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Clarkson
4.2(20 reviews)

Clarkson, WA 6030

4.2(20 reviews)

Ranked 110th best suburb by locals in Perth (Greater) Region, WA

Great for

  • Parking
  • Resale or rental value
  • Pest-free
  • Parks and recreation
  • Neighbourly spirit

Not great for

  • No ratings yet

Who lives here?

  • Families With Kids
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • Students

Reviews of Clarkson, WA

22nd July 2024

"Close to the beach and great access to transport!"

Great place to live, close to beach shops and transport options!

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
0
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28th August 2023

"Everything on your doorstep"

Husband and I bought almost 12 months ago in Clarkson and we couldn't be happier. We were originally hesitant about the area as the rumours we had heard but I think this was based on 10 years ago. We love how close we are to everything parks with big shady trees decent shopping centre up the road. Mindarie marina and Quinns beach is only a 5 min drive away. We bought in what was considered the older part of Clarkson big block, quiet street and lovely neighbors.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
1
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23rd May 2022

"Lots to offer"

With Mindarie Marina and pristine beaches to the west and train station to the east, Clarkson has so much to offer. Well serviced by Ocean Keys Shopping Precinct and excellent schools it is very family oriented. As well as that, you will find renting or buying in the area much more affordable than many neighboring suburbs.

1
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"Clarkson from a poms point of view"

I bought a house here just short of a year ago and live in one of the many quite cul de sacs off of Connolly drive. What attracted me was location and type of property, there are a number of more established houses (20-30 years) in this area that offer decent plot sizes, with pools and a good number if bedrooms - where as all the new housing was crammed in like sardines with small rooms.

Location wise we are 2km from the train station to the city and 2.5km to the beach. We lived sour of river when we first got here and parking for the train (bull creek) was a nightmare with one small car park that filled up by 7am. Clarkson has an express train to the city which is about 35 mins - although I added about 10 extrastops in my commute only increased by 5 minutes due to lack of traffic to get to the station, also a bonus you can always get a seat being at the top end of the line. The commuter trains run around every 15mins at peak time and are pretty good later in the evening if you stop in the city for drinks.

Locally fo entertainment there's not heaps but pretty standard for an Oz suburb, The Whale n Ale is okay for pub food, quiz night etc and they have a big party night once a month. We tend to go down to the Mindarie Marina which is 5 mins in a cab and is a good spot nice scenery, chilled out with plenty of friendly 30+ expats . We were having troubles getting a cab one night and one of the bar staff gave us a lift home so very nice community pub - there is also a fun group of guys who run golf days there, charter boats etc. the other pub at the marina is the Indian Ocean pacific which is a micro brewery with some nice ales. The cornerstone pub in jindalee is also supposed to be a good one but we haven't tried that yet.

Food wise best place for a restaurant sit down is Portofinos at mindarie beach they have a cafe in the day time great for brekky with the paper and lunches it has beautiful sea views and floor to ceiling windows good service, friendly, average city prices. The restaurant opens at 4 and in the summer they open the beer garden and often have acoustic musicians/singers so nice and all very chilled out.

Masala curry house is awesome take away and sit down I recommend the lamb korma! They are also gold plate winners. Plenty of fish n chips best or most English is Jindalee. Then there is your standard Burger King (hungry jacks), Maccas, KFC, Pizza Hut, dominoes etc. and a couple of little cafs' by the beaches.

Community wise everyone is pretty friendly, and we met most of our neighbours now and been invited round for BBQ's. Scool wise the best is the big catholic school between mindarie and clarkson and has a good rep. Plenty of little child care centres dotted around as well.

Beaches are plenty, mindarie is patrolled, then there are heaps stretching up the coast, we tend to drive 15 mins up the road to Yanchep Lagoon which is hemmed in by reef so you can have a float around in the calm water, snorkel etc. fishing is good all round this area and there are plenty of people with boats as well.

Shopping is okay but set to get better as there is $300m extension being added to ocean keys shopping centre, there is already two big supermarkets in the mall, plus big W which is good for cheap prices in heaps of stuff including all your kids gear, then some boutique surf shops and jewellery shops,
Higher end designer isn't really catered for up here but Joondalup Gate is building a big Myers at present so won't be long. Joondalup is about 15 mins drive south and the mall there is better for cloths shopping.

