It’s the debate that’s raged almost as long as the chicken and the egg. On what side of the Swan should you settle in Perth? Northerners and Southerners alike are both fiercely patriotic about their turf, which doesn’t help to narrow down your options about whether or not to cross The Narrows.
To help make your decision, let’s look at the pros and cons of building in Perth on the north or south side:
5km from the CBD – Glendalough versus East Vic Park
Glendalough may be small, but its sections of high-density living give it a vocal population. The lifestyle is fantastic – you’re right next to Herdsman Lake and Lake Monger, plus you can be in the city in mere minutes thanks to the Glendalough Train Station. There’s also the fast freeway access and close proximity to Leederville, Floreat and City Beach.
East Vic Park’s lifestyle is equally alluring, but for different reasons. Urbanistas will love the Albany Highway strip – a cosmopolitan haven of cafes, restaurants, quirky retail stores and more. There’s two train stations nearby, plus Shepparton Road for quick passage to the CBD and the picturesque South Perth foreshore.
VERDICT: Both offer attractive inner city lifestyles. New home builders may need to look at narrow block options given affordable land sizes on offer.
10km from the CBD – Attadale versus Bassendean
A premier riverfront suburb, Attadale’s water views and sprawling parklands make this suburb a desirable option. Life seems seductively slower here, yet you’re just a stone’s throw from Garden City Shopping Centre, Fremantle and Canning Bridge Train Station. With its boutique size and picturesque setting, you will need a generous budget to be building in Perth here.
Hugging the bends of the Swan as it snakes toward the Avon Valley is Bassendean, a historic suburb that is becoming more and more trendy. The block sizes are relatively large, while the walks to the train station and/or river are relatively small. Convenient transport via the train and Guildford Road make Bassendean hard to beat for value for money.
VERDICT: For a big family home, Bassendean has the space and the affordability, plus all the amenities families require. Should budget be less of a consideration, Attadale is extremely aspirational and also very family friendly.
Maybe its not North or South, instead a move to the east coast. Check out land in Queensland, New South Wales & Victoria
20km from the CBD – Beeliar versus Woodvale
Beeliar is a great option for families or those who love connecting with nature, thanks to multiple essential amenities and the nearby Thomsons Lake/Beeliar Regional Park. Cockburn Central is just down Beeliar Drive, while Woodman Point Regional Park and the Port Coogee marina are also attractively close.
Looking northwards, Woodvale is an equally enviable combination of natural beauty and desirable facilities including schools, shops and library. Whitfords and Edgewater Train Station are both easily accessible, while the major city of Joondalup is just a few exits up the freeway.
VERDICT: This could be a tie! Woodvale is slightly more expensive overall, yet both are relatively affordable with generous block sizes compared to inner-city counterparts.
40km from the CBD: Baldivis versus Butler
Baldivis and Butler, although 80kms apart, closely mirror each other in many ways. Both are relatively ‘new’ suburbs, being moulded by stakeholders and developers to create ‘master planned communities’ that allow families to thrive. Baldivis has nine schools and counting, while Butler has five. Both enjoy multiple parklands, retail stores and essential services. Transport is also well catered for – Butler has its own train station, while Baldivis is close to the Warnbro Train Station. The Kwinana Freeway runs conveniently through Baldivis, yet the Mitchell Freeway is still in the planning stages of reaching Butler.
VERDICT: If freeway access is a ‘must’, then Baldivis is your winning location. It also enjoys an edge in regards to the sheer number of amenities. That said, the ‘newness’ of both suburbs means new home builders are spoilt for choice in regards to vacant block shapes, sizes and orientations.
Building in Perth is an exciting journey, no matter what side of the Swan you’re looking to settle down on. Start the search for your new home with New Generations Homes today.
Related Articles:
Our Top Pick Homes for Every Lifestyle (WA Edition)
6 Leading WA Builders to Consider
How to choose the best block for your new home design
Let us do the legwork for you.
- We’ll ask the right questions to better understand your needs
- We’ll create a recommended shortlist ideally matched to you
- We’ll answer specific questions or concerns related to home building, land purchasing or financing
Zoe Langenberg
Zoe is passionate about coffee and interior design. You can find her most weekends exploring an art gallery or devouring a good book.
1800 184 284
