Places to Avoid around Perth CBD

rvsure on 01/07/2015 - 11:08
Last edited 01/07/2015 - 13:10 by 1 other user

I am moving to Perth for work next week. I got a short notice from my employer on the transfer so couldn't find time to explore information on which places are best to stay in Perth. Given the rents are cheaper than Sydney I am planning to stay around the CBD to avoid the travel time and expense. I am going to work in central park and am looking for a studio or 1 bedroom unit in less than 20 minutes walking distance or inside the free transit zone.

From the online forums I heard the crime rate is high around Perth CBD. Also I was asked to avoid Northbridge area by a friend who lived in Perth for a while few years back. So I am looking for suggestions from fellow Ozbargainer who lives/lived in Perth. Add your suggestion to poll option so that others can vote.

I don't drink so no need to stay in an area with pubs and bars. I don't drive so need to stay close to public transport.

Any other useful suggestions for someone new to Perth are also welcomed.

Edit: My budget is around $300 for a fully furnished studio or unit. May go for up to $350 depending on the location and amenities.

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Comments

  • spackbace on 01/07/2015 - 11:10

    I don't drink so no need to stay in area with pubs and bars.

    Yep avoid Northbridge then.

    Honestly I can't think of 'bad' areas around the CBD. Crime rate might be higher but only because of car break-ins etc.

    Give us an idea of your budget for rent and we can go from there :)

    • rvsure on 01/07/2015 - 11:14

      Updated the post with my budget. It's around $300.

      • spackbace on 01/07/2015 - 11:17
        +3

        Bam

        Subiaco will be the place for you :) Safe, upper-class area, short train ride into town (should be easily accessible by bus as well). It is outside the FTZ but 1 zone ticket will add up to a small amount anyway.

        Good cafes/restaurants in the area, mix of major supermarkets (Coles/Woolies) and IGA for longer opening hours.

        • rvsure on 01/07/2015 - 11:23

          Might consider this area. Have seen quite few units available in that area.

        • bonezAU on 01/07/2015 - 11:26
          +3

          @rvsure:

          +1 for Subiaco with that budget.
          I lived in a 1 bedroom apartment in Subiaco, it was an older style building but safe and only a 2 minute walk to West Leederville station and a 7-10 minute walk to Coles. You can jump straight on the train into the city and walk up to St Georges Tce for work.

          This is the EXACT block I lived in, right within your budget:

          http://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-wa-subiaco-4…

  • bonezAU on 01/07/2015 - 11:13
    +5

    The crime is no higher than in any other CBD. In fact I would feel less safe living in Sydney CBD than I would in Perth. You'll be fine.
    There are apartments around in East/West Perth but also closer in the city itself as well. Just take your pick, look at Google Street View if you can and avoid areas that have a seedy feel. If you can narrow it down to some addresses I'm sure there'll be some of us here who can help with letting you know which areas are better than others.

    The CBD is honestly not that big and it is like a ghost town at night time for most part (in terms of night life, anyway). There's always going to be dodgy people hanging around but I would certainly feel safe living almost anywhere in the CBD.

    • rvsure on 01/07/2015 - 11:17
      +1

      Most of the vacancies I am seeing on Gumtree or realestate.com.au are around Mounts Bay Road. From my experience in Sydney the areas wit most vacancies tends to be unsafe.

      • GaelicAU on 01/07/2015 - 11:29
        +3

        Mounts Bay road is long and could be quite a walk to the CBD depending on which end. East Perth isnt a bad spot for what you are looking for. It can be very quiet at night time, but if you're not going out that much, I think you'll find it quite convenient. West Perth has a bit more life but I would imagine less rentals available as there are a lot of offices around there.

        Subiaco as someone noted is a good mix of everything and accessible to the CBD.

        As for crime, I tend to agree with others. Perth is no more dodgy than other major cities. It has its pockets, but overall, very little to worry about.

      • lenlynn on 02/07/2015 - 10:53

        Ridiculous traffic along Mt Bays Road sometimes! AVOID.
        And they block the road for the annual running or cycling events.

        • justaverage on 03/07/2015 - 11:01

          But he is isn't driving so this may not bother him

        • lenlynn on 03/07/2015 - 21:25

          @campinghunter: The public buses take Mounts Bay road to the city.

  • rvsure on 01/07/2015 - 11:20
    Suggested Subiaco

    Adding Spackbase's suggestion to poll

  • xyron on 01/07/2015 - 11:51

    Is this a permanent transfer? Did you have a say in the matter? Seems pretty harsh to get taken out of Sydney and lumped into Perth otherwise…

    South Perth is nice :) I would also have to agree with above sentiments regarding Perth CBD - I too would feel safer in Perth CBD than Sydney CBD (but they are both incredibly safe cities so I think questions about "safety" are all a bit moot).

