Hi we are in the early stages of the visa process but we have decided that perth is gonna be our destination.Its me my wife and my 2 children aged 4 & 6, we dont want to be to far from perth central but not to close if you know what i mean! im just a little concerned that if we go to far from central perth that the job oppurtunitys might not be as great for the trade im in ( Vehicle Painter).
We was looking at secret harbour area but not sure if thats gonna be to far!
we also havnt got a fortune to spend on a house so the house prices would have to be reasonable in the area we choose but also a nice neighbourhood no where dogdy.
If anyone could help us that would be great!
I have a friend who lives in Port Kennedy and likes it - house prices seem to be good there too. She works in Armadale and it takes her about 45 mins to work, which she is finding a bit difficult particulalry at the end of the day.
It's difficult to say how long a journey will be into CBD for example as it depends on the time of day - I was on a course last year and the journey was about 15 - 20 mins - but because it was rush hour it took be 45 - 50
__________________ I am toopositive to be doubtful, too optimistic to be fearful and too determined to be defeated!
I think most of the areas you will be working in are out of the city and more likely in the industrial areas - Osbourne Park, Canning Vale, Welshpool & Fremantle. Therefore you wont need to head into the city so rush hour wont be a huge problem. :)
Perth CBD is full of head offices, mainly oil&gas and mining companies. The real work is done outside of the CBD. Commuting into Perth these days is a pain by car, train or bus is easier, so something you might want to think about (bus fare is about $3 each way). House prices are mostly higher than the UK though, and are now the highest in Australia. If you want to be reasonably close to the CBD but without paying top dollar, areas such as Willetton and Canning Vale are good value. Anywhere near the beach west of Perth is very pricey, as is along the river, both north and south of it. If you are ok living further north, lots of poms now live north of Hillarys and Joondalup; lots of new houses for reasonable prices. Just a trade off with time to the city. Lots of poms also live in Rockingham but not everyone's cup of tea. We have friends who live in the Perth Hills, but thats a long way from the beach (which is why we're here anyway) and in the summer it gets really hot and they have had close calls with bush fires. You might want to come over for a holiday to have a look round before making any decisions.
Hi Tim The Taf
We was looking at the south at a place called secret harbour its between Rockingham and Mandurah do you know of it and if so any info you could give us would be great.
Also i might be getting a job offer from a company in Geraldton again any info would be great.
Cheers
Jon Emma Anya Neve
yes, its quite a way south of Perth, long way to commute. Rockingham is ok; nice beach, lots and lots of Brits down there, but the locals aren't too keen on it. Mandurah is the pits as far as I'm concerned, huge amounts of development and you get eaten by mozzies even during the day. Geraldton is way up north, long way from Perth, a good few hours drive I think (not been there for years). Definitely need to visit it before making a decision on that one. There's not a lot near there. Very different to Perth and the south west corner. If you can get over for a holiday before making decisions might be a good idea. At least you can see some of the areas. By the way, you also need to check school places availability. I've heard that some schools near Perth are full. Also be aware that as a temp resident you have to pay fees even for state schools, in which case you may as well go to a private school.
Hmm Just to reset the record... as a temp on a 457....School fees, Duncraig senior high and Glengarry Junior, you need to allow 700 dollars and 350 dollars per year respectively. As oppossed to 5000 to 7500 dollars per semester for private education.
Geraldton (google eath it!) is only about 3 1/2 hr drive from Perth, probably not a commute, but def a weekend retreat! Secret harbour is 40mins to an hour by car from the CBD and Mandurah is 40 mins by train. (It has been built on a swamp tho, so the mossies are rife!) If I can help further pm me. Kind regards
Graham
We have lived in the Rockingham/Mandurah area for 10 years & I can honestly say this past year has been the worst for the mozzies.... the local shire told us when we rang to ask them to spray that it is because we have had unusual high tides this year. Thus causing the river to rise much highter than normal allowing larvae to hatch which would normally remain dormant.
We dont usually worry too much about the mozzies & theyre normally not so troublesome.
Secret Harbour is a nice suburb close to the beach & with a lot of growth happening there are a lot of new migrants there because its a nice place to live. Singleton, Golden Bay & the suburbs of Rockingham are popular too.
Mandurah is a lovely place to live & although there is a lot of development going on you can still find a lot of homes on larger blocks from 1000 to 5 acres. There are suburbs like Lakelands & Meadow Springs which have new homes on smaller blocks at good prices & homes close to the beach on the canals or rural properties within 10 minutes drive of Mandurah.
If you are a panel beater/painter there are lots of local business in Rockingham & Mandurah who are often advertising for staff. There would be no need to travel to the city for work. I think you would find that wherever you plan to settle you would find work in the trade close by.
Have a look at Duncraig, Padbury and Hammersley and surrounding areas. These are more established slighty older suburbs and the houses are not too expensive (but lovely!). They are all near shopping centres, have good schools near and are not too far from Peth City.
Good Luck!
Emma
P.S We are going to Perth next year too!
unless your kids go to a catholic school, which ours do. all catholic schools are private but subsidised by the church, so costs us about AUD6k per year per child, way cheaper than a private school in the uk.
still don't like mandurah, full of mozzies and building sites.
