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Reviews

Westfield

"A suburb of changing fortunes..."

Well....I"m not sure that its fortunes have changed, but this is a suburb that has changed - several times. Westfield doesn't really exist anymore - it is now called Camillo. Camillo is on google maps, but it isn't recognised on here, Street Advisor. In 2008, Westfield was renamed Camillo and it is really simply another part of Armadale, as far as most people are concerned. Prior to being part of Armadale, Westfield was part of Kelmscott - the shift was made in 1978. For more details check out the many areas of Armadale on google maps or reviews - over the past few years there have been a lot of changes in the Armadale area.

Great for

  • New developments in Armadale.

Not great for

  • Confusion over name changes.
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Mundijong

"Small country town atmosphere."

Mundijong is positioned between the coast and the hills and it is called an 'outer Perth suburb'. However, most people would think of it as a small old style country township, much like Byford. There is a rural focus, with large acerages in the area, but a mix of newer and modern 4 bed homes and older cottages are readily available. In recent years, Byford has changed to become more urban and it looks as if Mundijong is set to go the same way - urbanisation has arrived in the 'near' south west! The train line is expected to be extended to Mundijong as is Tonkin Hwy, so ease of access will lead to more activity. The West Mundijong Industrial Estate will create new business and work opportunites, and along with housing development, will encourage more people to move into the area. I get the impression that right now the population is a 'town in waiting' - waiting to see how the new changes will affect them and whether they will see benefit or a negative impact on their own property and lifestyle. It will interesting to observe how these changes go and whether the area changes for the better in the minds of those already living there.

Great for

  • Improved future access to services and transport.

Not great for

  • Loss of rural atmosphere.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
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Naval Base

"Heavy industrial area."

Naval Base is an area of heavy industry within The Town of Kwinana. For the most part it provides work for a lot of people in the area, but the rest of the population know it as the area they drive past on the way to Kwinana or Rockingham. It is distinctive, can't be missed and situated on the coastal side of the main roads in the area, giving access to ports and shipping requirements.

Great for

  • Smoke columns!
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Lexia

"New Estate or Old Pine Forest?"

The name Lexia is a little confusing, because it is allocated to a land area adjacent to Gnangara Road, but is also the name of one of Ellenbrooks newest estates. The area near Gnangara Rd is still mostly pine forest and I'm not sure if this will ultimately be removed. However, the new Ellenbrook Estate towards The Vines is simply a 'nod of recognition' to this area and not an official suburb name. Ellenbrook names each of its new developments and has a specific character in mind for each eg: Australian style housing or Tuscan in an earlier development. Lexia is very attractive and has a minimalist look crossed with Australiana - not sure that this is ''official'' - just how it appeared on my weekend drive through the area! It does still look very clean and new at this point, but is also very streamlined. This area is much further from the shopping centre so it does mean a trip in the car, but there is a school nearby so families are catered for. Restaurants, take away food and medical services are all within the suburb. As Ellenbrook continues to grow there will simply be no need to leave the area for anything - unless you cannot do without the mark ups of a David Jones store!

Naturally this review is not really of the suburb Lexia - but may help alleviate some confusion with the name.

Great for

  • New estate.....Ellenbrook

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
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McLachlan Way

"One of the best streets in the area!"

McLachlan Way is a really great little street! It is rare to find a street in Belmont that is tucked away off an inner street, giving that little bit extra seclusion. I have spent years living near this street and we once looked at a house to buy on it - sometimes I think 'we could have lived here', as I walk on by with the dog! Most of the houses have well maintained lawns and some nice old fashioned gardens as well. It is always quiet and there are no eyesores like 5 cars parked outside one house. Like all the streets in the area there is a redevelopment process going on, but I hope some of the older places stay put, because they lend a reminder to how the suburb started and the type of families that lived there.

Great for

  • Well kept gardens.
  • Tucked away from the main roads.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
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Byford

"Getting out of the city, into the trees!"

I don't have the pleasure of living in Byford - I am merely an occassional visitor. But, having said that it is always a welcome opportunity to get that little bit closer to nature and to revisit my youth spent living in country towns. It isn't quite the country anymore, with all the new development and suburban type housing, but it is still pleasant. I don't know what it is exactly but driving into a sleepy country town after coming off the highway has a certain feel to it. This is still there in Byford, although not as much as it used to be - now we are all too aware that Armadale is not too far away and that there is the 'new' Armadale shopping centre and a heap of extras there as well. Still, ther is a feeling that there are people around, but not much outside activity as you drive through to do your own house call to family. The more rural properties are still there, but now there is a good deal more modern housing - and the occassional swimming pool to go with it! Most of the streets still have a good proportion of trees, which thankfully retains the natural look. Unfortunately the newer areas are just a bunch of box like houses on small blocks. there has not been any real attempt to maintain any pretence of greenery in those streets. There are most of the services that you need living in Byford on a day to day basis, like schools and medical services. However, Armadale is just down the road and is the place to go for major shopping and if you need more specialist services.

