The Best Perth Suburbs To Move To In 2026

Perth is the place to be in 2026. Western Australia’s population grew 2.2% last year, the fastest rate of any state or territory. With net interstate migration topping 10,000 people and net overseas migration closing in on 41,000, it seems like the word is out about everything Perth has to offer.

But a lot of new arrivals don’t realise how spread-out Perth really is. Pick the wrong suburb and your daily commute, school run, social life and weekend routine might not be what you expected.

At KEYS, we’ve spent 30+ years moving people around Perth and from interstate. We’re on the road every day, moving people from all walks of life, and we know all the good areas to live in Perth.

How to Pick a Perth Suburb 

There are more than 350 suburbs in the Perth metro area. How do you choose the best one for you?

Start by shrinking your search area based on your lifestyle, location preference and budget.

• CBD commute: If you work in Perth CBD or like an inner-city lifestyle, you’ll want a commute under 30 minutes. Perth’s growing transport network is bringing more suburbs into this sweet spot.

• School catchments: Perth’s school catchment areas have hard boundaries. If you’re looking to get your child into a sought-after public school, you need to live in the right zone.

• NOR vs SOR: The old north-vs-south rivalry is fading, but you’ll still need to consider travel time and transport routes if your job or social circle is based in one place.

• Beach, river or hills? Nature is an undeniable highlight of life in Perth, so choose a suburb that gives you easy access to the weekend adventures you want.

• Budget: Perth’s “million-dollar club” has grown to over 120 suburbs, but outer suburbs are still affordable in 2026.

These five factors should help you narrow your search. From there, you can dive deeper into discovering the best Perth suburbs to move to.

Best Perth Suburbs by Lifestyle

Best Coastal Suburbs

• Scarborough

Scarborough, about 14km from the CBD, is energetic and built around its redeveloped foreshore. It suits young professionals, beach lovers and anyone who wants surf, cafés and sunset walks. Houses sit around the $1.4 million mark, while apartments can be more accessible. 

• Cottesloe

Perth’s postcard suburb of Cottesloe is about 12km from the CBD via the Fremantle train line. It is an established beachgoer’s paradise with prestigious private schools nestled in the leafy streets. Houses are commonly above $3 million – and they sell fast.

• Coogee

Coogee offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle around 28km south of Perth CBD and 8km from Fremantle. Protected swimming beaches and marina access attract families, downsizers and coastal buyers. The home price has risen to $1.43 million, though surrounding suburbs like Spearwood and Beeliar are more affordable.

Best Family Suburbs

• Applecross

Think prestige riverside suburb with Swan River views, jacaranda-lined streets and established schools – that’s Applecross. Larger homes and quiet neighbourhoods suit families and buyers wanting space 10km from the city, although a $2.8 million median house price may be out of reach for some families.

• Mount Lawley

Just 4km from the CBD, Mount Lawley is bursting with character homes, cafés, parks and a vibrant community feeling. It suits young families and professionals who want inner-city living without losing neighbourhood charm, and homes average around $1.75 million.

• Willetton and Rossmoyne

These suburbs are quiet, green and family-focused. They are in the catchment for sought-after public schools, including Willetton Senior High School and Rossmoyne Senior High School. Willetton houses are around $1.4 million, while Rossmoyne is closer to $2 million. Both are about 16–18km from the CBD.

Best Suburbs for Young Professionals

• Fremantle

Fremantle is creative and full of life. From the historic markets to classic cafés and heritage streets, “Freo” has an unmistakable charm. With a train line connecting Fremantle to Perth (19km away) and beaches within easy reach, it’s no wonder the median house price here is over $1.5 million.

• Leederville

Leederville is walkable, social and just 3km from the city. The suburb’s beating heart of Oxford Street is packed with restaurants and boutiques, and the nearby amenities appeal to young professionals and couples. Houses sit around $1.65 million, while units are closer to $800,000. 

• Maylands

With a fast-rising $1.2 million median house price. Maylands is still evolving. A mix of older homes and newer apartments, milk bars and trendy cafés, train lines and cycle paths appeal to young couples and professionals wanting easy access to Perth, 4.5km away.

Best Affordable Suburbs

“Affordable” in Perth’s property market is relative. These are the best Perth suburbs to move to if you’re looking for land or a larger home.

• Yokine

Yokine is a hidden gem less than 8km from Perth. It boasts parks, shops and proximity to Mount Lawley. Median house prices recently tipped over $1 million, but there are still units around $660,000.

• Balcatta

Once a rural area 12km north of Perth, modern-day Balcatta is practical and well-connected. Freeway access, parks and a mix of homes and light commercial areas suit first home buyers and young families – as does the median house price under $1 million.

• Beckenham

Around 13km south-east of Perth, with a newly renovated train line, Beckenham is well-connected and affordable. The $775k median house price is still less than Perth’s average, good for first home buyers and renters.

Best Emerging and Growth Suburbs

• Bayswater

Just 7.5km from the city, close to the river and changing quickly thanks to rail developments, Bayswater is not one to miss. It offers a classic suburban feeling with a quick CBD commute and plenty of local charm.

• Ellenbrook

Since the Ellenbrook train line opened in December 2024, the 28km journey to Perth has dropped to 30–45 minutes. That’s put the well-planned estate on the map for a lot of buyers, especially those who want to live in nature.

• Baldivis

Baldivis, 45km from Perth in a southern growth corridor suburb with space, is known for family homes and more accessible pricing. The below-average median house price and surrounding bushland suit families who want room to grow and don’t mind the commute.

Quick Comparison: All the Best Perth Suburbs to Move to in 2026

Practical Things to Sort Before You Decide

• Confirm school catchment: Check the exact address through WA Schools Online before signing a lease or contract.

• • Plan a scouting trip: Walk through some suburbs or spend a day exploring.
  • Test the commute: Run your routine at 8am on a Tuesday to see what peak-hour traffic is like.
  • Allow time for rentals: Inner-suburb rentals remain competitive, so start looking early.

• Think about the season: Autumn and winter are usually more comfortable for moving house, and booking a removalist may be easier.

• Get professional help: Book your removalist early for a stress-free move.

Planning the Move Itself

Once you have chosen the best Perth suburb to move to, the next step is making the move simple.

That’s where KEYS The Moving Solution comes in. We have more than 30 years of local, interstate and international moving experience.

Our end-to-end support takes the stress out of moving, whether it’s one suburb over or across the world. And remember that if your settlement and move-in dates don’t line up, KEYS’ secure short-term storage in Perth can give you breathing room. 

Get a free personalised quote or check our local moving guide for more tips.

Median house price figures taken from https://reiwa.com.au/ in April 2026.