ImmilBees Posted July 7, 2014 Report Share Posted July 7, 2014 Hi all, we may be jumping the gun a bit, having not even put our visa application in yet (need to sit IELTS and skills assessment first) but anyway, we've researched suburbs and narrowed it down to two possibly three areas. 1. Rockingham 2. Joondalup 3. Cockburn (DH has family here) anyone from theses areas, and can give advice or recommend, on what you think of the place? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Druid Posted July 7, 2014 Report Share Posted July 7, 2014 When we arrived we stayed in a short term holiday rental for 6 weeks in Rockingham, we then moved to Harrisdale where we stayed for two years, then we moved to Burns Beach Joondalup, out of all these places we are happiest and like Joondalup the most, we went to Cockburn quite regularly, nice shopping centre and it looks lovely, good commuting links too, Rockingham was a bit run down and a huge commute to the city & airport, Harrisdale was a commute to anywhere and do anything, Joondalup is a long commute to work, but that's it, no more commute to do anything else Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb Posted July 7, 2014 Report Share Posted July 7, 2014 We been in Rockingham 10 weeks we like it.Beacn is lovely and the foreshore as a holiday feel about it.Nice eating place, coffee shops.chippys and wine bars.ETC.Train into the city does not take long. Friends live in Joodalup they love it. Its a personal choice try one area then if you don't like it move. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifi69 Posted July 7, 2014 Report Share Posted July 7, 2014 Been to joondalup shopping and for work, looks ok to me, but don't know much about living there. I don't live in Rockingham, but near there. I personally wouldn't like to live n Rocko. It's not called the bogan capital of WA for nothing:shocked:. Although the foreshore is gorgeous with some really lovely shops and eating places along it. If they could put the effort into the rest of it, a million dollar hub it would be. There is plans afloat for a new marina etc. so it may be the new Hillarys yet. Cockburn is really nice and if only giving me those three, that would be my first choice by a mile. but out of all of Perth....I'm not sure it would make my top ten. But let us know why you've chosen the areas you have and why did they figure so high? we may be able to help with other suitable ones for you to consider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ImmilBees Posted July 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2014 (edited) Hi, and thanks for replying. The reason we looked into Cockburn was purely because family were there in Atwell, and it would be nice to have a friendly face to start with, , it's nice to get a locals point of view on areas, as Rockingham according to the government website, sounded a peaceful family orientated place to live by the sea, from what you've said though it isn't! The reason we narrowed it down to Rockingham or Joondalup, was mainly because we wanted coastal living, and somewhere good for young children, Joondalup also has the medical campus which was good for me with work, and murdoch in cockburn are building the fiona stanley hospital, so we felt there would be good job opportunities for me there. I might sound a bit contradictory here but we wanted coastal living but somewhere with a bit of greenery and big parks, does that make sense? Preferably near to a hospital, with good schools for children, and lots of activities for children. Family orientated and friendly! So if you can point us in the direction of anywhere that fits that, that would be great! PS Mandurah was a bit too far south, Wanneroo, to inland, and Melville we thought might be a bit out of our price range to start with Can I ask, where have/do you live? where would be in your top 10? Edited July 8, 2014 by ImmilBees Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted July 8, 2014 Report Share Posted July 8, 2014 Mandurah is only 50 minutes from Perth. We have good affordable housing close to the beach and a hospital - peel health campus. Very much a beach and water lifestyle. Lots of green / parks and things and round the corner from national parks and half way from Perth to Margaret River. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickandange Posted July 9, 2014 Report Share Posted July 9, 2014 (edited) Before we set off we knew we were going to be based near Rockingham initially (in Baldivis), so looked at suburbs around there in an attempt to work out where would be 'right for us'. Our initial thoughts were that we really liked the look of Waikiki and Shoalwater because they seemed more established, quieter than other places, and very close to the coast. On visiting them they haven't disappointed on the whole; the coastline down there is absolutely stunning (and varied) and so quiet compared to the some of the northern beaches. The majority of housing looks quite well maintained, but like others have said, some areas are a bit tired looking like you'd find anywhere I suppose. The foreshore at Rockingham is lovely and there is a good selection of reasonably priced places to eat and drink (WAY more reasonable than the likes of Freo and Hillarys etc), and I think the shopping centre is fantastic. There is such a big selection of shops and places to eat, and also a cinema. It's also really handy for drives down to Mandurah, Serpentine and then further south for weekends away. We feel really settled down here, but unfortunately the reality for us is that it's just too far away from work in peak traffic. What should be a quick 45 min hop down the freeway has taken 2 hours at worst, and we really didn't consider this factor when deciding upon where we wanted to settle (seems really daft now on reflection). My 'fast' route to work (still nearly 1 1/2 hours each way) takes me down the coast through Coogee, which I know very little about, but might be a closer 'coastal living' alternative so that you're not too far for Cockburn possibly? Anyway, I think what I'm trying to get at is that you don't really know what is going to be suitable until you get here and get used the true practicalitles of living in a place. The practical things really come down to work and money for us; we've had to discount the places that are too far and too expensive, and find the best fit elsewhere. Edited July 9, 2014 by rickandange Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ImmilBees Posted July 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2014 (edited) All great points, thanks everyone. We initially did like Mandurah, but 50 minutes is a bit far for us especially if my husband does get work in Perth CBD. Which is why we were looking at Rockingham for the reasons rickandange said, we can use Mandurah and further south as holiday visits, and still be close vicinity to Atwell, where the family are. Having re looked at the maps and Coogee in relation to Atwell, and