JoandStuV

"There is no buzz or atmosphere here and a distinct lack of bars and restaurants."

I honestly think there must be another Perth that exists in an alternative universe, because I swear some people do not live in the same city as I do!

There are loads of nice restaurants and tonnes of bars, only yesterday we went to 'C' which has a revolving floor and amazing views of the city, reminded me of the London Eye (with food obviously)! I have been to numerous bars, a couple of music festivals and loads of nice restaurants and have only been here a few months.

Believe me there is PLENTY to do in Perth for a young couple, I speak from experience.

worzel

I suspect there are people living in the far northern or southern suburbs who don't work in the city. so when they go out it is to Mindarie, Joondalup etc where there isn't that much to be honest. Like you say - get on a train to Northbridge, the CBD, Leederville, Freo, Subiaco, South Perth... and there is loads of action. That is why most Aussies live as close to the city as they can afford.

mbike

Mt Lawley seems popular with the young crowd too. I can't understand why people want to buy as soon as they come here though. Six months in a rental would give you a much better idea of whether Perth was for you.

Mark

worzel

I haven't been to Mount Lawley yet, but we are getting around everywhere gradually.

When we came out prices were rocketing 25% so by breaking the lease and getting into the market we saved ourselves $100K. But prices seem to have plateaued so there isn't a need to rush in anymore, I agree.

lauralollipop

I agree, In my opinion, Perth is like a nana state, it totally lacks the atmosphere that the East Coast has, and young childless couples - We lived in Melbourne for 18 months then relocated her (long story why) but I have family here in Perth but we are so bored here. We miss the city and the little cafes and bars of Melbourne, and being able to go somewhere for the day, here you have to travel miles to go somewhere and need more than a day. Perth is great don't get me wrong, but I would deffo have stayed in Melly if I had of relised how quiet it is and how expensive it is.... there are a few places to go here Northbridge - which is very rough and Subbie which is good, but nothing like Melbourne, so we just don't bother. We will more than likely return to Melbourne in a couple of years time (much to my familys horror). Good luck

LAURA

kez81

I actually walked through Perth city on a saturday night after going on one of the swan river cruises and couldn't beleive how dead it was!! 7pm on a saturday night it was like ghost town.

Done the same in Melbourne and the place was so busy jumping in fact!!

It doesn't effect me anyway dont get out as much as i would like having a 4 year old but dont think im missing much anyway.


kezx

mbike

CBD is a real issue for urban planners here in Perth cos it dies at six. I was working on the early stages project for the Northbridge link a few months ago and the implict aim of that was to bridge the gap between the CBD and Northbridge. A lot of work went into creating the sort of north-south axis that would enable people to move freely between the two areas, with lots of Piazzas and mix-use stuff. Seems Ripper is ready to pull the plug on the whole thing now for cost-reasons (bit bizarre given the surpluses running in WA at the moment). One of the reasons cited is a shortage of builders to fulfill Gvmt timeline targets. Seems they are all out in the burbs building new homes, far from the life and soul of centre. All very frustrating

Mark

mbike

Mt Lawley is good and has Planet Video + bookshop. Has a sort of Camden Town feel to it. There is a good noodle bar up beyond the Red Rooster. Walking down into Highgate has the sort of urban vibe young people from London, Manchester etc will be missing.

Don't think anyone is rushing to market here at the moment - only people arriving from overseas.

Mark

worzel

Was there an AFL / Super 14 game on? Everyone would be at Subi or watching on tv!

On A Friday the CBD is humming between 4-8 but after that everyone migrates into Northbridge. I tend to go out on Friday and these days I cannot do two days running so I don't think I have been in the city on a Saturday. For those younger than me 7pm is quite early - nightclubs are open until 5am. So sometimes we stay in, sometimes Sam is out with the girls but socialising on Saturday tends to be a barbie at someone's house. Personally I'd much rather hang out with friends at a barbie drinking stubbies at $1.50 than crowd into a bar and drink $7 pints but I acknowledge that newbies may take a while to build up the circle of friends.

Amazulu

Interesting. The WA gov. is pathetic. I've never know an organisation with so much money, which talks a good game but actually does so little.

Useless.

mish & al

OMG... they do exist!! ha ha!!
We're also a young childless couple (I'm 25 and Al is 29) living in Wanneroo!
We'd be up for a few drinks one night!!

The Murphsters

We are in Bris have no kids (yet) and love it here. I have just got back from a week in Perth on business and it does not compare with bris at all, the city is much smaller, much less shopping, bars and clubs. Don't get me wrong it seems a nice place but just different. And don't forget how remote it is, my flight to Perth was five and a half hours! At least living in Brisbane there are many more opportunities for days/weekends away, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Sydney, Barrier Reef etc.. etc.. Perth is close to not a lot.

mbike

It doesn't help that the big councils keep nicking bits of the City for themselves. It has become a tiny body that relies on others to fund its (ambitious) plans. Because of this it comes across as reactive, rather than proactive. They really do need someone with balls to run it.

Mark

BadgeIsBack

I did a stint in Leonara, WA, as an offside driller, in my opinon physically one of the toughest (demanding) jobs in the world and I'm in a position to assess them. Lifting rods, running buckets in 40+.

After 4 days I was suffering but still plodding away. At one of the afternoon sessions a cute Sheila turned up with the company and watched us, I think she even gave us a hand and engaged me in a little chat.

It was only her presence that geed me up and kept me going that time.
I thought, "I'm not going to break in front of someone that cute".

NKSK version 2

Don't forget that many of Perth's faults are a result of apathetic decision making within the city council - not the state.

Far be it from me to let the WA govt. off the hook - they are truly the most useless, ineffective, money-grabbing, gravy-train riding, self-serving, uneducated, unprofessional, disorganised bunch of bureaucrats I have ever encountered.

But City of Perth aren't far behind.