    • rvsure on 01/07/2015 - 11:57
      +6

      It's a permanent transfer. I wasn't forced though. I accepted it willingly as I have seen enough of Sydney and would like to explore the other parts of Australia while I am single.

  • Gnostikos on 01/07/2015 - 14:35
    +3

    If you're going to be walking or commuting via public transport from Central Park to an apartment in Subiaco/West Perth/Leederville/Highgate/Mount Lawley or anywhere within a 2km radius between working hours, then I don't think "safety" warrants a mention.

    If you've handled Sydney, which by virtue of its far larger population and size alone would make it more unsafe, then you'll be fine in Perth.

    If you were staying at an unfenced, inviting-looking sharehouse in Balga right next to State Housing; then I would give you some pointers, but the suburbs surrounding the CBD are very uneventful and North Bridge has patrols crawling around it all the time now. Years ago it was something of an open-air boxing arena but those days have come and gone.

    In the last couple of weeks I have even, dare I say it, noticed a visibly heavy police presence in the CBD.

    • rvsure on 01/07/2015 - 14:50

      I am not really into late night partying. I am not worried about after midnight safety. My only concern is about safety after 10PM just in case I had to work late and walk to home.

      In the last couple of weeks I have even, dare I say it, noticed a visibly heavy police presence in the CBD.

      That's not really comforting. Heavy police presence means there safety issues :)

  • SaberX on 01/07/2015 - 23:12

    Norhtbirdge like anywhere, fine late night on fridays or saturdays within reason, but on a weekday night i wouldn't be out 2am strolling less active streets for obvious reasons. It's decent now but if food and drinks etc entertainment isn't necessary then consider two things: do you want to be able to walk/short ride to work i.e. be within the actual CBD, or actually be in an area that is commutable by a short radius into the city that has decent amenities and should suit what I presume is your younger age?

    If the former: stick to somewhere in the CBD itself as far as apartments go so you can walk elsewhere, do note late at night and weekends nb is where you'll most likely go for a feed as some times more variety of food is that way.

    If the latter, subiaco, leederville, and north perth (beaufort street area upwards) work well. They're accessible by public transport and have decent enough enteratinment, food and drinks on weekends and during days/early night. Like any place i wouldn't want to walk back at 2am from the city to any of these places, but this is just logic.

    Public transport is less frequent and easy in terms of time than sydney or melb or any big city felt to me… so keep in mind a train to subiaco may be less frequent about 8,9pm than you think, at least when I used to work there.

    Alternatively if you wanted more suburbia, an unit or something round canning highway - just off the kwinana freeway and accessible by train at canning bridge, may work. Surrounding areas to this are applecross, attadale , booragoon and so forth (if your browsing a map). I'd stay away from the city's south east (suburbia like Armadale line/way if your planning to go home late and want to generally be safer), I'd rather drive to these areas from what i hear about the armadale line …

    • rvsure on 02/07/2015 - 08:42

      Thanks for the reply. I only need to go out for dinner in the night and that would definitely not after 10. Based on the comments from you and others it seems I won't find any dinner in the CBD. If that's the case I may need to rethink about living in CBD.

      I will check the vacancies in the suburbs you mentioned. How much would be the average rent for a furnished studio or one bedroom unit in suburbs that are close to train station and within 30 mins travel to city by train?

      • spackbace on 02/07/2015 - 10:39
        +2

        The problem with the trainlines can be that they're full the closer it gets to the city.

        You being a single guy, I really would recommend somewhere like Subiaco as it just offers a bit of everything and you don't have to walk far. Further out you go, you lose the luxuries (especially if you don't have a car). Go for a walk to get coffee, want to go out for dinner, want to go to a supermarket. In Subiaco (and as said previously, places like Leederville) they offer that and you're not walking far.

        Oh, and if you're here for a lil while, think a smidge long-term in that there may be times you wanna bring a lady back ;) I'm sure she'll like the Subiaco address :)

      • SaberX on 03/07/2015 - 20:47

        I dont have any more.market knowledge than you in terms of accessing domain and realestate.com.aus app and search engines. I can have a quick check if you want.

        Given your comment about food. You may find cheaper rent and good access to a shopping centre and train line living at the apartments next to cockburn central shopping centre. The cockburn train station is right there. This would suit your train to cbd work needs and seating is alot easier when you get.on earlier (if thats an issue) your also more suburban if you have a car.later or meet friends in the suburb. More authenticc suburban feel at least.

