We’ve lived in four different suburbs since moving to Australia. Incidentally, we have spent a greater amount of time in each new suburb. While we grew more knowledgeable of the Perth area over time, we also became more selective of our living preferences.
My journey across Perth’s suburbs
We spent a total of three weeks living in the first suburb. It was a temporary set-up made available by my brother, to help us settle in to Australian life. In truth, we did not feel comfortable or safe living in that area, and that is saying something given Perth is a very safe city. We could have certainly stuck it out for a little longer. However, hindsight proved that we made the right decision, as we spent two wonderful years in the next suburb.
Our decisions to move to the third suburb was based on available land. Our current suburb was established and there wasn’t a considerable amount of free land (at least not affordable free land). However, there was plenty of land available just a few suburbs away. This move also coincided with my new real estate career, so I was gaining real time experience and knowledge on the build process.
We were very happy with the third suburb. So happy in fact that we built three homes within the same estate! This was also during the time when I was most active in implementing my retirement strategy (see post here).
However, there was one wrinkle that became harder to ignore over time: the commute. As my career progressed, I spent more time in the city office. As such, I grew increasingly tired and frustrated of the never-ending commute and traffic congestion. My wife and son had to deal with similar transit issues when travelling to work and university, respectively.
As such, in 2011, we decided to move for the fourth and final time to a suburb that was more centrally located. It was also located closer to the beautiful Swan River. It also improved our commuting times, which consequently increased our overall happiness levels.
My 3 tips when choosing the perfect suburb
As noted above, our decision to move was based on unique circumstances and choices. However, with each new suburb, there were three things that I focused on for ensuring the happiness and well-being of myself and my family:
Tip One: Make sure the area is family-friendly
Part of the reason we didn’t feel comfortable in the first suburb was that it was too industrial. There were businesses and commercial lots everywhere, and the home we stayed in was located very close to a major highway.
The second suburb was a stark contrast to the first. There was a giant park located right in front of our house. We were also walking distance to my son’s school and a local field where he joined his first soccer team. The neighbouring streets were also very quiet and safe.
If you’re new to the country and have a young family, I would ensure this factor is on the top of your list. Not only will your kids benefit, but it is also a great way to meet new people that are on similar life-paths to you and your partner. Further, in my personal opinion, the quiet atmosphere and environment also helps in managing the stresses of everyday life.
Tip Two: Be mindful of your commute
Not to sound insensitive, but one silver-lining of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the reduced commuting. However, when I was working full-time, this was one of my biggest pet peeves. I used to dread leaving for work in the morning, and was always in a sour mood when arriving home later that evening.
For me, the commute also dampened the escape that I found in my home. After travelling for over two hours each day, I was mentally and physically exhausted to do anything enjoyable with my family.
Moving to the fourth suburb helped me regain this balance. I no longer felt burdened by the commute, and it also gave me back precious time in the day. This move also benefitted my son, who had just started a job in the city, and my wife, whose commute became more convenient and less stressful.
Tip Three: Don’t be seduced by the expensive markets
Tips 1 and 2 are certainly manageable if you are willing to pay a premium for them. At least that is what some realtors will try to represent to you.
However, never forget that there are diamonds in the ‘rough’ (or at least what the overall market perceives as rough). The property landscape is incredibly dynamic, whereby suburbs constantly transform from somewhat undesirable to unobtainable.
Furthermore, selecting up-and-coming areas over more affluent, established areas, provides you the opportunity of greater price appreciation on your home. As these areas are initially viewed as undervalued, they can experience tremendous growth in a fairly short timeframe.
* * * *
Where you decide to live should be a reflection of who you are and what is important to you and your loved ones. However, it may take some trial and error before you find what you’re looking for. In my experience, I’m willing to bet that if we decided to stick with that first suburb, we wouldn’t be nearly as happy as where we ended up. In hindsight, I’m grateful we decided to journey across Perth and find the spot that made us happiest.
The content outlined above was written, edited and published by the Lost Realtor. The author has over 20 years or real estate sales and investing experience in the Australian property market. He has held senior positions in Australian building companies, including being the General Manager of the residential sales division of Collier Homes. His qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Graduate Diploma in Building and Construction Law.