is Perth really that bad?
 

Hi, since we've been going through the long process of migrating to Perth on a employer nominated visa I seem to have found loads of posts about 'how bad and boring Perth is'. Man in a Van makes it sound like a war zone full of louts!
I'm in desperate need of some good threads about living in Perth. We're going with three children ages 16, 13 and 6. Don't want to make a dreadful mistake. I am looking for honest views on Perth and if it really is as bad as some people say maybe we need to think again.:ohmy:

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Hi Helen,

I haven't been to Perth but have a friend who lives there who says it is beautiful and a fab place to bring up kids.

Sorry it is only second hand info but she is having a wonderful time there!

x

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Hello,I will reply to your question as I don't think you should be put off coming to live in Perth.We have been living here since July 07 and are still newbies however we have found that although all is not perfect here it is no worse than any other country/place.Yes there are problemns with "hoon behaviour(fast driving,graffitti etc but this is not just happening here.As for things to do I think there is plenty to do if you look.At least here you have good weather most of the year.So I would say don't be put off coming here if you are still unsure come out for a rekkie before you decide where you want to live.We decided to come to live in Perth without ever having been to Australia before but we don't regret it and have lots still to explore.:)Best of luck buffy 1968

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

We're heading to Perth as well. We visited last year as tourists and found there was a lot of really excellent stuff there. It's clean - shiny in fact, it's all so new. :D It has fantastic beaches, lots of parks and family-orientated activities on offer. It is much quieter than a British city and everything closes early at about 5pm, so you will have to have all your shopping done etc. before then. It's NOT exciting the way that London is, it's not arty nor steeped in history but it does seem like a nice place to live and bring up a family. I thought the people were really friendly.

Of course there will be bad things too. I'm sure that it has it's share of criminals, yobs and ne'er-do-wells, just like every other place on the planet. It seems to have a lot of potential though. Don't panic - it will be a great adventure. ;)

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Firstly don't take as gospel what one person says about one small area of one city;) Lots of people on here who live there are very happy. Unfortunately the loud and vocal unhappy Perth residents are very loud and very vocal whilst the happy people don't shout about it - well not all the time anyway :lol:. You will only know if it's the place for you is by actually living there for several months. Don't go by what anyone says and that even includes those who love it. You don't know what their circumstances are, where they have come from, what they want/need/expect, etc etc etc. Everyone's different.

Good luck.

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Perth's great. Been here a year and no problems at all. PM me if you want more info.

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Hi there

We moved out to Perth 10 months ago now, we brought with us 2 boys who were 16 and (just) 14 and a girl of 10.

We all love it here, the kids have settled into their schools well and have all made friends. Steve got a transfer with work so finding a job wasn't a worry. We stayed with rellies for the first 3 1/2 months in Hillarys, got a rental in Sorrento for 4 months and then moved into our own place almost 4 months ago.

We know that there are problems out there, we know that some people don't like it and slag it off big time, we know that people think if you like Perth you are somehow simple or stupid, we know that everyone is different and likes different things, we know that some people think you have to have low or no standards to live here.

BUT we wanted to find out for ourselves if we liked it enough to settle here, and so far we do. It is quiet yes - but I have lived in 2 capital cities and a short time is enough.

I think a place (and your life) is what you make it, we are making one we like. I am glad that some don't like it, more room for me and mine and those of us who do like it.

Come with no preconceived ideas, a positive attitude and a willingness to give it a go.

If you don't like it you can always try somewhere else :)

Shirley

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Hi. I've been in Perth 16 months now. I think it is ok! My kids are 16,12,8 and two of them want to go back to UK for the simple fact that they are bored here and miss their old life-style.
Yes it is lovely and new, but lacks in entertainment, unless you are a beach bum:D
This is my opinion only, many think differently, each to there own.
I do believe the younger your kids are, the easier they will settle. We have family here, but they are moving to Brisbane after 4 years in Perth. There's alot to explore in OZ. Hope you settle well.;)

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

I agree with Shirley on this one :).
My kids are having a better quality of life here - they get out more, we have more family time, loads of things to see and do. Shopping isn't the same as UK but the weather is great, the beaches are stunning and the parks good for the kids and dog. My 14 year old is a nightmare but would have been in England as well ! Even she doesn't want to go back and came with us under duress.
Life is what you make it - are you prepared to give it a go ?

Gillian


NB read this link http://britishexpats.com/forum/showp...1&postcount=22

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Hi
been in perth since may 2006 with wife and daughters aged 12&8. we love it. don't want to get into any slanging match over perth, but if you want to pm me for my experience of perth, please do.
dom

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

What some like, others hate!! We have been in Perth over 3 years now, and it is home to us. We also have 2 'older kids' and they also love it here.
Life is what you make it, and Perth CAN be a fantastic place to be!!!

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

You're going to allow your dreams to be shattered by a Man in A Van???

