20 Best Suburbs in Perth to Live

Perth, the sun-drenched capital of Western Australia, is renowned for its beautiful beaches, outdoor lifestyle, and rapidly growing metropolitan area. While the city centre has its charms, many residents prefer to make their home in one of Perth’s numerous suburbs that offer unique local characters and environments to suit every taste. 

From exclusive riverside and oceanfront estates to funky urban enclaves, historic towns, and family-friendly havens, the suburbs of Perth provide an incredible diversity of lifestyles. Whether you crave a laidback beachside existence, the ultimate in sophisticated luxury, an eclectic cultural scene, or just a lovely community to raise a family, there is a Perth suburb that can satisfy.

After extensive research into factors like amenities, environment, community vibes, housing, and access to recreation, we’ve pinpointed 20 of the best suburbs that showcase what Perth has to offer. These elite neighbourhoods run the gamut from millionaires’ row waterfronts to up-and-coming arts hubs, allowing you to choose the lifestyle that best suits your needs and desires.

Get ready to explore 20 of Perth’s most covetable locales. These highlighted suburbs will introduce you to the range of enriching experiences available in this thriving Australian city. From historic seaside villages to trend-setting urban centres, this is your guide to discovering the crème de la crème of Perth’s residential areas.

Cottesloe

An upscale coastal suburb renowned for its world-class beaches like Cottesloe Beach itself. Residents here enjoy an enviable beachside lifestyle centred around swimming, snorkelling, beach walks, and the popular “coffee strip” of cafes and restaurants. Multimillion-dollar homes line the beachfront while quiet tree-lined streets set back from the water offer a more laid back yet still luxurious vibe.

Subiaco

Once a working-class area, Subiaco has transformed into Perth’s trendiest inner-city suburb. Its main street, Rokeby Road, is lined with fashion boutiques, hip bars, and an endless choice of cafes and restaurants with alfresco dining. Young professionals flock here for the buzzing nightlife and cosmopolitan village atmosphere within easy reach of the CBD.

Claremont

One of Perth’s most affluent and prestigious suburbs, Claremont offers a sophisticated lifestyle. Breathtaking heritage homes on tree-lined streets mix with new multi-million dollar mansions. Residents have access to top private schools, high-end shopping on Claremont Quarter’s “Luxury Strip”, and lovely parks like Lake Claremont. It has an active community with sports clubs and family events.

Fremantle

This port city suburb has a laid-back, eclectic vibe that attracts artists, musicians, and those looking to escape Perth’s predictable suburbs. The West End is famous for its Victorian/Edwardian buildings, busy markets, craft breweries, and lively Cappuccino Strip. Heavy on history and culture, it offers inner-city grit mixed with cosmopolitan dining and entertainment.

Dalkeith

Dalkeith is one of Perth’s most elite suburbs, home to riverside mega-mansions and sprawling estates. Secluded and exclusive, it offers a private lifestyle focused on luxury and privacy. Many homes have private jetties, tennis courts, and resort-style amenities. Residents enjoy being minutes from premium golf courses yet removed from the city bustle.

Applecross

Nestled along the Swan River, Applecross is a coveted family suburb offering a relaxed yet affluent lifestyle. Residents enjoy riverside trails, parks, golf courses, and stunning city skyline views. Cafe strips, local boutiques, and quality schools draw those wanting to raise families in a quiet, upscale environment with easy CBD access.

Mount Lawley

One of Perth’s most popular inner suburbs, Mount Lawley attracts students, families, and creatives with its bohemian vibe. Beaufort Street hums with sidewalk cafes, hip bars, and indie fashion stores. Restored character homes and heritage buildings give a sense of history alongside brand new infill developments. Parks, weekend markets, and easygoing community spirit foster a “small town” feel.

Nedlands

Situated around the prestigious University of Western Australia grounds, Nedlands has a gracious, scholarly ambiance. Grand Federation residences and golf courses give it an affluent feel, while the riverside location allows for an active outdoor lifestyle of cycling, walking trails, and sailing/kayaking along the Swan River which winds through the suburb.