  • lenlynn on 02/07/2015 - 10:45
    +1
    Suggested Maylands

    I have lived in both Subiaco and Maylands (5min walk from the train station, or the part nearer to Beaufort St and Inglewood). Hope this is useful.

    Public Transport - Subi is slightly nearer to the city. Maylands is 5 stops from the city with the regular train; even faster with the express train though.

    Convenience - Both has cafe strips and supermarkets nearby.

    Noise level/Safety - I found Maylands to be quieter; Subi seems to be noisier and more rowdy at night as there are drinking places nearby. Both relatively safe though. I took public transport back home then (Subi for a year, Maylands for 3 years+) and was never mugged or anything.

    Rent - Try to find an older apartment that's walkable distance to the train station. Mine in Maylands was an older 2-rm apartment 5 min away, and it is still being rented out at $280/week. Both areas have newer apartments but it will be above your $300 budget.

    • rvsure on 02/07/2015 - 10:48

      Thanks lenlynn. Looks like Subiaco will be my first preference.

      • lenlynn on 02/07/2015 - 10:51

        Wanted to edit but couldn't.

        Just wanted to add that the nearest malls to Subi would be Perth, Harbourtown and Freo is on the same line. Maylands would be Perth and Morley Galleria.

        Good luck OP!

      • spackbace on 02/07/2015 - 10:58

        And just a side note, Fremantle and Joondalup train lines typically don't have any 'unsavoury' types lol you'll be fine on those train lines

        When you're looking for a place, check www.transperth.wa.gov.au for any buses running past your street or something to get you into the CBD easier :)

        And Subiaco does have a football stadium (Domain Stadium), though that won't see any games from 2018 onwards. Though bear in mind for now there's AFL games played there and concerts. So noise and traffic become an issue.

        • rvsure on 02/07/2015 - 17:31

          And Subiaco does have a football stadium (Domain Stadium), though that won't see any games from 2018 onwards. Though bear in mind for now there's AFL games played there and concerts. So noise and traffic become an issue.

          I am definitely not gonna live there till 2018. Will try to find a house further away from the stadium. Moreover AFL games are only on Fridays and weekends. Hope they give free tickets to the matches for the locals :)

  • goosegog on 02/07/2015 - 20:01
    +1

    I'm only butting in to say how pleased I am to read all your comments on advice for rvsure. For once there is no rudeness or negativity - just great advice.
    Maylands is ideal as it is a far quieter area than Subiaco, & the rent prices will probably reflect that - very important if you plan to save to purchase a property @ a later date. It is convenient with all amenities shopping & transport wise whilst still having the reputation of a good suburb. It is also close to the river with great parks & walkways.
    Good luck in your hunt & hope to hear the results.
    By the way, I'm not trying to promote Maylands - we live up in the hills - Kalamunda - but do know the area quite well, so are just providing a knowledgeable opinion as people who have lived in Perth for almost 30 years & have seen all the changes around our beautiful city.

    • rvsure on 02/07/2015 - 22:13

      Thanks for your advice on Maylands. I saw quite a few bad reviews about life in Perth in online forums. But those are all more than 5 years old. I know a lot can change in 5 years so thought I should ask the locals here on Ozb. I am glad I asked, now I feel better about moving to Perth.

      Btw I am not a PR or citizen and haven't yet decided if I want to. So buying house is not an option in near future. For the last 3 years I lived in shared houses and saved quite a bit. Want to try my own place for some time. It will cost me double the rent I pay now though.

  • umoddbro on 03/07/2015 - 01:47
    +1

    Yeh you really can't go wrong with either Subi or Maylands, they are pretty similar IMO as in being close to shops, cafes, the train station etc). Probably the only negative with Maylands is that you'll meet a lot more dodgy people if you're catching the Midland line. I'd say if you're a young person definitely go with Subi, but if you're looking for a nice, quiet, settled area, Maylands would be a better choice. And in regards to Northbridge, it's really not as bad as people make it out to be.. just don't go there after 11pm and you'll be fine.

  • zeomega on 03/07/2015 - 08:57
    +1

    Subiaco, west/East Perth, South Perth, Maylands.

    Avoid east Vic Park/vic park,burwood.

  • bargaino on 06/07/2015 - 02:25

    less than 20 minutes walking distance or inside the free transit zone.

    West Perth or CBD it is then. You'll find plenty of options.
    I don't know why people are talking about Subi etc.

