Blue Flu

Prices declined from memory the most in capital cities within Australia. It was the ALP McGowan intervention that turned the market . Later resource price rises added further stimulation to an already overstimulated market. Prices will only maintain present trend while prevailing conditions allow. The price of iron and probably other resources will decline from present highs rather substantially. Interest rates may well be forced upwards before many anticipate. With falling prices in the resource sector, immigration will probably not be the levels wanted by the industry to inflate figures to mouth watering levels (thankfully) One thing for certain. Care should be taken around placing too much emphasis on the housing market. Those in doubt should recall recent losses, that could have been far worse. Without work, Perth will hardly be a desired place to move to.

Yes I am aware of that. But will always pay a price for such instability. Far too reliant on minerals, especially iron ore, that when the down turn in ore demand from China comes, it will be painful.

Indeed places change. Melbourne was regarded as something as a bit of a dump some thirty five years plus ago. Changes kicked off in the eighties that saw a gradual transformation of the city. I'd say not to dissimilar from Manchester at the time. Tough. Working class. Poor in a number of areas. Both Melbourne and Manchester have made considerable changes for the better over time. Which is better depends obviously on preference to a number of factors. I can only comment on Melbourne. I rather miss the old architecture. That really stood Melbourne aside from other Australian cities. I think the coffee culture thing is somewhat over done. Or over emphasized. A lot of Euro cities possess such a culture of longstanding. Many with cafes possessing more flair, history and originality. Many places have trams. Something I do enjoy in Melbourne. Anywhere with a focus on culture is rated high in my books. I have heard that Manchester has also improved considerably. Both have their roles to play and probably hard to compare against one another.

But the previous 'boom' was excessive. The market purely corrected plus a bit more. (still not overly excessive) The fall in ore prices and loss of employment, witnessing more leaving state than entering in intrastate migration were responsible. Ore prices again at very high levels. This won't last then back to future with falling house prices the likelihood with declining market conditions due to several factors.

Headlines in printed media the other day was house prices are too 'boom' when borders open to international migration. All sounds like spruiking on behave of the property industry . Still house prices have risen substantially on the back of cheap money and government incentive. Any further boom will be very detrimental to the State overall. Already talk of interest rate movement. What would be better is to ensure there is not another so called boom.

Shame for Perth? You don't seem aware prices are rising. I think I'm correct in saying most the losses have now been reversed. The WA government intervened in the market to address the rapid decline. long before The Fed's followed with own policy. I would say housing is the single biggest issue in Australia in affordability and lack of rentals. Present policy has aggravated the situation which will create problems further down the road.

There is simply little comparison. Boredom being most likely the worst thing that would happen in an environment such as Hillary's. But I don't get where people don't find Perth aggressive. When the dark descends on Northbridge there is a lot of, at the very least anti social behaviour. At worst, an atmosphere of malice. I used to live a short walk from there and saw it loads. Obviously the later, the more vicious it becomes. I've always found London safer , (more people around) though witness loads there as well. Perth doesn't do big events, like New Year well. Again this past New Year, fights and bad behaviour everywhere. In the city centre, two of the last fights we witnessed was young women laying into one another. If people don't take public transport or walk around much after hours, it is moderately easy to live an illusion that Perth doesn't experience the violence of some UK cities. Perhaps it doesn't to the same degree. But it is certainly prevalent without looking for it . Assault rates have always been high in Australia.

Small place yes in terms of city comparisons. Obviously not in area and although population is two million, it is scattered over a very wide area. By this I mean its possible to drive across what is termed the metropolitan area and see next to no people out and about. This does keep people safer, but does not provide a vibe more associated with a city of half that size. As for the towns you mention, well you could shoot a cannon down most small town main streets, and not be in fear of hitting anyone. Certainly at night. I suppose you may meet a few regulars by going to the same pub. But in my area, there appear few regulars. Seldom see the same face, but not a regular myself . I know decades back this was definitely the case. While okay on occasion would not want social life to revolve around mundane pub talk. I'd say little to fault with the life you lived in Southampton. Cycling/New Forest/ Hampshire villages . More my sort of thing than sitting in an average Aussie pub for sure.

Most likely because things are not so far away. No idea about Manchester , but believe the centre is very cosmopolitan and buzzy with lots of places to go. Driving to Hillary's is a bit of a chore. Never found a decent vibe and/or places full and food very ordinary. I never understood the attraction of that place beyond the occasional visit. But a lot of English accents on every visit so apparently missing something.

Well wait for a bus outside the bus station quite regular. It's not the point not going near the Square. It was marked down with great attributes finally connecting The CBD with Northbridge. It was supposed to rival Federation Square in Melbourne. Like so many of the best intentions, never reached anywhere close to its intent. Waterside area better, obviously, but hardly a must visit and below expectations. It should have been the centre point of Perth for locals and tourist. It's good, but should be brillant.