Leederville

Once rundown, Leederville has been revitalised into Perth’s funky inner-city hub of tasty ethnic eateries, pumping nightlife, indie theatres, and live music venues. Its main Oxford Street strip attracts a diverse, artistic crowd of students, musicians, and urban professionals who enjoy its eclectic, alternative atmosphere and easy access to the city and beaches.

South Perth

Situated directly across the Swan River from Perth’s CBD, this riverside location offers waterfront trails, parks, cafes, and constant city skyline views. Residents range from downsizers in luxury apartments to families enjoying the abundant green spaces, premiere golf courses, and easygoing yet upmarket vibe with all the conveniences of city-living. 

Trigg

A popular northern coastal suburb, Trigg attracts ocean enthusiasts with its excellent surf beaches, snorkelling spots, and coastal walkways. While offering a peaceful, family-friendly community feel, it’s still hip with trendy cafes and a laid-back beach culture. Homes range from breezy beach shacks to modern multi-million dollar builds.

East Fremantle

Charming East Fremantle offers a taste of historic suburban Perth with its classic heritage cottages and federation homes on leafy streets. It has a distinct village-like atmosphere with a thriving arts/crafts community, artisan bakeries, quirky stores, and sheltered riverside beaches and parks popular with families. 

Bicton

An affluent riverside enclave, Bicton provides a privileged lifestyle for its wealthy residents. Waterfront mansions with private boat pens and jetties accommodate a boating/sailing obsessed community that enjoys easy access to the Swan River and Indian Ocean just minutes away. The suburb has an upscale village feel with chic cafes and boutiques.

Swanbourne

Elegant Swanbourne is one of Perth’s most prestigious suburbs, featuring beautiful historic homes and mansions on expansive, meticulously landscaped grounds. Residents here enjoy a quiet, private lifestyle yet have access to amenities like Scotch College, the Claremont Showgrounds, and Lake Claremont nearby. Tree-lined streets foster a sense of peaceful grandeur.

Floreat

Families are drawn to the leafy, well-planned suburb of Floreat with its quality public and private schools, expansive parks, and quiet family-friendly atmosphere. Streets are lined with brick and tile houses and there’s a strong sense of community with active local clubs and sporting groups. Perry Lakes offers trails and recreation.

Peppermint Grove

Australia’s most elite and expensive suburb, Peppermint Grove epitomises luxurious waterfront living. Sprawling riverfront mansions enjoy an enclave of exclusivity and privacy along the scenic Swan River. Residents have access to private jetties, yacht clubs, and world-class golf courses. It’s an oasis for the ultra-wealthy and famous.

City Beach

An upscale coastal suburb situated along Perth’s wonderful Sunset Coast, City Beach offers the ultimate beachside lifestyle. Residents here enjoy direct access to the long stretches of white sandy beaches that make up the aptly named City Beach and neighbouring Floreat Beach. Waterfront mansions and modern apartments line the shores, providing stunning ocean views and coastal living at its finest.

Shenton Park

While close to the CBD, Shenton Park has a peaceful residential village feel. It combines historic streets of character homes with areas housing the state’s major hospitals and medical research institutes, giving it an academic vibe. Parks, walking trails, and sporting facilities cater to family life while its central location is prized.

Mosman Park

Situated along the riverfront, the bayside suburb of Mosman Park provides a laidback lifestyle focused on recreation and community. Families and active retirees alike enjoy strolling riverside trails, sailing facilities, parklands, and historic attractions like the Old Brewery. Heritage buildings and new modern developments seamlessly blend.

Mount Hawthorn

Young families, creatives and hipsters have flocked to Mount Hawthorn giving this inner-city suburb a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere. Its tree-lined streets are filled with lovingly restored character homes, sidewalk cafes, small bars and independent grocers/stores. With close CBD/beach access, it embodies urban village living.