Best Suburbs in Perth (2026 Guide)

Finding the perfect place to call home is one of life’s biggest decisions. When you have a family, the stakes feel even higher.

Perth offers all these things and more. The city mixes urban convenience with natural beauty, which makes it a cracking place to raise a family.

Why Perth Is Great for Family Living

Perth rates as a family-friendly city in Australia, with fantastic weather and stacks of sunny days. You can plan outdoor activities all year round.

The city blends urban comforts with nature. Beautiful beaches in Perth like Cottesloe and Scarborough are perfect for swimming and picnics. I also love the strong community spirit you feel in the suburbs.

Top 10 Best Suburbs in Perth for Comfortable Family Living

1. Applecross

Applecross sits along the southern banks of the Swan River. This well-heeled suburb has beautiful river views and a calm, leafy neighbourhood feel.

The cafe culture on Ardross Street creates a vibrant social hub. Crime rates stay low here, which gives families real peace of mind.

2. Subiaco

Subiaco is a liveable suburb for Perth families. It sits about ten minutes from the city centre, so commutes stay short.

Subiaco Oval and Mueller Park give you green space for sport and picnics. Local markets and cafes create a buzzing village vibe.

3. Mount Hawthorn

This northern suburb sits close to Perth’s CBD. Mount Hawthorn Primary School and Sacred Heart Primary both have strong reputations.

The area keeps a village feel despite sitting near the city. Trendy cafes and local shops line the main streets.

4. Floreat

Floreat is known for beautiful coastal living. The suburb gives you easy access to Floreat Beach and nearby parks.

The area has excellent sporting facilities, including golf courses. Tree-lined streets make it a pleasant place for a stroll.

5. Harrisdale

Harrisdale sits in the southern suburbs and offers affordable family living. The area suits first-home buyers and growing families.

Housing here costs less than in the inner suburbs. Young families love the modern homes and fresh streetscapes.

6. Baldivis

Baldivis pairs affordability with family-friendly features. This southern suburb has grown quickly in recent years.

Parks and recreational spaces pop up throughout the area. The shopping centres cover all the daily necessities.

Read Also: Best Suburbs in Brisbane

7. Carine

Carine sits in Perth’s northern suburbs with excellent amenities. Carine Open Space has skate parks, ovals and room for weekend sport.

Property prices run higher here, but the quality of life matches the cost. Parks and recreation hubs keep families busy.

8. Mullaloo

This coastal suburb offers abundant beaches and ocean access. Mullaloo suits kids who love water activities, and the beach gives you endless weekend fun.

Local shops, restaurants and cafes cover the dining scene. Transport links connect easily to the Mitchell Freeway, and safety levels stay high.

9. Piara Waters

Piara Waters sits south-southeast of Perth, surrounded by natural beauty. The suburb features modern homes and fresh landscaping.

Young families and professionals make up most of the locals. Housing stays relatively affordable compared with inner Perth.

10. Bayswater

Bayswater offers excellent accessibility and loads of amenities. The suburb has plenty of shops, restaurants and services.

Tennis courts and parks give you outdoor recreation space. The Swan River borders the area and adds natural beauty.

Read Also: Best Suburbs in Melbourne

Cost of Living in Peaceful Perth Suburbs

Living costs in Perth change from suburb to suburb, so plan your budget around the area you like.

Housing is the biggest expense. Median house prices in the popular suburbs sit well above the Perth average.

Rents run higher for houses than for apartments, and city-centre locations cost more than the outer suburbs.

Public transport costs a fair amount each month, and utility bills add a few hundred dollars on top. Overall, Perth still compares well with the eastern states.

Groceries and dining out cost less than in Sydney or Melbourne. I find the weekly shop reasonable for a family.

Tips for Choosing the Right Suburb

Visit at different times of day and on weekends.
Check travel time to work and to school.
Look for parks, shops and health services nearby.
Speak to local parents and join a community group.
Check recent house price trends and project plans.
Think long-term about school catchments and growth potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the best suburbs in Perth for schools?

Subiaco has Perth Modern School, and Applecross has Applecross Senior High School, both with strong names. I always suggest checking catchment zones before you buy.

What are affordable family suburbs in Perth?

Baldivis, Harrisdale and Piara Waters give families affordable housing options. I suggest comparing a few areas on price and commute before you decide.

Which are the most expensive suburbs in Perth?

Cottesloe, Peppermint Grove and Dalkeith rank among Perth’s priciest suburbs. Applecross and Claremont also sit at the top end.

What is considered the worst suburb in Perth?

I don’t like labelling any suburb the worst. Some areas face tougher challenges with crime or falling property values, but every suburb has streets people love. Check the latest stats and visit the area yourself before you judge.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Perth?

It depends on your lifestyle and family size. As a rough guide, a comfortable life in Perth takes a solid full-time income, with more needed for a family. I suggest mapping your own budget against local costs.