jodipodi Posted September 7, 2013 Report Share Posted September 7, 2013 Hi all, so I'm posting this here as I thought who better to ask than those living in Perth already...I thought I might get the most response here, mods may think it is better suited elsewhere so please move if you do I'm wondering about the necessity of having a car in Perth so would like to know if there are many decent suburbs that are within walking distance to a nice beach (say 15 mins walk) but also that I could easily travel to and from main amenity areas such as shopping centres, possibly schools, etc by public transport, say within 45 mins on bus/train. When we looked at Adelaide we found that a car would likely be a much needed thing to get around but it seems some of the areas in Perth are quite accessible by bike/train/bus....would love to hear some views from you lot who have first hand experience. We are thinking Joondalup and surrounds from what we've read up on so far but obviously best to research as much as possible Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted September 7, 2013 Report Share Posted September 7, 2013 As WA is much more widespread then you're very likely to need a car - we wouldn't be able to be without one - particularly when it comes to socialising - not all your friends will end up living within walking distance - also for shopping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carla Morris Posted September 7, 2013 Report Share Posted September 7, 2013 We live in Secret Harbour and I didn't have a car for the first 8 weeks, I found the public transport was great and the school run was a 10 minute walking round trip, and the shopping centre is about a 10 minute walk, the beach and golf club are around 20 minutes walk! Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portlaunay Posted September 7, 2013 Report Share Posted September 7, 2013 We had a short spell in suburbia and lasted about 6 weeks, it was just awful for us. Freo has everything we need and when we lived on South Terrace there were long periods when the car didn't move. We were on the free CAT bus route which takes you to the train station and into town. South beach was a 10 minute walk away and the area is littered with deli's and bakeries and cafe's. We've moved a little further out from the centre so we find ourselves driving to the beach to walk the dog but Mrs p can't drive and I don't think she's ever been in a situation where she's really felt disadvantaged. Just be aware that a lot of the newer suburbs don't have footpaths so in theory you could walk to get that loaf of bread but the reality is somewhat different. I believe but am not certain, that Joondalup is a lot like this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest9824 Posted September 8, 2013 Report Share Posted September 8, 2013 I'm not the most confident driver, and am limited to where I drive to, so we picked an area that had everything reasonably to hand for me, short drive to school, shops, docs etc, and if I want to go further I get the bus, I don't mind that at all, but I would say that when the temps hit 40 degrees, walking can be a no go option, and a car will be your air con sanctuary! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verystormy Posted September 8, 2013 Report Share Posted September 8, 2013 We live out in the sticks - Dawesville and my wife doesnt drive and i am away a month at a time with work and she manages. But, we dont have children and she is happy to cycle an hour. It can be done from most places. But it is isnt easy. As for living near a beach, that is easy, but depends a lot on budget. For example, you can live in Cottesloe - easy for shops, restaurants and the city and easy walk to a beach. But, your looking at a minimum of $800 a week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jodipodi Posted September 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2013 I'm not the most confident driver, and am limited to where I drive to, so we picked an area that had everything reasonably to hand for me, short drive to school, shops, docs etc, and if I want to go further I get the bus, I don't mind that at all, but I would say that when the temps hit 40 degrees, walking can be a no go option, and a car will be your air con sanctuary! Yeah Im the same Peanuts, that's the main reason why I ask to be honest. Im totally fine on small roads where Im familiar with them but get me on a motorway/freeway and Im mush...I freak out. I have been looking to get some sort of extra driving lessons for this problem but don't seem to be any instructors who specialize in that near me..Ill keep looking though as Id like to have the freedom of being able to take full advantage of my licence. We will have a car but its likely that hubby will be the main user and that Ill be doing most of the running around with the kids so Id like to be able to get bus/train or walk. I don't mind at all if it meant I had to get the bus/train to shops n stuff but Id really like to be within walking distance of the beach. Where is it you live Peanuts? Thanks everyone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jodipodi Posted September 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2013 We had a short spell in suburbia and lasted about 6 weeks, it was just awful for us. Freo has everything we need and when we lived on South Terrace there were long periods when the car didn't move. We were on the free CAT bus route which takes you to the train station and into town. South beach was a 10 minute walk away and the area is littered with deli's and bakeries and cafe's. We've moved a little further out from the centre so we find ourselves driving to the beach to walk the dog but Mrs p can't drive and I don't think she's ever been in a situation where she's really felt disadvantaged. Just be aware that a lot of the newer suburbs don't have footpaths so in theory you could walk to get that loaf of bread but the reality is somewhat different. I believe but am not certain, that Joondalup is a lot like this. Hmmm Freo sounds like my type of place Portlaunay! When you say a lot of newer suburbs don't have footpaths etc do you mean Id end up needing a pair of hiking boots for a trek across rolling hills and such haha?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arwen Posted September 8, 2013 Report Share Posted September 8, 2013 Personally if you live in the suburbs and have kids I can't imagine having to manage without a car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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