Alexander Heights, WA 6064

Amazing suburb within easy access to City, Beach and Swan valley.

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Alexander Heights was a very new suburb, called Alinjarra, when I first moved out there with my parents. It was the end of suburbia, along with Ballajura near the end of Alexander Drive. We had to drive 20 minutes to do proper shopping and to get to our schools in Morley. No one else our age seemed to live there either! I got to walk our dogs in the bushland, of what is now Landsdale and ride my bike in the newly paved streets of Lakeshore Ballajura. Eventually the bushland between Dianella and the end of Alexander Drive got filled in and no doubt much of the bird and wildlife was left destitute. As a young adult, I guess I was the only one who noticed each newly bulldozed section. I still recall all of that development remorse driving in that area now.

Around the same time, it was decided that the new name of Alexander Heights would be applied to Alinjarra and there was a period of mourning as residents grew used to the new name. It was rationalised - there were a lot of hills in the suburb, after all. Some said it was better for the area and would improve values and perspective. And, perhaps it did, a little. WIth the Aboriginal name removed this meant that the association with other less desirable suburbs nearby was diminished. Girraween, Koondoola, Mirrabooka and even Marangaroo were all carefully unassociated with the suburb by changing the name to Alexander Heights.

I lived in the older part of Alexander Heights and you can tell the difference - there are a lot more trees there. The winding streets are great for evening walks around the suburbs and we always felt completely safe. There is a wide range of property available, from smaller and cheaper houses to well appointed, huge family homes. Naturally the values reflect positions and style of the houses. The parks down on Greenpark Road keep the local birdlife happy and they are great for dog walking at any time of the year.

Shopping, library, swimming pool and vet is available across the road in Ballajura and at the back of new Alexander Heights, there is also a shopping centre. Each has a small selection of specialty stores and other amenities, like doctors surgeries and post office, nearby. Major shopping for clothes or other items is available in Morley at the Galleria (15 mins) or Mirrabooka (15 mins). Now, the area of Malaga supplies most of the areas major shopping needs for white goods, bedding and even food with the Malaga Markets.

I won't list all the schools available, because there is google for that, but there is a good selection of schools, including private primary and secondary colleges. The bus route is available quite directly to the areas of Morley and to the city for private schools a further away. When I was at school it took much longer and several buses - today it is different.

For 'entertainment value' there are cinemas in Morley, Ice skating in Mirrabooka, the Swan Valley 10 mins away, Guildford, Malaga Markets, Wanneroo Markets and the beach with Hillary's Marina about 20 minutes away. It is actually quite quick travelling down Hepburn Ave to the beach. I think a lot of people forget how close it really is and spend 20 mins travelling for other things, but have the perception that the beach is too far.

Generally it is a well kept area, with a range of family types living in the area. Some of the older houses are actually being renovated as original people move out and young families move in. If you are intending to move to the area, I would advise taking a drive around the streets and getting a feel for the type of people who live there. One street can differ from the nest, but if you take your time and really go into the suburb then I don't think you would have many complaints.

I still visit the area on a regualr basis and if I found myself living there again, that would be fine by me.