10 Reasons to Live and Work in Perth

Kim Padmore • February 4, 2018

Perth doesn’t get as much credit as our other Australian capital cities, but there are plenty of reasons to live and work in Perth…after all, we did rank as the 7th most liveable city in the world according to The Economist! Here are just 10 reasons:

Weather

This has to be number one…they don’t call it ‘Perfect Perth’ for nothing! We have a Mediterranean climate and it feels as though the sun is always shining. Take it from me, after working in London for two years, getting out of bed and going to work is much, much easier when it’s sunny! Get out and enjoy your lunch break outside.

Cost of living

According to The Economist Intelligence Unit's Worldwide Cost of Living Survey 2016, it said that Perth is more affordable than living in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. It’s also a very good time to buy a house in Perth and you certainly get more for your money than in cities like Sydney & London (in my experience!).

Competitive salaries

With the amount of local apprentices dropping by 10% in the last year, Perth is heading towards a skill shortage in many areas, which means for many industries, it’s a candidates’ market. Employers need to be competitive in order to retain and attract staff.

Lifestyle

Being close to the coast and having such a great climate makes for a relaxed lifestyle. It’s like being on a working holiday even if you live here. The people are down to earth, friendly and open and it’s a slower pace of life. People spend time socialising outside, walking along West Coast Drive, hanging out at the beach, having picnics and BBQs.

Dining out

Perth is fast becoming a hot destination for foodies. The cafe and restaurant scene is thriving with new pop-ups and niche cafes which specialise in some of Australia’s most ‘insta-worthy’ dishes (freak shakes, New York-style cookies and the like!) The smallest and quirkiest of coffee shops are springing up all over Perth, as well as new high-end restaurants offering degustation menus. You can even find a bourbon and bacon tasting!

Developments

Perth is being transformed with a number of major developments underway helping to create an even more liveable city and attracting tourists. The Perth City Council is expanding the CBD, joining both Northbridge and Perth city as one. Elizabeth Quay has recently opened with a number of new restaurants, hotels and cafes underway. The Perth Stadium has opened at the end of January 2018 with a capacity of 60,000 people and will be home to local sports teams as well as international games and global music artists. Perth now even boasts two of the world’s 6-star hotels.

Tech and innovation

Perth has seen a real boom in the tech and innovation space, with a growing number of entrepreneurs, networking groups and co-working spaces popping up. Perth is also home to technology festivals and there are a number of sponsored programs for creative initiatives. Over the past 8 years, more than 400 digital and internet start-ups have formed.

Job opportunities

With all this construction and development brings new opportunities for employment across a number of sectors. The job market as a whole has seen an increase in new vacancies and a decrease in the rate of unemployment. Positive news for job seekers!

A woman is standing in a circle on a blue background.

Commuting

If you have ever worked somewhere like London, you will know the peak hour commute can be crowded and uncomfortable. I can’t count the number of times I had someone’s armpit in my face or saw arguments unfold on the tube. With Perth’s population of 2.04 million people, there are a lot fewer people to battle within the morning, making for a much more comfortable (and less hostile) journey. It also still amazes me how clean, quiet and spacious Perth trains are!

Flights

Don’t get me wrong, Perth is more isolated than our other cities, however, we are just a short flight away from Asia (just 3 hours to Bali). We are also the closest major Australian city to London and with the new Qantas direct flight from Perth to London commencing n March 2018, we are now only 17 hrs 20 minutes away!

If you are making the move to Perth and want to talk about career options, please get in touch with Kim Padmore at people2people.

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