Hi All,
Been living on Sydneys Northern Beaches since Oct '05' and absolutely love it even though it costs an arm and a leg to live here ($750 rent a week)

The thing is I have been offered a job in Perth too good to refuse, probably based South of the River and we are thinking of settling in the Rockingham/Mandurah area. Been to Perth a few times now and although its not Sydney (Perth lovers will slag me off now) it has a great feel to it. Easy to get around and much more laid back than Sydney.

A few things I need to know and wondered if anyone could offer some advice. Any areas to avoid, we are thinking we like the look of Secret Harbor.
Any football (soccer) teams for the over 35's in the area, I have played for Beacon Hill in Sydney for the past 3 years and will miss it so much.

What schools are good and bad?

Do they do Nippers and Netball for the kids and what clubs are good to join?

What removal company to use?

Really interested to hear from anyone with any comments positive or negative.

Thanks

Ady

HI Ady,

we are moving out to the northern beaches in september..just wondering how it is..noticed you are in mona vale..is it as brilliant as it looks?

Hi Russ-Sarah

Mona Vale is beautiful. The public school is probably the best on the Northern Beaches, our 2 girls love it and will be extremely sad to leave. Mona vale has a real village feel to it, everyone is friendly.

If I had to criticize for anything I would say it is a long way from the city and very hard to get around at night. taxi's are like Gold dust.

The beaches are stunning, you can keep Bondi!! Pittwater is fantastic and excellent for sailing, fishing etc; The National parks are on your doorstep and the scenery is stunning. I reccomend a trip to Barrenjoey lighthouse,the views are to die for.

I can honestly say there are no areas to avoid on the beaches although Manly and Dee Why can get busy in comparison to everywhere else. There are heaps of sporting facilities and great walking areas and it seems like several coffee stops within walking distance whereveryou are.

All in all a great life style, just hope we have the same lifestyle in Perth!!

Good Luck

Ady

P.S if there is anything specific you want to know feel free to p.m me.

Hi Ady,

A friend of mine (who got me the job) was born and lives in Perth.

She recommends the following areas :

applecross, mount pleasant, booragoon, bull creek, leeming, salter point, south perth, rossmoyne, manning, freemantle, secret harbour

Places not to live (her opion of course!) :

Balga, Girrawheen, Mirrabooka, Koondoola, Armadale

Places that most mere mortals cant afford (although rental might not be bad) :

Peppermint Grove, Mosman Park, Dalkeith, Nedlands, Cottesloe, Claremont, Subiaco


Hope that helps!

We are moving out on the 26th so let me know when you move and we can meet up!

Regards,

Chris, Anna & Baby Jess

have responded in Blue and red

hence why I said "her opinion of course..."

Im sure as with all bad areas they have their good parts but from my trip to Armadale I did not find any "good" parts.

[/QUOTE]

We have been renting in Secret HArbour for the last 2-3 months...

Our 5yrs boy is in Secret Harbour primary- seems a good school ( tho they are a year backwards here compared to UK) -so far.

S Harbour beach good , golf course close by, not got a pub yet tho hmmm.

If you need any further help then let me know

dave

Thanks for that, very helpful in confirming some of my early thoughts. I will be in Perth on and off from August I think and if all goes as planned we will all be moving over in October.

We have been renting in Secret HArbour for the last 2-3 months...

Our 5yrs boy is in Secret Harbour primary- seems a good school ( tho they are a year backwards here compared to UK) -so far.

S Harbour beach good , golf course close by, not got a pub yet tho hmmm.

If you need any further help then let me know

dave[/QUOTE]
Hi thanks for that, No pub!! Now that is a minus. As for the school thing, we found that Aussies generally seem to hold there kids back in NSW as many start school in the year they turn 6. They soon overtake English schools though and our 10 year old is doing things I never even dreamed of until High school. On a recent trip back to the UK we discovered that she is miles ahead of her former school friends and covering a far broader spectrum. That could be just the education authority we were under in the Uk though.

hi

don't know if this is of any use, but by OH plays soccer for subiaco masters team. AKA - the old mens team (over 35's)

Thats a great help,any chance you could find out other areas with teams he plays against?

Thanks

Ady

Hey Sam, you must always be pissed if you think these suburbs may be a fair commute.

Anyone else with any info?
Cheers
Ady

Other teams in Masters Premier League this season include-

Bassendean, Dianella, The Jacks (Quinns Rock way), Inglewood, Wembley Downs. All are North of the river.

Fremantle, Canning, Brooklands, Gosnells, Alcoa and Mandurah. All South of the river.

Best place to look for more information is the Football West website as I'm sure there'll be a club near to where you decide to settle.

Hope this helps.