Perth vs UK: Which Suburb Feels Like Home?

Moving from the UK to Perth, Australia, is an exciting change, but choosing the right suburb can feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering which Perth suburbs have a similar feel to your hometown in the UK, this guide will help you find a place that suits your lifestyle, whether you’re after village charm, bustling city vibes, or a family-friendly atmosphere.

1. If You Love London, Try Subiaco or Mount Lawley

Londoners used to a mix of heritage buildings, trendy cafés, and a lively nightlife scene might feel at home in Subiaco or Mount Lawley.

Subiaco has a European-style high street, boutique shops, and a train line that makes commuting easy—perfect for those who love London’s blend of history and modern living.
Mount Lawley offers an artsy, bohemian feel with a vibrant café culture, much like Shoreditch or Notting Hill.

Both suburbs provide the convenience of being close to Perth’s CBD without losing their distinct charm.

2. If You Like Manchester, Try Fremantle

Manchester’s mix of industrial heritage, creative culture, and live music scene makes it a standout UK city. If that’s your vibe, Fremantle (or “Freo” to the locals) will feel like home.

Fremantle is full of historic buildings, warehouses turned into markets, and a thriving music and arts community.
Like Manchester, it has a strong identity—locals are proud to call it home.
The coastline adds a new element that Manchester lacks, making it perfect for those who want an artsy, eclectic scene with a relaxed beach lifestyle.

3. If You Love the Countryside, Try the Perth Hills or Roleystone

If you’re coming from the UK’s rural areas—places like the Cotswolds, Kent, or the Lake District—you might be drawn to the Perth Hills.

Roleystone, Kalamunda, and Mundaring offer lush greenery, rolling hills, and a slower pace of life.
They have a real “village” feel, with weekend farmers’ markets and a strong sense of community.
You’ll swap long pub walks through misty fields for bush trails with sweeping valley views, but the feeling of fresh air and space remains the same.

4. If You Prefer Seaside Living, Try Cottesloe or Hillarys

For those moving from Brighton, Bournemouth, or Cornwall, Perth’s coastal suburbs will be a dream come true.

Cottesloe has an iconic beachside feel, much like Brighton but with better weather. It’s got historic pubs, boutique shops, and a beach culture that thrives year-round.
Hillarys offers a relaxed, family-friendly vibe with a stunning marina—perfect for those who want a mix of beach life and city convenience.

While UK seaside towns often have unpredictable weather, Perth’s coastal lifestyle means you’ll actually get to enjoy the beach almost every day.

5. If You Need a Family-Friendly Suburb, Try Joondalup or Willetton

Families moving from areas like Surrey, Hertfordshire, or Cheshire will want a suburb that offers good schools, parks, and a safe environment for kids.

Joondalup is a great option for families looking for excellent schools, parks, and easy access to amenities.
Willetton is another top-rated choice, offering top-tier schools and a strong community feel, much like many commuter towns outside London.

Both suburbs are ideal for families who want a balance between city convenience and a quieter suburban life.

6. If You Want a Buzzing Social Scene, Try Leederville or Northbridge

If you’re coming from Liverpool, Bristol, or Glasgow, you might be looking for a suburb with a strong nightlife, great restaurants, and a youthful vibe.

Leederville is known for its bars, cafés, and live music venues—it’s always buzzing, much like the livelier parts of the UK’s big cities.
Northbridge is the heart of Perth’s nightlife, packed with restaurants, rooftop bars, and cultural events.

These areas are perfect for younger expats or those who don’t want to give up the excitement of city living.

Final Thoughts: Where Should You Live in Perth?

Finding the right Perth suburb depends on what you value most. Whether you want a village feel like the Perth Hills, a creative hub like Fremantle, or beachside living in Cottesloe, there’s a spot for everyone.

The key is knowing what matters most to you—proximity to work, school options, lifestyle, or budget. Perth is a diverse city, and while it might take some time to adjust, once you find your ideal suburb, it will start to feel like home.

Thinking about moving to Perth? Drop a comment with your UK hometown, and we’ll suggest the best suburb for you!

Be sure to join Moving To Australia - Support Group on Facebook. This group has been created with the intention of allowing expats making the move and expats who have already made the move to Australia to connect and offer each other words of advice and support. Moving countries can be an extremely overwhelming experience and often expats are making this transition with no support. This group is designed to create a safe place where you can ask fellow expats for their advice or words of encouragement so you can better equip yourself and family for your transition to Australia. Ensure to follow where you will get access to free wellbeing resources, guest speakers and Australia wide catchups.