It goes way beyond an abundance of UK migrants. It was designed poorly , with attempts at rectification late in the day. I used to drink on occasions at The Old Bailey. I know the problem. Young Aussies don't know about the tribal culture that exists in England. It may be about the football shirt it may be about nothing. Not necessary fighting , but intimidating none the less in Aussie eyes. I recall an Aussie pub that once existed in London's Earl Court. Locals thought an Englishman ventured inside at own risk. A bit rough and tumble indeed. Different degrees of rough where cultural norms relating to differences clearly on display.

You certainly appear a close family. I don't wish to pry but perhaps loneliness is a feature in your decision making and place to live. It gets far harder in the age to make meaningful contacts. No shame there. But you have the economic freedom to have a choice and not be dependent on a pension. In actual fact you could live most anywhere in the world. Other places are more likely not as difficult to meet people. Perhaps a partner if so inclined. Up to you of course but very liberating in the age not to have money concerns.

I know many that have done just that or moved elsewhere in order to secure a better more affordable retirement. I mean who wouldn't. Great affordable medical care. Able to eat out every night if so desired. Warm weather. Thing with Thailand is though they have changed the visa conditions. Look very well into that as doing visa trips every few months would get very tiresome. I have looked three times at Malta over the past nine years but while like the island have concluded against that. Thailand probably wouldn't be in my top six , but understand the attraction (minus visa issues) Very interested in Sarawak after a long visit there three years ago and still thing Penang a goer. (Langkawi could be combined) I had a thing for Laos a few years back after meeting a few Brit's and Aussies and French that had settled there. Cambodia was a consideration as well....some say Vietnam. Don't know enough about it. Sri Lanka looks good. I wouldn't have any interest in Bali but know some who settled there very happily. Philippines is another but never been. I think UK for retirement the way things have gone, would be suggestive that without a lot of money there are plenty of better, far better places elsewhere. Still NHS and free bus passes are attractive but doesn't quite win out over the other countries mentioned.

Actually we do get most of the performing acts that come to OZ these days. There was a time when we didn't but only a very few seem to miss out on Perth these days. They are hardly cheap though but they may well be the case in other Australian/NZ cities as well. Obviously the arts are bigger in Melbourne and Sydney, but to be expected with population numbers far exceeding Perth. But in my view Perth doesn't come over as having a very creative vibe. I think it is the nature of the place built around the resource industry and still pretty much working class in manner. The alternative scene isn't very visible. As a result young talented or wanting a career in The Arts, have often moved to Melbourne. I doubt this has changed over the past few years. I have met a young fellow that came the other way, saying the Art's scene there was pompous and Perth was fresh and encouraging of young artists . Another moved over got a commission to do sculptures here and found it progressive the way he was encouraged. Still after eighteen months he had left and retuned to Melbourne. I didn't find out the reason, but know his partner did not like Perth at all. My observations are Perth is fine if liking sport. It hasn't arrived yet at the creative sense fully. We really need to diversify more to create an interesting city. Some recent waterside and the Yagan Square Development, which was supposed to rival Federation Square in Melbourne, have fallen well short of the mark. With the latter attracting unsavory elements and have witnessed drug business myself being undertaken there.

But I believe you own the property there that you lived in? ( or did I get that wrong?) Hence you have options to return at will. Eight months is quite sometime to get a bearing on the feasibility of moving there or remaining in Surry Hills. Perhaps short six month rents could do the trick? Then at least it would be available for you to pass Sydney winters away? It is odd at times how things fall into place. I guess if your brother was in Kangaroo Island you may well have moved there?

Isolation comes not only in the geographic sense but the mental sense as well. While Perth and WA are certainly remote from elsewhere that is only one aspect to consider. With flights that isolation can be conquered in a matter of hours. It's more than that. It's the insularity that plagues this state. For example working in a specific field everybody more or less knowns everybody else. Or at least know of them. Crossing the wrong person like a CEO can spell end of career . Word gets out in such a small place. I find often see people know/knew at various popular localities. There just isn't enough places to escape recognition to go. I find that claustrophobic to an extent. We lack the vibe of Sydney. Just as Sydney doesn't have the vibe of London or another Alpha City. Obviously this matters not to a lot of people. Perth can of course be a perfectly delightful city to those preferring a slow paced , clean sort of place, even though a dark side exists in its underbelly. It is reasonably well hidden and I know can come as a shock to those impacted by that at some stage. Here I mean the scourge of drugs which is everywhere and increasingly an occupation of choice. (making or cooking) There must be a reason Perth was the capital of meth (ice) consumption in the world on a population basis. Adelaide has stolen that title (how dare they) but believe me it is everywhere and my area and street reflect this. As commented by others, you do possess rather 'a knack' apparently in finding contentment where you wash up . Okay, like me apart from deep, dark suburbia. We share some similarities as I always have attempted to live in inner city localities regardless of country with a buzz and vibe and no need for a car with convenience at hand . Preferably not family over representation but definitely not student either. It has generally worked, although Perth not ideal, even inner city for fans of cosmopolitan living it is doable. (well minus the drug making) There are not that many places to go weekends in WA. The South after being covered and lived in does get a tad the same. I like Albany but really how many times can one endure it? I try and leave it for a few years apart. Not a fan of Mandurah by any means. Far too much social issues around drugs. Bunbury as well. (know that city rather well )All those blink and you miss them country towns you mention are good as a stopover for a meal or coffee but really to stay? Northam? Not a place to linger. Quite bogan and poorly located for dreadful heat in summer. York? Nice for a day trip. but probably once every three to five years. There is far more on the East Coast. WA has its own appeal but does come with limitations on so many fronts.

