Hi..

When we arrived we stayed up in Butler for the first few weeks but found that it was too far out for our lifestyle, plus I work in Perth which means I had to get to the train and then down to the city. We moved down to Attadale (Bicton end) which we really liked as it is right on the river and near Point Walter which is a great spot (especially for young kids). Attadale would still be in your price range (just), we saw a 4x2 on a 800sqm block for just under $750k. We are currently renting in Mosman Park which is a really nice suburb but unfortunately is now very expensive and the availability of properties here is not good. The other areas to consider are along the Fremantle to Perth Train line, although these suburbs would be at the upper end of your budget. We have also been looking in areas like Mount Lawley, West Leederville (near Lake Monger), Wembly. Hope this helps.

Cheers

Paul

Yes, that's right, these are supposed to be the best schools in WA, my cousins son goes to Willetton and just received the honor of having the best marks in all of WA, so the school must be good, Rossmoyne is also excellent.

Nicanjoe

Hi graham we to are relocating to perth in august depending on visas, we are a family of 4 from south wales. My husband is already down there and me and he kids are going down for two weks starting on the 7th of april they are 18 and 14. I went down before xmas to look at areas to live and we fancied Canning Vale area it is quiet new but looked really nice and there seemed to be a wide range of childrens ages living in that area which we thought would be good for our own kids to make friends. Also willerton and riverton seemed nice. Hubby looking for rentals at moment but struggling with the fact that we have two dogs and a cat that we want to take with us. I am looking at any advice fro this forum as all advice will help. good luck and we may bump into you and your family when down there next month. Helen

My advice is do as much research as you can before you come, but leave your decisions for when you get here.

Once here take your time in visiting the schools and talking to parents. You do not need to rush your kids into a school because they may miss stuff when you could easily pick the wrong school, and then want to move them later. One thing I have seen a lot of is parents moving their kids into a different school - for a variety of reasons, but something that could have been avoided if more time had been allowed after arrival.

Searching this site for perth suburbs is a good start as the question you have just asked has been asked many times before.

There are lots of websites to look at for schools and houses, most listed on this site - take a couple of hours doing searches here and reading, picking through the good posts, bookmarking those websites.

This is just my personal view. Hope it's of some use.

If I was in your position and was starting again on your budget, I'd definitely be looking at the Wembley Downs/Churchlands area, even if it means buying an older place and maybe rebuilding or renovating later (look for a big block). Woodlands is an attractive suburb near Churchlands and may be slightly cheaper and still in that catchment area I think. If you can stretch the budget, get into Floreat, preferably the Shenton College school zone bit (one of the top state schools in WA, possibly Australia, it seems). May be nothing left under 800k there, and that's for a dump of a house on a big block, but very nice area and very close to the city, Subiaco, Kings Park, etc.

There is always a trade-off, and on that budget you could buy something that more closely resembles the Australian dream house (2-storey, ocean views, etc) if you go much further north. I live up there and don't commute so figured it wouldn't be a problem, but now I'm thinking I'd have been better in an older, established suburb closer to where the action is and still near the beach, and with good state schools. I miss old things and it's not exactly vibrant up here, although the ocean is stunning.

Depends on your priorities. Personally, I'd look at Churchlands or Wembley Downs. Just further north and a bit cheaper you have Carine and Karrinyup, which also seem nice and are in a good state school zone, and Sorrento by the ocean, which I think would get you into the Duncraig school zone may fall within your budget (Duncraig and Carine High Schools both seem to have a good reputation).

Just my view after thinking about it too much for the last two years.

Sometimes I think it can mean the schools have a high ratio of Asian kids who study like crazy (four hours unset homework a night, etc). These are great schools though, and having kids like that around sets a good example if you're after academic achievement.

We're not religious, so good state schools are the only way to go for us.

Hi hjw can I ask what you have been quoted for you cat to travel. I tried one firm who quoted me £1000.00 which seems a little expensive. Our cat has a few health problems and the vet has advised against us taking him with us. Unsuccessfully trying to re home him at the moment and may have to either take him to OZ or it's a one way trip to the vet.

For that price you can choose any suburb thats not in the western suburbs.... ie Claremont, Nedlands, Cottesloe Mosman Park etc. for a 4x2 with pool

Parts of City beach, Scarborough, Carine, Duncraig, North Beach, Marmion and you can keep on going north but obvioulsy the further north the more travel.

I think you'd struggle to get into City Beach at that price these days.

Your only chance would be one of the retirement villas

One of the ones advertised on the telly? "Retirement villas for over 45's"

Over 45s!! FFS!!

I cant wait - 15 years and I can retire....Best hope I dont last beyond 55 or im stuffed, my Super will never cover it

I've already got my eyes on that place looking out right on the beach in Cottesloe (down at the very southern end) It faces straight out to Rotto, I can sit on the balcony sipping a beer watching the latest crazy sport there doing in the water, whilst keeping my eye on the joggers going past

Hi Graham we have had a quote form airpets for approx 4 grand give or take a few pennies , before you collapse it is a combined quote for 2 boxer dogs and sassy the cat they havnt done idividual pricing. We are having a problem finding rental properties at moment with the three of them . My husband doesnt want to take them as they will all have to go into quarantine for 30 days the other end but me and the kids are putting our foot down and well we are hoping they will be able to come with us.As for your cat a few people have said that in australia they like the cats to stay inside due to the wild life !! I may hve it wrong but i am going to look into this aswell
Hope you resolve it as it not nice for you or your cat.Best wishes helen

Here is good site to look at

http://www.police.wa.gov.au/AboutUs/...tistics#Search

Gives you an idea of the crime rates around the different areas

Take a Captain Cook at this thread and see how you get on.