The north and west of Perth are the most sought after areas to live.
Many British migrants have settled in the northern suburbs around half-an-hour north from city centre. In suburbs such as Beldon, Connolly, Edgewater, Heathridge, Joondalup, Mullaloo and Ocean Reef, British immigrants make up around a quarter of the population. In late 2008, median house price in these areas ranged from low $400,000s in Beldon and Heathridge up to the $600,000 - $700,000s in Mullaloo and Ocean Reef.
The central and northern suburbs of Perth are where people with the highest salaries tend to live.
Houses in the most desirable suburbs, close to the central city - such as Nedlands and Dalkeith and - command average prices of $650,000 and $2.5 million respectively. The high prices result from the combination of proximity to Perth's central business district and proximity to the banks of the beautiful Swan River.
All over the world, beachside properties are in demand and fetching very high prices. Perth has followed this trend - an evening stroll along the beach and a dip in the sea is a very attractive prospect. Less obvious advantages of living near the sea in Perth include less extreme summer heat and fewer flies than can be found inland.
There are, however, some disadvantages to buying beachside property in Perth. High winds can become annoying. When they are strong, they can blow garden umbrellas around and bring sand into gardens and houses. Suburban developments close to the coast also tend to have houses packed more densely than those elsewhere.
In the coastal suburbs of Scarborough and Wembley Downs and, to the north west and west of the city centre, average house prices were just over $500,000 and $850,000 in late 2008. The median house price for the City Beach suburb was around $1 million.
Some of the south eastern suburbs, such as Maddington, Gosnells, Lynwood, and Thornlie are less well regarded than Perth's other areas. Average house prices in these suburbs range from low to high $300Ks.
Perth is a very clean city although, sadly, graffiti and "hoons" are becoming an issue - in some of the better suburbs too. Hoons are youths causing problems such as vandalism and reckless driving.
A major attraction of Perth is its many parks and play areas for children. Perth is an ideal location for people who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.