Clarkson is fairly well developed and has a couple if churches, primary and secondary school, vets, doctors, chiropractors, car dealerships, garages, fishing shops, library, gyms, big hardware shops bunnings, beacon lighting, pool shop, steak house, several petrol stations, car wash, bottle shops, pizza, laundrette/dry cleaners, nandos, TAFE College, furniture shops, carpet shops, etc so most stuff you can find on your door step.

There's a couple of parks the big one is sat next to the primary school and on the weekends is a cricket oval one day for the local team, then rugby and football for the kids the next.

All in all a great place, plenty of bang for your buck property wise if you look at the more established areas, and close enough to transport you can still do the city job an have a big house near the beach.

Great for

  • Friendly People
  • Great for kids
  • Relaxed lifestyle
  • Near coast
  • Freeway to cbd
  • Easy train commute
  • Value for Money

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
2
annies6

Hello sorry for gatecrashing your post however I'm planning on moving out to Perth in the new year and have been looking on various sites for property.I will be looking to rent initially until I familiarise myself with the area..I will also be bringing my small dog too..Can anyone help me with best places...I have been looking at Clarkson as the houses seem good value and also with me not really knowing anything about perth I thought a new estate like this may be the best option as you really know what your getting with a new build and estate..Is this the case?Are the local amenities good?Is it a friendly place to live?I would love any feedback on area distance to beach etc..My main concern is my dog and if anyone has brought there beloved family member with them from the UK..Ive been googling etc and have found some great information and companies that will collect him from uk and do everything however I'm just really enquiring if anyone has first hand experience in doing this.Any help would be greatly appreciated.

sumitl

Hi Annie,There are heaps of folks from the UK in clarkson with dogs.Every second person has a english,scottish or irish accent.and every third a South African or a kiwi.We lived in Mindarie for 6 months which was 5 minutes drive to the beach.There is a retirement home near quinns baptist college and you may want to research that on google.ladies from the window can be seen knitting away while watching parents coming to pick up kids.We then moved opposite mindarie to somerly and bought a house.10 minutes drive to beach.Lots of people here with dogs.If you are looking for a relaxed lifesytle without the rush and dry and warm sunny weather then you should be here.Its sunshine all the way to june from november.I would suggest to rent first atleast for 6 months like we did or for a year then buy.Good luck

steves41

Hi there. I'm planning to move to Banfield Grove in Clarkson. Could you please let me know if the street is safe and quiet? Thanks

Akira
Akira

What about the traffic noise that comes from Connelly Drive? Can you hear the noise in the backyard or even inside the house?

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"Enough with the State Housing bashing please"

We have lived in Clarkson for over 16years now and we live in State Housing. We came here when it was just a few houses and no shops etc. We have watched it grow and it has grown a lot. I can honestly tell you its not always State Housing tenants that cause problems. We are surrounded by 3 private rentals who made our lives hell for a few years. Stereos, fighting, parties, dogs barking etc. We complained and finally something was done. Now, we have good tentants in there thankgod. As for living in Clarkson you have your good and your bad in all sorts of housing. I can tell you the places where not to live and I am sure its in all suburbs, even ones without State Housing. Anyway, you have everything at your fingertips here. Shops, beach, medical facilities, transport, child care facilities, schools, fast food, vets etc and its only going to get better with the shopping centre expanding. In summer you get lovely sea breezes and in winter we mostly miss the crappy weather you get down south. Like I said, you have your trouble here I am not saying you don't. It does depend on where you go here so do your research or ask locals like myself. Good, affordable area and you are close to the beach for the kids. Please keep in mind that if there is State Housing in the area the tenants may not be as bad as what you think...And no, I am not doing this review on behalf of a real estate agency:)

Great for

  • Good medical facilities
  • Nice sea breezes
  • Good shopping
  • Near coast
  • Freeway to cbd
  • Easy train commute
  • Value for Money

Not great for

  • Noisy cars
  • Limited nightlife
  • Bogans

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
2
Louise42

Child care facilities / Parks & recreation are good here. They aren't in the right spots above

pauljam123

Hi Louise, could you please tell me which areas are better than others in Clarkson? We are looking at moving there from South of the river and dont really have an idea of the suburb. Thanks, Paul

LisaM8

I would also like to know the good areas in clarkson please Louise :)

annies6

could anyone help me with any information on what the retirement village is like? There are some showing up to rent or buy..Are they easy to obtain as a rental?Is there waiting lists to rent them?I have came across them on property searches and it maybe of interest to my family in the future..So any feedback or help would be greatly appreciated..Thank you.

ni-luh

Hi,, could you give me information about bateson height Road? We planning to move there. Thank you

shanl1

Does anyone know if Banfield Grove in Clarkson is a good street for a family to move to? Thank you

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"Ocean Keys / Somerly Area - A Great place to Live With Everything You Need Right on Your Doorstep!"

