle is well-connected by the Fremantle train line, providing direct access to the CBD. The suburb also has an extensive bus network and ferry services to Rottnest Island.

5. Claremont: Prestigious and Peaceful

Overview: Claremont is a prestigious suburb situated 9 kilometres west of the CBD, known for its leafy streets, high-end shopping, and excellent schools. It offers a peaceful, family-friendly environment with easy access to the city and the coast.

Lifestyle and Amenities: Claremont Quarter is the suburb’s premier shopping destination, featuring a range of luxury boutiques, department stores, and dining options. The suburb is also home to Claremont Park and Lake Claremont, providing ample green space for outdoor activities.

Housing: The real estate in Claremont includes elegant heritage homes, contemporary townhouses, and luxury apartments. The suburb is known for its spacious properties and well-maintained gardens.

Schools and Education: Claremont is renowned for its educational institutions, including Christ Church Grammar School, Methodist Ladies’ College, and Scotch College, making it a preferred choice for families.

Transport: The suburb is well-served by the Fremantle train line, offering a quick commute to the CBD. Claremont also has several bus routes and easy access to major roads.

6. Mount Lawley: The Hip and Happening Hub

Overview: Mount Lawley is a trendy, inner-city suburb located 3 kilometres northeast of the CBD. It’s known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse dining options, and artistic community.

Lifestyle and Amenities: Beaufort Street is the heart of Mount Lawley, lined with an array of cafes, restaurants, bars, and boutique shops. The suburb also hosts the annual Beaufort Street Festival, celebrating local arts, culture, and food. The Astor Theatre, a historic venue, adds to the suburb’s cultural appeal.

Housing: Mount Lawley features a mix of character homes, contemporary townhouses, and modern apartments. The suburb’s architecture ranges from Federation-style houses to sleek, new developments.

Schools and Education: Mount Lawley is home to several well-regarded schools, including Mount Lawley Primary School and Mount Lawley Senior High School. The nearby Edith Cowan University also adds an academic flavour to the area.

Transport: The suburb has excellent public transport options, including frequent buses and easy access to train stations on the Midland line, making it convenient for commuting to the CBD and other areas.

7. Victoria Park: Vibrant and Diverse

Overview: Victoria Park, located just 3 kilometres southeast of the CBD, is a vibrant suburb known for its diverse community and lively atmosphere. It offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquillity.

Lifestyle and Amenities: Albany Highway is the main commercial strip in Victoria Park, bustling with cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops. The suburb’s food scene is particularly diverse, offering a range of international cuisines. McCallum Park and the Swan River foreshore provide beautiful outdoor spaces for recreation.

Housing: Housing in Victoria Park includes a mix of period homes, modern townhouses, and apartments. The suburb is popular with young professionals and families due to its affordability and proximity to the CBD.

Schools and Education: Victoria Park Primary School and Ursula Frayne Catholic College are among the suburb’s educational institutions, offering quality education options.

Transport: Victoria Park is well-connected by public transport, with a train station on the Armadale line and numerous bus routes. The suburb also has easy access to major roads, making commuting straightforward.

8. Applecross: Exclusive Riverside Living

Overview: Applecross is an exclusive, riverside suburb located 7 kilometres south of the CBD. Known for its scenic views, luxurious homes, and peaceful ambience, Applecross is a highly sought-after residential area.

Lifestyle and Amenities: The suburb’s location along the Swan River provides ample opportunities for water-based activities such as boating, kayaking, and fishing. The Applecross Village shopping precinct offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops.

The annual Jacaranda Festival is a highlight, celebrating the suburb’s beautiful jacaranda trees in bloom.

Housing: Applecross features some of Perth’s most prestigious real estate, including large, luxurious homes and modern apartments, many with stunning river views. The suburb’s tree-lined streets and well-maintained gardens add to its appeal.

Schools and Education: Applecross is home to several excellent schools, including Applecross Primary School and Applecross Senior High School, both known for their strong academic programs.

Transport: The suburb is well-connected by public transport, with several bus routes and easy access to the freeway, making commuting to the CBD and other areas convenient.

Conclusion

Choosing the right suburb to live in Perth depends on your lifestyle preferences, family needs, and budget. Subiaco, Cottesloe, South Perth, Fremantle, Claremont, Mount Lawley, Victoria Park, and Applecross each offer unique features and amenities that cater to a variety of tastes and requirements.

Whether you prefer the urban chic of Subiaco, the beachside bliss of Cottesloe, or the historical charm of Fremantle, Perth’s diverse suburbs have something for everyone. Learn more by reading best suburbs in perth to live.