I am interested in why Perth? As a nurse you will find no problem getting work, not too clued up on the wood machining trade.

Suburbs: There are a lot of ok to very good suburbs, several depressing ones, and a couple I wouldn't send my enemies to cause I'm too much a softie

A few good ones: mt lawley, mt hawthorn, north perth, leederville, doubleview,joondanna, (joondalup is ok), carine, subiaco, parts of fremantle, wembley downs, city beach, trigg, swanbourne. East perth is ok but over rated and over priced as a recent developed area.

Others like nedlands , dalkeith, peppermint grove, mosman park would likely prove too expensive.

I tend to avoid the southern suburbs, though if you don't mind the commute to perth city, rockingham and mandurah are popular as is golden bay etc

Definitely avoid:midland, balga, girrawheen, bentley, and anywhere on the "armadale train line" south of the city.

Victoria park and maylands have tried reinventing themselves, but to me it just hasn't come off, and while not necessarily unsafe, I just wouldn't live there.
I think the best bet is to get some feedback from locals, as you are seeking to do so here, but also chat to real estate agents too, and give them an idea of the sort of area you want and price you are prepared to pay.

Remember the golden rule: If it's cheap, there's usually a reason

Erm, Maddington, Cannington, Beckenham, some parts of Gosnells aren`t so bad. Agree about Vic Park (boring, well it was 5 years ago when we were there last). Avoid Queens Park for sure.

Best thing is to make up your own mind just like in the UK... have a drive around during the day and at night and see what it`s like. It`s kinds like here where you have suburbs which are generally good but may have a bad family or two making a section crappy to live in.

Probably stating the obvious here, and just trying to be honest and practical (not racist), but mostly avoid houses with Aboriginals living nearby.

Bring on the pc brigade.....

Thanks everyone

All this information is fantastic and really helpfull. We are putting our house on the market this week and assuming it sells, we will be on our way to perth in July/August. Can't wait !!!!!!

Thanks again

Diane