My partner and I moved here almost a year ago and we really love it. We're paying the same for a new 3/2 house with a double garage as we were paying for an old, small, 2nd floor apartment with no secure parking in Mount Lawley so for us the move made a lot of sense.

The area is very new and clean and I feel quite safe walking around, even on my own at night. Our neighbours are friendly and although we are only about 2 minutes walk from the shopping centre and High Street (with the Whale + Ale pub) it's very quiet and we've never had any issues with noise. There is a nice community feel and a good selection of shops which will be increasing soon with the expansion and upgrading of Ocean Keys Shopping Centre in 2013/14. Joondalup is about 15 minutes drive away where you will find the closest public swimming pool at Joondalup Arena and every shop you could possibly need at Lakeside Shopping Centre or in the surrounding retail parks.

Somerly has a good selection of take-away food outlets and some good restaurants although a few more wouldn't go amiss. There is only 1 pub (the aforementioned Whale + Ale) which also has a restaurant attached. The pub is OK although I've rarely seen it busy and the restaurant serves large portions of well-priced, typical pub food (nice but not the highest quality). They have live bands on most weeks - some good, some not so good, quizzes, tribute acts, and lots of special food nights (curry, steak etc.) where you get a meal and a drink for a reduced price. There are plenty of gyms and fitness clubs in the area, a couple of which are open 24-hrs, and at least one gym specifically for women which also has a creche. The only thing the area is missing is a pool but I'm sure that will come in time and in the meantime, Joondalup isn't far (or you can brave the ocean).

We are about 5-10 minutes drive (or 15-20 min cycle) from the beautiful, uncrowded Quinns beach where you will find the fantastic Portifino's restaurant - I definitely recommend trying this place! Mindarie Marina is a similar distance away where you will find the closest boat / jet-ski launch site, lots of nice cafes / restaurants and a few more pubs. There are also companies offering chartered fishing trips or boat trips from Mindarie.

There are plenty of local parks although all very new so mostly just grass with the odd lake thrown in for good measure! You only need to drive for 20 minutes East or North though before you're out in the Bush and to the East you will find the beautiful Avon Valley or North is Yanchep National Park.

About an hour North you can go off-roading in the dunes or drive along the beach at Ledge Point and Lancelin is not much further beyond that. You find a lot of people into off-roading here in the far Northern suburbs.

The trains are very reliable and frequent and it only takes just over 30 mins to get to Perth. The commute into the city by car though is pretty horrible and can take over an hour at peak times, especially if it's raining. For me I would say that's the biggest downside to living in Somerly but it definitely doesn't outweigh all the positive aspects. We're only renting at present but I would be quite happy to buy a place here when we are in a position to.

Great for

  • Good choice of shops
  • Sense of Community
  • Clean, tidy and quiet
  • Near coast
  • Easy train commute
  • Value for Money

Not great for

  • Freeway traffic to CBD at peak times

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Beach Lovers
2
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"Excellent value"

Been living in Somerley about 6 months. Moved from the city, so the quietness of the burbs takes a bit of getting used to. However, shopping for groceries and hardware is close and easy. Pretty much anything you can't find in Clarkson you can find at the giant mall or the business park in Joondalup. Commuting to the city is easy- the train ride is about 35 minutes. For the wife and I it was a much better option than living closer to the city, taking a bus to a train station and then a train to the city. We are walking distance to the train, so it's perfect for getting to/from work or going for a few cheeky pints with friends in Leederville or Perth. The local population is a mixed bag- sure there are some bogans, but there are lots of ex-pats (like my wife and I), and lots of young families. The area couldn't be cleaner- it's actually a bit "too new" for my taste at the moment, but as the trees grow it will become more homey. If you like to surf there is a good (uncrowded!) break at Mindarie Keys. Yanchep National Park isn't too far away (15 minutes by car), and there are a few golf courses 10-15 minutes away by car. You do see some teenagers roaming the streets up to no good, but seriously? Show me a suburb without that in any industrialized country. OK, maybe not Singapore, but until we start caning children in Oz it's pretty much inevitable that kids will wander around getting into trouble.

