Kris_Rocks

So, my husband just got his spouse visa granted.
The next thing on our hit list is where to head to.
I like Fremantle but the last time I was there was in 1995.
What's it like now?
Is it somewhere someone on a mechanics wage could realistically live or is it now stupid money?
I also have a 6 year old son, anyone know what the primary schools are like there, they sound nice with emphasis on music and arts which is what I am after.
I don't really want to live in a soulless estate in the suburbs and if you think Fremantle might be too pricey, any other suggestions on areas to look at?
Any tips or advice greatly received as OH has to validate by 10th April so we are on the clock now!
Sorry may have put this on wrong forum, apologies if it shouldn't be here but can't work out if I can delete it.

verystormy

It is expensive.

Have a look on realestate.com.au and it will give you an idea of prices

It is hard to suggest somewhere as we are all different and what one person loves, another hates.

For example, i live in southport dawesville. Not a soulless estate, but not for everyone as its a fair way from anywhere.

My advice is to start looking on line to get some ideas, but when the time comes, get 2-4 weeks temporary accomodation and look around then at rentals.

Kris_Rocks

The problem I am having is I know I like fremantle and would very much like to live there but I am wondering if it's now like me saying I'd like to live in Kensington, a lovely thought but never going to happen unless I win the lottery!
I want to get location as right as poss as soon as poss because of school and getting my son settled as soon as I can really.
I have looked on line but at the moment it's all a little bit abstract as the figures mean nothing to me really.
In the UK I know what would be an affordable rent for an average joe wage.

eddie007

Villa/apartment/ townhouse 2x1 in the region of $450 up ward per week ... If you KNOW you Want to live in freo then you may find it hard to settle elsewhere....

Does your OH have a job to come to?

Kris_Rocks

No job as yet, we only got the visa issued.
In WA I have only ever lived in the city, and spent a lot of time in Fremantle.
I dont mind living in an apt though I am not expecting a massive house with pool etc.
On initial looks it seems that we could get somewhere that appears affordable I just don't know if I am being realistic really as all I seem to be seeing nowadays is how expensive things are.

eddie007

It's bloody expensive living here right now...

As your son is 6 would you be thinking of looking for a part time job?

Kris_Rocks

Once settled into school yes.
I work now I am just lucky enough to work mostly from home here and around school hours.

eddie007

Freo is lovely and if we just had one kid and no grey nomads I might give it a go

IsabelNecessaryOnABike

Kris - we lived in the centre of Fremantle and absolutely loved it. I don't think there is anywhere else like it in WA (I have lived in other parts too). Cosy cafes, bookshops, artists studios on your doorstep and a working harbour and beach too.

It is expensive, although I see that prices are coming down a bit. (Our flat has been reduced by100 AUD per week) What about trying Beaconsfield or White Gum Valley which are just further up the hill from Fremantle - they are less expensive.

brits1

Have a look around East Victoria, it has some rough around the edges areas but is on the up and homes are more affordable or Parkwood, Willetton all just off South Street so a direct drive to Fremantle (we love Fremantle as well) good luck

adiestubbs

Fremantle is very expensive to buy and rent, and rentals hard to find.

I still like Fremantle having lived/worked here for a number of years. But it has changed. You do see a lot of begging and drunks around the place.

I'd rather live outside and commute into Freo for socialising/nights out etc, which is what I do do.

bitzenpces

I'd look at rentals in East Fremantle, North Fremantle and Mosman Park as well. Possibly Palmyra and Hilton. I wouldn't give up on your dream just yet.

bitzenpces

I don't think that Fremantle has changed. There's plenty of begging in the CBD. There's always been a lot of drunks around a port and I don't think that Fremantle is any worse than anywhere else. What about Northbridge and Joondalup?

aussietobe

Palmyra might be a good option.

adiestubbs

I didn't say there wasn't any beggers or drunks anywhere else, of course there is.

But my position is a community position and Fremantle is my patch- 6-7 years ago when I first came it didn't seem to be as much as a problem as it is now. And Im not talking about people on a Saturday night piss up.