Geraldton, WA 6530

3.2(15 reviews)

Ranked 4th best suburb by locals in Central Region, WA

Great for

  • Parks and recreation
  • Lack of traffic
  • Neighbourly spirit
  • Medical facilities
  • Eating out

Not great for

  • Public transport
  • Nightlife
  • Shopping options
  • Childcare

Who lives here?

  • Families With Kids
  • Retirees
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Country Lovers

Reviews of Geraldton, WA

Editors Choice

"Great place to live"

I've lived in Geraldton for over 10 years and think it's a great place to live. Fantastic beaches with plenty of good fishing and camping spots close by. There's also good surf beaches and the wind surfing is some of the best in Australia so there's definitely plenty to do. The city center has everything you need including some good pubs, restaurants and cafes.

The cost of living is good particularly since house prices are considerably lower than Perth while the income is the same if not better. There's also plenty of employment due to local industries like fishing, farming and mining. Even with the recent mining boom ending Geraldton has enough other industries so there's always work for anyone who really wants it.

Like any city, there are some areas that are not very nice and have higher crime rates. I've always stayed away from these parts of town (Rangeway and Spalding in particular). Have never had any issues where I am or in the city center so I don't think it's as big a problem as some people make it out to be.

Who lives here?

  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
1
Kai Sunderland
Kai Sunderland

I would recommend not to live in Rangeway as it is the most dangerous place to live in Geraldton with a very high crime rate

thanyah
thanyah

What's you reckoned about Utakarra ? Thanks

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Editors Choice

"Large town with plenty of activity."

Geraldton is the fourth largest city in WA and has a population of over 32,000. Located 424 kms north of Perth the area is growing in popularity and has a large tourism industry. Geraldton in also a port and is important for mining, wheat, sheep and fishing. Some of the major attraction of Geraldton is the memorial to the HMAS Sydney which was lost of the coast here and the wreckage finally found 150 kms a north at Shark Bay and the St Francis Xavier Catholic Cathedral which was started in 1916 but wasnt finished until 1938. Being near the sea Geraldton has a Mediterranean climate but becomes very dry and arid away from the coast. There is a good choice of schools in this city from primary through to secondary with both state and private being catered for. Geraldton is a sporting town with all water sports being popular especially surf board riding and windsurfing. Horse racing is also popular with the Geraldton Gold cup an annual event. There are numerous sporting fields in the area catering for sports such as football (most codes), netball, cricket, athletics, swimming and golf etc. Real estate prices in Geralton vary and depending on what you want and how much you have to spend there is something for you to buy.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
2
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14th February 2024

"To the tune Happy and You know it"

If you like having your stuff stolen, move to here
👏🏻👏🏻
If you like seeing your cars burned out, move to here
👏🏻👏🏻
If you like having no services, and you really want to show it
If you like having no services, move to here!


If you like domestic abuse, move to here
👏🏻👏🏻
If you like your neighbours smashing, move to here
👏🏻👏🏻
If you like drug addled fools, move to here
👏🏻👏🏻
If you like the people suffering and you want to live it
If you like the people suffering, move to here!


Geraldton is honestly only getting worse and worse. It’s not very safe. The man who was attacking women was never caught. Services are lacking in every area and don’t think about building here when it’s a four year wait.

Everything is vastly overpriced and more people prefer to shop online rather than local.


Good schooling means sending your kids away.


Shops and services quickly die here. If you want to open a business be prepared to be out of business in six months as everyone goes back to online shopping when the novelty wears off.


Huge problems with alcohol and drug violence. My neighbours screaming abuse at each other is practically the bird calls of the suburb.


Don’t be surprised if you hear sirens once a week. Two weeks ago we had a car burned out a block away.


Also don’t be surprised if you’re food shopping and next moment you’re being screamed at by a drunk stranger or the teens have started the online video trend of hitting a random stranger in the face just for the clicks online.


Oh! And you can most certainly not have nice things. They will be destroyed. It might not happen immediately but it will.

1
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10th January 2024

"Very underwhelming"

The wind is ridiculous. Making it a dust bowl and impossible to do anything most of the year. There's a lot of crime, theft, drugs and it lacks any sense of culture, art and creativity. It tries with the numerous little cafes, which have nice decor, yet the vibe just isn't there. Between the lack of any meaningful nightlife, it just doesn't offer anything attractive to anyone who actually wants to live a great life. There are so many comparable towns across the state in the south and in other states, that offer good vibes, art, culture and have no wind! !

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
2
Anonymousmousse Cake
Anonymousmousse Cake

Amen! Long time resident as Im stuck and agree

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"Unfortunately just not for us."

We lived in Geraldton for 12 months. It has a fantastic foreshore, beautiful beaches, and nice friendly people. There is a lot to see and do here and if you make the effort to put yourself out there you will make friends. There is some lovely little cafes and you can get a really decent meal in some of the pubs.

Not much in the line of men's clothes, but there is some lovely little boutiques that cater for women's clothing.

