Five reasons people are moving to the city to live, work and play

The way we experience the city has transformed massively over the decades, but it’s always been the ultimate one-stop-shop.

Back in the 50s, women and men from across greater Perth would don their Sunday Best (yes, that includes hats and gloves) and ‘head to town’ for the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker. It was a cultural experience highlighted recently during the Lotterywest Boorloo Heritage Festival, presented by the City of Perth.

But in a modern world with higher house prices and longer commutes, more people are choosing to live in the city, rather than just spend the day.

And here’s why…

Starting the day right in the City of Light

After decisively voting down daylight saving… multiple times… Western Australians tend to make the most of the morning light. City residents have some of the most scenic and iconic exercise options in the world. Be it walking through the beautiful and biodiverse Kings Park, or cycling or running the Swan River waterfront. Those looking to really ramp up their heartrate before or after work might even venture up and down Jacob’s Ladder.

Forget the freeway - ditching the tedious work commute

After exercise, or a sleep-in, it’s time to get to work. The heaviest traffic in Perth every morning is the freeway traffic running in to the city. So for those who live in the city the daily commute is a far less stressful venture. If you work in the city you can swan into the office on a free bus, a publicly hireable e-scooter, or even stroll through the streets and laneways taking in your surrounds by foot. Don’t work in the city? You have the advantage of driving against the traffic, or having easy access to the train, bus or ferry to get you wherever you need to go. Either way, less time in traffic means more time with your loved ones.

Long lunches and date night delights

The city has more dining options than anywhere else in the state. From high-end long lunches at one of the State Building’s many restaurants, to grab-and-go meals while you run errands along the Murray and Hay Street Malls. Can’t be bothered cooking dinner? City residents have a smorgasbord of options when it comes to ordering in or, even better, dining out. Whether living in Northbridge, East Perth or West Perth, a fabulous feast is never far away.

And those looking to extend the night and experience the city afterhours are in for a real treat. In the same postcode, you can choose to experience your favourite international acts live in concert at RAC Arena, immerse yourself in drama with a show at the Heath Ledger Theatre or listen to an immensely talented orchestra at the Concert Hall.

Friday night done right

Late night shopping lives here on a Friday night. Residents can leave work and hit up the malls to shop all their needs ahead of the weekend, while enjoying the fresh open air and a busker or two (they can even do it in their casual Friday workwear, rather than the aforementioned Sunday Best). Afterwards, dinner and gelato options are in abundance. In the warmer months, the Twilight Food Market activates Forrest Place, making the heart of Perth the place to be week after week. Don’t need to get home in a hurry? Join the Friday crowds and grab a drink at one of the dozens of busy city bars and pubs, or retreat to a quiet cinema or the quirky Rooftop Movies in Northbridge. Then just walk home!

Weekend entertainment in abundance

The city is home to many of the state’s premier entertainment and sporting venues or, at least, is just a stone’s throw away from them. And for those who live here, there’s no need to rush the Saturday or Sunday morning ahead of that weekend’s cricket match at the WACA, basketball game at RAC Arena or footy game across Matagarup Bridge at Optus Stadium.

There’s time to wander the city streets for a quiet coffee and get cultured. Explore the delights of WA Museum Boola Bardip or the Art Gallery of WA. In the warmer months music, dance and comedy are in abundance thanks to the Fringe and Perth Festivals. While in the cooler months, Kings Park has become the place to be for the incredible Lightscape installation.

There’s a lot more life to live in the city.