Is Fremantle a nice place to live?

As with most suburbs, there are better areas than others, but generally I would say 'yes'. It benefits from a decent train service through to Perth and has good access to lovely beaches and the Swan River. Parts of it are a bit tired but for many that is its charm. The Freo Markets are over-rated (though the fruit and veg are worth the trip) but some great restaurants and parks in the area. Lots of lovely old restored homes.

Have heard that east fremantle is better

Depends.

if Fremantle, the best areas are South Fremantle and East Fremantle. My choice would be south, east of South Terrace around Wardie street is lovely. Freo is for somebody who wants to live in old, smaller homes with character. In between there are newer ones, gardens are usual on the smallish side.

Freo has a lot to offer but only comes to life Friday-Sunday, when the markets are open. Otherwise it is very quiet. Loads of Italians and Greenies. What I like is on Saturday mornings the locals meet at the cafes at the lower end of South Terrace. Freo, in my view, is the only place in Perth were you have a community feeling.

The train from Freo gets you to the city, however, it's a slow journey, the train stops at every corner on the way. Plus the trains are old. Getting to the station by car is difficult, not enough parking. Other option is a bus/car to the Booragoon train station.

I only know about a very good highschool in Freo ,Curtin, has an arts program, I don't know about primary schools. Beach and shopping is good, a larger shopping centre is garden City in Booragoon. Across the river, North Fremantle is lovely, upmarket and everything else after that, Cottesloe and so forth is just gorgeous. Again, plenty of shops, restaurant, cafes.

Bicton, the next suburb to Fremantle is very nice too. Not cheap though.

The train from Freo gets you to the city, however, it's a slow journey, the train stops at every corner on the way. Plus the trains are old.

There are regular express services throughout the day, stopping at only two major stations along the way - Claremont and Subiaco - it is pretty quick. Also, I would have to say that the trains are in very good order. I catch them from Claremont regularly and have never been in an old carriage. Compared to some that I have experienced in the UK, they are almost first class (apart from the lack of toilets!!).

Love Freo. Me?id pick east freo but I lived here before so biased. Would live there again. Much as I love it, I think freo proper I'd tire of for normal life.

East freo gets my vote too... Less " bang for your buck" than some other burbs... But a great place for cafes and social people..... Has some heart and soul....

Socioeconomically speaking where does fremantle lie with respect to other Perth suburbs?

go to ABS census 2011, find Fremantle and check income, age etc.

thanks a lot

Freo has a great vibe, love the place.

... and of course, is the spiritual home of the Dockers