- Access to schools and safety were some of the top priorities
- Family-friendly suburbs have excellent amenity and community spirit
- Harrisdale and Baldivis offer affordable family living outside the city
Perth was recently crowned Australia’s most affordable capital city, with the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s (UDIA) State of the Land Report finding median new land price was a fraction of the price elsewhere in the country at $228,000.
By contrast, Melbourne’s median new land prices were somewhat higher at $382,125, but Sydney was found to be a wallet whimpering $716,381.
The western capital was also found to be one of the better performers amid the property price downturn, alongside Adelaide, Darwin, and the key regions, according to Hotspotting’s Autumn report.
The latest asking property prices for Perth, according to SQM, is around $820,000 for all house types, and $430,000 for all units. SQM’s weekly asking prices index shows a rolling monthly change of up 0.1%, and 12 month change of up 10.7%.
As part of an ongoing series at The Property Tribune, we have explored the best and most liveable suburbs across the capital cities for families, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Canberra.
We have asked for experts ‘on the ground’ to help find the 20 most liveable suburbs, based on a range of factors such as greenery, access to great amenities, and schooling options.
The list is in no particular order and includes a wide array of suburbs, from some of Perth’s most exclusive addresses to burgeoning new suburbs.
Top 20 Best & Most Liveable Suburbs in Perth for Families
- Subiaco
- Shenton Park
- Harrisdale
- Baldivis
- Byford
- Madeley
- Ellenbrook
- Applecross
- Willetton
- Rossmoyne
- Churchlands
- Attadale
- Eglinton
- Brabham
- Bushmead
- Carine
- Dalkeith
- Nedlands
- Claremont
- Floreat
What makes a family friendly suburb?
The top priority was access to schools. Buyer’s Agent for Cohen Handler in Perth, Ryan Lobik, told The Property Tribune: “Some of Perth’s top schools are located in family-friendly suburbs including Subiaco, Shenton Park, Applecross, Willetton, Rossmoyne, Churchlands, and Carine.”
Cedar Woods’ WA State Manager, Ben Rosser, also said access to schools was a major factor in making a family friendly suburb, highlighting other educational opportunities also elevated a suburb’s profile, including childcare.
Safety was also a major consideration. Low crime rates make a family friendly suburb, said Rosser, which has the potential added benefit of promoting active transport; Lobik noted that with good access to schools, “… kids can generally ride or walk with friends in a safe environment.”
For some suburbs, sun safety was a bonus. Lobik said: “Prime motivators for Perth buyers chasing a family-friendly property are the block size, enough room for a trampoline or to kick a ball, and good tree canopy so kids can play outside without getting sunburnt.”
The home itself is also important, with some suburbs home to many larger lot options.
“People are looking for multiple living zones, adult separation, and of course a pool! Suburbs that cater to this are generally the older, gentrified suburbs that have had large homes built, or older homes renovated and extended. Suburbs that cater to this exceptionally well are Dalkeith, Nedlands, Claremont, Floreat, and Attadale.” said Lobik.
Everything you need on your doorstep
Aside from schools and safety, family-friendly suburbs have excellent amenity. Cedar Woods’ Ben Rosser said great family suburbs have:
- A wide variety of recreational activities,
- Access to a variety of public transport options and main roads (e.g. freeways and highways),
- Access to shopping centres, restaurants, and everyday amenities,
- Affordable house prices,
- A range of housing options to suit all family types,
- A walkable neighbourhood with wide footpaths and well-maintained or variety of parks where neighbours can meet and mingle, and
- Strong community spirit and connections with neighbours.
We explore some of the suburbs listed, below.
Subiaco
This suburb is a mere five-kilometre hop across Kings Park to the CBD and is coincidentally home to The Property Tribune.
The leafy green suburb was chosen by both Rosser and Lobik, with the suburb well regarded for having access to Perth’s best schools, preeminent dining institutions, healthcare, and proximity to the CBD. The suburb is also home to the renowned shopping strip Rokeby Road and the suburbs own Subiaco Farmers Market.
Shenton Park
Close to Subiaco, and merely two train stations away, Shenton Park is known for its leafy green streets, Shenton College, and more.
Asking prices for the postcode 6008, which includes Shenton Park and Subiaco, are around $1.2 million, according to SQM Research.
Harrisdale
This is truly a place for families, Rosser noted that almost 60% of the suburb comprised young families, making it “… the perfect place to settle down amongst other like-minded neighbours.”
Harrisdale is a convenient 20-kilometre hop away from Perth City, located south of the river and close to major centres including Cockburn Central, Canning Vale, and Jandakot.
Baldivis
This locale has recently seen rapid growth, with many attracted to the relaxed lifestyle that can be enjoyed in the semi-rural suburb.
Asking prices for postcode 6171 is also very affordable, and while climbing, has risen from $400,000 at the onset of the pandemic to just under $500,000.