Great for

  • Easy train commute
  • Value for Money
  • Very Clean
  • Near coast

Not great for

  • Limited nightlife

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
2
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"A place i would never live in again even if I were given a free house"

Myself and my wife lived here in a new house we bought for 8 months. Our neighbour was from hell - a total bogan (Clarkson is full of them). Our house was in the new part of Clarkson (Somerly). Our neighbour had two big dogs that would keep us up till the early hours of the morning. He played music that could be heard in every (but one) room of our house. It was hell. We finally sold for a massive loss and moved to the city close to the beach. We will never ever ever live in such a suburb ever again. The drive to the city was also a nightmare. It was a disaster of a decision to buy here.

Great for

  • There are none

Not great for

  • Bogans
  • Bored youth/irresponsible parents
  • State Housing
  • Too far north
2
Tiaa
Tiaa

Did you not think of complaining about the dogs/noise? Things can be done, and the rangers are very good (from past experience of a noisy dog)
Sorry to hear of your bad experience but it is not a true reflection of the suburb as a whole, and should not put people off.

johnny5

With uttermost respect Tiaa, we firstly engaged the troublesome neighbour, then got the council involved (who proved in this case to be completely useless), then the police but we couldn't get it resolved (resolution in this case was piece and quite preferably before 11pm). It is not my intention to put people buying in this area, but I couldn't stress more the importance of making sure your neighbour does not ruin your life. I have heard similar stories from other sources. I’m sure there are pockets of lovely people living there, but for my wife and me; it was hell.

Tiaa
Tiaa

Sorry to hear that. It's not good when you get bad neighbours. Some people think of nobody else but themselves :(

AJ123

That is a real shame, the new houses are crammed in way to close. I agree it's not a true reflection of the whole suburb and have had my fair share if nightmare neighbours with the music etc living in apartment blocks in the CBD areas - wouldn't do an apartment again! The older parts of clarkson in between the Park and Connelly Drive are the best with most of the residents people who have been there for years as they are great spots.

nash

Generally bogans and the law don't mix at. If they have parties, dogs barking or play loud music have the police join in the "fun" everytime it occurs. They may not do much about it at first but often enough becomes annoying for them, they'll eventually start getting serious. Bogans generally think there 300/500sqm block is manshion size and thus live in there own world (rather small world), so you just need to remind them that you live there too.

Generally stay away from villas, units, apartments, duplexes, townhouses and anything where you can literally walk from roof top to roof top as you'll experience their world even if it doesn't suite yours, I currently live in a unit complex with a couple of bogans around and can vouch.

gurmeets1

Hi..I am an international student. I am thinking to move in clarkson.....if someone can suggest me best and safe areas of clarkson that would be very helpful for me.......Thanks.....Geet Sidhu

Mike Bushney
Mike Bushney

Not sure when this was posted but Clarkson has changed alot in the last 5years. I'm very happy in the older area of Clarkson near Mindarie.

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"Perfect for First Home Buyers"

If you're a you 20 something or a first time home buyer this is the perfect place to start. Nice area, a good old fashioned suburbia. Stay away from the main roads or the Juveniles will start banging your fence at night and smashing bottles. Kids need a good belting other than that a great suburb to start in.

Not great for

  • Limited nightlife
  • Bogans
  • Bored youth/irresponsible parents
  • State Housing

Who lives here?

  • Singles
  • Students
1
Tiaa
Tiaa

Very good suburb to live, especially Somerly.
Don't know where you are on about? I live right on a main road and have never had any experience of that.

WestWoman

I haven't heard of anything like that around here. If there was anything, how come main roads are the places to avoid?
By the way, state housing is only 10% of the total housing in Clarkson.

dingd2

Haha true if you lived close to the high school in the past few years. Clarkson is pretty good these days though.

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"Very convenient with the train at the door step. Quiet, neat and clean."

Great for

  • Freeway to cbd
  • Near coast

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
2
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"Lots of state housing"

Not great for

  • Limited nightlife
  • Bogans
  • Bored youth/irresponsible parents
  • State Housing
2
WestWoman

That's seems a bit of a poor description. Not like that at all. Somerly (new part of Clarkson) is a lovely place.

WestWoman

Also it has 4.5 out of 5 stars which makes me wonder if your review of the place is worth considering?

mumzietwo

Thanks for your comments westwoman.. do you have young children ?

ButlerNeedsMall

If you've ever lived near the Primary or High School you would know what cane is talking about. Somerly is irrelevant.

mumzietwo

What do you mean Somerly is irrelevant ??

Tiaa
Tiaa

I know people who have, and they loved it there...