Great for

  • Still small country town feel.
  • Nature close by!

Not great for

  • Becoming more like suburbia.
  • New areas have no character.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
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LornaNicholas
LornaNicholas

My family and I have lived here for four years. We love it. Peaceful and relaxing. When I open my front door I get such a sense of peace and yes, being in the country. Great if you like being in the suburbs. The street I live in is lined with mature trees. I have 3 in my front garden, our driveway sits right between 2 of the trees. The estate I live was the only estate in Perth to win a Water Conservation award. A lot of thought has been put into the layout. Basically it is just a friendly place. If you prefer to be closer to the city, you won't like it. If you want that semi-rural experience you may just feel at home. Comes down to personal taste.

janinemathieson
janinemathieson

Sounds lovely!

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Belmont

"Belgravia in Belmont - by the park."

Belmont is a large suburb, bound by Great Eastern Hwy at one end - the top end and Cloverdale near the main shopping centre at the other end. All the amenities and quality private schools are available and it is 10 minutes from the city. However, this small review is about a small section of Belmont, called Belgravia.

Belgravia is a smaller section located opposite Centenary Park, with the large lake and playground. Belgravia is relatively new and is contained within an old Western Power (when it was the SEC) property. To integrate this area with Centenary Park, new smaller lakes were prepared across from Daly St and the area was nicely landscaped. Residents can now have access to the park and almost feel as if they are living in it if you live on the front streets.

The area is relatively quiet, depending on where you live since the 'other side' is backed/fronted by Abernethy Rd. If you live on the lake side you can hear the birdlife early in the morning and even later into the night as they settle and go about their bird business. I once rescued a long necked tortoise crossing the road - to the wrong side of Hardy Rd! It is nice to know there is wildlife existing within the area. There is a nice walking path which always has people strolling on it, in the evening and morning.

There is a childrens playground one end and a climbing rope frame at the other end for entertainment. In fact, given that the land size is small the park is ideally used as a 'backyard. Luckily there is also a public toilet at one end, so you don't have to rush home. The sporting oval is next door and this is ideal for kicking a ball, flying a kite or whatever else you'd like to do. This does present a down side though - on weekends it can get quite noisy with the sports games.

Everything else you could need is available, 10 mins from the city, 10 mins from Vic Park, Morley, Midland for any shopping/restaurant needs that the Belmont Forum can't supply. I would like to see more cafes in the area - Great East Hwy has been redeveloped now so maybe there will be some built in the future. The river is also a quick drive or leisurely walk, and Ascot Waters is not too far for another natural river/parkland area.

There is a mix of houses, but many are two storey and these have added significant value to the Belmont property market. The median price is now around $650 000, with these houses often being around $800 000 plus. I think the area is underrated and even the old Belmont is now full of new houses. There are still a lot of older hosues around and some are rundown. Many have the last bit of old fifties character left in the area and it is a pity to see them be bulldozed. But bear in mind, many are on the outside streets as you drive through the suburb and don't reflect the inner streets. And, something else to remember is that these houses may be on big blocks just waiting for development. Several on Hardy road almost opposite Centenary Park have been marketed at close to $1 million in the last few weeks - and sold. Soon there will be several less old houses as I drive past each day.

I think the area is under-rated and it is comparable to many other areas of Perth that are perceived to be more valuable.

Great for

  • Areas of high quality housing.
  • 10 mins to other major shopping areas.
  • Quite good private school access.
  • Belmont Forum / Local Shopping
  • Proximity to city/burswood/airport
  • Theatre Complex for entertainment
  • Centenery Park
  • Oasis Belmont

Not great for

  • Airport Noise
  • Traffic the morning on the high way

Who lives here?

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

Hi there! Thanks for your awesome review.

We are a young family with a six month baby considering purchasing a house in Belmont (near Cetenary Park), Belgravia Estate. Our baby is a fussy sleeper, and I am very sensitive to noise so Im wondering if I could ask a local who lives near here about airport noises! Specifically:

1) how often would you hear airport noises a day?
2) is there a curfew or the noises go through the night?
3) do the noises wake you? And how much does it bother you?
4) how long does each stretch of noise go for?