Unfortunately though, in our experience the crime/drug problem was pretty bad or we just got unlucky!Our house was broken into 2 times while we lived there. My car was damaged by kids throwing rocks at it and I often witnessed a lot of antisocial behaviour while out and about.

That is just my honest opinion based on my experience while I lived in Geraldton.

4
thanyah
thanyah

Hi thank you for your review would like to ask do you know which suburbs around Geraldton is good? Thanks am thinking relocate next year

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Rentals in Geraldton

"I can't wait to move back"

coming from having grown up in Europe, it's like living in a holiday destination. Stunning beaches everywhere, amazing warm summers and beautiful winters, it has everything you need - dozens of great cafes, bars and sports clubs. It is an amazing place.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
1
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"Beach living"

I moved here 3 years ago and have lived in various WA locations, the NT and Victoria. I was a GP and now am retired so work was never a problem for me but it can be a bit harder than the capital cities to find a job in some professions/jobs. Also worked in law enforcement prior to being a doctor for a number of years so have some experience with crime.

Pros/Cons: Cheap property by the beach, paid $170K for a very nice detached 2 bed townhouse 500 metres from the beach in a nice complex. Pub and shops over the road. No traffic to speak of and good range of shopping. Great cafes, library, sports facilities, shops. Being near the beach makes the summer heat waves much more tolerable, only have aircon running less than 2 weeks out of the year, the sea breeze keeps things cool enough (it is a decent breeze though). Suburbs a few kms inland can be more of a problem with heat. It is rarely cold and that is a massive bonus for me, board shorts, T-Shirt and thongs is my dress code unless going out.

Some areas have quite extensive social crime problems, lot's of social disadvantage, if you're racist don't come here. These areas are usually indicated by having really really cheap property prices. Having said that I have had no issues with crime and feel very safe. This is no different from any town of this size and I believe it is better than any other parts of WA including Perth. Drugs no worse than anywhere else I've every lived and I've treated quite a few people for drug addiction over the years.

You need to get involved in the community otherwise you may feel unwanted/not welcome. Plenty of ways to do that with sports, clubs, volunteering and the like. Once you get involved there is too much to do and I find myself saying no to things as I want to chill. The foreshore is that best I have seen in Australia for a town this size and is a credit to the council. I am down there everyday, walking, fishing, just chilling and love it. 4 hours drive to Perth if you need a big city hit.

The public hospital is busy and understaffed but then again so is every public hospital, it's no better or worse than Perth, Melbourne or wherever. Plenty of GP's. some good, some not so, but lot's of choice. They have the ability to do most health related things in Gero and have a great patient assistance travel scheme when you need to travel to Perth for serious stuff.

Without a doubt the best place I have lived in 60 odd years, everything I need and nothing I don't. Come have look, stay for a while, house prices are rising but still way less that equivalent areas in other parts of Australia.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
8
johnk68

Hi Paul thanks for the unbiased info, we are heading up their due to new job and semi retirement I am also originally from Vic and lived in Perth past 3 decades big move for myself at this time in life but looking forward to it

glen.williames@yarracity.vic.gov.au
[email protected]

Great review pal. Thanks for taking the time.

Save Australia
Save Australia

Extremely helpful, thank you for your review.

Adam Hextall
Adam Hextall

Thanks Paul. I'll try and make contact on Facebook if ok? Thanks

SharonT1
SharonT1

Hi Paul . Yes great overall review . May I please ask what year you posted this ?

Paul Pittorino
Paul Pittorino

Sharon T1 this was in 2021, still here, still loving it. Housing is more expensive now but still a good deal comparatively.

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"Here is my absolute honest opinion based on my time here"

I’ve lived in the Midwest region for the three decades. For the last 15ish years I’ve been in Geraldton.
Like all places it has it ups and far more downs.


Drugs. Huuuuge drug problems. I unfortunately bought a house in Utakarra. The realestate agency cared more about the profits than the fact that the house should be condemned. Almost every morning we wake to some kind of glass smashed across the roads.


White people aren’t wanted here. Do not be surprised to hear loudly “this is why I hate white people”, and most of the white people you find well and truly deserve it.

The hospital is ill equipped for the size of the region. Expect a 6 hour wait for medical treatment in the ER. I’ve been there when a poor woman was miscarrying in front of everyone but there was no bed for her. I’ve been there with a woman trying to cut her wrists as there was no bed to her either.


There are long waits for mental health help. Same with NDIS. Not enough disability access and forget about driving here. It’s a joke. Car parks are too small. Do expect to be coming home with new scratches and dents.


Shopping is limited. Our Striling Centre has 8 empty premises. The Mall is half empty as rent is astronomical.

Theft from cars is super common. I’ve started leaving my car unlocked and glovebox down with nothing in it because I’d rather not have my locks broken.


Bike theft. Even if you can prove another kid has taken your child’s bike, good luck getting it back.