Come on..............would YOU be happy if you went to sleep with a handbrake jammed up your ass???? He's a loser!

Let's hope he has enough money to put fuel in his tank.................and he pisses off to the East........................China, I mean. I wouldn't wish him on Sydney............I go there several times a year and have family there.

Look.................life is what you make it, no matter what.

The streets aren't paved with gold.................but then again, the beaches aren't littered either.

Whether Perth is right for you.............depends on YOU and the go you make of it. Personally, I love it...................especially now that Man in A Van has left.

Hey, what was that bang??? Did he just get a puncture.............or did someone shoot him?????

As I was saying...............I love living in Perth. It's home................and it works for me. You put in the effort and you get things back......................

I mean, I've lived in Sydney, Melbourne, and visited all the others. I CHOSE Perth. I wasn't lassooed and dragged over here.............so just make your choice by researching. You'll be fine.

If you can travel all the way from the UK...............you can do as I did and jump from State to State. It's an education................

What you must NEVER do...........is knock a place just because it wasn't right for you..................like that tosser did that prompted me to respond to you.

All the very best to you..............and, if I can help, just email me.

Gordon

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Never been to Perth - but everyone I've spoken to who has either
a) lived / lives there or
b) been on holiday there,

..says that its great. I'm sure its got its downsides too - but so has everywhere !

cheers

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

i live up a mountain,,and i know ive said it so many times its boring the shit out of people ...but its flippin gorgeous...

ive got parrots that sit on my window sill waiting for food...

i drive to perth central and its flippin amazing,,,


if you have any concerns dont come,then you wont be disappointed...(nor then will the people who put you off because it was not for them)

carry on watching eastenders,pop idle and coronation street..

pop into your local every night and watch your saturday game...

dont come over here and harp on about what you miss ,pork scratchings and black pudding,and what people dont wear on their feet,stay where you are and enjoy it...

or you could come over here and have a look for yourself then deiced.

you will never get your answer by asking people on here......one size does not fit all..

good luck to you ...

ast

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Spot on, Ast.

The colours of the birds, the Australian plants.................not to mention the blue sky, clear ocean, and soft, almost white, sands.......................it's beautiful.

That view of the Swan River/City, from Kings Park...............how it changes from day to night................and just Kings Park/Swan River themselves..................STUNNING!!!!!!!!

Where else can you go from the Winderies, the Hills............to the City..................and the Coast for a swim..............in 40 minutes?

We're blessed!!!!!!!!!

Not much to do, they say.............lol.

I keep complaining I have no time to do it all.

Gordon

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

gordy ,i drove into perth the other night,it was lit up like a christmas tree,it had all blotchy cloud over it and the sun was going down which was shining through the cloud,,mate it was breath taking...

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

no where is perfect. It is what you make it to be honest.
I think it is a lovely place with great family values. I have been here a year and a half. I went back to the UK recently and found that I was itching to get HOME lol. It feels like home to me now.

All you can do is come and have a look and if it isn't for you then you can always move somewhere where you feel more at home.

Give it a go. It isn't for everyone.

hugs and stuff Lace xx

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

We have been here for 5 years and we love it we have four young children and we arrange family meet ups, Perth is quiet but isn't that the life you would want for your kids, but its getting built up more and more and there is heaps more to do here now when i left when i was 15 it was BORING but now its, relaxed but with stuff to do if you want it, beaches, parks, open spaces, bushwalks,did i mention BEACHES , great wildlife that you can get close to, we had a possum grace us at our teddy bears picnic a few weeks back, and we see kangas up close regular, have not seen any biteys ( as my son calls em) anyway i will stop now WE LOVE IT (and no its not perfect)HERE :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

aint life great...

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

The WA way :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

hi

just adding my 2cents worth

been in perth almost a year now and can say that its the best thing i've ever done

me ' oh and 2 girls(5 n 8) have settled right in no probs. the kids are so much fitter and healthier, they couldnt go out to play where we lived in the uk but now cant get them in!...

it is bit of a change of pace and your older kids might feel it, but seeing all the teenage kids walking/playing at the beach ( in the uk it would b hanging around the local off license) makes me so happy to know that will be my kids one day..

as for the lout aspect ok some drive their cars too fast!!and !!! can honestly say havent seen a gang of 'hoodies' so parents just dont let your kids drive fast cars problem solved( but i should add that the parents are sh** drivers too)

all in all its a stunning place to live and i feel privaliged to be here..

email me if you have any qs i can help with

we came here not knowing a soul and have never felt anything less that at HOME...

take care and god luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Totally agree with you Gordy, The Van with a small minded man driving it obviously got out the wrong door each day he was here. He obviously likes his own company and any one else seeming to be enjoying themselves are are complete loosers. One good thing Perth wasn't for him just feel sorry for the unfortunate person who ends up with him living next door to them

John

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

I knew that this thread reminded me of something...