Esti1980

agree Cane37, thats what happens in areas with state housing. Its disgusting

WestWoman

State housing is only 10% in Clarkson

Mike Bushney
Mike Bushney

State housing has dropped significantly in the last 2 years

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"One of the cleanest suburb you will find in Perth"

Very modern. The train connection makes it so convenient yet still affordable. I am sure its not gonna be like this for long, thumbs up to this upcoming suburb.

Great for

  • Freeway to cbd
  • Near coast

Not great for

  • Limited nightlife

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
1
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"The new Balga"

From friends and a family member who lives there's experiences, Home break-ins, cars being vandalised, bored youths roaming the streets, someone asking to hide in their garage so a group of people couldn't find him and stab him, seem to be the norm. Plenty of homeswest or 'state housing' and thus the same associated people in the area. Same applies for the suburbs of Merriwa and Ridgewood, these suburbs commonly known as "Balga by the sea". Many people simply buy here because it's close to the coast and relatively cheap (yet most of them hardly go to the beach?). If you can afford it I would recommend Hillarys, Kallaroo, Mullaloo or Ocean reef for this. Otherwise I would consider Craigie, Beldon and Heathridge which are coastal suburbs too - however much more central and also close to the coast, with much less undesirable behaviours and neighbours.
Hope this helps.

Not great for

  • State Housing
  • Bogans
  • Bored youth/irresponsible parents

Who lives here?

  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Beach Lovers
1
Mridul

It is a beautiful place to reside never heard of any instances like this b4 been here for long its very convenient and beautiful you should check your sources and the places you have suggested are recommended for retired living not for people on the run...there are many places where they have homewest housing and are one of the most expensive suburb in Perth so play fair with judging with your kind of discrimination. i hope this helps too..

mumzietwo

Mridul , can i ask where you currrently, we are considering somerly. we have two small children and want a nice safe friendly place to live.

Tracey84

I have been living in somerly clarkson for over a year now and there are some bogans around but never had any problems

WestWoman

Muncie, Somerly is a lovely part of the suburb. Plenty of parks for your kids. Close to train station and less than 5 mins to beach. I've lived here 5 years and don't know what all this negativity is about? Bogans indead. Aren't they dotted around other suburbs too?

WestWoman

That meant to read 'Mumzie' :)

kylem3

Clarkson is great I've had way worse experiences in beldon it's just a bit of luck with neighbours I guess

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"Too far north"

Perks are that it is not far from the coast but it can be quite windy up on the northern beaches of Perth burbs. For a new suburb it seems to have pretty good infrastructure although it is too far north for me personally.

Great for

  • Near coast
  • Freeway to cbd

Not great for

  • Too far north
  • Limited nightlife

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
0
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"Great suburb no complains....very relaxed..."

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
1
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"Very upcoming modern suburb you will love to be a part of it"

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
1
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"Up and coming Suburb, close to everything you need."

Loads of family parks/BBQ areas, kids play areas. Great for families. Train, schools, shops right on your doorstep and beach 5 minutes away. Somerly (new estate) Fresh, bright lovely place to live.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
1
mumzietwo

Do you know much about the schools in the area ?

WestWoman

I know there is Somerly primary school. Haven't heard anything good about the high school though.

annies6

Does anyone know what are the retirement village is like?There is one showing up on internet near coast in Perth?There are some showing up to rent or buy..Are they easy to obtain as a rental?Is there waiting lists to rent or buy them?I have came across them on property searches and it maybe of interest to my family in the future..So any feedback or help would be greatly appreciated..Thank you.

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"A great place to live!"

We've been living in the old part of Clarkson for 5 years, in a quiet cul-de-sac, and we just love it! Nothing to complain about, we are close to the beach and have all the shops we need at Ocean Keys shopping center. The local library is great with a special area for the kiddies and there are plenty of medical centers around. It's very relaxed living which we love.

Who lives here?

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

Do you have young children clarkson31

seansmammy

hi im just wondering whether clarkson is a safe suburb? we are thinking of buying there and want to do some research- any honest opinions would helpd. we have 2 young kids who will stay at school in joondalup. thanks

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"Good place to live,great value.Close to everything (shops,schools,public transport,parks)"

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
1
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"Good place to live for first home buyers and young couples"

Myself and my partner moved here in November 2009 and love it! Everything is so close.. trainstation, shops.. pretty much anything you can think of is in Clarkson! Its clean, new and has a modern feel to the place. We feel very safe living here. We've met our neighbours who range from young singles, couples to families.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
1
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