British Expats - Perth Hills

British Expats (https://britishexpats.com/forum/)

- Australia (https://britishexpats.com/forum/australia-54/)

- - Perth Hills (https://britishexpats.com/forum/australia-54/perth-hills-554033/)

Quote:

Originally Posted by GinaUK (Post 6667815)

We live near the coast, but visit Darlington quite regularly. It looks very beautiful and we considered moving there. What put us off was the bushfire risk.

Before we came to Perth we knew of course that you get bushfires in the summer. What we didn't know is that these are weekly occurrences, sometimes several times in a week (often started by arsonists).

I think if you've lived there all your life, you probably take it in your stride, but for me it's too scary.

Gina

whilst bush fire is a risk up here in the hills.....it is also a risk down on the flats

I remember the huge bush fire Rockingham way (ask sunbather about it)
Or the one by Forestdale
or the one by Dandalup

we've had one big bush fire up in Kalamunda and a couple of small ones......most of the time they are contained by the Fire people (can't say men now)
Yes they are a risk but they are anywhere in Australia......bush is all around us

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruce67 (Post 6664486)

Just for information (not raining on your parade)-

You will not recognise the area in Summer - the green almost disappears.

If you have never been to Aus in the Summer nothing can prepare you for the flies especially away from urban areas. I thought they were bad in Mandurah 'till I went to Harvey for a job (working outside), they nearly flew away with me!:eek:

Bruce:) (I still wouldn't mind the hills).

We live in Kalamunda just off spring road on a 3000 sqare meter block with a fantastic view over the park. It is a beautiful place to live and Kalamunda has a fantastic atmosphere with all the normal amenities you want (except perhaps a cinema). Strangely, while we get mosquitoes we hardly see any flies at any time in the year, maybe it is because we are on the northeast sied eof the hill. We also have roos in the garden, bandicoots and parrots galore (and the odd scorpion and spider). We looked in the Northern and Southern Suburbs but as soon as we saw the hills decieed that was the place. havign a pool makes up for the lack of a beach and the kids especially will enjoy it. there is a criket team in kalamunda that apparently is looking for players and a big sports ground. there is also a waterpark in kalamunda and camel farm nearby and two good pubs for relaxing in.
You can PM me if there is any specific info you want..

Good luck

Chris

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheColebecks (Post 6658941)

Our main points of concern are: where good primary & Snr schools are, are flies much more bountiful there compared to the coast, how bearable is the heat / cold, will the hills be too quiet for our boys who are 17, 12 & 8 in terms of things for them to do, are sporting facilities good such as cricket clubs, football (soccer) clubs, etc.

Any views welcomed.

:wub:
Karen & Co xx

We are in Kalamunda and are enjoying living there. To answer your questions:
There are good and bad schools - both state and private. Kalamunda High does not have a very good reputation, but Lesmurdie High does. My son goes in Helena College in Glenn Forrest, which is a great school. Next year he goes to Guildford Grammar which is even better.
Flies are no worse than at the coast. Mosquitos are not a big problem where we live. Millipedes are a problem for a few weeks in the autumn though.
It's a bit of a myth that the hills are hotter than down below. The immediate coastal suburbs are the coolest, but the Hills are usually a few degrees cooler than the city. It is colder in winter though. We also get a lot more rain than the city too - roughly double the rainfall.
The Hills are quiet, but then a lot of other suburbs are quiet too.
All sporting facilities are available locally or nearby.

It's a great place to live.

We've been living in a rental in Lesmurdie for over a year and prefer the hills to the coast. Bigger plots, lots of trees and wildlife and more rain (so you feel at home!!). I know a few expats in work that purchased property NOR who are now wanting to move to the hills.
Regarding the fire risk, I think if you live in the midst of the suburbs rather than the outskirts you should be OK. Orange Valley Road is somewhere we'd like to live but we'd need to win the lotto.