Byford
Heading further south, the hillside suburb of Byford offers a rural charm and a rich history, according to Rosser. Offering a relaxed lifestyle, Rosser said, “Byford offers growing families the opportunity to make the most of both nature and urban living. A network of public open spaces throughout the suburb, including bike and hike trails, contributes to the rural and bushland feel of the area.”
“The Byford Town Centre is close by and offers all the essential services you’ll need including varied shopping options, quality health and wellness provides, inclusive country clubs, welcoming schools and convenient transport links,” said Rosser.
Byford is also expected to soon have improved public transport access as METRONET is extended to the suburb.
Madeley
This suburb north of the river has been chosen for its enviable amenity and access to both the city of Perth and the satellite city of Joondalup.
Madeley is a short distance away from major roads like Mitchell Freeway and the train line, and it includes ample, wide-open spaces for families to play in. The suburb also borders the Yellagonga Regional Park, affording families a superb bushland experience despite being in the middle of suburbia.
Homes here are reasonably affordable too, with SQM data showing asking prices floating around the $600,000 mark.
Ellenbrook
The locale north of the river was awarded the world’s best master-planned community, in 2015, or to give it the proper title: FIABCI (International Real Estate Federation) World Prix d’Excellence Award for 2015 in the Master Plan Category.
Ellenbrook is located 30 kilometres north of Perth along the Tonkin Highway and will soon have improved public transport access with the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line.
Affordability also comes to mind, with the postcode of 6069 typically fetching around the $500,000 mark.
Willetton
Another locale south of the river, Willetton borders Rossmoyne to the northwest, both enjoying excellent access to both major roads and public transport.
Asking prices for the postcode of 6155 were most recently around $800,000, according to SQM.
Rossmoyne
This suburb is home to a high-ranking high school, Rossmoyne Senior High School. The riverside suburb has a median house price of $1.38 million, according to REIWA data, and is serviced by the Bull Creek train station.
Churchlands
This suburb enjoys superb green amenity, with the Wembley Golf Course bordering the suburb to the southwest and Herdsman Lake bordering the suburb to the east.
According to Domain data, the population is just shy of 3,400, with 59% of the suburb comprising families. The median price for a four bedroom home in Churchlands is $1.52 million, according to Domain.
Attadale
Another riverside suburb, this locale is to the west of Applecross. The suburb has plenty for families to enjoy, including the enviable Point Walter Reserve and Attadale Reserve, and for the parents, Point Walter Golf Course.
The median price for a four bedroom home in the suburb is $1.56 million, according to Domain. The suburb is also mostly comprised of families, at 56%.
Eglinton
This affordable coastal location is set to become a superb location for families.
According to Cedar Woods’ Ben Rosser, “Eglinton is already home to a thriving and diverse population. Situated within Perth’s fast-growing North-West corridor, Eglinton will soon be home to a range of planned infrastructure and amenities that will make life here even more fulfilling for families.”
Cedar Woods has recently launched a master planned community in the heart of Eglinton, Eglinton Village, which will benefit from exciting future growth, including the future Eglinton train station situated just 500m from the development.
“This will create a direct connection to Joondalup, Perth CBD and beyond,” said Rosser.
“The Mitchell Freeway extension from Hester Avenue to Romeo Road in Alkimos will also make life more connected.
Among the other benefits, Rosser noted that Eglinton is located amongst a collection of established local suburbs. With Yanchep just a short drive north and Alkimos, Butler, Mindarie and Clarkson all nearby via Marmion Avenue, there is already a huge array of local amenities and services on offer.
“Eglinton Village will be home to a future primary school of its own perfect for young families and you’ll also find a thriving collection of public and private schools and childcare facilities close by. There are also plenty of parks and playgrounds on the doorstep and Eglinton Beach is a short 3-minute drive away.”
Brabham
The suburb is another up-and-comer, with Rosser noting, “Future infrastructure plans including the future Whiteman Park train station delivered by METRONET are creating demand for residential, retail, and commercial space where residents know they’re onto something special.”
“Surrounded by established hubs like Ellenbrook and Midland, everything you need is already here. The essentials like shops, schools, transport, and medical services are easy to find within thriving towns and accessible centres just minutes away. Drumpellier Drive connects you to Reid Highway, with Tonkin Highway nearby also making for an easy commute.”
Bushmead
Rosser told The Property Tribune the suburb was established by Cedar Woods and was previously part of Hazelmere.
“The community of Bushmead has fast emerged as one of Perth’s most environmentally sustainable and forward-thinking communities. Conveniently located just 16km from the Perth CBD, Bushmead is only minutes from the bustling town centres of Midland and Guildford, which offer a choice of shopping centres, restaurants, cafés, entertainment options, recreational facilities, medical services and more,” noted Rosser.
“You’ll also be within easy reach of major transport routes as well as the domestic and international airport terminals. And when the kids are ready for school, you’re a short five-minute drive from primary schools in Helena Valley and Maida Vale.”
“All of this is encapsulated by the beautiful natural surroundings of the Perth Hills providing a variety of hiking and bike trails, wildflower trails and more. The opportunity for family fun at Bushmead is endless.”