Thank you so much in advance!

ezb

Might be a bit late but we live near this location. We hear airplanes but it's not so bad and at the river end, are not under the flightpaths (which you would be heading towards leach hwy). It doesn't bother us at all and my kids absolutely love getting binoculars out to get a closer look. There is a dodgy homeswest complex between centenary park and the McDonald's. You do need to be mindful as the park can attract some unsavoury ppl and I'm always on look out for syringes (but this is unfortunately a problem in a lot of city suburbs). The daly street developments and golden gateways project is exciting also. Belvidere St is also scheduled for an upgrade also and the shops there are really quality. But .. the dodgy people are bountiful. We are optimistic and can see that the area is gentrifying albeit slowly. Seeing how far Burswood, Vic Park, Lathlain, Rivervale (is coming) has grown and flourished .. super hopefuk Belmont won't be far behind! Public schools are a bit average and we do not intend to send our kids to the high school if we are still in the area. Other than that .. we love it.

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Alexander Heights

"An abundance fo parks and winding streets."

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.

Great for

  • Parks and trees.
  • Good access to amenities.
  • Safe and quite lifestyle.

Not great for

  • Quite a distance from the city if that is impt to you.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
2
roshnio-riordan
roshnio-riordan

Thank you for such a detailed review. Truly appreciated

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Karrakatta

"A final resting place in the city."

In Perth, Karrakatta is well known for its location and as the final resting place for much of the population. This major cemetary was established in 1899 and is about 7km from the CBD. It is notable for the interment of former war time Prime Minister John Curtin and Perthl born Hollywood movie star, Heath Ledger. Across the road, on Railway Pde there is the Irwin Army Barracks, Aust Def Force. There are no other amenities in the suburb of Karraktta and only very few houses falling slightly inside the borders. This is simply an informational review, not a formal rating.

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Greenpark Road

"A suburban access road with intermittent traffic."

Greenpark Rd is one of the main roads to access the suburban streets of Alexander Heights.Many smaller streets run off this road into the quiet suburban culdesacs and winding streets. The traffic is not very bad, but it is regular and would increase a little at times when people are coming home from work because it comes off Alexander Drive. The houses on this road would not experience too much traffic noise, because it is only one or two cars at a time. The small shopping outlet and medical centre attract attention and there is a sporting oval at the front end which would have more noise on weekends. Midway around this road there is an extensive park with lots of trees and playground for the kids. It is very popular with dog owners and walkers.

Great for

  • Parks and shopping access.

Not great for

  • More traffic than inner suburban streets.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
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Leicester Square

"A nice quiet spot with great access to parks."

Leicester Sq is a great little spot that marks the end of the 'old Alexander Heights. It has a small access way off Greenpark Rd (which is full of green parks) and then forms a square with one side of the road raised up at the front. Although there are not really any views you can see the trees from the parks below. It only has local traffic and is generally very quiet and safe, with mostly good quality established houses. Sometimes there is the odd young (new) driver in a family who thinks they need to make a noise, but that is the same anywhere. They soon find out it isn't welcome! There is access to everything and easy transport by road/car or bus to anywhere else you need to go. This is a great spot if you are looking for a good walking park for dogs or kids to kick a ball around.

Great for

  • Quiet and safe.
  • Good access to green spaces.
  • Overall good access to amenities and Swan Valley areas.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
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Baker Court

"A small culdesac tucked within 'a square'...."

Baker Crt has only a few houses and is tucked in one side of Leicester Sq, which comes off Greenpark Rd. It is within walking distance of a school, parks, local shops and IGA if you want to head across the park. If you are a walker or dog walker this is ideal because the parks on Greenpark Rd are great to exercise yourself and the dog while enjoying the local birdlife. The other dog walkers are friendly and the park is a deep green filled with remnant bush trees. It is a quiet, well protected spot because it is tucked with another street. How do I know - lived very close for a long time!

Great for

  • Very insulated from outer suburb.
  • Good access to parks and other amenities.
  • Good for family,children, pets.

Not great for

  • Only a few houses to choose from.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
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Alexander Drive

"A main access road through many suburbs."

Alexander Drive is a main access road that starts in Dianella (previously 'joined' to Fitzgerald St from the city) and extends all the way to Gnangara Rd past the suburb of Landsale. To drive that distance would probably take 10-25 minutes depending on traffic. In the older section, near Dianella, there are houses fronting the main road and these would have significant traffic impact. I would not be happy to live with children or pets in that area just for safety concerns. Further on Alexander Dr goes through Malaga, where the is a main shopping area for home goods, the Malaga Markets and Bunnings. There are access roads into the main shopping area and parallel rds for other access, so there are no store driveway entries that affect the traffic. Beyond this Alexander Heights and Ballajura have houses backing or fronting the main rd, some with parallel access so dirveways do not lead directly on to Alexander Dr. There is a lot of traffic going past these houses but past this area there is a clean stretch through to Gnangara Rd.

Great for

  • A relatively straight forward drive from the city to the mid position northern suburbs.
  • Public transport, buses, access and there is a bike path.

Not great for

  • Very busy and would not live in houses nearby.
  • Very hilly in some spots for walkers and cyclists.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
0
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