Check this out (stick with it - it's good)




:rofl::rofl::rofl:

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Wow, thanks for all your posts. Just got the wobbles I guess. You hear so much good stuff but it tends to be the bad ones that stick! We are hoping to come out at Easter for a 'reccie' (got the lingo already). No real concerns for my self or OH, it's the kids I worry about, expecially my 16 year old son. We're potentially mucking up his education - and if I were to listen to 'man in a van' sending him to the den of eniquity. But we will however, be giving him a great educuation on life experiences and I guess nothing can outdo that.
thanks again to all who posted.
Helenx

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Hi Helen

I haven't been to Perth but I have friends there who absolutely love it.
They haven't looked back since they got there 2 years ago.
It's horses for courses.
From research I have done I'm not sure it would be for me - that's why I'm going to Victoria. I could be very wrong though having not actually been to either place :D

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Nah you will be fine here Kapri, we will look after you. ;)

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Thank you Bordy :)

I've said before - All the best people are in Melbourne ;) :p

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Can you name a place in the world................where they have cars, of course..............where people don't drive fast............where laws aren't broken????

I just feel from some posts that a lot of people are very out of touch with reality................and their expectations are out of whack!

It's like, "We can't deal with the problems in the UK............or protect our kids..............so we'll let Australia do it."

If your kids are prone to drugs, they'll do them, no matter where you go..................and, yes, they're here if you want them.

As part of the world community, we have all the same things in Australia, that you would find elsewhere.

A few things we have that you don't are................sunshine, opportunity...................and chances.

People can put their Chance Card back into the pack..............and play safe...................or give it a go.

Do it for all of you, not just the kids..................cos if you don't like it, they'll feel to blame.

A 16 year old will need support....................as all sorts of things are happening at that age, even emotionally.

The big bonus is........................you already know that.

God, I love Perth.................thanks for making me defend it. lol

Gordon

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Yes it's absolutely horrid, don't go.

Think of the children!

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

We have been here nearly two years and love it. It is laid back and it can be quiet, if you want the hustle and bustle (sp) of a big city you wont find it in Perth. Same as the pub culture you get in the UK – its not here, so if that’s your bag Perth may not be for you.

For the really picture check out some of the blogs, they can give a good insight into everyday living.

http://3downunder.spaces.live.com/

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Like the other guys have said perth is a nice place I am moving there at the end of the year from melbourne .

Every time i have visited its been wonderful Its like any where you live its what you want to make of it .

But i think you will love it all my oh family migrated to perth and they had small children and they said they wouldnt change it for the world

Good luck and hope to meet you in perth one day ::

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Boring as batshit, spread out over far too big a distance, very expensive BUT the family 3 love it.

;):p

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

From what I can see based on people I know personally who have moved to Perth and anecdotally on this forum - far more people love Perth than hate it.

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

been living in perth for over 2 years and love it, had friends come out from the uk who hated it!! made us re-think why we where here as it surfaced all the negatives, but when you look at it the good bits outway the bad! the things that make the papers and news here are so frequent in the uk they dont even bother printing it!!:cool:

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

I have said this heaps of times before but I will repeat. If the following things figure heavily in your life in the UK then don't bother coming to Perth.

1. Decent pubs, village pubs, pub crawls, nightclubs
2. Trailing around Trafford Centre, Lakeside (not Joondalup ;)) Bluewater and 24 hour shopping at Tesco and Asda

3. Old buildings, castles, green fields, country roads

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Perth is like Marmite / Vegemite - you either love it or hate it. Personally I love the former and hate the latter (will that fail me my citizenship?:lol:)

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

hey worz..this perths not all its cracked up to be....














































































its flippin miles better;)

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Ive been in Perth on and off for 6 years I love it... presently out in NZ and CANT wait to come home.
I prefer South of the River to the north, but thats only my preference, lots of others prefer it the other way around.
just be aware, it takes time.

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

We've been here nearly 4 months now and I absolutely love it. We've recently moved up to Lesmurdie and the drive every morning down Welshpool Road overlooking the city is stunning. The people have been really friendly and made us most welcome.
The only problems I've had is trying to find good people to employ and the fact that you have to drag round all the dhops to compare prices on electrical items etc, rather than jump on the internet. These are only minor problems and I'm loving the fact that we wake to the sound of kookaburras every morning and come out to find wild ducks swimming in the pool (They'll be b*ggered when I get the pool cover!!)
The wife is suffering from homesickness some days but I hope that'll pass.

Re: is Perth really that bad?
 

Been here since April - kids 20 17 and 10.
Love it and we all do. Not one of us wants to go back.
Sure it's not perfect, but where is?

Its much more perfect than Stratford on Avon was in the UK.

(waves to Rockpeblar just over on the next hill (ish) )