perth, it looks the more favourable now. Especially with the point you make about a 45 minute journey isn't that in reality. And we agree everywhere has it's run down areas. Anyone have any more to say about Joondalup? Edited July 9, 2014 by ImmilBees Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Druid Posted July 9, 2014 Report Share Posted July 9, 2014 Hi, and thanks for replying. The reason we looked into Cockburn was purely because family were there in Atwell, and it would be nice to have a friendly face to start with, , it's nice to get a locals point of view on areas, as Rockingham according to the government website, sounded a peaceful family orientated place to live by the sea, from what you've said though it isn't! The reason we narrowed it down to Rockingham or Joondalup, was mainly because we wanted coastal living, and somewhere good for young children, Joondalup also has the medical campus which was good for me with work, and murdoch in cockburn are building the fiona stanley hospital, so we felt there would be good job opportunities for me there. I might sound a bit contradictory here but we wanted coastal living but somewhere with a bit of greenery and big parks, does that make sense? Preferably near to a hospital, with good schools for children, and lots of activities for children. Family orientated and friendly! So if you can point us in the direction of anywhere that fits that, that would be great! PS Mandurah was a bit too far south, Wanneroo, to inland, and Melville we thought might be a bit out of our price range to start with Can I ask, where have/do you live? where would be in your top 10? You ou have just answered your own question, Joondalup it is then, close to the beach, large hospital, big parks and plenty to do for kids Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ImmilBees Posted July 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2014 I know I thought that as I typed, still torn a little though. Would you say Joondalup has all that? It did look "greener" from the research, the big hospital is a plus for me. Is it right the cost of living is slightly more expensive up that way? But then with the Fiona Stanley being built there may be more opportunity for me there rather than in an established hospital. Or are nurses pretty much needed everywhere? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb Posted July 9, 2014 Report Share Posted July 9, 2014 Hi its 20min on the train to FSH from Rockingham then a 5 min walk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Druid Posted July 9, 2014 Report Share Posted July 9, 2014 It's a 5 minute drive from beach side of the freeway to Joondalup hospital, then a walk from the car park Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abc Posted July 9, 2014 Report Share Posted July 9, 2014 +1 for Joondalup, Rockingham Bogan capital of WA, lots of heavy industry too, spoils the whole costal area down there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
no1mum Posted July 9, 2014 Report Share Posted July 9, 2014 hI, we arrived earlier this year and have settled in Connolly just next to Joondalup. We came out in 2012 to activate visas and stayed in Scarborough and did a recci NOR, last year we stayed in Safety Bay with a view to doing a recci of Secret Harbour, Mandurah, Rockingham and Baldavis. Joondalup and NOR suburbs near train line can be pricey compared to SOR, we could have bought mortgage free down south, but wanted to consider day to day living and commuting and facilities. What you will save in housing by living SOR will be lost in any commuting unless you lucky enough to get local Jobs. We are a five minute drive to coast, admittedly beaches SOR quieter, but we love Connolly. Very green, walking distance to joondalup if want, 5 - 15 min to beaches. We have some friends who arrived in January and got jobs at Mandurah hospital, they have broke their rental lease and are moving to Joondalup next week. As Deb says you can always live both areas if renting and get a feel, but a lot of energy used up on house hunting rather than enjoying meeting all us friendly lot. [ The commute from Joondalup by train only takes 25 mins to city also, Heathridge is a good location (cheaper than Connolly) and still 5 min drive to coast, if you want to live right on the coast it does get a little cheaper the more NOR you go, but also a little less greener unless you go as far as Yanchep. Hope this helps a little. Good luck with your decision. QUOTE=ImmilBees;106587]I know I thought that as I typed, still torn a little though. Would you say Joondalup has all that? It did look "greener" from the research, the big hospital is a plus for me. Is it right the cost of living is slightly more expensive up that way? But then with the Fiona Stanley being built there may be more opportunity for me there rather than in an established hospital. Or are nurses pretty much needed everywhere? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annjean Posted July 25, 2014 Report Share Posted July 25, 2014 I live Nor on the coast and i love it, 10 min to Joondalup, 10 min to the national park at Yanchep, everything is close when you have a car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesw Posted July 25, 2014 Report Share Posted July 25, 2014 The locals would tell you this.... Joondalup = Little Britain of the North Rockingham = Little Britain of the South Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted July 25, 2014 Report Share Posted July 25, 2014 Personally, I would wait to see where you get a job first as that will probably influence where you live. FS is already into a large recruitment drive for opening and by the time it does then most if not all of the positions will be filled - it is important to remember also that with FS that staff are being relocated from existing hospitals whose services are being transferred to the new site e.g. departments at RPH and Freo will be closing and those staff had had first options to relocate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Druid Posted July 25, 2014 Report Share Posted July 25, 2014 The locals would tell you this.... Joondalup = Little Britain of the North Rockingham = Little Britain of the South Thats old information, Rockingham has changed a little since then. Joondalup = Little Britain of the North, we even have our own Radio Station now Rockingham = Bogan capital of 'Australia', yes you read it right, of 'Australia' not even WA! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou8670 Posted July 26, 2014 Report Share Posted July 26, 2014 Thats old information, Rockingham has changed a little since then. Joondalup = Little Britain of the North, we even have our own Radio Station now Rockingham = Bogan capital of 'Australia', yes you read it right, of 'Australia' not even WA! Yep, more Aussie bogans than Brits...and they're proud of it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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