It simply doesn't work, at least in line with the initial desired function that being a livable, I believe European influenced in things like walkability, far more inner city living, ambiance and so on. As with so many things, it did not reach expectations and the end result was somewhat ordinary. Yes the park is very good. Hospital I think not so much and shopping centre something I could pass with out caring as well. It is a satellite city , so will provide most of everyday needs. Just not a place I care to or indeed need to visit, more than about once every three years or so.

Horrible drug indeed. I know Tasmania has it very bad as well. I feel they are attempting to disguise the lack of law and enforcement outcomes, by medicalization of outcomes that should never have arrived at that point. Just ask yourself how do many drug manufacturing houses are known to the public but still operate

Affirmative.

I agree on most evert aspect you write. Joondalup was a great opportunity to redefine Perth Metro to which was largely a failure. It improved somewhat later, as defects were realized. But still a place I would hardly venture. I used to go to the Old Baily boozer years ago, when feeling in need of a reminder of British culture. Grew out of that though.

More jostle more bussle for sure. The likelihood of more good but equally more bad as well. Perth is great for I suppose the more introverted of us, or perhaps those self contained in themselves is another way to put it. From the Manchester people I know, they can be very out there and sometimes in your face. Open Space? I find that claustrophobic in certain contexts. Just as It could be said empty streets and sterility oppressive. A place of more substance allows more choice . More choice equates more freedom to find own preference in ways of living life.

I can take Hillarys perhaps twice a year max. Not that I know Manchester but I do get to what you mean. I expect like London, never know what's around any given corner. Things to look at. Never quite the same. It doesn't have to be pretty. But please make it human.

Drugs have long been an issue in Scotland. It has been in Australia an issue as well. It's the newish kid on the block, meth (ice) that doesn't (thankfully) play part of the British drug scene, that is the difference here. It is massive. It is everywhere. Those home cooking generally fly under the radar and in my experience (am in the midst of it) I don't detect necessary personal use. What I do detect though, is that some are making a lot of money from this scourge, who are very middle class, even respectable people in their day job, if at all in a position to need to work. It is bound to get far, far worse with little being done by government to combat it and little interest anywhere else to really get to grips with it. While I know some attempt to link alcohol abuse , in an almost attempt to downgrade the drug meth (ice) I don't see too much comparison outside both can and do make people violent. Alcohol has benefits. Both in the social lubrication framework and has some health benefits in moderation.(besides being legal) Where as Meth (ice) is not classed as a 'happy/lovey drug', it is intense and creates very psychotic behaviour in many users. I'm well aware many hold down responsible positions taking meth, but the huge cost involved in those addicted both in terms of money and health, to the hospital system, the mental health , the greed of 'easy' money by those of all ages 'cooking' this in their bedrooms, bathrooms and toilets, can't be of general overall benefit to society. Uni kids. Middle Aged , Professionals. Not to mention the corrosive influence on those influencing social mores in positions of power and trust.

But the long summer day light hours I'd adore. I've read some really positive accounts though from incomers that moved to the islands. What I would hate most of all is the wind. I believe that is a shocker in both Orkneys and Shetlands. I hate dampness as well. All in all, although it looks a lovely spot in the world, I most likely would find the winters too much to manage. Probably better focusing on Langkawi or somewhere tropical for both value and the warmth.

I'd say you made the right decision. I think it would be hard for a late middle aged man to reestablish in Perth. If things had proved to turn out differently with your 'friend, well who knows? I would not describe Perth as an open sort of place by any means. I imagine Surfers, due to the constant ebb and flow of short term arrivals, as well as those that have relocated from other states to create a different vibe to say Perth. I know there is a drug problem of some proportion over there. That's something I would be very wary off, after past two years of experincing it first hand and in your face in Perth. I walked around Surry Hills when last in Sydney. It didn't have the vibe of my favourite location in London, but better than inner Perth, with more on offer. Right idea with regards to spending the money after selling UK house. A house is worthless if not utilizing its capital. Okay you get a rental return , but from my experience having property abroad is hard work . Hard to get help with problem tenants. Taxed on income earned from it . As rented out still have to pay accommodation bills when viewing, to which can no longer get a tax concession for. Besides all that when one gets to a certain age, it is time to wind down and spend the lucre on enjoyment in which form that may take. The virus has totally disrupted my planning. An extensive stay in Europe/UK/North America last year all had to be obviously abandoned. I'm most uncertain as to if I want to retire in Australia. I've some ideas but keeping them to my chest at the moment. But for a time I even entertained the idea of Orkney or similar in far north Scotland.