BBC Travel rates Perth one of the world’s healthiest cities for living in.
The high quality of Perth lifestyle was featured in a recent article ‘Living in: The world’s healthiest cities’ on the BBC Travel website. The article cited a number of sources for its analysis, starting with the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Liveability report which ranked Perth as the 9th most liveable city in the world out of the 140 cities that were ranked, scoring 95.7 points out of a possible 100. The EIU based its ranking on five criteria: stability, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and culture and environment.
Expanding on its theme, the article also cited Australian Women’s Health magazine which placed Perth near the top of the list for healthy eating, mental wellbeing, life satisfaction and medical health; the 450% increase in the number of cyclists in Perth between 1998 and 2009 supported by the installation of bike shelters at many stations by the city transit system Transperth; and the warm climate and nearby Indian Ocean beaches which give residents access to and promote a culture of outdoor sport and activity.
Looking to the property market in Perth, which boomed in recent years due to the mining industry, the article sees prices stabilizing. It highlights the perse attractions of different areas; west of the city’s Central Business District are some of the most desirable areas; the beach-side suburb of Cottesloe has beautiful sea views and easygoing charm; while just inland the suburbs of Peppermint Grove and Dalkeith along the Swan River are popular for their proximity to top schools and the downtown core. About 20km to the north, the beach town of Hillarys is more affordable than other coastal suburbs and very family friendly; and the historic port of Fremantle has a laidback vibe.
The average cost of a two-bedroom property in Peppermint Grove is $1.36 million Australian dollars, while the average rent is A$665 a week. In Cottesloe the average cost is A$815,000 and the rent is A$690 a week. To read the full BBC story, click here.