The beaches are nice. They’re even pretty. But don’t expect everyone to follow the rules. People like to walk dogs off lead, it’s kind of an inbuilt right here. Even dangerous dogs... and owners will laugh. Cats must be kept inside too as people also laugh over pets being mauled.


Also, when you come to town, it is definitely a town where who you know means more than what you know. Most people are related. Hook up culture isn’t a young people’s game. Half the time kids are raised not actually by the biological father.


We also have a high dust count. This isn’t the place if you’re allergic to dust, grass, mould, or pollen.


As for cafes... we have more than we need. You can find most things you need... oh! There’s no fresh supermarket bread on the weekends.

3
janem50

Thank you for your honesty. I know people say its biased, but you have lived there long enough to know. Appreciate it.

Save Australia
Save Australia

I too, appreciate your comments.

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"Horrible Place"

It's filled with trashy barefoot feral bogans, rampant crime, everything is overpriced, especially property, you'd think you were buying beachfront property in California, not some redneck town in the middle of nowhere.

3
leee1

Well maybe you should have stayed where you lived prior instead of coming on here and complaining. I don't share your views.

Rob Pellew
Rob Pellew

leee1, I'm not sure you understand how this works. This is exactly where you come to give your view of an area so others can take it onboard to make basic assumptions from. If this gentleman is alone in his thinking, then his viewpoint will be overruled by other more positive review. If there are other likeminded views to this one, then maybe its something the unwary can take into account. But since you're into the censorship thing, here's the thing... he gave 3 examples and a comparison to his argument while you gave no argument to your disagreement and claimed that since you don't like what he said, no one else here should have the chance to hear what he has to say. I'd much rather you go elsewhere than the original poster. Your comment is nothing more than self-important trolling.

Breac Macleod
Breac Macleod

Unfortunately that comment is completely unfounded and probably brought on by an unfortunate experience so does not represent the actual question.

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"Underrated"

Geraldton is a great place to live!
The beaches are awesome and the whole foreshore area has been redeveloped. You don't have the problem of being stuck in traffic, and you can get from Cape Burney to Drummonds in 15 mins. Marine Tce and the West End have been revitalised, and there's a lot of independent cafes, art projects and innovations that are happening.

Great for

  • Lifestyle
  • Seachangers
  • Size

Not great for

  • Lack of 'culture'
  • Bad crime in some areas (although not as bad as Bunbury, according to statistics)

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Hipsters
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
1
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"Good sized city in WA"

I think Geraldton has a good balance of size (big enough for decent job opportunities, and facilities) and small enough to retain a community feel. The property prices are much cheaper than Perth and surrounds of course. I live in Sunset Beach which is right on the beach, good luck getting that in larger cities at a reasonable price... It has grown a lot over the years, and I am recommending to people generally that it is a nice town to retire too if you like the beach side living side of things. I do hear that there is good job opportunities also if you are working still and want to be away from the larger cities.

Great for

  • Size
  • Lifestyle
  • Seachangers

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
1
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"Will be a great place to live one day :)"

We moved to Geraldton a couple of years ago and on the whole like the place and really like the lifestyle it offers, the beaches and the weather make it a great place to bring up kids. We have also found the people here to be very friendly and my little boy is enrolled in a lovely public school here. It has a few shortcomings though as follows:
Firstly and of course most importantly is the wind....it blows and blows and blows all the time.
The shopping is horrible with only a Target to speak of.
Everything is very much located in the centre of town, and with the suburbs spreading 20kms each way north & south, if you live up either end of town it is a long way to trek for everything, not even Dr's and Dentists surgeries seem to exist other than in the town centre.
It is expensive to live here real estate wise, crime is a problem in a lot of areas.
Wages seem to be lower here than in other comparable regional centres.
Council facilities need to still come a long way (no one big council run gym in town only the swimming pool so there isn't one gym in town where your membership includes the ability to use a pool.

I think though, if you give the place maybe 10 years it will be fabulous, it just needs to catch up with the times a little.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
3
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"Geraldton - City Escape."

I love Geraldton. I have lived here my entire life, and no matter the amount of traveling i do, it always welcomes me home. I have an amazing job here that supports young people, and the people here are so friendly. Yes, housing is a bit pricey these days, but so is everything else. The only problem being is people coming from perth trying to compare it to perth. It's Geraldton. So what if the shopping doesn't meet your insanely high standards, there is online shopping for that. And if you cannot open your eyes to what Geraldton does offer as a lovely country city, go back to the bigger,louder,smokey cities.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
1
leee1

Ii completely agree. I'm so tired of people coming to Geraldton and comparing it to Perth and I'm bloody sick of city dwellers trying to compare it to a city. If you don't like it, don't come. Stay in the city and stop complaining about everything. I love Geraldton.

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"A great place to raise a family."

Over the last 15 years the place has really changed, it is fantastic.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
6
bradg332211

Spot on.

PeterS17

There is a new subdivision called "Sunset Beach" which has new turnkey builds from $390,000 I think, so they are certainly turning this around. The details are at sunsetbeachliving.com.au

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Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
0
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