    • spackbace on 06/07/2015 - 10:26
      +1

      I don't know why people are talking about Subi etc

      Because of other factors, mainly being that in suburbs like Subiaco the stores/cafes/restaurants are open longer. West Perth is a ghost town on Sundays, and given the OP doesn't have a car they won't have the same conveniences. Same with the CBD, ghost town after 5pm Sunday, or after hours most days except Friday.

      Thinking outside the square to help the OP.

      • bargaino on 06/07/2015 - 11:10

        Fair enough, but I think not having a car, its easier to be central. Take the train to Subi a couple of time a week, instead of 5 times a week to the city when they are most crowded.
        Not only is the city where he goes more often, but its provides easier connections to most other places, when you lack a car.

        Eating out in the CBD is not that bad, but there will be fewer options than Northbridge. There are lots of hotel restaurants for a start. (Get the Accor discount card?)
        Subiaco is not so great - I remember lots of fast food, and expensive restaurants, with not much in between. Has that improved?

        Northbridge crime is a real factor - alcohol -related violence late at night, organised crime, and troubled indigenous youth make the area worth avoiding as a place to live.
        Has all that gone away?

        rvsure, have you considered using a bicycle? Perth is much better for that than Sydney - better paths and summer weather. Will make life easier than waiting for public transport.

        • rvsure on 07/07/2015 - 11:51

          The only thing I am worried about living in CBD is finding food in the evening after 8. I am a vegetarian that makes narrows down my options further.

          Bicycle is a good option if I live within 2 or 3 kms from work. Also I don't want that to be my primary transport mode. I don't want to smell like a pig at work in summer or take a shower on the way to work on a rainy day :).

        • bargaino on 07/07/2015 - 12:57
          +1

          @rvsure:
          Summer mornings are not a problem here - you'll be going very gently downhill to the city and its not humid like Sydney. (after 9am it can get hot, until the sea breeze comes in.)

          The CBD is quiet late, but not completely dead like it was before all these new apartment building went in. The night-life area of Northbridge is not far away.
          As long as you are not vegan, you'll survive :)

  • rvsure on 18/07/2015 - 21:19
    +2

    An update to all of you who posted helpful comments. I moved to Perth last weekend and finished my first week. Being someone who lived in another Australian city for 3 years I compare everything with Sydney even if I try not to. Here is my first impression of he city

    The good things are

    • Most of the people I met so far are nice and helpful like in any other part of Australia.
    • I haven't seen morning or evening rush in CBD even during peak hours. Never had to stand in the bus even at 8 in the morning.
    • The roads are almost deserted both in CBD and suburbs after 8PM. But didn't feel unsafe walking home though.
    • CBD is not as bad as people say. I could find some food even at 9PM. But definitely not at your doorstep.
    • Subiaco is fantastic as many of you said. It looks modern with everything you need near the train station. I went to the Subiaco markets today. It reminded me of the hawkers centres in Singapore and Malaysia. I was spoiled with the choices of food.
    • Currently living in Victoria Park temporarily. It also has all the restaurants and supermarkets and is close to city. I wonder why no one suggested this suburb.

    The bad things are

    • Many drivers are a bit rude. They don't even wait till people cross the road. Also many of them give indicator just before taking turn at the intersection. Some don't even bother giving indicator.
    • Food is a bit expensive in restaurants compared to Sydney. Especially some cuisines are always expensive.
    • Faced a racist rant the first week in the city. This guy intentionally picked on me. I just ignored him though. Bot not really a good first impression. Had experienced this once in my 3 years in Sydney but that guy was a junkie.

    After my first week experience and inspecting few properties in Subiaco, Leederville and the CBD I decided to live in the CBD. I loved Subiaco and really want to live there but most of the properties advertised in Subiaco are in West Leederville. The ones in Subiaco are either already taken or over my budget. So I paid advance for a one bed room unit that is recently refurbished with brand new furniture and appliances, walking distance to my work, on the river bank and for just $300pw.

    Thank you all for your help.

  • Connections on 05/08/2015 - 17:34

    My Advice is to research the area on sites such as Nation Master http://www.nationmaster.com/n/ and Homely http://www.homely.com.au/ these kinds of sites will tell you how much public housing is in the area and also users will comment if the area is good or bad which is quite helpful.

    Then I would jump over to Gumtree and search for property to Rent, usually Gumtree has better deals compared to REA -
    http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-property-for-rent/c18364

    If you really want to you can call the local police and ask them what the area is like, the worst thing they can do is hang up lol.

    Hope this helps =)

    • rvsure on 05/08/2015 - 18:32

      Thanks for the advice. I have already found a place in the CBD and I am loving it :)

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